As we start the second semester and second half of the school year, I want to take this opportunity to share some updates about upcoming dates, events and initiatives taking place across our system with you. I also want to thank everyone who contributes to building a strong educational community in York Region District School Board - the students, families, staff members and community partners who come together in support of student learning, achievement and well-being.
February is Black History Month. In addition to a number of events taking place within the school board and local community, the school board is once again Celebrating Black Excellence through its Black Voices campaign. Black Voices aims to centre and celebrate the Black members of our YRDSB community and share their voices. For families looking to learn more about school board and community events and programs for Black students and families, you can subscribe to the Centre for Black Student Excellence mailing list to receive regular updates.
Later this month, we will also recognize the Lunar New Year and wish all students, staff and community celebrating Lunar New Year a happy and joyful celebration.
While we have seen milder winter weather this year, I also want to remind families that we have protocols in place for severe weather and school transportation cancellation in the case of inclement weather, and want to ensure families are aware. You can find more information on the Board website. We also continue to encourage families to use active school travel all year round, including during the winter months. Early in February, we will be celebrating Winter Walk Day, and be sharing tips as well as the benefits and joys of winter walking.
This month, students in Grades 5-12 will have an opportunity to vote in the Student Trustee Elections. I want to congratulate and thank all of the students in Grade 10 and 11 who applied for this position. Student Trustees play an important role representing student voice at the Board meetings and we greatly value their voice and contributions. Students who are eligible to vote will receive information in their GAPPS accounts about how to vote. This is a great opportunity to participate in the democratic process and to have their say about who will represent their voice in the next school year.
Kindergarten and French Immersion registration opened in January for fall 2024. For students looking at course selection in secondary school, there are lots of great resources available at www.yrdsb.ca/experience-yrdsb that let students learn more about courses, programs and opportunities that relate to their interests.
You can also stay up-to-date with what’s happening around the Board by visiting our newsroom - some of the latest stories feature schools in our area - or by listening to the Board’s award-winning podcast Tune In YRDSB, including recent and upcoming episodes on what to expect in Kindergarten, how Student Trustees represent student voice, Tamil Heritage Month, Hindu Heritage Month and more.
As the governing body of the York Region District School Board, trustees are required to establish an annual Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) to guide system direction for a four-year period. The MYSP is a reflection of emergent priorities identified by our educational communities. Over the coming months, we will be conducting extensive consultations with YRDSB students, staff, families and community members to collect input and feedback to develop our revised MYSP. We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for all that you do to partner with us in building a strong publicly funded education system that delivers a high-quality education for your children. You can learn more about my role as a school trustee and how you can reach me on the Board website www.yrdsb.ca.