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Welcome to the start of the second half of the school year. 

Congratulations to secondary school students who have completed exams and culminating activities and are ready to start a new semester, and to elementary school students for all their hard work in the first term. I want to remind families that when report cards are available, you can now access your child’s report card through the Family Dashboard. 

For students looking at course selection for next year, the Experience YRDSB pages on our website will let you explore the areas that interest you and learn more about the courses, programs and opportunities available in your secondary school. 

At the end of January, we recognized Lunar New Year, commemorating the first day of the Lunar calendar. Throughout the month, we also recognized Tamil Heritage Month. In February, we recognize Black History Month, I encourage you to check the Board calendar for upcoming events to celebrate Black excellence and recognize the contributions made by Black Canadians. You can also find information about other upcoming significant dates and events for families. 

The Student Trustee election process is underway for the 2025-2026 school year. Student Trustees play an essential role in our system, representing student voices at the Board table when we are making important decisions, and we greatly appreciate their contributions to our discussions. I would like to congratulate all of the students who put their names forward for the position and encourage all students in Grades 5-12 to take the time to vote. 

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank current Student Trustees Hayden Lai and Mitusaan Kugathasan and Indigenous Student Trustee Natalie Pitawanakwat for their hard work, leadership and commitment to student voice. 

As a Board of Trustees, we have several important roles that affect the daily life in our schools and Board. 

One of those responsibilities is to set the policies that govern the operation of schools in YRDSB. Policies cover important topics, such as assessment and evaluation, field trips, homework, dress code, caring and safe schools, health supports, student leadership and more. 

We regularly review Board policies to ensure they are updated and reflect the current context, priorities and needs of our community and system. An important part of this process is inviting feedback from the community, including families. You can find a list of all policies and those currently out for comment on our Board website and I encourage you to take a look. 

Trustees are also responsible for setting the Board budget. As we prepare to plan for the 2025-2026 school year budget, we will be once again reaching out to families and inviting you to share your input and feedback. Please take the time to review this information when you receive it; your voice is an important part of the process. 

We are also working through the District Action Plan to reflect and align with the new Multi-Year Strategic Plan. This plan outlines how we will achieve the priorities set out in the Strategic Plan and focus on serving all students. 

I wish everyone all the best as we go into the second half of the school year.

As we approach the winter break, I am happy to share a few updates from the Board of Trustees and to wish you all the very best for the approaching break and holiday season. 

Multi-Year Strategic Plan

In October, we launched our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan: Building Unity, Achieving Excellence. The plan sets out three priorities that will guide our direction and decision-making as a school board: student achievement, health and well-being, and human rights and inclusive education. It was developed by the Board of Trustees based on feedback received from the community, and we are grateful to everyone who shared their input. It was important to Trustees to ensure that this is a plan that serves the needs of our students and community. I invite you to learn more about this plan.

Family Engagement

Earlier in the fall, we hosted a series of school council forums, bringing together school council representatives for an evening of shared learning and discussion. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the important role school councils play in our system and to connect with families. Thank you to all of the family members who are supporting the work that we do in schools, including participating on school councils, volunteering in schools, attending events and meetings, sharing information and getting involved in any way to support and strengthen our schools and school communities. Your partnership matters and makes a difference both to your child and to our schools and school communities. Thank you for all that you do. 

Some families have asked for tips on encouraging their children to share more information about their school day. Here are some tips that I hope you find helpful. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to working in partnership with families to support your child’s education, we also recently introduced the Family Dashboard. The dashboard will offer you secure, one-stop access to information and applications related to your child’s education. If you have not yet signed up, you can find more information on the Board website. 

We hope you continue to see evidence of your child’s learning. This year, that includes welcoming school police presentations in partnership with York Regional Police on community safety topics, such as road, bike and pedestrian safety for elementary school students.  

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank and recognize the outstanding, dedicated and professional staff members throughout our system who work hard to provide your children with clean, safe, caring and inclusive learning environments. They provide students with learning supports, resources and opportunities that will help them develop skills, knowledge and experiences that will benefit them now and in the future. They collaborate with families and community partners, knowing that these partnerships make a difference to student achievement and well-being. To our staff members, thank you for all that you do. 

Happy Holiday Season and Winter Break

For many in our community, this time of year includes significant dates and celebrations. For those who are celebrating, I wish you a happy and joyous celebration. It is also a valuable time to connect with family and friends, as well as to rest and recharge. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable winter break and we look forward to welcoming you back in January.

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