Message from Our Trustee

Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 school year. We are so pleased to welcome all of our new and returning students and families to a new school year. 

How Trustees Help

As school board trustees, we have a number of roles and responsibilities, including setting policies and budget and advocating for quality public education. My responsibilities also include communicating with the public. I will continue to keep you informed throughout the school year through these regular newsletters. You can also reach out to me directly.  Learn more about how we can help and how you can reach me if you have any questions or concerns. 

You can also stay up-to-date with school board news and events through school communications, social media (X @YRDSB and Instagram @yrdsb.schools), our newsroom and Board podcast TuneIn YRDSB.  

Our Priorities as a School Board

One of our responsibilities as a Board of Trustees is also setting the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. This plan outlines the priorities that will guide our work as a school board for the next several years. We want to thank the many students, family and staff members and community partners who shared feedback in the spring that was used to inform the development of the plan. Some key themes emerged in the feedback that families will see reflected in the plan, including a clear focus on student achievement and well-being. We look forward to sharing more with you very soon. 

A New School Year

The start of a new school year is a time of transition - whether your child is starting elementary or secondary school for the first time, entering a new program, moving to a new school or beginning a new grade. The caring, dedicated and professional staff members who work in our system are here to help support your child through this transition. Please feel free to reach out to your child’s teachers or the school to speak about your child’s transition and the supports that are available. 

We also recognize that transitions can take place throughout September. Elementary schools may be required to adjust some classes due to enrollment changes and class size restrictions. In secondary school, schools may also see timetable requests and adjustments in the first few weeks. These are occurrences that happen each fall and schools do their best to be responsive and to minimize the effects of any changes on students. 

Partnerships with Families

We value the essential partnership between schools and families and want to ensure that families are aware of the many resources available. Our family resources page, available from the homepage of www.yrdsb.ca, gives you quick access to platforms that we use, tips and information, the Guide to the School Year and student learning resources. It also includes resources for newcomers, translation information and much more. We are also working on a dedicated new family portal to make it easier for families to engage with their child’s education. To ensure you receive notifications and updates, please make sure the school has your up-to-date email address. If you are not receiving emails, please contact your school to confirm. More information will be shared in the coming months. 

I wish you and your family all the very best for a safe, successful and enjoyable 2024-2025 school year, and look forward to communicating with you in the months ahead.  

Ed Law

Trustee, Markham Ward 3 and 4