September 2024
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.
Our Priorities as a School Board
Our top priority is to maintain a clear focus on student achievement and well-being. As part of this priority, we are rolling out new restrictions on the use of social media in the classroom. September, 2027 has been set as the expected opening date for a new secondary school in Oak Ridges. We are working with the provincial government to expand capacity at existing schools and build new elementary schools. Our school board has also announced that we are re-establishing our relationship with the York Regional Police by bringing back joint programs that improve school safety and teach students about topics such as road safety, online safety and drug safety.
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. 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
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.
Robert Kolosowski
Richmond Hill Wards 1, 2 and 4