PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Celebrating a Successful Japan Learning Trip
We are delighted to share the success of our recent Japan trip, which brought 28 students on an eye‑opening 10‑day journey across three cities. This immersive experience offered students a rich opportunity to explore Japanese culture, history, and contemporary life while engaging deeply with learning beyond the classroom.
Throughout the trip, students demonstrated curiosity, resilience, and respect as they navigated international travel, connected with local communities, and experienced daily life in Japan. From historic sites to modern cityscapes, each location provided meaningful moments for reflection, growth, and global awareness. These experiences strengthened students’ understanding of cultural perspectives while fostering independence and confidence.
Importantly, the trip was closely connected to our curriculum, bringing learning in areas such as geography, history, language, social studies, and global citizenship to life. Experiences like this help students make authentic connections between classroom learning and the wider world, encouraging them to think critically, learn collaboratively, and grow as global citizens. We are proud of our students and grateful to the staff who made this memorable learning experience possible.
Safe transportation
Dear Families,
YRDSB continues to encourage families to use safe transportation to and from school. We encourage students to use active school travel whenever possible. Active travel refers to any form of human-powered transportation, including walking, cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, and scootering.
School Property
Students using any transportation device, whether electronic or not-electronic, must dismount before arriving on school property. This includes all sidewalks, pathways, and walkways on school grounds. Please note that the school is not responsible for lost or damaged equipment.
Provincial Regulations
These modes of travel offer many physical, mental, and community benefits. Please visit the Ontario website for a full list of regulations. Every cyclist under 18 must wear a properly fitting bike helmet. Some students may also choose to use electronically assisted devices, such as e‑scooters or e‑bikes. In Ontario, you must be 16 or older to ride an e-scooter or e-bike. When riding e‑scooters or e‑bikes, it is important that students follow all applicable municipal regulations to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
Municipal Regulations
Before riding any device, it is important for students and families to be aware of the regulations set by their local municipality. These may include minimum age requirements for operating electric devices, helmet laws, and other safety guidelines.
Respectful Riding
Pedestrians always have the right of way. Students are expected to ride with caution by slowing down, using a bell when approaching others, and passing on the left. Wearing reflective clothing is encouraged to increase visibility and promote safer travel.
For more information, parents are encouraged to visit:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/bicycle-safety
https://www.ontario.ca/page/riding-e-bike#section-0
Thank you for your cooperation.
Meshell Lynch-James
Principal
York Region Summer Programs 2026
York Region offers subsidies for recreation programs, day camps and youth overnight camps. Recreation programs and day camp subsidies provide children from families with low income the ability to take part in programs offered by the municipal recreation departments. The youth overnight camp funding helps eligible youth ages 12 to 17 attend an approved overnight camp.
Available Subsidies for:
- Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY)
- Summer day camp funding
- Youth overnight camp funding
York Region does not guarantee space in programs or camps.
Please visit the York Region website for registration and information or call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 or https://www.york.ca/support/financial-assistance/recreation-subsidies
Information can also be found on the YRDSB Community Supports Page.
York Region Anti-Human Trafficking Conference
ISCS (Inclusive School and Community Services)
Victims of Crime Week
Parents, caregivers, guardians, community members and youth 11+ are welcome to attend the 4th Annual Anti-Human Trafficking Conference in York Region.
Join us at Seneca Polytechnic College King Campus on May 12, 2026, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. for an evening of learning, networking, and collaboration in the fight against human trafficking. Registration for the 4th Annual York Region Anti-Human Trafficking Conference. Administrators, please share this link with your community.
Our conference brings together experts, advocates, and community members to raise awareness and education. Through engaging workshops, inspirational talks and community booths, we gain valuable knowledge and tools to protect and empower our community. Free refreshments and a light dinner will be provided.
For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.
Social Insurance Number (SIN) & Youth Employment Spring Clinics
In collaboration with Service Canada, YRDSB is pleased to host a Social Insurance Number (SIN) & Youth Employment Clinics at various secondary schools this spring. These clinics offer an opportunity for elementary and secondary students and their families to apply for and receive a Social Insurance Number (SIN) on the spot. Additionally, attendees can learn about summer job opportunities, internships and other federal programs. Please see the flyer for a full list of clinic dates and locations.
Service Canada representatives will be at the following schools to help students and newcomers apply for
their Social Insurance Number, learn about the Canada Job Bank, Canada Summer Jobs Program for Youth
and the Federal Dental Program!
Children 12 years of age or older may apply for their SIN. Parents, legal guardians or legal representatives
can apply for a SIN for children under the age of majority in their province, and for adults in their care.
See the SIN Flyer below.
Celebrating Jewish Heritage Month: An Evening of Story, Art, and Community
Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) and the Network of Educators Supporting Jewish Learners (NESJL) invite students, parents, community and staff to come together in celebration of Jewish Heritage Month through an evening of connection, creativity, and community.
Join us for a joyful and engaging experience with an author and artist. Enjoy a live reading of a children’s book, followed by a hands-on art activity in which participants will create a unique piece of art inspired by storytelling, identity, and shared experiences.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Westmount Collegiate Institute, 1000 New Westminster Dr, Thornhill, ON L4J 8G3
Please see our flyer for more information, and register by Friday, April 24, 2026, to help us plan the event.
We look forward to a welcoming and memorable evening for all.
Please see this link www link
Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students April 2026 Session
Black Student Excellence
Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, April 20, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Families, parents, and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting, where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools. Please see our flyer for more information and the registration link.
Note to Administrators: Please share the www event link to this board event with both families and staff.
For further information, please email the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.
Experience the Career -YRP
Saturday, April 25, 2026 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Address:
York Regional Police Training and Education Facility
70 Bales Dr E
East Gwillimbury, Ontario
L9N 0L3
Event Details:
Students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 have the chance to Experience the Career at a unique expo showcasing emergency services agencies from across York Region.
Attendees will be treated to live demonstrations, activities, booths and displays, presentations and the opportunity to meet and interact with first responders, recruitment teams and college program co-ordinators.
Discover possible career paths and post-secondary options that may lead to a future in emergency services.
- Morning session starts at 9 a.m.
- Afternoon session starts at 11:30 a.m.
Parents are welcome.
Location:
York Regional Police Training and Education Facility
Registration Options
Morning session - 9 a.m.
Sign up for the morning session here.
Afternoon session - 11:30 a.m.
Sign up for the afternoon session here.
https://calendar.yrp.ca/default/Register/2026-04-25-0900-Experience-the-Career
