PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Thank You, School Council!
A heartfelt thank you to our School Council for organizing a very successful Krispy Kreme fundraiser held during Parents’ Night on March 26. Thanks to their hard work and the tremendous support from our school community, the fundraiser sold out! We are grateful for the time, energy, and commitment of our School Council volunteers, whose efforts continue to make a positive impact on our school community.
Looking Ahead: Our School Improvement Focus
As we enter April and look ahead to the final stretch of the school year in June, we continue to reflect on and advance our School Improvement Plan (SIP) goals. Our staff remains committed to using evidence‑based, differentiated approaches that recognize and honour students’ strengths, needs, interests, and lived experiences.
This work is grounded in our shared commitment to creating safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued and connected, is present and engaged, and has meaningful voice and ownership in their learning. Regular attendance plays an important role in this effort. Being at school consistently helps students build strong learning routines, maintain connections with peers and staff, and fully participate in classroom learning. We appreciate families’ ongoing support in helping students arrive on time and attend regularly whenever possible.
The Administration Team continues to support this collective effort through collaboration, professional learning, and ongoing dialogue as we grow together in our practice. We thank our families for their continued partnership in fostering learning environments where care, equity, high expectations, and strong attendance work together to support student well‑being and achievement.
As well, we extend our warmest wishes to all members of our community who are observing significant faith‑based or personal days during this time. We hope these moments are meaningful, restorative, and filled with reflection.
Kind regards,
Meshell Lynch-James
Rangla Virsa Mela- Celebrating Sikh & Punjabi Heritage
In honour of Sikh Heritage Month, Sikh Educators Voice Alliance (SEVA) invites students, families, staff, and community members to take part in Rangla Virsa Mela, a joyful celebration of Punjabi and Sikh culture, history, and creativity.
This event is a chance for students and families to share their talents, learn from one another, and celebrate the values at the heart of Sikh identity, equality, social justice, compassion, and seva (selfless service). We also hope to help everyone learn about Sikh beliefs and Punjabi cultural traditions, and how they are connected but not the same. Our goal is to explore these differences in a warm, welcoming, and inclusive way that supports understanding for all families.
Ways to Participate
We welcome contributions of all skill levels, including:
- Dance (folk, classical, or contemporary)
- Gatka (martial arts)
- Music (vocal or instrumental)
- Art (paintings, crafts, photography, multimedia)
- Poetry or spoken word (Punjabi, English, or bilingual)
- Storytelling or reflections on Punjabi or Sikh heritage
- Presentations on Sikh/Punjabi history, important days, or Sikh beliefs
- Cultural demonstrations (traditional clothing, textiles, practices)
- Community members or elders willing to share experiences
- Vendor Tables
Everyone is welcome! Your voice and participation matter.
Please complete the Expression of Interest form by March 23, 2026 if you would like to participate or volunteer at this event.
Location
Tommy Douglas S.S.
4020 Major Mackenzie Dr W
Vaughan ON L4H 4E9
When
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - 17:00 to Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - 19:00
Contact
SEVA Members thank you. For any questions, please email Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca for a member of SEVA to assist with the inquiry.
Sikh Heritage Month Event
Sikh Heritage Month: Culture, History & Contributions to Canada
Inclusive Schools and Community Services (ISCS) and Sikh Educators Voice Alliance (SEVA) will be hosting a Sikh Heritage Month Event.
This year, we will be honouring the contributions of the Sikh community in Canada, as well as Sikh culture, history, and identity.
Join us for a lively evening celebrating Sikh Heritage Month, featuring educational displays, music, and community connection.
All families, students, and staff are all welcome! Please register by April 20, 2026.
Students who would like to participate in the Sikh Heritage Month event by showcasing their talents on stage, hosting an activity booth, or volunteering their time for community service hours, are encouraged to complete the registration form.
Location
Emily Carr Secondary School
4901 Rutherford Rd
Vaughan ON L4H 3C2
When
Thursday, April 23, 2026 - 17:00 to Thursday, April 23, 2026 - 19:00
Contact
For further information, please email Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.
Adult Day School - Quad 4: Registration opens March 25, 2026!
Adult Day School
The Adult Day School is located in the Education Support Centre (39 Dunning Avenue, Aurora) and is a place that gives adults the opportunity to return to school to pursue the goals they originally set out for themselves. Our students are very successful, many going on to University, College or upgrading themselves to a level that allows them to obtain the career they desire. All courses are credit programs and count towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
The Adult Day School operates on a quadmester system, five days a week. There are four entry points per year to allow students ample opportunity and flexibility to join classes based on their work/family schedules. A maximum of two courses are taken per quadmester, giving students time to focus on a limited number of subjects, including ESL.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Credit Course Inquiries
Students who have never studied in Canada and those who wish to take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses must take an ESL Assessment. ESL assessment dates are to be determined. Please check back in June for updates.
For more information or to request an appointment, please email adultdayschool@yrdsb.ca by July 31, 2026.
Adult Day School - Quad 4: Registration is now open and will close on Friday, April 10, 2026.
View Yearly Course Offerings. We encourage students to register early as course offerings are not guaranteed and are subject to sufficient enrollment
Quad 4:
- Starts Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
- Ends Monday, June 15, 2026.
- The morning class will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- The afternoon class will run from 12:10 p.m. to 2:40 p.m.
- Classes will be held in-person at the Education Support Centre. There will be no hybrid classes.
- Students will be required to attend classes at the scheduled times.
In the unlikely case a remote course is offered, as indicated in the Privacy Considerations for Hybrid Learning 2021-2022 (PDF),“ students learning remotely should use both their audio and video when participating in collaborative activities in order to maximize connections with their peers and teacher(s) during Google Meet/Zoom sessions.”
In addition, there are times during assessments and presentations when you may be required to turn on your camera.
If you require assistance with course selection and would like to book an In-Person registration appointment, please email adultdayschool.guidance@yrdsb.ca
Engagement Matters: Parent, Family and Community Engagement (PEAC) Advisory Committee Newsletter - Spring 2026
- Spotlights on Sam Chapman Public School and Lake Simcoe Public School
- What’s the Latest on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at YRDSB?
- Make Your Community Involvement Count!
- Join Us! PEAC New Member Applications Due June 10
- Policies Under Review - Seeking Your Input!
Join Us at Upcoming Meetings
World Kindness Day at Sam Chapman Public School: A Chain That Connected Us All
Sam Chapman P.S. came together to celebrate World Kindness Day in November through a simple and powerful initiative led by the School Council, with the support of staff and students across all grades.
Who and what were involved?
The planning and execution of the event was a collaborative effort. School Council members designed the concept of a Kindness Chain and worked with school staff to integrate the activity into classroom routines. Teachers played a key role by facilitating classroom discussions about kindness, distributing colourful paper strips, and encouraging students to reflect on what kindness means to them or to share messages they wanted the world to hear. Students and staff then connected their individual links to create classroom chains, which were combined into one long, vibrant display.
What effect did it have?
The effect of the event was immediate and meaningful. Students were given a voice to express empathy, gratitude and care in their own words, reinforcing the importance of kindness as a shared value. The completed Kindness Chain served as a powerful visual reminder that individual actions no matter how small are connected and collectively create a positive school culture. The activity fostered reflection, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging among students and staff alike.
What lessons were learned?
One key lesson learned is that simple, low-cost activities can have a high impact when they are inclusive and reflective. Other schools considering a similar initiative may benefit from embedding the activity into classroom discussions, allowing students time to think deeply about their messages, and creating a shared visual outcome that the whole school can take pride in.
Sam Chapman P.S. is proud to have marked World Kindness Day in a way that highlighted student voice, community collaboration, and the enduring message that kindness truly connects us all. We thank PEAC member Jananey Jayaratnarajah for sharing this wonderful initiative with us.
Family Engagement Night at Lake Simcoe Public School in Georgina
Lake Simcoe P.S. was proud to host its Community Connections Fair on February 12, an evening designed to strengthen connections between families, the school and the many agencies that support the Georgina community.
Who and what were involved?
The event was organized through the collaborative efforts of Lake Simcoe P.S. staff and administration, who worked together to invite and coordinate a wide range of community partners. Agencies representing family services, mental health supports, childcare, settlement services, recreation programs and community outreach were present to share information and connect directly with families. A special thank you goes out to Trustee Butterworth and Venna Kardan (PEAC Co-Chair) for attending and supporting the evening.
Organizations such as Georgina Community Food Pantry, EarlyON Child and Family Centre, Family Services York Region, CMHA York Region, the Welcome Centre for Immigrant Services, Learning Disabilities Association of York Region, and several other local partners attended the evening and provided families with valuable information about the programs and supports available throughout the region.
What effect did it have?
The effects of the event was evident throughout the evening, as families engaged in conversations with agencies, explored available resources, and built new connections with services that support student and family well-being. The event also welcomed members of the broader community who do not currently have children attending the school, demonstrating the importance of creating spaces where the wider community can come together.
In speaking with several of the agency partners who attended, they all felt their time was incredibly well spent. We even saw members of the broader community attending who do not currently have students at the school. That speaks volumes about the need for events like this and the strength of our community. We could not have asked for a more successful evening.
What lessons were learned?
One key lesson learned from organizing the event is the importance of intentionally bringing community organizations directly into the school space. When schools create welcoming opportunities for families to meet with agencies in a familiar environment, barriers are reduced and meaningful connections can form more naturally. Other schools considering a similar event may find success by reaching out early to community partners, inviting a diverse range of services, and creating a family-friendly atmosphere that encourages conversation and engagement.
The evening was a powerful reminder of the impact that strong school–community partnerships can have in helping families access resources, build relationships, and support student success.
A particularly heartfelt thank you goes to Community Partnership & Developer Representative Patti O’Sullivan, whose leadership and coordination were instrumental in bringing together so many partners and making the evening such a tremendous success. Also, a deep note of gratitude to Vice-Principal, Sean Myers, who played a significant role in planning and coordinating the event alongside Principal, Melissa Murray, who make such a great impact in our school.
Thank you also to PEAC Co-Chair, Venna Kardan, for sharing this feature with us.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students April 2026 Session
BlackStudentExcellence
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.
Rise of Road Tennis
Saturday, June 27, 2026 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Address:
Community Safety Village
3291 Stouffville Road
Whichurch-Stouffville, Ontario
L4A 3W9
Category:
Community Events
Event Details:
Join us for the Rise of Road Tennis Festival
Join us at the York Regional Police Community Safety Village in Whitchurch-Stouffville to learn about the game of road tennis and participate in the sport first hand.
Bring your family and friends to learn how to play a sport that originated in Barbados.
A mix between the sports of tennis, table tennis and pickleball, this sport will get you moving!
Meet many people in the community through this event and continue to help each other to Shine On.
Equipment, food, water and entertainment provided!
What should you bring?
- Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
- A Lawn Chair for seating
- Dress accordingly to the weather - this is an outdoor event
All Participants must complete the attached waiver form and bring to the event to participate. Please indicate on your registration if you will be playing in the tournament.
Location:
Community Safety Village
Registration Options
Rise of Road Tennis - Registration Adults 18+
* WAIVER MUST BE COMPLETED
Rise of Road Tennis - Registration for Youth aged 13 years - 17 years old
* WAIVER MUST BE COMPLETED
Rise of Road Tennis - Registration for Children aged 12 years old and under
* WAIVER MUST BE COMPLETED
Scent‑Free School Reminder
To support a safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environment, we kindly remind families that our school is a scent‑free environment. Some members of our school community experience sensitivities or allergic reactions to scented products such as perfumes, colognes, body sprays, and strongly scented personal care items. Exposure to these products can cause discomfort and, in some cases, serious health concerns.
We ask for your support in encouraging students to come to school free of scented products. By working together, we can ensure our school remains welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Thank you for your cooperation and continued support.