PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Dear Families,
As we welcome the month of May, we are pleased to see the arrival of warmer weather and the renewed energy it brings to our school community. This time of year, is always filled with a sense of excitement, as we begin to look ahead to the successful completion of the school year and the transition into summer. It is also an important period for students to remain focused and engaged as they work toward demonstrating their learning and achieving their academic goals.
As we approach the end of Semester 2, we would like to bring your attention to the upcoming exam schedule and culminating activities. We ask that families connect with their students to confirm which courses have scheduled exams and final evaluations. To support student success, it is essential that students are present and fully prepared during this time. We kindly ask that families avoid scheduling vacations, work commitments, or other activities during the exam and culminating period. We appreciate your partnership and cooperation in ensuring that all students are able to fully participate and finish the semester strong.
Looking forward to a successful month of May.
Strides For Mackenzie Health Event - May 9, 2026
Tommy Douglas Secondary School students are invited to take part in the upcoming Strides for Mackenzie Health event on May 9th in support of Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital and Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital.
This event is a great opportunity for students to come together, get active, and make a meaningful difference in their community. Funds raised will directly support their local hospitals, helping ensure patients and families continue to receive exceptional care close to home.
In addition to participating in a fun and energizing event, all registered participants will receive complimentary passes to Canada’s Wonderland for the day. Beyond the day itself, this experience offers valuable experience in community involvement, teamwork, and the importance of giving back. Participating in fundraising initiatives like this helps students build a strong sense of social responsibility while seeing firsthand the impact they can have.
We would love to have your school join us and be part of this meaningful initiative. Please let me know if you’d like more details or if you’re interested in registering a group. I have also attached a flyer with more details and the website to register is here. We can also support with setting up teams on your behalf.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Information Session
Monthly Virtual Information Session:
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.
Agenda
Supporting Black Identities in School
- Inclusion Activity
- Presentation on YRDSB Traffic Light Tool, Early Years Program and Review of the Past Years Work
- Upcoming Programs and Events
- Question and Answer Session
Please register for this virtual information session. The virtual links will be sent to you the day of the meeting.
Let us come together to empower our students and build a stronger community.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Jewish Heritage Month
Join Inclusive Schools and Community Services (ISCS) as we come together to celebrate Jewish Heritage Month. This year’s gathering will feature light refreshments, activities, and an opportunity for students, families and staff to connect while acknowledging and honouring the rich history, culture and contributions of the Jewish community. All students, families, and staff are welcome to attend.
To ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees, attendance will be capped. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and will be closed once we reach capacity. Please register to attend by May 16, 2026.
Student Opportunities (Performers & Volunteers)
YRDSB students are invited to sign up to showcase talents in music, dance, poetry, or cultural presentations.
Students are also invited to volunteer and earn community involvement hours.
Please register to perform and/or volunteer by May 13, 2026.
Location
Brownridge P.S.
65 Brownridge Dr.
Thornhill ON L4J 7R8
When
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - 17:00 to Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - 19:00
Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) 2026-2030 Application Process
Dear Families,
The York Region District School Board invites community members to apply for a position on the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC). There are eight (8) community member positions available.
The Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) is an advisory committee which supports the York Region District School Board in its commitment to providing equitable and inclusive learning and working environments in all schools and workplaces of the Board. EIAC provides advice regarding the implementation of the Board’s Equity and Inclusivity Strategy, policies and procedures and helps ensure that the Board addresses all dimensions of diversity. The dimensions of diversity include, but are not limited to ancestry, culture, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, language, physical and intellectual ability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and socio-economic status.
The committee shall meet at least six times annually. Members are expected to attend each meeting.
EIAC meetings are typically held virtually on a Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Members are expected to attend six meetings annually and may also have opportunities to participate in sub-committees, workshops, and related events.
The current term of office will commence November 15, 2026 and end on November 14, 2030. Meeting dates to be confirmed.
The committee is composed of trustee members, community members, community representatives, staff support, student voice, and staff resources.
The selection committee shall ensure community members support all elements of diversity from within York Region. Two references are required.
Please see the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee webpage and additional information about the Committee’s Operational By-Law is included as Appendix D of the York Region District School Board Operational By-Law.
Please complete the on-line application form by Monday, June 15, 2026.
If you have any further questions, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services at iscs@yrdsb.ca
YRDSB Accepting Applications for Board Committees
York Region District School Board is accepting applications for membership on two advisory committees that provide important family and community perspectives at the Board level.
Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC)
Applications open May 14 - June 10, 2026.
Parents, caregivers and family members are invited to apply for membership on PEAC. The committee offers families a meaningful opportunity to share their perspectives and support family engagement at the Board level to improve student achievement and well-being.
Learn more about PEAC, eligibility requirements and how to apply on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC) webpage.
Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC)
Applications open May 11 - June 15, 2026
Family and community members can apply for one of eight positions on EIAC. The committee supports YRDSB’s commitment to providing equitable and inclusive learning and working environments in all schools and workplaces of the Board.
Learn more about EIAC, eligibility requirements and how to apply on the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) webpage.
Grassed Areas and Sports Field Opening and Closures
Grassed areas and sports fields are a year-round resource, and the Board is responsible for their proper maintenance. The safe opening and closing of fields rely heavily upon current and forecasted weather conditions.
Before fields are opened in the spring, the Board monitors the condition of grassed areas and often limits or prohibits their use during spring thaws and periods of heavy rain. This helps ensure the fields are preserved and prevents damage, so they can continue to be used by students and families.
If fields are opened before they have thawed or are exceptionally wet, water cannot infiltrate the soil and creates muddy, wet and slippery conditions. This can result in unsafe conditions for users and damage to fields, which leads to prolonged closures for repairs.
We understand that the closure of grassed areas and fields can be frustrating for students and families, and we are grateful for their patience as we monitor to ensure they are safe for all to use.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
Dear Families and Caregivers,
Every year, the first week of May is recognized as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme, “Come Together, Canada. Stronger connections. Better mental health,” reflects an ongoing commitment to increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and promoting awareness about topics related to mental health.
One of the ways the YRDSB is acknowledging this important week is by offering resources for parents/caregivers.
The YRDSB Children’s Mental Health Week webpage includes themed mental health resources that parents/caregivers may utilize with their children, conversation starters on important mental health related topics, as well as links to recorded YRDSB Learning about Mental Health Presentations (LAMPS) on a variety of topics like anxiety, emotional regulation, technology and more!
We are pleased to offer a free virtual presentation for parents/caregivers entitled Social Media and Mental Health as a part of our Learning about Mental Health Presentation Series (LAMPS) on May 6th from 6:30-7:30 PM. If you are interested in attending this presentation, please register using the google form.
We hope that you and your children will be able to utilize some of the resources and knowledge offered in the toolkits throughout Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week and beyond. For more information on children’s mental health trends in Ontario, visit School Mental Health Ontario, and review the Hear Now Ontario Survey Summary, that focuses on student experiences and ideas on how to build and sustain mental health promotion and knowledge.
Examination and Culminating Activity Days
Thousands of students across our District will be completing exams or culminating activities in June. For parents and caregivers of students for whom this applies, this can be a stressful and overwhelming time. School Mental Health Ontario has prepared a resource for parents and caregivers on helping your child understand and manage stress. School Mental Health Ontario has also provided tips specifically for students on how to manage exam and test stress.
End of Another School Year
As we wrap up the 2025-2026 school year, we celebrate the deep bonds, collective milestones, and personal progress shared by our students, staff, and families.
Supportive Resources
For more community resources, check out: YRDSB Mental Health Resource Page.
Continue to check out the YRDSB website for updated information.
Follow YRDSB Mental Health on Instagram @mh_yrdsb.
Community Mental Health Evening
Students
Youth Wellness Hub Ontario (YWHO) - Maple Location
- Across Ontario, there are 27 YWHO Networks that provide high-quality integrated youth services to support the well-being of young people aged 12 to 25, including mental health and substance use supports, primary health care, community and social supports, and more.
Caregivers
School Mental Health Ontario - By Your Side Webinar Series
- Offering a free webinar series designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviours
Family Services York Region
- Free To Be
- Third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
- This is a free virtual group for parents/caregivers of gender diverse children, regardless of age which meets once a month. The goal of this program is to destigmatize gender diversity
York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families
- Please visit York Hills Event Page, to find information on upcoming workshops available to the community both in-person and online.
PFlag
Coffee Night, held every second Monday of the month, is a safe space where members of the LGBTQ2 community, their friends, family or allies can come together. (Online Registration)
East Asian Heritage Celebration 2026
East Asian Heritage Celebration
In honour of Asian Heritage Month, Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) invites you to an evening celebrating East Asian heritage. This event will include cultural performances, displays, food and cultural exchange through activities and displays that highlight the histories, cultures, and contributions of East Asian communities.
This celebration will also feature the presentation of the Supporting East Asian Students (SEAS) Student Leadership and Community Impact Award.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Milliken Mills High School, 7522 Kennedy Rd, Markham, ON L3R 9S5
Please see our flyer for more information and to register now. Please note that registration for this event is limited to comply with venue capacity requirements. Spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once capacity has been reached.
Administrators, please share the www link to this board event with your students, families and staff.
For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.
Asian Heritage Month Celebration Event
In honour of Asian Heritage Month, Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) invites students, families and staff for an evening celebrating the incredible diversity of Asian heritage. This event offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange as we learn about and celebrate the unique identities across the Asian continent. Through food, performances, and interactive activities, we will honour the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and ongoing contributions of Asian communities.
Event Details
Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: 39 Dunning Ave Aurora, Ontario L4G 1A2
Please see our flyer for more information and to register. Please note that registration for this event is limited to comply with venue capacity requirements. Spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once capacity has been reached.
Administrators, please share the www link to this board event with your students, families and staff.
For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.