Message from Our Trustee
December 2025
As trustees, it is a privilege to work alongside families and schools. Every day, we see incredible successes - big and small - taking place in classrooms and learning spaces across our Board. We are committed to celebrating those achievements and supporting families as you navigate the system to access the resources, programs and information you need.
Our schools and the Board host many events throughout the year for families—from information nights to cultural celebrations and community activities. These events provide wonderful opportunities to connect, learn and engage with the community. We encourage you to check your school’s calendar and the Board calendar regularly so you don’t miss these opportunities.
There are also some important registration dates coming up, including Kindergarten and French Immersion in January. Course selection also takes place in the coming months, which is a great time for students entering or currently in secondary school to explore the many options available to them.
Visit our school programs page for deadlines, details and to learn more about the many programs available to YRDSB students. These programs allow students to explore their interests, gain valuable experience and build transferable skills for the future.
We meet regularly as a Board of Trustees through monthly Board meetings and at regular committee meetings. Agendas and minutes are posted publicly so community members can stay informed.
A highlight of each monthly meeting is the Applause Awards, where we celebrate students, staff and community partners who are making a meaningful difference in our schools. These inspiring stories showcase student achievement, perseverance, and the power of communities coming together to support student learning and well-being
We also take time during our meetings to recognize Heritage months that reflect the diversity of our region and honour the identities of students, staff and families. This month, we recognize Christian Heritage Month; in January, we will celebrate Tamil Heritage Month, and in February, Black History Month. These observances give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions of these communities.
As we go into December, we want to take this opportunity to wish all families the very best for the holiday season and to wish you a safe, restful and enjoyable winter break.
Dr. Elizabeth Sinclair, Trustee, Vaughan Wards 2 and 3
YRDSB Student Transfer Update for 2026–2027
The York Region District School Board has confirmed that Tommy Douglas Secondary School will be open to grade 9 transfer requests for the 2026–2027 school year. We will remain closed to transfer requests for grades 10–12.
Please feel free to share this information with families as appropriate and remind them that no exceptions will be made for upper-grade transfers.
This decision will help us maintain stable enrollment, protect course offerings, and ensure that we can continue providing high-quality learning environments for our students.
Access Report Cards in the Family Dashboard When Available
Schools will be sharing student report cards for all students Kindergarten to Grade 12 in the Family Dashboard. You will receive an email when your child’s report card is available.
- For families who do not yet have a Family Dashboard account, you can sign up for an account at any time at family.yrdsb.ca. You can find information on how to create an account on the Board website or in this instructional video.
- For families who have a Family Dashboard account, but have forgotten their password: from the login screen, select “forgot password” to create a new password.
The Family Dashboard gives parents/guardians secure one-stop access to information and applications related to your child’s education. It is designed to make it easier for families to engage with their child’s education.
Please note, you can still request a printed copy of your child’s report card if you prefer by contacting your child’s school.
Updated Contact Information
We also want to remind families that it’s important that the school has updated contact information for students and parents/guardians, including home address, phone numbers, email address and emergency contacts. This will ensure that the school can contact families in case of emergency, and also that you continue to receive important communications and updates from the school. Please contact the school directly with any changes.
Vaping and E-cigarettes
The Ontario Ministry of Education released Policy/Program Memorandum 128 in the fall of 2024, which included a directive to school boards to set out enforcement mechanisms to address the possession, use and provision of tobacco, electronic cigarettes, nicotine products, recreational cannabis, alcohol and illegal drugs. In support of a comprehensive approach, vape-detecting devices have been installed in all YRDSB secondary schools. Please visit the YRDSB Caring And Safe School page for information on Substance Use and Misuse.
Our schools continue to provide education and support regarding the harmful impact of these products. Please see resources listed below.
Resources for Families
QUASH
- free smoking and vaping cessation app (co-designed by youth for youth)
- School Mental Health Ontario
- Vaping: What you need to know
- general information about vaping; outlines important facts, associated risks, and additional resources to support educators/families in having informed conversations with students
York Region Public Health (YRPH)
- Vape Facts: What You Need to Know
- a website containing YRPH anti-vaping campaign videos and vaping facts
- Vaping and E-Cigarettes
- a website continuing YRPH information on vaping and health risks
Canadian Lung Association
- How to Talk to Your Child About Vaping
- a pdf guide for parents about talking with your child about vaping and the risks
