School News
Prince Charles PS School Council Chair Recognized for Contributions to the School
The School Council Chair at Prince Charles PS has been recognized with an Applause Award for her outstanding contributions to the school and its 75th anniversary celebration.
As Chair of the School Council, Abby Marling helps shape the school’s welcoming environment and was a key leader in the planning and success of the school’s 75th anniversary celebration. The milestone event brought together current students, families, alumni, and staff, highlighting the importance of volunteering, community involvement, and connection across generations.
While students performed the song “Your Family” as part of the celebration, Abby’s leadership behind the scenes was essential to making the day a meaningful and memorable experience for all. Her dedication embodies the school’s motto: “Every student matters, every moment counts.”
Applause! Awards recognize significant achievements and contributions by staff, students and community partners at a York Region District School Board Public Board Meeting.
Read MoreYork Region District School Board Students Continue to Achieve Above Provincial Averages in EQAO Results
December 3, 2025 – York Region District School Board students achieved above provincial averages in the recently released results from Ontario’s Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).
For YRDSB students in Grade 3, 77% achieved the provincial standard (Levels 3 and 4) in reading, 70% in writing, and 72% in mathematics. This compares with provincial averages of 74%, 65%, and 64% respectively.
For YRDSB students in Grade 6, 91% achieved the provincial standard in reading, 90% in writing, and 65% in mathematics. This compares with provincial averages of 86%, 85%, and 51% respectively.
“As a Board of Trustees, we take great pride in the ongoing success of our students and their performance with provincial testing,” said Ron Lynn, Chair of the York Region District School Board. “Our Multi-Year Strategic Plan continues to focus efforts on student achievement and provides support to students and staff so our students can continue to achieve beyond the provincial standards.”
In YRDSB, 9,311, Fully Participating YRDSB students wrote the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) for the first time with a 92% success rate, compared with an average success rate of 85% among all school districts across Ontario.
The Grade 9 mathematics assessment saw 74% of YRDSB secondary students achieve the provincial standard. This compares with a provincial average of 58% of all students in the province who achieved the standard.
“I would like to extend my deep appreciation to our students, staff, families and community partners for their immense efforts as well as their ongoing support and contributions to student achievement and well-being,” said Bill Cober, Director of Education. “This important data will continue to support the work of our District Action Plan for Student Achievement, Well-being and Inclusion, which focuses on improving learning outcomes for all students. Our staff will review their school-specific data over the coming months to help inform their School Improvement Plans, with the overarching goal of supporting all learners to achieve their highest potential.”
For more information, contact:
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York Region District School Board Election of Officers 2026 at the December 1, 2025 Inaugural Board Meeting
Aurora, ON – The Inaugural Meeting of York Region District School Board was held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at which time the officers of York Region District School Board were elected for the 2026 year. Trustee Ron Lynn was re-elected by acclamation as Board Chair.
The results of elections for other positions are as follows:
Board Vice-Chair | Pamela McCarthy |
|---|---|
Finance and Property Standing Committee Chair | Robert Kolosowski |
Learning, Equity and Well-Being Standing Committee Chair | Cindy Liang |
Policy and By-Law Standing Committee Chair | Michael Chen |
Ontario Public School Boards’ Association - Board of Directors | Nadeem Mahmood Dr. Elizabeth Sinclair |
“It is truly an honour to be re-elected as Chair of the York Region District School Board for a fourth year. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues for their continued trust and collaboration. Sincere congratulations to my fellow trustees on their re-elections and elections into their roles,” said Ron Lynn, YRDSB Board Chair. “As a united Board, we remain grounded in strong, stable, and transparent governance. This is how we show our unwavering commitment to student achievement and well-being connected to our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and District Action Plan. Together, we will continue to navigate change with clarity, uphold the highest standards of governance, and ensure continuity for the communities we serve. Our ongoing commitment is to support the success of every York Region District School Board student, ensuring that each learner has every opportunity to succeed.”
Contact information for all trustees is available on the Board website.
For more information contact:
Corporate Communications
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Students Compete in Regional Cross-Country Finals
In October, the top runners from across YRDSB competed underneath the fall foliage at Bruce's Mills Conservation Area.
The York Region Elementary Athletic Association (YREAA) hosted the Regional Cross Country Finals. Students from Grades 3 to 8 competed in long-distance races ranging from 1.2k to 2.5km.
For the first time , grade 3s were a part of the regional contest.
“The grade 3s are out here full of nerves, feeling that excitement, and the thrill of being able to run cross country for the first time here at Bruce’s Mill,” says Cody Nesbitt, teacher, and one of the event’s conveners.
Hear from students as they share their goals for the event, their training regimens, results, and their joy and passion for competing together.
“If you really love running, and running long distance, this would be the perfect sport for you,” says Shirin, Grade 8. “You should just try your best, because it is a very hard race, and whatever place you get is amazing.”
Read MoreElementary and Secondary Schools Professional Activity (PA) Day - November 21, 2025
This is a PA day for all elementary and secondary schools.
All Elementary Schools
Length: Full Day – AM & PM
Topic: Report Card Preparation, Reporting to Parents, Ongoing Communication
Entity Hosting: All Elementary Schools
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Parent/Teacher Interviews onsite
Description:
Full Day of Professional activities focused on reporting to parents and ongoing communication regarding student achievement and well-being, involving Parent/Teacher Interviews.
All Secondary Schools
Length: Half Day - AM
Topic:
- Ontario College of Teachers Professional Advisory - Addressing Hate and Discrimination
- Multilingual Language Learners
- School Improvement Planning
Entity Hosting: All Secondary Schools
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): School administration
Description:
School teams will engage in learning focused on:
- the Ontario College of Teachers’ Professional Advisory: Addressing Hate and Discrimination;
- Multilingual Language Learners and language acquisition; and
- high-impact instructional practices to support student improvement
Length: Half Day - PM
Topics: MLLNet Updates and School Improvement Planning
Entity Hosting: All Secondary Schools
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): School Leaders
Description:
School teams will engage in learning focused on:
- Multilingual Language Learners, language acquisition, and updating STEP continua; and
- high-impact instructional practices to support student improvement.
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Morning Glory PS Students Build Hoop House to Grow Vegetables
Students at Morning Glory PS, have built a hoop house and garden to grow vegetables.
With a little help, students in Grade 7 and 8 built the hoop house in their schoolyard, and students from a variety of grades have contributed by planting seeds, watering, weeding and harvesting vegetables.
Food grown in the hoop house and garden is served to students in the school’s morning breakfast program.
“It feels good, because when I go to Breakfast Club in the morning, I get to hand out the food and I get to see all the people that like it and enjoy it when they eat it,” says Anna, grade 8.
The school received an Applause award for their achievements in this collaborative project.
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Y2 LEGACY – A Black-Centred Approach to Leadership, Innovation, and Excellence
This summer, students in the Y2 LEGACY program had an opportunity to learn, lead and earn credits through a program with a Black-centred approach.
The York Region District School Board, working in partnership with York University, created Y2 LEGACY, a Black-centred approach to leadership, innovation and excellence. This year, the program offered four courses to students over the summer in technology, literature, business leadership and community engagement.
The courses give students an opportunity to build an understanding of Black excellence, history and narratives. Students benefitted from mentorships, university-level experiences, co-op opportunities with Black-led community organizations and hands-on learning opportunities.
One parent shared, “[My son] came out of this program a lot more confident and sure of his abilities to be successful in the 9th grade.”
“My favourite part of the camp would probably be building connections with the kids, understanding the kids and just watching the connections grow and just seeing the joy on their faces,” said a student who participated in a co-op placement at NACCA’s Kuumba Summer Camp.
Hear more from students, families and staff who participated in Y2 LEGACY.
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York Region Students Gain Pathway to Employment Through Project SEARCH
A group of York Region District School Board (YRDSB) students are gaining real-world work experience and preparing for meaningful employment through Project SEARCH – a school-to-work transition program for students with disabilities.
The first cohort of students from YRDSB has begun the one-year program, which supports young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in developing the skills, confidence and workplace experience needed to transition successfully into the workforce.
Today, the students signed their internship agreements at an official signing ceremony.
Project SEARCH is a one-year transition-to-work program designed to provide young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities the skills and experience necessary to achieve employment.
Project SEARCH is delivered in partnership with March of Dimes Canada, the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Markham YMCA and YRDSB. Students receive classroom instruction focused on employability and life skills, and take part in three volunteer internship rotations within YMCA departments. The program includes on-site job coaching by YRDSB staff and career planning and employment coaching from March of Dimes Canada.
“The transition from school to work is a critical milestone. Through Project SEARCH, we are equipping students with practical skills, valuable work experience and the confidence and support to pursue meaningful employment” said Bill Cober, Director of Education, York Region District School Board. “This program reflects our commitment to inclusive education and ensuring every student is prepared for future success.”
"Creating opportunities for employment and real-world learning for young people with disabilities is a sure way to break down barriers to economic success and prosperity," said Len Baker, March of Dimes Canada's President and CEO. "We're proud to partner with York Region District School Board and YMCA GTA in pursuit of our shared vision of a Canada where everyone thrives."
“The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities,” said Beth Morgan, Senior General Manager, Markham YMCA. “We’re thrilled to live that mission through this partnership designed to give young people the experience they need to shine in future employment.”
Project SEARCH started in 1996 at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. A hospital director, Erin Riehle, wanted to hire people with developmental disabilities to fill open jobs. She teamed up with a special education director at Great Oaks Career Campuses, Susie Rutkowski, and together they created the program. The Project SEARCH program model was introduced in Ontario by the Ontario Disability Employment Network (ODEN).
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Huron Heights SS Student Amy Ivory Shines at Special Olympics, Heads to Nationals
Meet Amy Ivory, a gold-medal winning Special Olympics athlete and Grade 12 student at Huron Heights SS.
Amy recently competed in the Special Olympics Provincial Games in track and field, where she won gold in the 100m, 400m and running long jump, and silver in the 200m and javelin. Amy is now preparing to represent Ontario at the National Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Her hard work, positive attitude and dedication were recognized this month with an Applause award at the Board meeting of the York Region District School Board.
“I wasn’t expecting to get this award because I just love doing track,” said Amy. “I practice every day and I’ve been coming to every meet and trying my best.”
Alison Rumball, Amy’s coach and a teacher at Regency Acres Public School, praised her commitment and spirit. “Amy has worked hard, both mentally and physically, to be ready to compete at the provincial games. She’s a caring teammate who helps others succeed and never complains—no matter the challenge.”
Special Olympics Ontario provides inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to engage in sport.
Congratulations Amy on your recent success, and good luck next summer!
Hear more from Amy and her coach about her journey.
Elementary and Secondary Schools Professional Activity (PA) Day - October 24, 2025
This is a PA day for all elementary and secondary schools.
All Elementary Schools
Length: Full Day - AM & PM
Topic: Artificial Intelligence
Entity Hosting: All Elementary Schools
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Online modules developed by Board staff, facilitated by school administration
Description:
School teams will engage in professional learning led by school administrators, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The sessions will explore how AI can enhance teaching and learning, support student success, and be used responsibly within board and ministry guidelines on cyber safety, security, and privacy. Educators will participate in hands-on activities to become familiar with board-approved AI tools and learn how to use them effectively with students.
All Secondary Schools
Length: Half Day - AM
Topic: Artificial Intelligence and School Improvement Planning
Entity Hosting: All Secondary Schools
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): School administration
Description:
School teams will engage in learning focused on:
- role of artificial intelligence (AI) in education
- how AI can enhance teaching and learning, support student success, and be used responsibly within board and ministry guidelines on cyber safety, security, and privacy;
- board-approved AI tools and learn how to use them effectively with students;
- key messages related to professionalism from the Ontario College of Teachers; and
- high-impact instructional and assessment practices to support student improvement.
Length: Half Day - PM
Topic: Multilingual Language Learners and School Improvement Planning
Entity Hosting: All Secondary Schools
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): School Administration and school leaders
Description:
School teams will engage in school improvement planning focusing on:
- Multilingual Language Learners and language acquisition; and
- high-impact instructional practices to support student improvement
Centre for Black Student Excellence Hosts Welcome Event for Families
The Centre for Black Student Excellence welcomed families to learn about YRDSB programs, build connections and learn more about supporting student success from elementary school through post-secondary.
The event, held at Keswick H.S. offered sessions on early reading, learning French, transitioning to high school and preparing for post-secondary education.
The Centre for Black Student Excellence hosts events for families throughout the year. Check the Board calendar or subscribe to the Centre's mailing list for more information.
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Tune In YRDSB: Special Education Advisory Committee
In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, meet Lynn Ziraldo, Chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and parent advocate.
Guests reflect on the evolving role of SEAC over the past four decades, the importance of parent and community voices, and the collective work of supporting students with special education needs. From personal stories to systemic change, the conversation highlights both the progress made and the ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and student success.
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Celebrating International Week of Deaf People
Join us in celebrating International Week of Deaf People and learning more about Deaf culture and the importance of accessibility.
Students and staff share what Deaf culture means to them, how they celebrate in class, and why raising awareness about the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community is so important for breaking barriers, promoting inclusion, and building empathy.
From learning sign language to creating the Deaf flag, this video highlights the pride, confidence and sense of community that grows when we celebrate Deaf culture together.
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Tune In YRDSB: Work Experience Program
In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, hear how a program that has been running for 40 years bridges students in special education programs with work and community participation.
Listen now and hear from the work experience team, and a student and employer participating in the program.
Pathways to Employment and Applied Knowledge (PEAK) Program is a transition program designed for senior secondary school students and serves as a bridge from school to adult life options including work, college vocational programs and community participation.
Tune In YRDSB is the first podcast of its kind in Ontario featuring a wide range of topics related to education. Tune In YRDSB is available on all major podcast platforms.
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Tune In YRDSB: Work Experience Program
In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, hear how a program that has been running for 40 years bridges students in special education programs with work and community participation.
The Pathways to Employment and Applied Knowledge (PEAK) Program is a transition program designed for senior secondary school students and serves as a bridge from school to adult life options including work, college vocational programs and community participation.
Listen now and hear from the work experience team, and a student and an employer participating in the program.
Tune In YRDSB is the first podcast of its kind in Ontario featuring a wide range of topics related to education. Tune In YRDSB is available on all major podcast platforms.
Read MoreElementary and Secondary Schools Professional Activity (PA) Day - September 26, 2025
Professional Activity Day for all elementary and secondary schools.
All Elementary Schools
Length: Half Day - AM
Topic: Student Well-being, School Safety, and Violence Prevention
Entity Hosting: All Elementary Schools
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Online modules developed by Board staff. Facilitated by School Administration.
Description:
School teams will engage in compliance training including:
- occupational health & safety;
- student safety and violent incident prevention;
- training on supporting student mental health and well-being; and
- understanding cybersecurity and online privacy.
Length: Half Day - PM
Topics: Ministry Directives: Keeping Schools Safe
Entity Hosting: All Elementary Schools
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Online modules developed by Board staff. Facilitated by School Administration.
Description:
Police Protocol and Involvement in schools and progressive discipline
- A review and implementation of policy requirements with the police through the Provincial Model for a Local Police/School Board Protocol.
- Review of policy requirements and supports for safe schools regarding the Provincial Code of Conduct, and intervention, progressive discipline
All Secondary Schools
Length: Half Day - AM
Topic: Student Well-being, School Safety, and Violence Prevention
Entity Hosting: All Secondary Schools
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Online modules developed by Board staff, facilitated by school administration
Description:
School teams will engage in compliance training focused on:
- occupational health & safety;
- emergency preparedness and crisis management;
- threat assessment;
- cybersecurity;
- protection of personal information;
- support for students with prevalent medical conditions;
- Accident/Injury eForms; and
- Safe Schools eForms.
Length: Half Day - PM
Topics: Student Well-being, School Safety, and Violence Prevention; and School Improvement Planning
Entity Hosting: All Secondary Schools
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Online modules facilitated by school administration
Description:
School teams will review professional and legal responsibilities for reporting children and youth in need of protection.
School teams will also review the Police Protocol, police involvement in schools, and approaches to progressive discipline.
School teams will engage in school improvement planning focusing on:
- high-impact instructional practices to support student improvement in alignment with the curriculum; and
- curriculum implementation as it connects to instruction, and assessment
Students Invited to Register for 2025-2026 Indigenous Languages and International Languages (ILIL) Programs
The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for its 2025-2026 Indigenous Languages and International Languages (ILIL) programs for both elementary and secondary students.
These programs are open to all students, including those who are not enrolled in YRDSB and those who reside outside of York Region.
There is no cost to enroll, aside from a small consumable and resource fee.
Elementary Program (SK to Grade 8)
Students in Senior Kindergarten to Grade 8 can develop skills in reading, writing, and speaking a new language—or maintain their heritage language. No prior language experience is required.
Classes are offered outside regular school hours in over 20 languages through in-person or online/remote formats.
- To ensure full participation, families are encouraged to register by Monday, September 8, 2025.
- Registration will reopen on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, to fill any remaining spaces.
For a full list of available languages, class times, locations, and registration details, visit:
https://www2.yrdsb.ca/schools-programs/indigenous-languages-and-international-languages
Secondary Credit Courses (Grades 9 to 12)
Secondary students can earn credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma through the ILIL program.
- Courses are delivered virtually through a combination of synchronous (live online) sessions and asynchronous activities.
- Classes run for the entire school year, from September to June.
For information about available languages, course schedules, and registration:
https://www2.yrdsb.ca/schools-programs/indigenous-languages-and-international-languages
For more information contact:
Indigenous Languages and International Languages
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