June 2025
As we approach the end of the 2024-2025 school year, I want to
take this opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments, hard work and
commitment of students, staff and families. As I have visited schools, attended
events and heard from families, I continue to be proud of the dedication to
public education and student achievement and well-being I see.
I want to wish my sincere congratulations to all of the graduates
and proud families. This is an exciting time and I hope you enjoy this
celebration of all of your hard work, perseverance and accomplishments. Whether
you are moving on to secondary school, the workplace or post-secondary
pathways, we wish you all the very best in this next exciting chapter of your
journey.
We had an opportunity in April to celebrate the achievements of 20
students at our annual Celebrating
Student Success/Human Rights Ambassadors Awards event. It was a
wonderful reminder of how much our students are capable of. While success and
achievement looked different for each student, we saw a common theme of
determination and care. Students demonstrated a real commitment to lifting up
those around them. I see that everywhere in our system as I visit schools. It
makes me so proud to see the ways our students are already shaping the future
for the better.
Each month in the Boardroom, we also had the opportunity to
recognize the achievements of staff and students through the Applause
awards. Congratulations to all of the award recipients. These
awards capture a sampling of the incredible work happening around York Region
District School Board and the successes we see students achieving.
These successes we have seen this school year would not have been
possible without the hard work and dedication of staff across the system, and I
want to thank you for all that you do each and every day. I also want to
recognize the contributions that have been made by school councils, volunteers
and families. Your work to enhance family engagement and strengthen public
education has a noticeable difference in our schools and in the achievement and
well-being of students.
This is a very busy time of year and I wish all of the students
the best as you work on projects and prepare for upcoming exams. I hope you
also enjoy the celebrations that occur at this time of year, and as we
celebrate another successful school year.
Estelle Cohen
Trustee, Vaughan Wards 4 and 5