February 2025
Welcome to the start of the second half of the school year.
Congratulations to secondary school students who have completed
exams and culminating activities and are ready to start a new semester, and to
elementary school students for all their hard work in the first term. I want to
remind families that when report cards are available, you can now access your
child’s report card through the Family Dashboard.
For students looking at course
selection for next year, the Experience
YRDSB pages on our website will let you explore the areas that interest you
and learn more about the courses, programs and opportunities available in your
secondary school.
At the end of January, we recognized Lunar New Year,
commemorating the first day of the Lunar calendar. Throughout the month, we
also recognized Tamil
Heritage Month. In February, we recognize Black History Month, I encourage you
to check the Board
calendar for upcoming events to celebrate Black excellence and recognize
the contributions made by Black Canadians. You can also find information about
other upcoming significant dates and events for families.
The Student
Trustee election process
is underway for the 2025-2026 school year. Student Trustees play an essential
role in our system, representing student voices at the Board table when we are
making important decisions, and we greatly appreciate their contributions to
our discussions. I would like to congratulate all of the students who put their
names forward for the position and encourage all students in Grades 5-12 to
take the time to vote.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank
current Student Trustees Hayden Lai and Mitusaan Kugathasan and Indigenous
Student Trustee Natalie Pitawanakwat for their hard work, leadership and
commitment to student voice.
As a Board of Trustees, we have several important roles that
affect the daily life in our schools and Board.
One of those responsibilities is to set the policies
that govern the operation of schools in YRDSB. Policies cover
important topics, such as assessment
and evaluation, field trips,
homework,
dress
code, caring
and safe schools, health
supports, student
leadership and more.
We regularly review Board policies to ensure they
are updated and reflect the current context, priorities
and needs of our community and system. An important part of this process is
inviting feedback from the community, including families. You can find a list
of all policies and those currently out for comment
on our Board website and I encourage you to take a look.
Trustees are also responsible for setting the Board budget.
As we prepare to plan for the 2025-2026 school year budget, we will be once
again reaching out to families and inviting you to share your input and
feedback. Please take the time to review this information when you receive it;
your voice is an important part of the process.