November 17, 2022

Dear families,

Strike Action Beginning November 21, 2022

Yesterday, we sent you a message regarding the notice from CUPE regarding province-wide strike action of full withdrawal of services beginning on Monday, November 21, 2022. As a reminder, if a settlement is not reached and the strike proceeds, schools will be closed to students beginning on November 21, 2022, until the strike action concludes. 

If the strike action proceeds, synchronous (live) learning will begin on Monday, November 21, 2022. We appreciate that some children may require technology and may not be able to participate on the first day. Please contact your child’s school if you need support. Your child’s teacher will communicate with their class regarding learning for the potential closure.  

Letter from York Region Public Health

York Region Public Health has issued an important message for families regarding masking and other measures families can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19, RSV and influenza.

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we navigate provincial bargaining and promote public health measures to keep our schools and communities healthy. 

November 15, 2022

Dear families, 

With yesterday’s announcement from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health regarding masking and winter weather approaching, we want to provide families with an update on masking and the steps we take to keep students safe when severe weather occurs. 

Masking in Schools

Yesterday, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health strongly recommended that individuals wear masks in indoor settings. We continue to consult with York Region Public Health, who are strongly recommending masking in indoor settings. York Region schools and workplaces continue to be mask friendly environments and masking is strongly encouraged in YRDSB schools and buildings, and on all forms of school transportation. All students, staff, families and visitors who choose to wear a mask, or who are advised or required to wear a mask will be supported in doing so. A limited number of masks are available; children who wish to wear a mask but do not have access to one, may contact their school. 

School Transportation Cancellations

School transportation (buses and taxis) may be cancelled due to extreme cold or inclement weather. On these days, schools will remain open unless otherwise stated. If school transportation is cancelled in the morning, it will also be cancelled in the afternoon. Any special or hot lunch days and field trips will also be cancelled. 

Families should use their best judgment to decide whether to send their children to school on extreme cold or inclement weather days. Students will not be penalized for missing school on those days. For safety reasons, please let the school know if your child will not be attending school that day. 

School Closures

Emergency closures will be considered when conditions may not be safe for students and staff members to attend school for the full day. This may include events that significantly limit school operations or access to the school site (e.g., widespread, prolonged power failures or downed power lines).

In keeping with our current practice, we will continue to keep our schools open as much as possible. However, it is important that families have alternate childcare arrangements planned for the rare occasions when schools may be closed. Before and aftercare programs will not operate if schools are closed. 

Communication to Families

Decisions about school transportation and school closures will be made as early as possible and no later than 6:00 a.m. We will do our best to notify families in advance when we may be considering closing school and Board offices. Transportation cancellations or school closures are communicated through:

• Student Transportation Services - www.schoolbuscity.com or 1-877-330-3001
• Board and school websites
• @YRDSB Twitter account
• Radio and TV media outlets

For more information on severe weather days, please visit our website www.yrdsb.ca. 

August 30, 2022 

Dear families, 

We are so excited to be welcoming our students, staff and families back to school for the 2022-2023 school year. For most students, the school year will start on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. 

We know you have many questions in advance of the start of the school year. 

Health and Safety

The health and safety of our students, staff and families remains our first priority, and we will continue to follow the direction and guidance of the Government of Ontario and York Region Public Health. 

The Ministry of Education has provided direction on supporting a return to a more normalized learning experience for students while maintaining specific protective measures.This includes:

• Students, staff members and school visitors are not required to wear masks in school. Individuals who feel more comfortable or who are advised to wear a mask can continue to wear a mask and will be supported in doing so.
• Students, staff members and visitors should continue to use and adhere to the COVID-19 School and Child-Care Screening Tool (please click on Check for Symptoms Daily), prior to entering the school daily. 
• Hand hygiene and cleaning and disinfection protocols will continue. In addition, we will continue to follow our current ventilation practices, optimizing air quality in schools through improved ventilation and filtration. 

Additional information about health and safety measures are available on the Board website at www.yrdsb.ca/school-reopening. 

We also encourage families to read this important message from York Region Public Health about the return to school. 

September 6, 2022, PA Day

We have received questions regarding the September 6, 2022, PA Day for Elementary and Secondary schools. This year, the Ministry of Education has required school boards to schedule a PA Day to ensure education staff complete the Ontario College of Teachers’ mandatory Sexual Abuse Prevention Training before the middle of September. Scheduling the training early, allows for more continuity as the school-year gets underway. 

School Start-Up

In the coming weeks, families will receive an email from the board with important forms that you are required to complete at the start of each school year. They include important permissions and consents.  Please take the time to complete the forms for each child when you receive them. The forms will be available in 13 additional languages.

Resources to Support Learning

Our Family Resources page includes helpful links to support your child’s learning. Visit www.yrdsb.ca/familyresources for information:

• on how you can engage in your child’s education
• what they are learning at school 
• on how to connect with Board personnel or your Trustees if you have a question or concern 
• on quick access to online tools and resources, click “need help” for support using these tools
• on translation options, tech support, privacy tips and more

Families can also access helpful links to resources and supports available in your community at www.yrdsb.ca/communitysupports. Find information about community organizations that offer accessibility, housing, clothing, food, legal, mental health and transportation services and more. Identity-specific supports are also available. 

Stay up-to-date with what’s happening in York Region District School Board throughout the year by visiting our website at www.yrdsb.ca, or following us on Twitter @YRDSB or Instagram @yrdsb.schools.  

Allan Tam, Chair

Louise Sirisko, Director