Dear families,
We are hearing from families and staff members how the evolving conflict in the Middle East is affecting students, staff and families. Our focus continues to be on supporting students and staff members while at school.
On Thursday, October 12, we issued a statement addressing the growing concern for a potential increase in antisemitism and Islamophobia. We remain committed to ensuring schools are safe, welcoming and inclusive for all students and will not tolerate any act of hate. Staff members will continue to use the protocol to address incidents of hate and discrimination. Students and families can report incidents of hate, bullying or other concerns through Report It, the Board’s anonymous online reporting tool.
In addition, working closely with the Board’s mental health clinicians, the Network of Educators for Jewish Learners and the Alliance of Educators for Muslim Students, the Board is providing sessions of support from identity-specific practitioners to support the well-being of staff, students and families. These sessions are free of charge and anyone in YRDSB may attend.
For those unable to attend, there are a number of resources available within the community:
- Jewish Family and Child Services is a multi-service agency that strengthens and supports individuals, children, families and communities within the context of Jewish values. Jewish Family and Child Services offers affordable, professional counselling that is confidential and convenient.
- Naseeha provides an anonymous, non-judgmental, confidential and toll-free peer support helpline for any youth experiencing personal challenges, including those of Muslim identities. Naseeha’s services are open to all regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, family makeup, social status, income, ability, physical and mental health, and religion.
- Khalil Center is a psychological and spiritual community wellness centre advancing the professional practice of psychology rooted in Islamic principles. Khalil Center utilizes faith-based approaches rooted in Islamic theological concepts while integrating the science of psychology towards addressing psychological, spiritual and communal health.
- 310-COPE: 905-310-COPE (2673) or 1-855-310-COPE (2673) - available 24/7
- KidsHelpPhone: 1-800-668-6868, text 686868 - available 24/7, https://kidshelpphone.ca/
- Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600 - available 24/7
- York Hills Help Phone Line: 905-503-9561 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30-4:00pm for children and youth (0-18 years) and their parents, caregivers or adult supporters. Visit www.yorkhills.ca for more information.
- Trans Lifeline: https://translifeline.org/
- Black Youth Helpline: https://blackyouth.ca/
- 2SLGBTQ+ Youthline: https://www.youthline.ca/
Virtual Session for Families and Caregivers of Jewish and Israeli Students
- Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
- This session will be led by Leanne Matlow, a cognitive behaviour therapy counsellor from Toronto who deals with anxious children and teens with significant experience supporting the Jewish community in the Greater Toronto Area.
- The session will be available via the MS Teams Live link for families and caregivers of Jewish and Israeli Students. To ensure safety and protect the privacy of attendees, participants will not be able to see who else is on the call or access a public chat. Questions can be submitted directly to the event hosts.
Virtual Sessions for Families and Caregivers of Muslim and Palestinian Students
- Two separate sessions will be led by practitioners from Naseeha (names listed below), who provide a peer support helpline for youth experiencing personal challenges, including those of Muslim identities (see below for more information about Naseeha).
Session for families of Palestinian students:
- Friday, October 20, 2023, 5:30 p.m.
- This session will be led by Marwah Mahmod. The session will be available via the MS Teams Live link for families and caregivers of Palestinian students. To ensure safety and protect the privacy of attendees, participants will not be able to see who else is on the call or access a public chat. Questions can be submitted directly to the event hosts.
Session for families of Muslim students:
- Friday, October 20, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
- This session will be led by Tarak Ahmed. The session will be available via the MS Teams Live link for families and caregivers of Muslim students. To ensure safety and protect the privacy of attendees, participants will not be able to see who else is on the call or access a public chat. Questions can be submitted directly to the event hosts.
As always, if you have concerns about your child’s emotional well-being, please contact your child’s school so they may arrange support.
Sincerely,
Bill Cober
Director of Education