It is important to acknowledge that as we approach October 7, this month in particular will be a challenging one for many in our community. There are students, staff and families in York Region who are experiencing the effects and local realities of the conflict in the Middle East in very real and difficult ways, particularly those who identify as Israeli, Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian.
As an education community and school board, we will focus on supporting students, staff and our community, and creating safe, inclusive and welcoming learning environments.
We continue to remind our community that we will not tolerate any act of hate or discrimination, including antisemitism and Islamophobia. We have a Protocol for Addressing Incidents of Hate and/or Discrimination that outlines how we will investigate and document all incidents of hate and discrimination.
Students can continue to use Report It to report incidents, anonymously if they choose. Report It is available on the Board website homepage and all school website homepages.
If your child needs support, help is available through our schools. Please speak with your child’s teacher or administrator to learn more about the resources and supports available and how to access them. School Mental Health Ontario has prepared information for families on this topic. In addition, guidelines for families on how to navigate conversations after traumatic events are available on the Board’s website.
We are also providing resources to educators to respond to student questions in a sensitive manner, continue to create safe, supportive learning environments and to provide support to students who are in distress. We have also shared with all school board staff the message from the Minister of Education, which states in part, “The focus in our schools must always be on learning. This means our schools and school-related activities should never be used as vehicles for political protests that enable inflammatory, discriminatory, and hateful content. While everyone is entitled to their own political opinions, they are not entitled to disseminate political biases into our classrooms.” (Minister of Education, September 2024)
We are also offering support to students, staff and families through identity-specific sessions in partnership with community partners. We want to ensure that those who may need it have access to support, and that they feel supported. Families, if you are worried about your child, please reach out to your child’s teacher or principal.
Supportive Evening for Families who Identify as Jewish
October 9, 2024, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The session will be available via the MS Teams Live link for families and caregivers.
This session will be led by Leanne Matlow, a cognitive behaviour therapy counsellor from Toronto who supports children and teens with significant experience supporting the Jewish community in the Greater Toronto Area.
Supports for students, staff and families who identify as Israeli are also available through Jewish Immigrant Aid Services.
Second Supportive Evening for Families who identify as Jewish
November 4, 2024, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The session will be available via the MS Teams Live link for families and caregivers.
Presented by Jewish Family and Child Services, 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.
Supportive Evening for Families who identify as Muslim
October 8, 2024, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The session will be available via the MS Teams Live link for families and caregivers.
Presented by Naseeha, who provide 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.
Supportive Evening for Families who identify as Palestinian
October 17, 2024, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The session will be available via the MS Teams Live link for families and caregivers.
Presented by Naseeha, who provide 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.
Second Supportive Evening for Families who identify as Muslim
November 12, 2024, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The session will be available via the MS Teams Live link for families and caregivers.
Presented by Naseeha, who provide 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.
Second Supportive Evening for Families who identify as Palestinian.
November 12, 2024, 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The session will be available via the MS Teams Live link for families and caregivers.
Presented by Naseeha, who provide 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.
It matters as a community that we show up for one another, and it matters as a learning organization that we create the conditions that enable all of our students to focus on learning and to be successful. That includes ensuring that all of our students feel safe and know that their identities are valued. All of us - staff, students, families and community partners - play a role in helping us to achieve that. We thank you for your partnership in these efforts in support of student learning, achievement and well-being.