Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year. We hope everyone has had a good start to the school year.
Thank you for subscribing to the mailing list. This newsletter is designed to share timely information with families of Black students in York Region District School Board, including information about school board and community programs and events. You can expect to receive updates one to two times per month.
We also welcome you to visit our Centre for Black Student Excellence on the board website to find information about our programs, Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy, resources for students and families and links to community agencies.
To send your inquiries or feedback, please email: BlackStudentExcellence@yrdsb.ca
YRDSB News and Events
TuneIn YRDSB: Supporting Black Student Mental Health
In the latest episode of the YRDSB podcast TuneIn YRDSB, two social workers discuss the effects of anti-Black racism, the importance of empowering Black students to find and share their voices, Black excellence and joy, mental health and well-being, family and much more.
Listen now online or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System -Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Information Session Flyer
Next Meeting date is October 28, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
Families, parents, caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting on October 28, 2024 from 6:30- 7:30 p.m., where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools. Please see our flyer for more information and to register.
Grade 8 Information Sessions
October 10 to December 5, 2024
Secondary schools are hosting information sessions. Session dates, times and specialized programs have been posted.
For more upcoming YRDSB events, visit the Board events calendar.
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
Please kindly share this information with your network of Black families so they are aware of the workshops, events and organizations available for Black students in our communities.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association Mental Health Workshop Series
The NACCA is providing a Mental Health Workshop Series aimed at supporting Black youth in York region. Please register online. This eight-series workshop will run once per week for eight weeks with different cohorts being offered.
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association Scholarship Awards
November 9, 2024, 5:30 p.m.
The MACCA is hosting the 37th Annual MACCA scholarship awards on November 9, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Please see this flyer for more information and to purchase tickets.
Sankofa Mentoring Cultural Identity Programs (Free)
The free Sankofa Mentoring Program provides Black students in grades 4-12 with a powerful African-centred curriculum founded on the Ngozi Saba principles. Students can participate in various activities such as cultural games, drumming, creating storybooks for children, field trips, listening to guest speakers, learning about Black HEroes and Sheroes, as well as studying African languages. Learn more about the Sankofa Mentoring Program (Grades 7-12), Sankofa Identity Program (Grades 6-8), Storytelling Program (Grades 4-6), Parent Engagement Workshop and more.
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) Programs
- The YRAACC offers three different programs for students :. The Sankofa Mentoring Program
- The Storytelling Program
- The identity Program
Community Agencies
The Alliance of Educators for Black Students (AEBS)
AEBS is committed to promoting well-being and excellence in achievement for students of African/ Caribbean heritage. You can follow them on Twitter @AEBSyrdsb. Learn more about Black community agencies that provide supports in your area:
Aurora Black Community (ABC)
The Aurora Black Community Association (ABC) is led by a dedicated group committed to the work needed to dismantle anti-racism and discrimination, elevate and marginalize voice and bridge culture. ABC community is proud to be the reason the town of Aurora has officially declared February as Black History Month.
ANCHOR Formerly Vaughan African Canadian Association
ANCHOR offers the program aims to find your child’s trouble areas in understanding vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. This program will help strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and improve their reading and writing skills.
Black York Region Youth (BYR Youth)
Black York Region Youth (BYR Youth) was founded in 2020 with the purpose of combating anti-Black racism, systemic racism, anti-Indigenous hate, and discrimination in all of its forms within York Region and its surrounding communities.
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA)
At MACCA, Students will follow a grade-appropriate curriculum. Curriculum content will evolve into the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and will be Afri-centric based.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
NACCA’s vision is to focus on African positive identity formation/ Rites of passage as a foundation for mental wellness, and supporting children in developing a positive sense of self. NACCA offers culturally relevant Mental Health Education and Counseling support programs for Black youth and families; financial literacy program; educational programs for the entire family; food security program; presentations and workshops to educate about racial prejudice & bias to reduce discrimination; annual scholarship program and more!
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN)
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2011 and continues to serve and support local Black communities. Based in Vaughan, Ontario but proudly serves and supports Black communities across the province. BFCN provides free and low-cost programs, advocacy, and resources, and connects people with other local organizations and services.
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC)
YRAACC / Sankofa Program offers an African-centered curriculum that is focused on activities that provide workshop sessions for students to explore their racial and cultural identity, self-esteem, critical thinking, self-reflection, teamwork, and community building. The program’s framework is based on The Seven Principles (The Nguzo Saba) The principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination); Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
Parents of Black Children
OMO Africentric virtual campus tutoring initiative offered by Parents of Black Children is a free high-touch tutoring program for Black students. Students receive tutoring twice weekly in French, Math, and English (Language Arts). Tutoring takes place on the Omo Africentric Campus. 1-on-1 tutoring support provided. To learn more, watch THE OMO AFRICENTRIC CAMPUS IS BACK! video or visit Parents of Black Children.
Volunteer Opportunities
Students are encouraged to connect with community organizations in their local communities to find volunteer jobs, to develop leadership and team building skills. Here are a few links to review.
BFCN – Black Foundation of Community Networks
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (yorkregionaacc.ca)
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA)
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association