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
Welcome to the YRDSB Family Dashboard
In October, YRDSB launched a Family Dashboard. The dashboard will give you secure one-stop access to information and applications related to your child’s education. It is designed to make it easier for families to engage with their child’s education. Learn more on the Board website.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Information Session
Date: Monday, November 25, 2024
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Families, parents and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 7:30- 8:30 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 register online.
G.I.V.E Workshop 2024
Dates: November 11 to 15, 2024 (Monday to Friday)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Join our workshop series and discover how you can make a difference in your child’s education by volunteering in schools. Empower yourself to support our school community and enrich your child's learning experience! Please register online.
Black Foundation of Community Networks- Scholarship Application Workshop
Date: November 26, 2024
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Zoom Link
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN), in collaboration with York Region District School Board (YRDSB), is providing a free online workshop to guide Black students and their families on how to prepare, search, and apply for scholarships and bursaries. If you are in Grade 8 or high school, this workshop is especially for YOU!
To participate, Black students and their families must be from York Region District School Board. Registration is required.
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association - Town Hall Meeting
Date: November 9, 2024, registration required by November 4, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 p.m.
Location: 395 Mulock Drive, Newmarket
The NACCA is hosting a Town Hall Meeting with Speaker of the House of Commons, Greg Fergus. This is a unique opportunity to engage in a community roundtable, participate in important discussions and contribute to the conversations shaping our future. Registration is required.
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association Scholarship Awards
Date: November 9, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Angus Glen Golf course, 10080 Markham Road
The MACCA is hosting the 37th Annual MACCA scholarship awards on November 9, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. Please visit the MACCA website to purchase tickets.
Virtual Faculty Information Sessions - McMaster University
Join us for an engaging and interactive Virtual Faculty Information Session hosted by the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC) at McMaster University. These events aim to provide prospective McMaster Students with crucial information related to the seven faculties at McMaster. These sessions will pay specific attention to the university application process including available programs, program requirements, and application deadlines.
Sessions will also focus on identifying entrance scholarships and awards and how to effectively compile and review scholarship applications. Student representatives will also be present to provide their perspective on student life.
Dates and times: Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 and Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Format: Virtually (held on Zoom)
Futureblackfemale
Future Black Female (FBF) is thrilled to introduce you to the Black Women’s Economic Security (BWES) project, an initiative sponsored by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE). This project is designed to address systemic barriers and foster economic security for Black girls and women across Ontario. Registration is required
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) Programs
The YRAACC offersis offering three different programs for that students can become involved:. Please visit each link below for more information on the different programs available.
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)