Message from the Director

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Dear families, 

I hope the first few months of the school year have gone well for you and your children. 

We are so proud of the stories we continue to see and hear across the school district of students and staff, and we have had the opportunity to share just a small fraction of those. I invite you to visit our Instagram @yrdsb.schools and our newsroom to see some of these incredible stories, including hospitality programs that are giving back to the community, a student inspiring her female peers to explore the skilled trades and educators building meaningful Indigenous education connections. 

Last month, the Board of Trustees announced the board’s new Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Informed by feedback from our communities, this plan will guide our direction and decision-making in the years ahead. It outlines three key priorities: student achievement; health and well-being; human rights and inclusive education. The image representing our new plan intentionally references students, staff and community as we work purposefully together in support of student achievement and well-being. 

As you review your child’s progress/report cards, I hope you see evidence of their continued learning and growth. Thank you to everyone who has connected with their child’s educator(s) throughout the past few months whether through curriculum nights, parent-teacher conferences, ongoing conversations, school events or other means. These conversations help to strengthen the essential partnership between school and home that support your child’s success. We truly value working with families to ensure we are doing all we can to support their learning, growth and well-being. 

This year, families can access the report cards through the new Family Dashboard. Thank you to everyone who has signed up. The dashboard will provide secure, one-stop access to information and applications related to your child’s education. You can learn more on the Board website if you have not yet signed up. Families looking for support setting up their account can:

  • Find information, frequently asked questions and contact details on the Board website.
  • Contact the call centre on November 19, 21, 26 and 28, 5:00-8:00 p.m. (From Newmarket and Northern York Region: 289-340-0036. From GTA/Toronto: 647-749-4324).
  • Email FamilyDashboardHelp@yrdsb.ca. 

As the weather starts to turn colder, we also want to take this opportunity to remind families about our procedures for extreme cold and inclement weather and the potential for transportation cancellations. 

Thank you again to staff, students, families and community partners. I remain very proud of the incredible people who make up our educational community and the work we do together to centre and uplift our students. 

Bill Cober

Director