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
Kwanzaa Celebration
Date: Monday, December 9, 2024
Time: 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Dr. Bette Stephenson, 36 Regatta Avenue, Richmond Hill
Please join us as we come together to celebrate Kwanzaa! This special event will honour African heritage, unity and culture and will be a time to reflect on the seven
principles of Kwanzaa, enjoy cultural traditions and foster community spirit. Please register no later than December 2, 2024.
Pathways to the Skilled Trades Family Engagement Evening
Date: Monday, December 9, 2024
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Dr. Bette Stephenson, 36 Regatta Avenue, Richmond Hill
The Pathways Team in Curriculum & Instructional Services in collaboration with the York Catholic District School Board invites families of students in Grades 9-11 to attend a Skilled Trades and Technology Career Planning Information Night.
Students, their families and YRDSB educators are invited to register through our YRDSB Skilled Trades and Technology Open House Registration.
Student Trustee Candidate Application Deadline
Deadline: December 9, 2024
We invite and encourage all students going into grades 11 and 12 next year (currently in grades 10 and 11) to apply for this opportunity.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Information Session
Date: Monday, December 16, 2024
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Meeting
Families, parents and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting on Monday,December 16, 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 register online.
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library- Kwanzaa Crafts for all ages
Date: Monday, December 23, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Location: 2 Park Drive Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON
Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library is hosting an event creating crafts for Kwanzaa. Please visit Stouffville Public library for more information.
YRAACC is hosting a Kwanzaa Celebration
Date: December 28, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: 1070 Major Mackenzie Dr, Richmond Hill
York Region Alliance of African Canada Communities is hosting an event to celebrate Kwanzaa. Please visit the website for more information
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)