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.
With Black History Month approaching, we are planning several events for students and families that celebrate Black excellence, joy and identity. We look forward to sharing more details with you in the coming weeks.
To send your inquiries or feedback, please email: BlackStudentExcellence@yrdsb.ca
YRDSB News and Events
Social Media and Mental Health Session
Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
The YRDSB Mental Health Team is offering this session as part of the Learning about Mental Health Presentation Series (LAMPS). This presentation will focus on understanding what social media is, the risks and benefits of social media use, some strategies to help youth manage their social media use, and resources. To register for this session, please complete the Registration Form,
Kindergarten Registration Opens
Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
Families with children who turn four or five in 2025 can register for Kindergarten beginning January 17. Kindergarten in York Region District School Board offers warm, welcoming classrooms where students learn through exploration, play and inquiry. Families can register online, in person or by mail or phone. Learn more about Kindergarten programs and how to register at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten or contact your local school.
French Immersion Registration
Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
French Immersion registration takes place from January 17 - February 10, 2025. Information sessions for French Immersion will take place in French Immersion schools on January 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Program locations and additional information is available on the school board website.
Wellbeing & Mindfulness Workshop
Date: Monday, January 23, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Poplar Bank PS. 400 Woodspring Avenue, Newmarket
We are delighted to invite you to an engaging Wellbeing and Mindfulness Workshop designed to help students and families nurture balance, build resilience, and practice self-care in today’s fast-paced world.
During this interactive session, you will learn practical mindfulness techniques, explore strategies to support mental health, and participate in activities aimed at fostering connection and relaxation.
This workshop is a great opportunity to prioritize your wellbeing as a family while gaining tools to thrive both academically and personally. Please register by January 14, 2025.
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
Aurora Black Community (ABC)
Black History Flag Raising Celebration
Date: Friday, February 1, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm-8:00 p.m.
Location: 100 John West Way, Aurora
Join ABC & The Town of Aurora as they kick off Black History Month with their annual Black History Flag Raising Celebration. Please register.
Aurora Black Community (ABC)
Allyship in Action
Date: Multiple Dates starting January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m
Location: Virtual Zoom meeting
The Allyship in Action program is designed to provide allies with a safe, judgment-free space to ask honest, uncomfortable, or uncertain questions about the Aurora Black Community (ABC), anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please register.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Black History Month reception, Art Exhibition & Ujamaa Marketplace
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m -5:00 p.m.
Location: Newmarket Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford Street, Newmarket
Join NACCA as they kick off Black History Month with the annual reception emceed by Emily Mills, award-winning founder of How She Hustles, a Toronto-based network that connects diverse women through digital content and special events. Please register.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA
Flag-raising Ceremony
Date: Monday, February 3, 2025
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Location: Municipal Offices, 395 Mulock Drive, Newmarket
The Pan-African Flag will be raised at the Municipal Offices to commemorate Black History Month. This ceremony celebrates the rich heritage, culture and invaluable contributions of people of African descent to our community. Please register.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Community Vision Board Experience - Envision Your Future: A Vision Board Experience for Growth and Community
Date: February 1 to February 28, 2025
Location: Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Avenue/Community Gallery at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford Street
Please join NACCA this Black History Month for a powerful month-long Vision Board experience at Newmarket Public Library and Old Town Hall’s Community Gallery located behind Serpa Gallery on the ground floor. For more information and to register.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Black History Month Art Gallery Exhibit
Stop by the Old Town Hall and/or the Elman W. Campbell Museum for an inspiring gallery exhibition celebrating Black History Month 2025. Please book a tour.
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)