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
Recent News Features:
- Watch this feature on the Black Student Association at Wellington PS.
- Read more about the Black History Month Celebrations held in February and early March.
Summer Institute Registration is Open
York Region District School Board’s Summer Institute offers academic, recreational and athletic programs and activities with intentional links to the Ontario Curriculum for students entering Senior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Learn more.
Community Input for 2025-2026 Budget
York Region District School Board invites families and community members to participate in the annual budget consultation process. Community members are invited to take part in a virtual public budget consultation and complete an online budget survey. The survey is open until April 18, 2025.
Understanding and Navigating the Education - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Information Session
Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Meeting
Families, parents and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025 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.
Celebrating Student Excellence
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Maple Highschool, 50 Springside Rd, Maple
The Centre for Black Student Excellence is delighted to invite students, parents and staff to our event Celebrating Student Excellence.
Learn more and register no later than April 10, 2025.
Camp Black Brillance
Camp Black Brilliance will offer families the opportunity to get to know the Kindergarten program and have their children experience their introduction to schooling in a way that is culturally responsive and affirming of their identity, through experiential learning.
The program is for children of Black Families who are in Junior and Senior Kindergarten entering school in September.
Learn more and register by the June 1, 2025 deadline.
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) -An Empowering Session on Self-Care and
Navigating Community & Government Services
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Virtually
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities is hosting a session on self-care. Please visit the website for more information.
Aurora Black Community - Black History Festival-One Love, One Heart
Date: April 11, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: 15338 Leslie Street, Aurora ON
Aurora Black Community is hosting a Black History Gala on April 11, 2025. Attendees can expect an evening of culture, flavor, and celebration! Visit the website for more information and to register.
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association
The Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association will be awarding scholarships of $1,000 to selected recipients
Please visit the website for more information on how to apply.
The Career Foundation-Premier Career Fair and Summit for Skilled Immigrants, Newcomers and Refugees- Job Seekers for all ages
Career Foundation is hosting a career fair on on Monday, April 14, 2025
Date: April 14
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Westin Toronto Airport Hotel
Please visit the website for more information on how to register.
Arts & Culture Jamaica Scholarship Fund
The Arts & Culture Jamaica Scholarship Fund offers financial support to talented young people of Jamaican heritage pursuing a career in the arts. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2025. For more information and to apply please visit the website.
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 Afrocentric 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 Afrocentric 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