September 2025
As we begin this new school year, we would like to extend a warm welcome to our families and communities. The Centre for Black Student Excellence is dedicated to advancing achievement, well-being, and belonging for Black students. We look forward to continuing our work together in support of student success and thriving communities.
We would also like to thank everyone 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
Understanding and Navigating the Education System, Families of YRDSB Black Students
Date: Monday, September 22, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Families, parents, caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meetings where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools.
Agenda:
- Highlights from our Graduation Coaches
- Important information for Elementary and Secondary Panel
- Upcoming school programs and events
- Question and answer session
Please register ASAP. A Zoom meeting link will be sent after registration.
Let us come together to empower our students and build a stronger community. We look forward to seeing you there!
Centre for Black Student Excellence - Welcome Event
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
The Centre for Black Student Excellence is inviting all students, families and staff to an inspiring evening as we begin the school year together. Please join us as we share strategies to support student success. Dinner will be provided.
- JK-Gr. 3 Early Reading Strategies
- Gr. 4-8 Success with French
- Gr. 7-8 Transitions
- Gr. 9-12 Pathways
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Venue: Keswick H. S. 100 Biscayne Blvd, Keswick
Please register by September 15, 2025.
Bill Crothers Secondary School Application Process for 2026-2027 School Year
Information Night Dates: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 & Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Applications will be available from our website on Friday September 26, 2025.
Applications are due on Sunday October 26, 2025. Completed Applications and requested documents must be dropped off at Bill Crothers by Sunday October 26, 2025.
Accelerated OYAP and Apprenticeship Information Night
Date: Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, 6:30- 8:30 p.m.
Join us on a night to learn about Apprenticeship Pathways and our Accelerated OYAP Program for students and their families who are considering a career in the skilled trades. Learn more and register to attend this virtual information night.
Grade 8 Open House Information Nights
Dates: Various, starting October 16, 2025
Secondary schools are hosting information sessions. Session dates, times and specialized programs have been posted. See the list of open house dates on the Board website.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Information Night
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
Students in York Region have the opportunity to earn the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in addition to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, offered at five regional secondary schools. Students who start Grade 8 in September 2025 and their parents/guardians are invited to attend an International Baccalaureate Information session. Learn more.
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
The Black Wellness Community Conversations through NACCA
The Black Wellness Community Conversations are happening throughout this month and we're inviting Black individuals living in York Region to participate in a scenario-based session designed to be safe, empowering and community-centered. Together, we will help shape the future of mental health and addictions support in York Region. Participants will receive a $75.00 thank-you gift card for their time and participation. For more information and to register please visit NACCA Black Community Consultations.
Black Individuals Living in Social Housing hosted by Catholic Community Services of York Region
Date: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Time: 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Location: 50 High Tech Rd., Richmond Hill
General Session hosted by The Virtual Soul Clinic
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Cornell Community Centre- Room 222 & 223, 3201 Bur Oak Ave, Markham, ON L6B 0T2
Senior's Session hosted by MACCA Markham
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Location: Aaniin Community Centre - Room A, 5665 14th Ave, Markham, ON L3S 3K5
General Session hosted by KendraYoga Center
Date: Saturday, September 27, 205
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Georgina Public Library, 90 Wexford Drive, Keswick ON. L4P 3Y9
Caribbean Cooking Demonstration
In partnership with Aurora Black Community and York Region Food Network. Join us for a lively cooking demonstration that celebrates Caribbean culture through the rich flavors of ground provisions - yam, cassava, dasheen, and more! Discover the history and cultural significance of these staple ingredients and enjoy a taste of traditional Caribbean Saturday soup. Come watch, taste and learn!
You won’t want to miss this flavorful experience that connects food, history and community.
Date: October 4, 2025
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Aurora Public Library, Magna Room, 15145 Yonge Street, Aurora, 4G 1M1
Registration is available through eventbrite.
Black Youth Leadership Symposium 2025
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) will be hosting the Black Youth Leadership Symposium 2025 on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Community Safety Village, 3291 Stouffville Road, Whitchurch-Stouffville, L4A 7X5. Join us for this free event. More information is available on the YRAACC 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 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)