MID-OCTOBER 2025
Experience the Starting off the School Year with Success Welcome Event! The Centre for Black Student Excellence recently hosted an inspiring welcome event at Keswick High School, bringing families together to explore YRDSB programs, build meaningful connections, and learn how to support families from elementary through post-secondary.
From engaging sessions on early reading and learning French to navigating high school transitions and preparing for post-secondary pathways, the event was a vibrant celebration of community and empowerment.
Be sure to check the Board calendar or subscribe to the CBSE mailing list so you can be part of the next one!
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
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.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System: Families of YRDSB Black Students
October Virtual Information Session
Date: October 27, 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.
The Centre for Black Student Excellence, The Power of Pause: Roots of Renewal Event
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Tommy Douglas S.S., Cafeteria, 4020 Major Mackenzie Dr. W, Vaughan
The Centre for Black Student Excellence invites you to join us for an evening on Wellness and Well-Being. An evening filled with strategies to nourish both mind and body. Learn more and register by November 3, 2025.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System: Families of YRDSB Black Students
November Virtual Information Session
Date: November 24, 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.
Regional Elementary Arts @ Baythorn P.S.
Date: November 6, 2025, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Families wishing to learn more about the Arts@Baythorn program and application process are invited to attend an information session. Please join us at Baythorn P.S., 201 Bay Thorn Drive, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3V2. Learn more.
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
Black Youth Leadership Symposium 2025
Date: October 16, 2025, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) will be hosting the Black Youth Leadership Symposium 2025 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.
NACCA 2nd Annual Lifting the Veil on Black Mental Health Conference - Ubuntu and Supporting the Next Generation
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association invites you to join us as we create space for truth-telling, healing, and collective growth. Grounded in the African principle of Ubuntu, this conference affirms that the well-being of our youth is inseparable from the strength of our families, communities, and ancestors.
Together, we will explore pathways to nurture resilience, dismantle stigma, and plant seeds of hope — ensuring that the next generation rises with strong minds, proud identities, and rooted connections.
Please register online. For any questions, please email Josie Rose at jrose@naccacommunity.ca.
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) Scholarship Application Workshop
Date: Tuesday, November 11th from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN), in collaboration with York Region District School Board (YRDSB), invites Black students and their families to a free online workshop on how to search, prepare, and apply for scholarships and bursaries. If you are in Grade 8 or high school, this workshop is especially for YOU!
Please see the BFCN website link for registration information or email info@bfcn.ca.
NACCA Black Youth Mental Wellness Empowerment Series
Dates: Multiple Dates October - June
Eight week Africentric workshop for Black youth (Grades 5-12) in York Region
Culturally affirming sessions on resilience, identity, and empowerment through peer connection, activities, and wellness tools.
Hybrid: In-person and virtual.
NACCA Hub, 449 Eagle St, Newmarket. Led by a mental health clinician.
Ages 12 and under: 6-7 pm
Ages 13 and up: 7-8 pm
Cohort 1: Oct. 9-Nov. 27, 2025
Cohort 2: Dec. 4, 2025-Feb.19, 2026
Cohort 3: Feb. 26-Apr. 23, 2026
Cohort 4: Apr. 30-Jun. 18, 2026
For any questions and registration, please email Josie Rose at jrose@naccacommunity.ca.
SANKOFA Cultural Identity Programs
Multiple dates October-June
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) offers SANKOFA Mentoring, Cultural Identity Programs. In person at Bur Oak S.S., 933 Bur Oak Ave, Markham from 10 am - 1:00 pm on the following dates;
October 4, 18, November 1, 15, 29, December 13, 2025
January 10, 24, February 7, 21, March 7, April 18, May 2, 30, June 13, 2026
MACCA KINNECTYOUTH Mentoring Program
Date: In person weekly on Wednesdays, 4:30-7:00 p.m.
Join us for hands-on, interactive creativity and entrepreneurship workshops with opportunities to gain professional experience. There will be presentations from community leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs with individual and group mentorship. There will also be access to technology and weekly in-person meetings.
Aaniin Community Centre (Youth Room) 5665 14th Ave, Markham, ON L3S 3K5. For more information please contact kinnectyouth@macca1987.com or 905-946-9998.
MACCA Youth Tennis Lessons
Date: Every Sunday 12-1 p.m. from October 19 - December 21, 2025
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA) in collaboration with Premier Racquet Clubs Markham, are invited to register for Tennis Lessons. Youth ages 6-15. In person at 73 Wootten Way N, Markham, ON L3P 2K9. For more information contact info@macca1987@com.
Learn to play STEEL PAN
Date: Every Saturday until May 30, 2026
Back by popular demand, Learn to play STEEL PAN every Saturday. Adults session is 12-1 p.m. and Children are from 1-2 p.m at 505 Hood Rd, Unit 5, Markham, ON L3R 5V6. Please register. For more information please contact info@macca1987.com or call 905-976-9998.
Black History Month Event ‘Save the Date’
Date: February, 14, 2026, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) will be hosting a Black History Month Event. More information to come.