NOVEMBER 2025
In light of the recent hurricane in Jamaica, many families are facing significant hardship and loss.
We invite families who wish to support relief efforts to kindly donate to organizations below, who are coordinating local collection and shipment efforts to assist affected communities.
Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA)
https://yorkregionaacc.ca/donate/
Your generosity will make a meaningful difference to those impacted by this disaster.
Thank you for your continued compassion and community spirit.
As November begins, The Centre for Black Student Excellence remains committed to fostering environments that affirm identity, cultivate achievement, and celebrate the excellence of Black students across the York Region District School Board. This month, we are pleased to highlight that the Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN), in collaboration with York Region District School Board will be hosting a virtual Scholarship Application Workshop on November 11, 2025. This is an important opportunity for students and families to gain practical strategies and information to support with searching, preparing, and applying for scholarships and bursaries. Please use the information provided below to register.
This summer, students in the Y2 LEGACY program didn’t just earn credits, they built confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong connections through a Black-centred approach to learning.
In partnership with York University, the York Region District School Board offered four dynamic courses in technology, literature, business leadership, and community engagement. Students explored Black excellence, history, and narratives while gaining hands-on experience through mentorships, co-op placements, and university-level learning. Hear directly from students, families, and staff in our video available now on our website or on YouTube.
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
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.
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.
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. Registration extended to November 4, 2025.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System: Families of YRDSB Black Students - 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. Learn more and register.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Bill Hogarth S.S., Cafeteria, 100 Donald Sim Ave, Markham
The Centre for Black Student Excellence invites all students, families and staff to join us as we come together to celebrate Kwanzaa with community, culture and connection. Enjoy storytelling, drumming, baking and arts that honour the Seven Principles of uplifting unity, creativity and joy. Learn more and register by December 1, 2025.
French Immersion Information Nights
Date: January 2026
Parents/guardians of Senior Kindergarten students entering Grade 1 in 2026 and wishing to enroll in the FI Program can email or call their home school office and declare their intention to register in FI by February 9, 2026.
If you are interested in French Immersion, please visit our website, French Immersion Registration page for more information on how to register and upcoming Information Nights to be announced.
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
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 for registration information or email info@bfcn.ca.
Future Black Applicant Day 2025
Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Welcome to the University of Toronto’s Annual Future Black Applicant Day!
Future Black Applicant Day is designed to provide prospective Black students and their supporters with invaluable insights into our academic programs, vibrant campus life, and the boundless opportunities that await you at U of T.
Join us for an insightful keynote, hear from our current students, and learn how you can connect with Black community, services, and support on campus.
Light refreshments and lunch will be provided, and a U of T prize pack will be raffled off!
Please complete the registration by Friday, November 7th at 4pm (ET) to reserve your spot as space is limited. Schedule/Agenda and more information for the event will be sent out to registrants at a later date.
For information on how to get to Hart House and parking please visit: https://harthouse.ca/about/visitor-info
Fall Preview Open House at McMaster University
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Black Student Success Centre Team (BSSC) at McMaster University is proud to invite you to the Fall Preview. To make the most of your visit please visit our Fall Preview Website, where you will find the full agenda and various activities on campus.
The BSSC representatives & team will be at stations across campus in bright coloured t-shirts at; PGCLL Main Floor, BSSC Community Lounge (PGCLL Room M05), MUSC Atrium, MDCL Main Floor, LRW Main Floor and all over campus.
If you have any last-minute questions, please email us at bss@mcmaster.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.
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)