DECEMBER 2025
On November 6th, The Centre for Black Student Excellence hosted Power of Pause: Roots for Renewal at Tommy Douglas Secondary School. The event brought vibrant energy as students, families, and staff came together for an uplifting wellness experience centred on rest, renewal, and cultural connection. Through guided reflection, drumming, and nurturing our bodies, participants explored the importance of rest, restoration, and cultural connectedness in supporting well-being. The evening left everyone feeling renewed, connected, and inspired to keep the momentum going.
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.
School Programs
Welcome to York Region District School Board. We are proud to offer strong, welcoming public schools that support every student’s learning, achievement and well-being.
Most students attend their home school, which is the school in their neighbourhood. Every one of our schools offers high-quality education, caring staff and programs that help students build skills for the future. Find your home school.
As your child moves through their school years, there may be other program options to explore. These include specialty programs based on interests, skills or career goals.
No matter which school or program you attend, your child will receive a great education in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
“Experience YRDSB – where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”
Find your school
Most students attend their home school, which is the school in their neighbourhood.
Elementary
Learn more about Kindergarten and elementary school in York Region District School Board.
The chart below outlines programming options in elementary school.
Grade | Program | What do I need to know? | Important Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
Kindergarten (turning 4 in that year) | Kindergarten is for everyone. Learn more about our Kindergarten program. Find your school. | Registration opens in January for the following school year. | |
Grade 1-8 | In French Immersion, students receive instruction in French in a variety of subjects from a teacher who speaks French fluently. Find your French Immersion school. | Registration opens in January for the following school year. | |
Grade 5-8 | YRDSB has a specialized arts program for students in Grades 5-8 at Baythorn Public School. | Applications are due in January for the following school year. Learn more about the application process. |
Secondary
Learn more about secondary school in York Region District School Board.
Not sure what program is right for you? Search by area of interest to explore courses and programs that let you explore your interests, build transferable skills and gain valuable experience.
Grade | Program | What do I need to know? | Important Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
Grades 9-12 | A specialized Arts program is a four-year arts program for YRDSB students who are committed to exploring and deepening their understanding, skills, and experiences in the arts. The program is offered at four secondary schools. | Information nights are held in October-November. Registration opens in November for the following school year. | |
Grades 9-12 | In French Immersion, students receive instruction in French in a variety of subjects from a teacher who speaks French fluently. Students who take 10 credits in French Immersion receive a certificate. Find your French Immersion school. | Students who participated in elementary French Immersion can attend the secondary French Immersion school to continue in the program. Secondary school open houses are held in the fall-winter. | |
Grades 9-12 | Students can apply for an internationally recognized enriched curriculum across six subject areas. The IB Programme is offered at five YRDSB schools. | Information nights are held in October. Registration opens in October for the following school year. | |
Grades 9-12 | Bill Crothers Secondary School (BCSS) is an inclusive, character-focused learning environment that links excellence in education and athletics with a commitment to healthy, active living for all students. | Information nights are held in October-November. Registration opens in November for the following school year. | |
Grades 11-12 | You can specialize in an economic sector of interest while in secondary school by choosing courses related to that sector and participating in a number of planned experiential opportunities, such as co-op, field trips and post-secondary tours. All YRDSB secondary schools offer SHSM. Find out which ones are offered at your school. | Students who wish to participate must take co-op in Grade 11 and/or 12. Speak to your Guidance Counsellor at your school to discuss the application and course selection. | |
Grades 11-12 | In Grade 11 or 12, you can earn credits in a college environment while still in secondary school. | Students at any YRDSB secondary school can apply to register for a dual credit. Speak with your guidance counsellor for more information. | |
Grades 11-12 | In Grade 11 or 12, you can start your investigation and training in an apprenticeship trade through the cooperative education program. | Students at any YRDSB secondary school can apply to participate in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Talk to your Guidance Counsellor or Cooperative Education teacher. | |
Grade 12 | AP courses occur at the grade 12 level and are designed to provide students with background and knowledge equivalent to a first-year university course. Refer to the Secondary Programs at a Glance to find the schools where AP courses are offered. |
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All School Programs
Elementary School Programs
Our schools provide learning environments and opportunities that support student learning, achievement and well-being.
View all elementary school programs
Secondary School Programs
There are many opportunities in secondary school to explore your interests, develop skills and gain valuable experience.
See all secondary school programs and opportunities
YRDSB News and Events
Grade 8 Open House Information Nights
Dates: Various
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.
Kwanzaa Celebration
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.
Skilled Trades and Technology Information Night
Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cardinal Carter Catholic School (210 Bloomington Rd, Aurora)
YRDSB Families of Students in Grades 9-11 are invited to Pathways to Skilled Trades and Technology.
Learn about:
- OYAP
- Pathway Planning
- Course selection for skilled trade careers
- Experiential learning opportunities
Register now. See our flyer for more information.
College and University Information Night
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 6-8 p.m. at Hilton Toronto/Markham Conference Centre (8500 Warden Ave, Markham)
YRDSB students and families are invited to attend the College and University Information Night hosted by the Regional Student Success Team. This interactive evening will help support students’ planning for their future pathways.
Presentation 1 from 6-6:25pm, Presentation 2 from 6:35-7 p.m. Visit college and university exhibits. Speak directly to college and university representatives. Be informed, supported and feel confident about students’ future pathways. Register now.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System: Families of YRDSB Black Students - Virtual Information Session
December 15, 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.
Save the Date! Growing Together - Planning for Success
January 8, 2026 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Newmarket High School (505 Pickering Cres, Newmarket)
The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Implementation Plan Team, is proud to announce the upcoming event for students, families and staff.
The move to high school is a critical milestone, and we are committed to ensuring every student and family feels fully prepared and equipped for success.
We are excited to invite Black students and their families in Grades 6 through 10 to an upcoming event highlighting the opportunities available to support pathway planning, specialty programs, and the transition between elementary and secondary school.
This is a key opportunity for Black students and families to connect with educators, ask questions, and build a personalized roadmap for a successful and fulfilling secondary school experience.
More information and registration will be available shortly.
For any questions, please contact the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.
French Immersion Information Nights
January 15, 2026 at 7 p.m.
This year, our Information session for Grade 1 entry into the French Immersion program will take place in French Immersion schools on January 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. Program locations and additional information is available on our website. If families are unable to attend the information session, they can hear about the French Immersion program on the Tune In YRDSB: French Immersion Podcast.
French Immersion registration will begin on January 16, 2026. Parents or guardians of Year 2 Kindergarten students entering Grade 1 in 2026, and wishing to enrol in the FI Program, can email or call their home school office and indicate their intention to enrol. The home school will notify the French Immersion school, and the French Immersion school will contact families by phone or email to collect any necessary information.
If you are interested in French Immersion, please visit our website, French Immersion Registration page for more information on how to register. Families are asked to register by February 9, 2026.
Black History Month Celebrations in YRDSB
Dates:
Monday, February 4, 2026, 6-8 p.m. at Maple. H.S.; Learn more and register.
Monday, February 11, 2026, 6-8 p.m. at Richmond Hill H.S. Learn more and register
Monday, February 18, 2026, 6-8 p.m. at Unionville H.S. Learn more and register.
Monday, February 25, 2026, 6-8 p.m. at Newmarket H.S. Learn more and register.
Please join us to celebrate the rich history and contributions of the Black Community while creating meaningful connections and memories together.
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
Markham Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison Committee
We are pleased to share that applications for the Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison (MBYL) Committee are now open. MBYL is a youth-led advisory committee dedicated to representing and uplifting the voices of Black youth in the City of Markham.
The Committee empowers youth through advocacy, leadership opportunities, and meaningful engagement. Members plan events, discuss issues facing Black youth in Markham, and help develop initiatives that enhance the Black youth experience. MBYL plays a key role in advancing the City’s Anti-Black Racism Action Plan and in fostering long-lasting, positive change.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a Black youth residing or attending school in Markham.
- Be enrolled in Grades 9 to 12 at the start of the term.
- Demonstrate engagement, enthusiasm, and community involvement.
- Possess strong leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.
- Commit to participating in meetings and committee activities.
- Engage with integrity, respect, and openness to new ideas.
How to Apply
Complete and submit the online application form by December 5, 2025.
If you require an accommodation, please contact City of Markham's contact centre at customerservice@markham.ca or by telephone at 905-477-5530.
McMaster University - Post Secondary Application Support Day
Friday, December 5, 2026 virtually from 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Navigate the application process with confidence! You'll be paired one-on-one with a current Black undergraduate student volunteer via Zoom who will:
- Guide you through the OUAC platform
- Help you understand program requirements and deadlines
- Provide insights on supplementary applications
- Share their personal application experience and strategies
Building Black Success Through Design (BBSD) Program Registration
January 10, 2026, through March 28, 2026, on the following days:
Wednesdays (6:00 pm – 7:30 pm) – Online Workshops + Lectures
Saturdays (11:00 am – 4:00 pm) – In-person at the Daniels Building
Building Black Success Through Design (BBSD) is a free12-week mentorship access program for Black high school students who are interested in architecture, art, and design. Offered by the Daniels Faculty of the University of Toronto, BBSD, aims to inspire Black students to pursue excellence and innovation within design industries and academia, enhancing diversity and building Black success through design.
The program has two cohorts to select from: architecture, and creative arts. Each cohort will consist of one Black university mentor to three mentees per working group. The mentors guide mentees through a design process, with a series of lessons and workshops that introduce the concepts, tools and methods used in the architecture and design industries.
Applications are now open – To register please visit the Daniels Faculty Website.
If you have any questions please email bbsd@daniels.utoronto.ca
Kuumba Program and Rapid Access Therapy Program - York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families
Dates: Ongoing
Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) is a counselling and therapy program offered through York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families. Kuumba at York Hills is a specialized mental health and wellness program for the Black and Black- identifying community that provides a safe place centering culture, compassion and empowerment.
We also offer mental health crisis support through our new partnership with Southlake Health in Bradford, Newmarket, Aurora, East Gwillimbury and Georgina.
Contact Us:
905-503-9560 Ask for “Kuumba Program”; kuumba@yorkhills.ca; www.yorkhills.ca/contact Online form - Ask for the “Kuumba Program”
Rapid Access Therapy Program. Booking link. Join our mailing list.
Interested in booking a group? Want to collaborate? Contact Teresa Knibb, Clinical Manager at tknibb@yorhills.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.
In-person location: 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 to 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
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
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
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.
‘Save the Date’ Black History Month Events
February 7, 2026, Royal Venetian Mansion, Aurora
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) and Aurora Black Community Community (ABC) are proud to announce a new intermunicipal collaboration with the Town of Newmarket and the Town of Aurora for Black History Month 2026. Embracing our shared heritage together. This evening will feature live performances, distinguished speakers and moments of reflection and recognition.
Rooted in the principles of Umoja (Unity) & Ujima (collective work and responsibility), this collaboration celebrates our shared history and honours the strength and resilience of the African Canadian community.
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 on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 10 a.m. 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)