Content of this Newsletter:

• Spotlights on Sam Chapman Public School and Lake Simcoe Public School
• What’s the Latest on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at YRDSB?
• Make Your Community Involvement Count!
• Join Us! PEAC New Member Applications Due June 10  
• Policies Under Review - Seeking Your Input!
• Join Us at Upcoming Meetings 

World Kindness Day at Sam Chapman Public School: A Chain That Connected Us All 

Sam Chapman P.S. came together to celebrate World Kindness Day in November through a simple and powerful initiative led by the School Council, with the support of staff and students across all grades.  

Who and what were involved?

The planning and execution of the event was a collaborative effort. School Council members designed the concept of a Kindness Chain and worked with school staff to integrate the activity into classroom routines. Teachers played a key role by facilitating classroom discussions about kindness, distributing colourful paper strips, and encouraging students to reflect on what kindness means to them or to share messages they wanted the world to hear. Students and staff then connected their individual links to create classroom chains, which were combined into one long, vibrant display.  

What effect did it have?

The effect of the event was immediate and meaningful. Students were given a voice to express empathy, gratitude and care in their own words, reinforcing the importance of kindness as a shared value. The completed Kindness Chain served as a powerful visual reminder that individual actions no matter how small are connected and collectively create a positive school culture. The activity fostered reflection, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging among students and staff alike. 

What lessons were learned?

One key lesson learned is that simple, low-cost activities can have a high impact when they are inclusive and reflective. Other schools considering a similar initiative may benefit from embedding the activity into classroom discussions, allowing students time to think deeply about their messages, and creating a shared visual outcome that the whole school can take pride in. 

Sam Chapman P.S. is proud to have marked World Kindness Day in a way that highlighted student voice, community collaboration, and the enduring message that kindness truly connects us all.  We thank PEAC member Jananey Jayaratnarajah for sharing this wonderful initiative with us.

Family Engagement Night at Lake Simcoe Public School in Georgina

Lake Simcoe P.S. was proud to host its Community Connections Fair on February 12, an evening designed to strengthen connections between families, the school and the many agencies that support the Georgina community.

Who and what were involved?

The event was organized through the collaborative efforts of Lake Simcoe P.S. staff and administration, who worked together to invite and coordinate a wide range of community partners. Agencies representing family services, mental health supports, childcare, settlement services, recreation programs and community outreach were present to share information and connect directly with families. A special thank you goes out to Trustee Butterworth and Venna Kardan (PEAC Co-Chair) for attending and supporting the evening.

Organizations such as Georgina Community Food Pantry, EarlyON Child and Family Centre, Family Services York Region, CMHA York Region, the Welcome Centre for Immigrant Services, Learning Disabilities Association of York Region, and several other local partners attended the evening and provided families with valuable information about the programs and supports available throughout the region.

What effect did it have?

The effects of the event was evident throughout the evening, as families engaged in conversations with agencies, explored available resources, and built new connections with services that support student and family well-being. The event also welcomed members of the broader community who do not currently have children attending the school, demonstrating the importance of creating spaces where the wider community can come together.

In speaking with several of the agency partners who attended, they all felt their time was incredibly well spent. We even saw members of the broader community attending who do not currently have students at the school. That speaks volumes about the need for events like this and the strength of our community. We could not have asked for a more successful evening.

What lessons were learned?

One key lesson learned from organizing the event is the importance of intentionally bringing community organizations directly into the school space. When schools create welcoming opportunities for families to meet with agencies in a familiar environment, barriers are reduced and meaningful connections can form more naturally. Other schools considering a similar event may find success by reaching out early to community partners, inviting a diverse range of services, and creating a family-friendly atmosphere that encourages conversation and engagement.

The evening was a powerful reminder of the impact that strong school–community partnerships can have in helping families access resources, build relationships, and support student success.

A particularly heartfelt thank you goes to Community Partnership & Developer Representative Patti O’Sullivan, whose leadership and coordination were instrumental in bringing together so many partners and making the evening such a tremendous success. Also, a deep note of gratitude to Vice-Principal, Sean Myers, who played a significant role in planning and coordinating the event alongside Principal, Melissa Murray, who make such a great impact in our school. 

Thank you also to PEAC Co-Chair, Venna Kardan, for sharing this feature with us.

What’s the Latest on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at YRDSB?

Students in Grades 7-12 now have access to a Board-approved enterprise AI tool (Google Gemini). This enterprise AI tool meets strict security and privacy standards. We have developed guidelines for educators and students to support the effective, safe and responsible use of AI to support student learning. Students will learn about the importance of critical thinking, academic integrity and privacy and safety practices when using AI. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 will learn about AI - what it is, how to use and think critically about it but will not have access to Gemini. 

Families are encouraged to review these guidelines with their children and to review the resources and information for families. This includes frequently asked questions and tips for speaking with your child about AI. 

Make Your Community Involvement Count

To earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, YRDSB secondary school students are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement. These hours can be earned through a wide range of meaningful opportunities, including non‑profit and community‑focused organizations, and in some cases, school‑based initiatives. Students may begin accumulating hours as early as the summer after Grade 8, with all activities recorded on the official Notification and Completion form.

York Region Educational Services (YRES) is proud to support this journey by offering free and affordable educational resources in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Through community‑driven programs and accessible learning opportunities, YRES empowers individuals to learn, grow, and thrive — building confidence, nurturing potential, and laying strong foundations for the future across York Region and beyond.

By getting involved with YRES, participants gain hands‑on volunteer experience while developing essential skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork. Beyond meeting secondary school graduation requirements, YRES offers engaging programs, camps, and community events where youth and young adults aged 12 to 30 can make a real, lasting impact in their communities. Discover how you can get involved and start making a difference today.

Join Us! PEAC New Member Applications Open May 16-June 10, 2026  

YRDSB invites parents, families, and community members to apply to be a member on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC).

PEAC strengthens parent and community engagement at the Board level and provides a collective voice to help support student achievement and well‑being across York Region. Members contribute their perspectives and attend a minimum of five meetings per year.

Apply to Become a Member

Parents and family members are encouraged to apply for available elementary and/or secondary positions within their Community Education Centre (CEC) school area. Applications may also be accepted for a Community Member at Large (must not be a Board member or employee). Apply within your child’s school area. If unsure, visit the School Profiles page.

How to Apply

Submit your application using the Online Application Form between May 16 and June 10, 2026.

For a copy of the application:

• Email Leadership Development and Engagement at lde@yrdsb.ca, or
• Call 905‑727‑0022 ext. 3650

Make your voice heard — help shape the future of public education in York Region.

Policies Under Review - Seeking Your Input!

We currently have the following policies for comment. 

Formal comment may be submitted, in accordance with the processes outlined in Policy and Procedure #285.0, Board Policies, Procedures and Supporting Documents.

Join Us at Upcoming Meetings

We invite you to stay involved and informed about topics that affect YRDSB students and families by joining our meetings! Missed a meeting? No problem! You can find all meeting agendas and minutes here.