Welcome to the Fall 2026 edition of Engagement Matters. As the school year progresses, explore these updates, resources and opportunities to stay informed and involved in your child's education and school community.
Content of this Newsletter:
- Spotlight on Nellie McClung PS
- Ontario Ministry of Education Updates
- Parent Voice in Action
- Upcoming Parent Engagement Opportunities
- Policies Under Review
- Connect with PEAC
1. School Spotlight: Nellie McClung PS — Inspiring family engagement and student success across YRDSB
Community Fun Fair
Who and what are involved?
The Fun Fair brings together School Council, parent volunteers, students and former students, school staff, local businesses, vendors and community partners. Police officers, paramedics and firefighters attend with their vehicles, alongside a DJ, barbecue, vendors and auction. Classes contribute themed gift baskets and artwork, while parent volunteers seek business sponsorships to cover costs and supplies.
What effect does it have?
Families connect with one another and community helpers, while classroom contributions give students a shared role in the event. Former students return to volunteer, extending their sense of belonging beyond their years at Nellie McClung PS. The fair supports fundraising, but its greatest value is the relationships and happy memories it creates.
What lessons were learned?
Clear responsibilities, a strong volunteer team, a business contact list and varied ways to contribute make planning easier. Recognizing contributions and adapting to changing Board expectations help the event run smoothly. Two new co-chairs are stepping into leadership with support from experienced Council members and volunteers, passing knowledge, relationships and responsibilities to future school families.
Games Night
Who and what are involved?
School Council, parent volunteers and school staff organize an evening of BINGO games and prizes for families. Volunteers distribute small surprises when special numbers are called; at the end, tables take turns selecting prizes so every child goes home with something.
What effect does it have?
This annual tradition gives parents and children time together and a chance to connect with other families. Small surprises and an inclusive approach build excitement and belonging, with volunteers helping create a positive experience.
What lessons were learned?
Enough prizes, clear volunteer roles and table-by-table distribution keep the evening inclusive and manageable. Renaming BINGO Night to Games Night and adjusting prizes and supplies preserved a much-loved tradition as Board expectations evolved. Other School Councils can adapt the approach with activities suited to their community and opportunities for every child to participate.
Special thanks to PEAC member Laurie Kroft, and to the School Council and administration at Nellie McClung PS, for sharing these initiatives.
Has your school hosted an event or program that could inspire others? Let PEAC know so we can feature it in a future issue.
2. Ontario Ministry of Education Updates
These provincial updates affect students and families in the 2026–27 school year.
a) New Secondary School Examination Requirements
Most secondary courses now require a written final examination, with exceptions for specified courses. In Grade 9 de-streamed mathematics, the EQAO assessment serves as the final written examination.
Learn More: Ontario Ministry of Education — see Growing Success assessment and evaluation updates.
b) Attendance and Participation Expectations
Attendance and participation now account for 15% of final course marks in Grades 9–10 and 10% in Grades 11–12. Excused absences do not negatively affect marks; families should continue reporting absences and contacting their school when challenges arise.
Learn More: Ontario Ministry of Education — see Growing Success attendance and participation requirements.
c) Return of Paper Report Cards
Families of students in Kindergarten – Grade 8 receive paper report cards for the January/February and June reporting periods. This provincial requirement began in June 2026.
Learn More: Ontario Ministry of Education — see Growing Success paper report card requirements.
3. Parent Voice in Action: Building Family and Community Partnerships for Student Success
At our recent Parent Involvement Advisory Committee meeting, Leadership Development and Engagement presented an overview on the vital role of School Councils and parent engagement. When families and schools work together, overall student outcomes and well-being improve significantly. You know your child in ways no one else can, and combining your perspective with what educators see in the classroom helps create a complete picture to support your child.
School Councils operate under provincial regulations and board policies to serve as advisory bodies where parents hold the majority voice. The presentation also outlines the specific roles of the Council Chair and School Principal, detailing how collaborative leadership guides effective meetings, shapes school improvement priorities, and ensures accountability.
You can stay involved in ways that fit your schedule, including attending council meetings, participating in special committees or volunteering for school initiatives. Every family brings unique skills and perspectives that strengthen our community. We invite you to attend upcoming meetings and share your ideas as we partner together for student success. View the presentation.
Helpful Resource: The YRDSB School Council Handbook is a valuable resource for all School Council members and those interested in becoming involved.
Wondering how to fund your great ideas? Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants for School Councils
The Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants program provides funding to support school-based projects that strengthen parent and family engagement by identifying and removing barriers to participation in children's learning. Projects are intended to help schools create more welcoming, inclusive and identity-affirming environments while supporting priorities such as student achievement, well-being, human rights, inclusive education, mental health, mathematics, Indigenous education and equity. Eligible activities may include parent engagement events, information sessions and resources that help families become more involved in their children's education and school communities. The program aims to increase parent involvement, strengthen relationships between families and schools, reduce barriers to participation and ensure parents feel valued as partners in education.
Learn More
4. Upcoming Parent Engagement Opportunities
a) PEAC Meeting Dates
Join PEAC meetings to hear about topics affecting students and families. Check the Board and committee meeting calendar for PEAC dates.
b) School Council Forums: Learn, Connect and Engage
School Council Forums bring families, Council members, trustees, administrators, PEAC members, and Board staff together to learn about YRDSB priorities, share ideas, and connect across school communities. Five area forums are scheduled from November 23 to December 2, 2026; check the event page for locations, times, and current session details.
Find the School Council Forum for your area: School Council Forums | York Region District School Board
c) Follow Board Consultations
Watch for opportunities to share feedback on YRDSB's budget priorities, strategic planning, new programs and resources, and parent engagement initiatives.
d) Parent Learning Events
Watch for YRDSB sessions, webinars and workshops on student well-being and mental health, literacy and numeracy, digital citizenship, pathways and career planning and artificial intelligence in education.
e) Regional Parent Symposium
PEAC's annual Regional Parent Symposium offers opportunities to learn from experts and connect with other families. Watch for details about the next symposium.
5. Policies Under Review
Parent and caregiver feedback helps YRDSB keep policies relevant to students, families, staff, and communities.
Review the policies for comment listed below and share comments through the Board's policy consultation process; confirm current deadlines before submitting feedback.
| Index | Policy Title | Response Due By |
|---|---|---|
| 275 | Partisan Activities and Campaigning (Working Document) | 10/30/26 |
| 570 | Pregnancy, Parental, Adoption, Infant, Child Care Leaves (Working Document) | 10/30/26 |
| 131 | Expenses (Working Document) | 11/30/26 |
| 461 | Cannabis, Electronic Cigarettes, Tobacco - A Smoke-Free Environment (Working Document) | 11/30/26 |
| 530 | Staff Members who are Candidates for, or Elected to, Public Office (Working Document) | 11/30/26 |
| 221 | Student Trustees (Working Document) | 12/31/26 |
| 223 | Indigenous Student Trustee (Working Document) | 12/31/26 |
| 237 | Appointment of Community Members to Board Committees (Working Document) | 03/31/27 |
| 108 | Attendance Areas, Student Transfers and School Enrolment Management (Working Document) | 04/30/27 |
Formal comment may be submitted, in accordance with the processes outlined in Policy and Procedure #285.0, Board Policies, Procedures and Supporting Documents.
6. Connect with PEAC
We welcome your ideas, feedback, and questions.
- Learn more about PEAC
- School Council Hub: Connect with other Council Chairs/Co-Chairs and share resources through the Edsby School Council Hub.
- See Meeting Agendas and Minutes
- Contact PEAC: Visit the PEAC webpage or contact Leadership Development and Engagement with questions, feedback, or requests to connect with your area's representative.
Thank you for partnering with us to support student achievement, well-being and belonging across York Region District School Board schools. Together, we can help every student thrive.
