York Region is rich in culture and diverse in religious beliefs and practices based on faith.
The dates listed below are some faith holidays of particular significance to members of the major faith communities in our Board. We are committed to affirm and value equally the faith diversity in our schools, therefore, events such as field trips, school concerts, conferences, meetings, workshops, other professional events, co-curricular activities, and exams/tests will not be scheduled on these dates:
Date | Faith Day | Faith |
June 29, 2023 | Eid-ul-Adha 1 2 | Islam |
September 16-17, 2023 | Rosh Hashanah 2 | Judaism |
September 25, 2023 | Yom Kippur 2 | Judaism |
November 12, 2023 | Diwali | Hinduism |
December 25, 2023 | Christmas | Christianity (Western) |
January 7, 2024 | Christmas | Christianity (Eastern) |
February 10, 2024 | Lunar New Year | Buddhism |
March 29, 2024 | Good Friday | Christianity (Western) |
April 10, 2024 | Eid-ul-Fitr1 2 | Islam |
April 14, 2024 | Vaisakhi | Sikhism |
April 20, 2024 | Ridvan | Baha’i |
April 23, 2024 | Pesach/Passover2 | Judaism |
May 3, 2024 | Holy Friday | Christianity (Eastern) |
June 17, 2024 | Eid-ul-Adha 1 2 | Islam |
1 Dates are subject to the sighting of the moon and may vary for different members of the Islamic faith
2All Jewish and Islamic Holy Days commence on the preceding evening at sunset.
Exceptions are sometimes made in the case of extended field trips. These exceptions are made with Superintendent approval and take into consideration the impact to students participating, the availability of learning opportunities and their educational value.
Please note that in addition to the above-listed dates, YRDSB will take reasonable steps to accommodate students and staff members of a faith group for whom the Board’s and the school’s operations or requirements create undue hardship and interfere with their ability to exercise their religious beliefs and practices.
These dates may include, but are not limited to the following:
Date | Faith Day | Celebration | Faith |
July 28, 2023 | Ashura 1 2 | Islam |
Sept 30-Oct 6, 2023 | Sukkot 2 | Judaism |
October 6-7, 2023 | Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah 2 | Judaism |
November 1, 2023 | All Saints’ Day | Christianity (Western) |
November 27, 2023 | Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji | Sikhism |
January 5, 2024 | Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji | Sikhism |
February 14, 2024 | Ash Wednesday | Christianity (Western) |
March 23, 2024 | Purim 2 | Judaism |
March 25, 2024 | Holi | Hinduism |
March 20, 2024 | Naw-Ruz | Baha’i |
March 21, 2024 | Nowruz (Ismaili)1 2 | Islam |
March 21, 2024 | Nowruz (New Year’s Day) | Zoroastrianism |
March 11- April 9, 2024 | Ramadan 1 2 | Islam |
April 23-April 30, 2024 | Pesach/Passover 2 3 | Judaism |
April 20-May 1, 2024 | Ridvan | Baha’i |
May 23, 2024 | Wesak | Buddhism |
June 12 - 13, 2024 | Shavuot2 | Judaism |
June 21, 2024 | National Indigenous Peoples Day | Indigenous |
1 Dates are subject to the sighting of the moon each month and may vary for different members of the Islamic faith
2 All Jewish and Islamic Holy Days commence on the preceding evening at sunset.
3 The first two days and last two days of Passover are observed as full Holy Days
The Board also advocates the recognition of faith days as outlined in the Multifaith Calendar, throughout the school year.
It is recommended that individual schools, in consultation with their School Councils, develop appropriate ways of celebrating such significant days in keeping with inclusive curriculum.
This list does not represent all observances practiced by YRDSB diverse-faith community.
For additional information please contact your school’s Principal or Superintendent.