Dear families,
We are so excited to be welcoming our students, staff and families back to school for the 2022-2023 school year. For most students, the school year will start on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.
We know you have many questions in advance of the start of the school year.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of our students, staff and families remains our first priority, and we will continue to follow the direction and guidance of the Government of Ontario and York Region Public Health.
The Ministry of Education has provided direction on supporting a return to a more normalized learning experience for students while maintaining specific protective measures.This includes:
- Students, staff members and school visitors are not required to wear masks in school. Individuals who feel more comfortable or who are advised to wear a mask can continue to wear a mask and will be supported in doing so.
- Students, staff members and visitors should continue to use and adhere to the COVID-19 School and Child-Care Screening Tool (please click on Check for Symptoms Daily), prior to entering the school daily.
- Hand hygiene and cleaning and disinfection protocols will continue. In addition, we will continue to follow our current ventilation practices, optimizing air quality in schools through improved ventilation and filtration.
Additional information about health and safety measures are available on the Board website at www.yrdsb.ca/school-reopening.
We also encourage families to read this important message from York Region Public Health about the return to school.
September 6, 2022, PA Day
We have received questions regarding the September 6, 2022, PA Day for Elementary and Secondary schools. This year, the Ministry of Education has required school boards to schedule a PA Day to ensure education staff complete the Ontario College of Teachers’ mandatory Sexual Abuse Prevention Training before the middle of September. Scheduling the training early, allows for more continuity as the school-year gets underway.
School Start-Up
In the coming weeks, families will receive an email from the board with important forms that you are required to complete at the start of each school year. They include important permissions and consents. Please take the time to complete the forms for each child when you receive them. The forms will be available in 13 additional languages.
Resources to Support Learning
Our Family Resources page includes helpful links to support your child’s learning. Visit www.yrdsb.ca/familyresources for information:
- on how you can engage in your child’s education
- what they are learning at school
- on how to connect with Board personnel or your Trustees if you have a question or concern
- on quick access to online tools and resources, click “need help” for support using these tools
- on translation options, tech support, privacy tips and more
Families can also access helpful links to resources and supports available in your community at www.yrdsb.ca/communitysupports. Find information about community organizations that offer accessibility, housing, clothing, food, legal, mental health and transportation services and more. Identity-specific supports are also available.
Stay up-to-date with what’s happening in York Region District School Board throughout the year by visiting our website at www.yrdsb.ca, or following us on Twitter @YRDSB or Instagram @yrdsb.schools.
Allan Tam, Chair
Louise Sirisko, Director