Message from the Board Chair and Director
Over the weekend, we were heartbroken to see the news of the discovery of a mass grave of 215 children at the former residential school in Kamloops, British Columbia. This is a devastating reminder of not only the tragic legacy of residential schools in our country, but our need to continue to address the ongoing trauma that Indigenous students, families, staff and communities face. Our Director’s Action Plan commits us to interrogate the ongoing impact of colonialism, and Residential Schools were a dehumanizing embodiment of the Canadian colonial project.
Message From the Board Chair
It has come to our attention that some hurtful and disturbing comments have been shared on Twitter. The account that shared the Tweets has been alleged of having an affiliation with one of our Trustees.
Letter to Minister Lecce and Dr Kurji
Dear Minister Lecce and Dr. Kurji,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the York Region District School Board, our 128,000 students and their families and over 19,000 staff members. We are very concerned about the rising number of COVID-19 variant cases in Ontario, and specifically York Region. According to letters issued to families from York Region Public Health, “they are becoming the dominant strain in the community.”
Our new digital front door
During the pandemic, it has become increasingly clear how important it is for our families to be able to find important and up-to-date information.
We are very excited this week to be launching our refreshed Board website. This new site better reflects our board and will make it easier for our community to find and access the information they are looking for. In redesigning the site, we continued to centre our families, including those who are underserved and underperforming. Our work was informed by feedback from the community, data and website design research.
Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School
On March 2, 2021, the York Region Region District School Board of Trustees voted to rename the former Vaughan Secondary School after Hodan Nalayeh, following a community consultation process.
The renaming was initiated by Black community leaders, who brought the issue to the Board’s attention for action. We are thankful for their leadership, advocacy and their efforts.
We also want to thank the students, families, staff and community members who shared their input throughout the consultation process.
School Renaming Process
Reflection is critically important for good decision making. While this process is often invisible to our community, I think there are times when we need to publicly share our thoughts. The harm caused through the current renaming process in the City of Vaughan warrants this degree of openness and acknowledgement.
Election of Officers for 2020
Yesterday, at our annual inaugural Board meeting, the trustees elected our officers of the Board. I am humbled to serve this year as Board Chair.
I am pleased to congratulate Trustee Allan Tam who was elected as Vice-Chair and Trustee David Sherman who will serve again as Budget Chair. I also want to offer my thanks and congratulations to past Chair Juanita Nathan for the leadership and commitment she demonstrated over the past year serving as Chair of the Board.
New trustee elect for Richmond Hill, Wards 1, 2 and 4
On behalf of York Region District School Board, I am pleased to congratulate the new trustee elect for Richmond Hill, Wards 1, 2 and 4, Simon Cui.
I would like to recognize the hard work and efforts of all 15 candidates who ran in the by-election. Your time and dedication to the students and families of York Region is greatly appreciated. I would like to thank the councillors and staff at City of Richmond Hill who ran a safe, online election for voters and candidates during this challenging time. Your professionalism, cooperation and expertise was invaluable.
Vaughan SS Name Change
At yesterday’s YRDSB Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to rename Vaughan Secondary School after a report went to the Board on the school renaming.
Welcome Back
A video version of the message below is available.
I want to take this opportunity to welcome all of our students and families back to school, on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
We know this school year will look a little different, whether you are participating in online learning or returning to the classroom. What has not changed is our commitment to delivering high-quality public education to all of our students.