Addressing Anti-Black Racism
We are dedicated to enabling all students to achieve personal excellence. Our classrooms and workplaces must be safe and inclusive and our environments positively affirm student and staff identities. Our priority of championing equity and inclusivity has a focus on addressing incidents of anti-Black racism. We are providing you with an update on our progress this year and details on our plans for the year ahead. Transparency and accountability are essential elements of our plan.
Anti-Black Racism
I would like to update you on our commitment to anti-Black racism. Regrettably, anti-Black racism exists in Canada and in our communities. We know that racist incidents also occur in our schools and how we address them is critical in our work to reduce them and address systemic barriers. Discrimination and oppression of racialized individuals has occurred for hundreds of years.
Anti-Black Racism
We have all seen the disturbing and heart-wrenching video of the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died while in police custody in the City of Minneapolis. Many may also have seen coverage of the resulting protests that erupted in Minneapolis and across the US. While this incident of anti-Black racism occurred in the US, we know we have to face the truth of anti-Black racism in Canada, in York Region and in our schools.
Anti-Black Racism
Regrettably, we have become aware of an incident of anti-Black racism that occurred during an online video/call at one of our schools with approximately 40 Grade 12 students. That this took place in our schools is extremely upsetting and another reminder of how important the work to combat anti-Black racism is in our communities.
Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting During COVID-19
Dear families and students,
I hope you, your families and loved ones are all well. On the evening of Friday, April 3, the Ontario Ministry of Education sent out a memo to school boards outlining guidance on assessment, evaluation and reporting. This letter provides information for this week and beyond. If further direction is provided by the Ministry of Education regarding assessment, evaluation and reporting, the details in this letter will be modified where necessary and we will communicate that to you.
March 31, 2020
Earlier today, the Premier of Ontario announced that schools would remain closed until May 4, as part of efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19. We know that many of you have questions about what this means for your child’s learning, transitions, post-secondary applications and more.
March 12, 2020
Every child deserves to learn in a safe and inclusive school, regardless of their faith, heritage, orientation, race or income.
To help ensure student safety, the Province of Ontario has launched an online survey to hear from students, parents and guardians and school staff about their experiences with bullying in Ontario schools. The online survey will help the province better understand the different ways that bullying occurs in classroom settings.
Celebrating Black Excellence
A principal turned national television sports broadcaster.
A student whose quiet leadership and passion for trucks have put him on the path to success.
A teacher giving her students voice through the art of spoken word.
Novel Coronavirus
We are writing to families today sharing specific concerns related to the Novel Coronavirus and are seeking your support as members of our community. We understand that students and their families are feeling some anxiety regarding the Novel Coronavirus.
January 15, 2020
About 3,000 People Attend Community Vigil Honouring Flight 752 Victims
On Monday, close to 3,000 people gathered at a vigil in Richmond Hill to honour the victims of Flight 752 in Iran.
The York Region community, including our students, families and staff members, have been deeply and directly affected by this tragic event and we came together united in our grief and support for one another.