Thoughtexchange

Dear Families,  

Thank you for your ongoing support this school year as we continue to adjust to changing circumstances associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The York Region District School Board is committed to ensuring our students continue to have effective teaching and learning through access to technology, resources and engaging learning experiences and environments.  

To further support students and families, the Board will continue to gather parent/guardian and student feedback on learning environments. We want to hear from elementary families and students to better understand best practices and suggestions for student learning and well-being support.  

We are using an online tool called Thoughtexchange to invite meaningful feedback from our students and families. Parents and guardians of elementary students are encouraged to support their children in responding to the Thoughtexchange. The current Thoughtexchange asks: 

FAMILIES / STUDENTS 

• What successes have you/your child experienced this school year?
• What supports do you feel will increase your/your child’s learning and engagement experiences?
• Please provide any comments or suggestions you feel may help us when considering the improvement of your/your child’s learning experiences 

To participate and learn more, please visit the YRDSB website. 

This opportunity closes on February 8 at 11:59 p.m. 

Thank you again for your ongoing support.

Please visit www.yrdsb.ca/covid19 for school board information and www.york.ca/coronavirus for public health information. 

Model Change Request

The YRDSB sent an email to all families sharing information regarding the model change request procedures. Those that are currently enrolled in Face-to-Face learning can request Virtual Learning, and those currently enrolled in Virtual Learning can request Face-to-Face learning. The survey for families interested in changing their current model of learning will open February 1st and will close February 8th. There will be no exceptions past this deadline. Further details regarding the timelines of responses to the survey and implementation dates are subject to the confirmation of reopening schools by the Province. We will make sure to keep all families updated as we hear more information.

PA Day Reminder

Monday February 1st  is a Professional Activity (PA) day for all elementary schools in York Region.  There will be no classes for students.

211 Ontario

 Do you need help finding food, housing, financial assistance, mental health support, employment support, support for seniors, winter clothing and/or shelter? For information and referral to government, health, community and social services, call 2-1-1, search 211Central.ca, text 21166, live-chat at 211Ontario.ca/chat or email gethelp@211Ontario.ca. 211 is free, confidential and available 24/7 in 150+ languages to connect you to local community supports.

STEM

Join the YRDSB Pathways team as well as Skills Ontario to discuss careers that involve science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  As noted you can register with your child’s Gapps account here. 

Mental Health

Mental health is important to all of us, and fundamental to student mental health and well-being. Schools are ideal settings for mental health promotion, addiction awareness education, resiliency development, and connecting those in need to care pathways. 

We have a Mental Health and Addictions Strategy that sets out actions to foster mental health and well-being. Our approach to mental health focuses on promoting positive health and well-being, and providing a tiered approach to supporting students. 

Attached is our the YRDSB Mental Health Newsletter 

Upcoming Faith Days

For faith observances in February, please see the YRDSB Multifaith Calendar .