Dear Families,
Thank you for your patience and
support as schools closed to students and we moved to remote learning in
January for two weeks after the winter break, following direction from the
Government of Ontario.
It has been almost two years since
the pandemic was declared and schools closed to students for the first time.
Since then, we have all experienced significant changes and challenges in the
way we live, work and learn. As a school board, we continue to be guided by
public health advice and guidelines, our values as an
organization and the goals set out in our Multi-Year
Strategic Plan, all of which centre the well-being, learning and achievement of
our students. We remain committed to sharing information with you as it becomes
available. We also continue to update the Board website with resources and
information, at www.yrdsb.ca/school-reopening.
On the website, you can also find
information about the Board of Trustees, including
more about my role as your trustee, committee meeting dates, and information
about public participation and how you can attend public board meetings.
Following a review completed
earlier this year, trustees approved some changes to committee
structures and delegation
process to create a stronger governance model. As a Board, we are
committed to good governance, serving the needs of our community and upholding
the values of York Region District School Board.
With winter well underway, I want
to remind families that this year schools will close when an
inclement weather day is declared. This is as a result of the pandemic
and the importance of adhering to public health guidelines.
There is much to look forward to in
the months ahead.
This month, students in Grades 5 to
11 will have an opportunity to vote for the students who will represent their
voices next school year, during the student trustee elections. Student
trustees play an important role in our system, including participating in board
and committee meeting discussions. The election process also gives students an
opportunity to learn more about and participate in the voting process. Learn
more at www.yrdsb.ca/studenttrustees.
Throughout February, we recognize Black
History Month. In addition to recognizing the contributions of Black
Canadians throughout history, we are continuing to Celebrate Black Excellence
in our own community. I encourage you to read or watch the stories
of some of the many outstanding individuals in York Region, or nominate someone. You may
also be interested in some of the episodes available on our TuneIn YRDSB podcast, exploring Black History Month and
beyond.
Later in February, our schools will
become a sea of pink as we acknowledge Pink Shirt Day and stand together
against bullying. Learn more about our work to prevent
and address bullying and create equitable
and inclusive learning environments.
Family Day and March
Break are also approaching, and I wish you and your families a healthy,
restful and enjoyable break.
As we move closer to the spring and
summer months, many families who have children graduating this year are
beginning to wonder what graduation ceremonies will look like in June.
We all want to be able to celebrate this important milestone with our graduating
students in person. It is a special occasion, recognizing their years of
achievement and hard work. We recognize that it has been deeply disappointing
to students, families and staff that we have not been able to hold in-person
ceremonies as we have done in the past, as we adhere to health and safety
guidelines. School board staff continue to meet regularly with public health
and to review provincial guidelines, and as more information becomes available,
we will continue to provide you with updates.
In closing, I want to acknowledge
that as an education community, although we have faced many challenges and
changes in the past few years, we have also seen our community come together in
many ways to support our students and one another. I am proud to be part of
this community and I want to thank our students, families and staff for the
effort and care they have demonstrated.
Cindy Liang
Trustee, Richmond Hill, Wards 3, 5
and 6
