Budget Consultation Process for Parents/Guardians and Community Members

Budget Consultation Process for Parents/Guardians and Community Members

Between March 25 and March 31, York Region District School is inviting parents, guardians and community members to participate in its annual budget consultation process. The Board values parent input and encourages you to attend a consultation session. These sessions provide the Board with valuable information about how the community would like to see the school board budget allocated to better support student achievement and well-being. The results will be used to inform the 2020-21 school year budget allocation.

The dates and locations are:

Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Registration: 6:30 p.m.
Consultation: 7:00 p.m. Sutton District High School, Library
20798 Dalton Road, Georgina

Thursday, March 26, 2020
Registration: 6:30 p.m.
Consultation: 7:00 p.m. Tommy Douglas Secondary School, Library
4020 Major Mackenzie Drive, Woodbridge

Saturday, March 28, 2020
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Markville Secondary School, Library
1000 Carlton Road, Unionville

Tuesday, March 31, 2020
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
York Region District School Board, Education Centre - Aurora, Boardroom
60 Wellington Street West, Aurora

Kid's Kitchen March Update

York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) - Sankofa Mentoring Program

http://www.yorkregionaacc.ca/

Student Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter - February 2020

Student Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter February 2020

YRDSB Mental Health services are provided by YRDSB psychology and social work personnel

Common Reactions to Trauma

At some point in our lives, we are all likely to experience or be affected by some form of trauma

– whether it be experiencing a life event of our own or witnessing another person experience trauma. Regardless of the cause, the trauma creates a lasting impression on our brain.

Psychology Today has explained 21 common reactions to trauma including anger, avoidance and sadness. And although everyone is different and will experience trauma differently based on various personal and societal factors, what is common is that there is support. There are supports and resources available (school-based mental health professionals such as Psychological Services and School Social Workers) at the school for students who need to speak with someone. If you have concerns about your child’s well-being, please contact your school Principal.

At YRDSB, we have Tips for Supporting Children and Youth after a Concerning Event at School. These tips can help guide families when dealing with and helping to support their children during a difficult and traumatic experience.

Board staff can also reinforce students’ sense of safety and well-being by:

Creating a calm, predictable and welcoming classroom and school environment. Bolstering well-being and healthy coping strategy activities.

Following the student’s lead in discussing their concerns, (if students aren’t discussing their concerns, keep focused on your regular school activities).

Listening for and responding to students who may be struggling and accessing appropriate mental health resources for students and families as needed.

For more information, please see the YRDSB Mental Health webpage.

Release of the YRDSB Student Suicide Intervention Protocol

York Region District School Board is committed to student well-being and mental health. YRDSB has developed a Student Suicide Intervention Protocol to help keep students safe in the event of suicidal thoughts or actions. The Student Suicide Intervention Protocol will be implemented starting Fall 2019. Youth suicide is a complex, emotionally-charged and sadly a real problem in Canada. It is the second leading cause of death amongst young people. It’s important to recognize that those who struggle with mental health have personal strength and resilience and the potential to overcome difficulties to ultimately thrive.

The YRDSB Student Suicide Intervention Protocol is designed to address the six steps involved when responding to current and present thoughts of suicide, as well as actions related to suicide. In addition, the Protocol is governed by a set of guiding principles which are underpinned by a culturally responsive and reflective practice.

Suicide is not culturally neutral. Our cultural and ethnic backgrounds will inform how each of us understands suicide. To see all the guiding principles, refer to the print version of the protocol on the on the board website YRDSB-Student Suicide Intervention Protocol. If you have any questions about the Student Suicide Intervention Protocol, please contact your school principal.

Patricia Marra-Stapleton, M.Sc., C. Psych. Assoc.

Mental Health Lead

patricia.marra-stapleton@yrdsb.ca

Gisella Ragno, MSW, RSW

Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health gisella.ragno@yrdsb.ca

Message From Our Trustee

Message from Our Trustee

As we enter another month of winter, this is a good time to be thinking about our health, well-being and the importance of self-care. We know that, like all of us, our students can focus better when they feel better. Our schools play an important role in health and mental health promotion and education, and fostering well-being and mental health is one of our priorities as a school board.

There is a lot of work taking place in our schools and board to create healthy schools and promote mental health and well-being, including: 

·        Providing training and resources for educators on strategies to support mentally healthy classrooms for all students, including holding a mental health conference. 

·        Hiring identity specific mental health workers and developing partnerships with community partners to serve the diverse needs of our students. 

·        Developing a Student Suicide Intervention Protocol to help keep students safe in the event of suicidal thoughts or actions.

·        Educating students about the risks of substance use and misuse, including vaping and cannabis. 

·        Providing strategies and supports for students in preparing for exams and managing stress​.  

This commitment is also reflected in Board policy like the Healthy Schools and Workplaces policy and procedures. Setting policy, which governs the operation of the Board, is one of the roles of trustees, and we greatly value the input provided by students, staff members, family and community members. I encourage you to look at the policies under review and share your feedback.

We have a lot to look forward to in 2020. At the Board meeting in December, trustees unanimously approved the addition of new permanent Indigenous Trustee and Indigenous Student Trustee positions. We are committed to Indigenous Education in our Board and it is important that these voices are represented at the table. We hope to fill the positions as soon as possible and will share more information as it becomes available. 

A message from the Chair of the Board of Trustees is also available on the Board website at www.yrdsb.ca. 

Juanita Nathan

Trustee, Markham, Wards 7 and 8   

Parents for Children's Mental Health - Upcoming Workshops