School News

Elementary and Secondary Schools Professional Activity (PA) Day - January 30, 2026

Professional Activity Day for all elementary and secondary schools (except Bill Crothers S.S.).

All Elementary Schools

Length: Full Day – AM & PM

Topic: Violence Prevention and Inclusive Education 

Entity Hosting: All Elementary Schools

Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): School Administration

Description: School teams will engage in learning focused on:

• healthy relationships, positive student behaviour, evidence-based de-escalation approaches, definitions of critical violent Incidents and critical injuries, and de-briefing tools;
• resources to address specific forms of racism, including anti-Black racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Indigenous racism and to foster inclusive, affirming, and respectful learning environments; and
• high-impact instructional practices to support student improvement in alignment with the curriculum.

All Secondary Schools

Length: Half Day - AM 

Topic: Violence Prevention, Inclusive Education, and School Improvement Planning 

Entity Hosting: All Secondary Schools

Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): School Administration

Description:

School teams will engage in learning focused on:

• healthy relationships, positive student behaviour, evidence-based de-escalation approaches, definitions of critical violent Incidents and critical injuries, and de-briefing tools;
• resources to address specific forms of racism, including anti-Black racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Indigenous racism and to foster inclusive, affirming, and respectful learning environments; and
• high-impact instructional practices to support student improvement in alignment with the curriculum.

Length: Half Day - PM

Topics: De-escalation Strategies and Improvement Planning

Entity Hosting: All Secondary Schools

Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): School Administration and Leaders

Description:

School teams will engage in learning focused on:

• de-escalation strategies, including categorization of behaviours, identification of responses, preventative strategies, use of verbal and non-verbal communication, and internal and external factors that may contribute to behaviour escalation; and
• high-impact instructional practices to support student improvement.

Registration Opens for Kindergarten and French Immersion January 16

Kindergarten Registration

Families with children who turn four or five in 2026 can register for Kindergarten beginning January 16. 

Through exploration, play and inquiry, Kindergarten helps children develop the academic, critical thinking and social skills they need to thrive in Grade 1 and beyond. Skilled and caring teams of certified teachers and early childhood educators work together to support every child in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

All schools offer before and after care programs. Check your school’s website or our before and after care directory for details. Contact providers early to secure your spot. 

Families can register online, in person or by mail or phone. Learn more about Kindergarten programs and how to register at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten or contact your local school. 

French Immersion Registration

French Immersion registration takes place from January 16 - February 9, 2026.

French Immersion is an optional program, designed for children whose first language is not French. In Grades 1, 2 and 3, all subjects are taught in French. Starting in Grade 4, time is shared equally between French and English instruction.

Information sessions for French Immersion will take place in French Immersion schools on January 15, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. 

Program locations and additional information is available on the school board website. If families are unable to attend the information session, they can hear about the French Immersion program on the Tune In YRDSB: French Immersion Podcast or watch this short video about French Immersion.