Tune In YRDSB

In today's episode hosts Maria Elena Fernandez-Cameron and Anajulia Gonzalez, both vice principals in YRDSB, share their personal experiences as Latinas within the educational system during Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month.

They discuss the importance of cultural identity and inclusivity, the challenges they faced as young students, and the power of language and representation in education. They highlight the formation of the Latin Educators Network, an affinity group within the York Region District School Board, aimed at supporting the Latinx community, promoting culturally relevant education, and creating inclusive environments.

Rebecca Mitchell, the curator of the York Region District School Board Museum and Archives, hosts a discussion with five female leaders and changemakers in YRDSB.

The conversation highlights the crucial role of preserving and elevating the stories of women, including those from diverse backgrounds. The guests share their personal stories and journeys in education, emphasizing the importance of representation, community, identity, allyship and how they see their role in inspiring the next generation to reach their full potential.

In today's episode, we delve into the experiences of Muslim students, staff, and families within the York Region District School Board during Islamic Heritage Month. We explore the importance of creating identity-affirming spaces in schools and workplaces.

Join us as we celebrate diversity and explore the experiences of Muslim students and families within the education system, aiming to create a more inclusive and affirming environment for all.

In this insightful podcast episode, Andrew McConnell, the former Coordinator for First Nation, Métis, Inuit Education engages in a conversation with two Indigenous student trustees. The episode provides a unique perspective on Indigenous education in the region, featuring both an outgoing trustee, Holly, and an incoming trustee, Lily.

Andrew highlights the rich diversity of Indigenous people within the school board, celebrating their contributions and representation. Holly and Lily share their personal experiences within the education system.

This episode sheds light on the diverse experiences of Indigenous students in the education system, emphasizing the importance of representation and understanding within the York Region District School Board. Holly and Lily's stories offer listeners a valuable perspective on the ongoing journey toward inclusive and equitable Indigenous education in Ontario.

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB we delve into the topic of transitioning to secondary school, a significant phase in every student's life. Join us as we explore the excitement, nervousness, and questions that come with embarking on this new journey.

In today's episode, Curriculum Consultant, Kelly Bradshaw speaks with 2022/23 Student Trustee, Teerka Baskaran and now graduate, Fola from Newmarket High School, as they provide guidance and answers to the burning questions that many students have about starting high school. The prospect of stepping into the world of secondary education can be exhilarating, but it's also natural to feel a touch of nervousness about the unknown. Join us as we share insights and strategies to navigate this transition smoothly.

In this concluding episode of our series on supporting 2SLGBTQI+ students, we are thrilled to have some special guests joining us.

Our school social workers, have shared insights and perspectives, but it is essential to hear from parents who have firsthand experience navigating the challenges and triumphs faced by their 2SLGBTQI+ children.

Today, we're excited to amplify the voices of these parents, who will provide valuable insights into their unique journeys.

In this episode, we are joined by the members of YRDSB's Indigenous Education Team, as they delve into the crucial topic of Indigenous education and explore the next steps in fostering a more inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environment.

The team discusses what the community is seeking in terms of Indigenous education, providing valuable insights and perspectives, and also examine the current status of Indigenous education within the school board, highlighting the progress made and the challenges that still exist. Additionally, we explore the significance of raising the Every Child Matters flag in September and the symbolic importance it holds for acknowledging and honouring Indigenous peoples.

In today's episode we discuss various supports and strategies to assist secondary school students during exams. Schools also recognize individual learning preferences, encouraging students to find effective study methods like the "tense and release" technique or practicing body scans. By implementing these measures, schools empower students to prepare effectively and manage exam-related stress.

Welcome back to our Monthly Wrap-Up and Calendaring Report!

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming month.

In today’s episode we are talking about the upcoming exhibit, Standing in the Doorway: Lived Histories & Experiences of the Chinese Community, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act.

This exhibit is a collection of personal stories and artifacts that shed light on the experiences of Chinese immigrants in Canada during the early 1900s. This exhibit serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still needs to be done to create a more inclusive society. The YRDSB is partnering with Markham Museum to provide an opportunity for students, families, and educators to learn about this important part of Canadian history and engage in meaningful conversations about identity, diversity, and equity.

Welcome back to our Monthly Wrap-Up and Calendaring Report!

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming month.

In today’s episode we are joined by members from the Educators for Students of South Asian Heritage (ESSAH). The podcast highlights the importance of celebrating South Asian Heritage Month and the need for identity-affirming spaces for students, staff, and families. Members delve into the lived experiences of South Asians, and talk about the need to create spaces where students and staff can feel safe sharing their identities, and so much more.

Welcome to Tune In YRDSB's sub-series SHINE. In this series, we will celebrate Black excellence in its many forms.

Today's episode features Associate Director of Education, Equitable Outcomes & Schools, Cecil Roach and Principal of YRDSB’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy, Darcie Sutherland, hosted by Mawuli Chai.

Welcome back to our Monthly Wrap-Up and Calendaring Report!

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s  been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming month.

This episode is being released on Trans Day of Visibility. In the episode, Community Care Team School Social Workers provide some basic knowledge for listeners about diversity in identity. They dispel myths, and share considerations in supporting 2SLGBTQI+ students in schools and communities. 

Welcome back to our Monthly Wrap-Up and Calendaring Report!

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s  been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming month.

In today’s episode we are joined by Jonathan Lewis - Coordinator of the K-12 Engagement Platform and 3 Digital Literacy Consultants, Alison MacPherson, Stephanie Weyrich & Sultan Rana of the Digital Literacy Team, as they discuss digital tools, the digital environment, how learning environment has changed over the past few years, the shifts in education and so much more!

In today’s episode we are joined by Annette Oliver - Vice Principal of Continuing Education Services, Michael Grieve - Principal of Continuing Education Services, John Teolis - Teacher at Adult Day School, Camilline Tayag - Student at Adult Day School and Rahul Rashad Deen - Student at Adult Day School, as they discuss the various adult programs offered through the YRDSB, the benefits it provides to students, some commonly asked questions, where to go for more information, and so much more!

Welcome back to our Monthly Wrap-Up and Calendaring Report!

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s  been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming month. 

In today’s episode we are joined by Janani Pathy, Principal of Curriculum & Instructional Services, Suganja Sinnathamby, Secondary Teacher at Maple High School, Jananthini Sivabasgaran, Secondary Teacher at Bill Hogarth Secondary School and Dhooshiv Thurairajasingham, Elementary School Teacher at Legacy Public School as they discuss ways to help to create learning and working environments that affirm Tamil identity, share more information about the Educators for Tamil Student Success, the variety of ways YRDSB has recognized Tamil Heritage month and much more!

We also had an opportunity to hear from many Tamil students in the YRDSB and a member from the community!

In today’s episode we are joined by Principal of Student Services, Stephen Hopkins, Coordinator of Student Services, Cindy Thomas, and Regional Special Education Consultant, Kyle Gulab, as they discuss Special Education, how students are identified, the IPRC process, what is an IEP, what supports are in place for students and families, where to go with questions and so much more!

We also had an opportunity to hear from Grade 9 Student, Ethan from Thornlea Secondary School and Grade 8 Student Olivia from German Mills Public School as they reflect on how an IEP has been beneficial for them in the school system. 

Happy New Year everyone, and welcome back to our Monthly Wrap-Up and Calendaring Report!

As always, each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s  been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in  the coming weeks.

In today’s episode we are joined by Principal of Anne Frank Public School, Aneta Fishman, Educator from Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Israel, Yoni Berrous, Associate Director of Canadian Society of Yad Vashem, Josh Hacker and Educator from Keswick High School Tracey McKinley as they discuss what Yad Vashem and the scholarship program, the benefits of attending as an educator, how educators can incorporate this learning into their classrooms and so much more!

Welcome back to our Monthly Wrap-Up and Calendaring Report!

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming weeks.

We are back! 

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming weeks!

On today's episode of Tune In YRDSB, School Social Worker Charmaine Tong is joined by Youth Development Manager from 105 Gibson Centre, Ariel Yip, and students Eddie Fan, Josh Tam & Liam Chow as they reflect on their experience in the South East Asian Youth Speaks Program. 

That is a wrap YRDSB! As you know each month we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening around the board. We end this school year with a reflection on the events that took place during the month of June. We wish you all a great summer, and we will see you in the 2022/23 school year!

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been  happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the  coming weeks!

On today's episode of Tune In YRDSB, Principal Aneta Fishman is joined by Author Maksim Goldenshteyn, student Sharon Kartuz, and her mother Mery Kartuz as they reflect on Maksim's book, "So They Remember" to learn more about this period of history, the importance of holocaust education and the importance of creating identity affirming learning and working environments.

It is critically important that we continue to teach, learn about and remember the lessons of the Holocaust as part of an ongoing effort to build an inclusive and equitable society free from hate and intolerance and based on respect for human rights.

*Parents, caregivers, educators, staff and students in grades 6 and up are welcome to listen to and learn from the podcast. Students in grades 6 to 8 are advised to listen with a caring adult present.*

On today's episode of Tune In YRDSB, Principal Debbie Linkewich is joined by four secondary students Benny, Claire, Jennifer and Trinity, as they reflect back on this years Hackathon, and dive deeper into; what is a hackathon, what students learned, the design thinking process, student projects, the benefits for students' future, and so much more!

Welcome to Tune In YRDSB's new sub-series SHINE. In this series, we will celebrate Black excellence in its many forms.

Today's episode features Dr. Olubimpe Ayeni and is hosted by Mawuli Chai.

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming weeks!

On today's episode of Tune In YRDSB, YRDSB and YCDSB Active Travel Coordinator Reena Mistry is joined by Castlemore P.S. Principal Leeanne Hoover-Joy, Curriculum Consultant Marlee Corcoran and City of Markham Traffic and Transportation Planning Manager Loy Cheah to discuss active routes to school.  

Shine Episode Three: Jayden Hamilton: Welcome to Tune In YRDSB's new sub-series SHINE. In this series, we will celebrate Black excellence in its many forms.

Today's episode features Musician Jayden Hamilton (Li'l J Hollywood) and is hosted by Mawuli Chai.  

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming weeks!

On today's episode of Tune In YRDSB, York Region Athletics Association (YRAA) Coordinator of Athletics Mark Arsenault is joined by YRAA President Jeff Masterson, Bill Hogarth Secondary School Coach/Department Head Sarah Succee and Student Athletes Spencer Dillon (Bill Hogarth Secondary School) and Amy Pletsas (King City Secondary School) to discuss athletics at the secondary school level.  

(LISTENING) ADVISORY

While the intention of this podcast is to create an atmosphere of joy and positive affirmation, some content may be emotionally triggering and of a sensitive nature. This episode of the podcast features content related to suicide, which may be emotionally triggering for some students and families. If you or someone you know is triggered by the content or experiencing a mental health concern including having thoughts of suicide. Support is available. Immediate telephone support is accessible by calling 310-COPE  at 1-855-310-COPE (2673); you can speak with a crisis worker at any time (24/7).

Children and youth can also access telephone support by contacting Black Youth Helpline at  416-285-9944. For immediate and emergency support please call 911.

All services are free and can be accessed confidentially.

Welcome to Tune In YRDSB's new sub-series SHINE. In this series, we will celebrate Black excellence in it's many forms. 

Today's episode features YouTube, Television and Social Media Personality, Jillian Danford, also known as Auntie Jillian and is hosted by Mawuli Chai.

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming weeks!

Welcome to Tune In YRDSB's new sub-series SHINE.  In this series, we will celebrate Black excellence.  Today's episode features Actor and Vocalist Saeed Renaud and is hosted by Mawuli Chai.  

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming weeks!

Join the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism team as they explore what makes our Black community shine on our new Tune In YRDSB production, SHINE.

On today's episode of Tune In YRDSB, we are going to be taking at a look at GSAs (Genders & Sexualities Alliances or Gay Straight Alliance) throughout the YRDSB in Secondary and Elementary Schools. 

Joined today by Missy Mae-Ng - School Social Worker, Hayden Bendavid - Equity Teacher Facilitator & Co-Chair, Elementary GSA Network, Brooke Ginsler - ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher, Donna Franklin - Child & Youth Worker and Cove - YRDSB Secondary School Student.

On this episode, our guests will be talking about:

• The history of GSAs
• GSAs in York Region
• The different types of GSAs
• What GSA meetings look like,
• and so much more!

On today's episode of Tune In YRDSB, we are going to be taking at a look at the Nur Muslim Mentorship Program, brought to you by our guests Wahid Khan - South Asian Teacher Liason, Fahima Raufi - Teacher, Zahra Kaba - Equity Teacher Facilitator, Amira - Grade 10 Student, Alesha - Grade 10 Student and Rhyanne - Grade 9 Student.

Our guests will be talking about, 

• What inspired the need for a Muslim Mentorship Program within YRDSB
• How this program will inspire, challenge and help growth of young Muslim students within the board.
• What non-Muslim educators, students, administrators need to know about why having NMMP is important at YRDSB
• The goals and plans to grow the program and expand over the next few years
• and much more!

On today's episode of Tune In YRDSB, we are going to be diving deeper into our French Immersion Program, brought to you by our guests Arin Otis - Principal, Deborah Joyce - Principal, Alexandra Papadakis - French Immersion Teacher, Birhavi Somasundaram - Student Teacher, Brandon Wilson - Student Teacher, Kaiden - Grade 3 Student, Mia - Grade 3 Student.

Our guests will be talking about, 

• What students like about French Immersion
• What the program looks like
• How to register
• Common questions families have
• and much more!

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the  coming weeks!

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening  around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Each month, we will give you a quick update on what’s been happening around the board, and what we have to look forward to in the coming  weeks.

This week we are talking about some of the many exciting Ontario Youth Apprenticeship opportunities available to our secondary students. There are over 150 skilled trades for our students so that they can explore their interests and pathway options.

Joined by Mirella Sanwalka, Principal Curriculum and Instruction Services, Reshma Badiani, Curriculum Coordinator and Linda Alati, Curriculum Consultant on the Pathways team.

In addition we are joined by a former student from Stouffville DHS, Thomas Kroupis, and a current YRDSB OYAP student, Anna Maria Manousaridis from Markham District HS as they talk about their experience in the program.