Gator Gazette Apr. 20 - 24, 2026

Week of April 20^th- April 24^th, 2026

EQAO Webinar for Parents and Guardians of Elementary School Students

Register for this free live webinar and learn about EQAO’s Primary and Junior Assessments of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Participants will learn about the purpose of Ontario’s large-scale assessments. EQAO staff will explain the assessment format, highlight resources to support students, and answer questions from participants. The session is approximately 45 minutes, followed by a live Q&A with EQAO staff. Click to Register

Next Events: Wed., Apr. 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. (ET) or Wed., Apr. 29, 2026, from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. (ET

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Kindergarten Information Session on April 22 (6:30-7:30)

This session is for all families with new kindergarten students starting school in September. During this in-person event, you will receive important information about the play-based kindergarten program, school routines, bussing, the before/after care program provider, the school council, and tips for a smooth transition to school.
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Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, April 20, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Families, parents, and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting, where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools. Please see our flyer for more information and the registration link.

For further information, please email the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.

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Class Placements for September 2026

Each year in late spring, school staff meet to create classes for the next school year. Many factors are taken into account when creating classes and placing students, including specific teaching and learning styles, overall make-up of the class/class dynamics, pre-existing social relationships, etc. Decisions are not made based on requests for specific teachers or whether students were in a combined class previously. 

In addition, though we appreciate that parents want children placed with friends, we respectfully ask that, if necessary, you provide us only with information about a specific need that is detrimental to learning in the classroom environment. Understanding that the classroom is an environment which should foster social growth, flexibility and resiliency, it is important that children learn to make new friends as well.

If you have essential information that should be considered in placing your child, please ensure this is shared with the school in writing (via email) to the school email at phoebe.gilman.ps@yrdsb.ca or your child's current teacher by May 1^st.

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School Fundraiser: Domino’s 

Enjoy a Domino’s pizza for Family Pizza Night every Thursday and Friday until the end of the school year! 

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Summer Learning Programs: 

Summer Institute | York Region District School Board York Region District School Board’s Summer Institute offers academic, recreational and athletic programs and activities with intentional links to the Ontario Curriculum for students entering Senior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Click here for the flyer. 

Elementary Summer School | York Region District School Board

The YRDSB offers a Grade 6, 7 & 8 Summer School program. This 15-day literacy and numeracy program is designed to reinforce the curriculum and is not an acceleration opportunity. Students must register in the program for their current school grade. For example, a grade 7 student would register for the grade 7 program as it reinforces grade 7 content. 

Camp Black Brilliance-Registration is now open for The Centre for Black Student Excellence - Camp Black Brilliance Summer Program. 

Camp Black Brilliance will offer families the opportunity to get to know the Kindergarten program and have their children experience their introduction to schooling in a way that is culturally responsive and affirming of their identity, through experiential learning.

Register Today! The deadline is June 1, 2026. Please see our Camp-Black-Brilliance-Flyer and Camp Black Brilliance website for more information. For more information or questions, please contact blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.

York Region Summer Programs 2026

York Region offers subsidies for recreation programs, day camps and youth overnight camps. Recreation programs and day camp subsidies provide children from families with low income the ability to take part in programs offered by the municipal recreation departments. The youth overnight camp funding helps eligible youth ages 12 to 17 attend an approved overnight camp.

Available Subsidies for:

• Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY)
• Summer day camp funding
• Youth overnight camp funding

York Region does not guarantee space in programs or camps.

Please visit the York Region website for registration and information or call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 or https://www.york.ca/support/financial-assistance/recreation-subsidies 

Information can also be found on the YRDSB Community Supports Page. 

Victims of Crime Week

Parents, caregivers, guardians, community members and youth 11+ are welcome to attend the 4th Annual Anti-Human Trafficking Conference in York Region.

Join us at Seneca Polytechnic College King Campus on May 12, 2026, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. for an evening of learning, networking, and collaboration in the fight against human trafficking. Registration for the 4th Annual York Region Anti-Human Trafficking Conference.

Our conference brings together experts, advocates, and community members to raise awareness and education. Through engaging workshops, inspirational talks and community booths, we gain valuable knowledge and tools to protect and empower our community. Free refreshments and a light dinner will be provided.

For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca. 

Polish Heritage Month

The month of May is Polish Heritage Month. Polish Heritage Month was given Royal Assent in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2021. 

Polish Canadians have lived in Ontario since the 19th century and, over the years, have and continue to make significant contributions to Ontario’s cultural, social, and political landscape. May 3rd is an important day for Polish People as it commemorates the 1791 Constitution, which is a symbol of Poland’s aspiration for freedom, democracy and independence. This is one of the most important Polish holidays, and many parades and festivities take place in May.

Jewish Heritage Month

Canadian Jewish Heritage Month was given Royal Assent in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on April 24, 2012 and in the Senate of Canada on March 29, 2018. Canada is home to the fourth-largest Jewish population in the world. Jewish Canadians have proudly contributed to Canadian heritage in all of its facets, including the military, the arts, government, business, academia, law, medicine, culture, and sports. Throughout the month of May, we celebrate the contributions Jewish Canadians make in communities across the country.

Dutch Heritage Month

The month of May is Dutch Heritage Month. Dutch Heritage Month was given Royal Assent in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2011. 

Since the early 1800s, the Dutch Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to the cultural, social, and political fabric.

May holds historical significance for those with Dutch heritage. On May 5, 1945, the Canadian forces played an important role in the liberation of the Netherlands from World War II. The Netherlands celebrates independence and liberty, along with the heroic efforts of the Canadian forces, with a national, annual holiday known as Liberation Day on May 5.

Asian South Asian Heritage Month

YRDSB takes pride in recognizing Asian and South Asian Heritage Month.  This month provides a vital opportunity to explore, understand, and affirm the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Canadians of Asian descent. The provincial government designated May as South Asian Heritage Month in 2001 and as Asian Heritage Month in 2005.  

Armenian Heritage Month

Armenian Heritage Month was given Royal Assent in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2022 through Bill 105 Act to proclaim the month of May as Armenian Heritage Month. May 28, 1918, is widely celebrated by Armenian people around the world as the day Armenians regained sovereignty over their historical territory. The 1918 Armenian Declaration of Independence is a symbol of Armenians’ aspiration for freedom, democracy and independence. May 28th is one of the most important Armenian holidays, and many parades and festivities take place during the month of May.

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SAVE the DATE for our Spring Concert! 

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Social Insurance Number (SIN) & Youth Employment Spring Clinics

In collaboration with Service Canada, YRDSB is pleased to host a Social Insurance Number (SIN) & Youth Employment Clinics at various secondary schools this spring. These clinics offer an opportunity for elementary and secondary students and their families to apply for and receive a Social Insurance Number (SIN) on the spot. Additionally, attendees can learn about summer job opportunities, internships and other federal programs. Please see the flyer for a full list of clinic dates and locations.

For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca. 

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Click here for the Persian Translation.  Click here for the Russian Translation. Please email the school if you need the Gator Social translated into a different language. phoebe.gilman.ps@yrdsb.ca