Gator Gazette Dec. 1 - 5, 2025

Week of December 1 - December 5, 2025

Kiss and Ride Reminder   

With the colder weather approaching, we anticipate a much busier Kiss and Ride area. Recently, we have noticed an increase in parents parking and leaving their vehicles to walk their children to the entry gate and entry doors which has caused our Kiss and Ride to be blocked and backed up in some areas. 

If you wish to walk your child to their designated entry gate or entry door, you may use one of the available parking spots in our side parking lot.  We would like to keep the Kiss and Ride area running efficiently so that all of our students can get inside on time. Please note, students are permitted to enter through the side doors beside the Kindergarten entry gate.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Winter Weather Reminders

As winter weather approaches, we want to share a few important reminders.

Dress for the weather: Students should come dressed appropriately for the weather and for outdoor play. Students can stay warm by wearing layers of loose-fitting clothing, a hat, scarf, jackets, snow pants and mittens or gloves. Students may also want to bring extra pants and socks in case they get wet.

Recess: If students are well enough to come to school, they are expected to go outside for recess. Our students benefit from spending time outside and being active. We monitor weather conditions throughout the day. If there are extreme weather conditions, we may consider a shortened or indoor recess.

Bus or School Cancellations: When an extreme cold or inclement weather day is declared, school transportation (including buses and taxis) is cancelled in the morning and afternoon. Schools will remain open. Please notify the school if your child will not be attending school on those days. Students will not be penalized for missing school on these days.

There may be rare instances when emergency weather events occur, and we need to close all schools and Board locations. Please take the time to make plans in the event of an emergency school closure. Information about transportation cancellations and Board closures will be shared through local media, Board and school websites and on X @YRDSB. Our process for extreme cold, inclement weather and emergency weather days is outlined in the Board’s Severe Weather policy.

Grade 8 Open House

Student Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter

Embracing Winter: Building Warmth and Resilience

The winter Mental Health Newsletter for Families and caregivers has a focus on navigating the holidays, getting back to school and connection.

Coats for Kids

FREE! Winter clothing for children and adults in need. Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. from October 11, 2025 - January 31, 2026 at the Quaker Meeting House (17030 Yonge Street, Newmarket). For more information, contact The Newmarket Lion’s Club at 905-252-3203.

Due to high demand, clothing will only be given to those who are present. Please bring all family members who need clothing!

Kwanzaa Celebration

Students, families and staff, please join us as we come together to celebrate Kwanzaa! 
This special event will honour African heritage, unity and culture and will be a time to reflect on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, enjoy cultural traditions and foster community spirit.

YRDSB Hanukkah Community Celebration

In celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, the Network for Educators Supporting Jewish Learners (NESJL) is excited to invite all YRDSB students, staff, and families to a joyful and inclusive community gathering.

Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Rosedale Heights P.S.

Registration: Please register online if you wish to attend. To assist us with planning the event, please tell us the number of attendees, including yourself, who will be attending.

Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil lasting eight nights. It is a time for community, joy, light, and togetherness.

This event will highlight the traditions and significance of Hanukkah through interactive activities for all ages. Families will have the opportunity to enjoy cultural learning, crafts, music, and festivities that honour Jewish identity and community. Refreshments and treats connected to the holiday will be provided.

Join us as we come together to learn, celebrate, and share in the light of Hanukkah! For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.

Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, December 15, 2025, 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.

A Message from our Board Trustee

As trustees, it is a privilege to work alongside families and schools. Every day, we see incredible successes - big and small - taking place in classrooms and learning spaces across our Board. We are committed to celebrating those achievements and supporting families as you navigate the system to access the resources, programs and information you need. 

Our schools and the Board host many events throughout the year for families—from information nights to cultural celebrations and community activities. These events provide wonderful opportunities to connect, learn and engage with the community. We encourage you to check your school’s calendar and the Board calendar regularly so you don’t miss these opportunities.

There are also some important registration dates coming up, including Kindergarten and French Immersion in January. Course selection also takes place in the coming months, which is a great time for students entering or currently in secondary school to explore the many options available to them.  

Visit our school programs page for deadlines, details and to learn more about the many programs available to YRDSB students. These programs allow students to explore their interests, gain valuable experience and build transferable skills for the future. 

We meet regularly as a Board of Trustees through monthly Board meetings and at regular committee meetings. Agendas and minutes are posted publicly so community members can stay informed. 

A highlight of each monthly meeting is the Applause Awards, where we celebrate students, staff and community partners who are making a meaningful difference in our schools. These inspiring stories showcase student achievement, perseverance, and the power of communities coming together to support student learning and well-being 

We also take time during our meetings to recognize Heritage months that reflect the diversity of our region and honour the identities of students, staff and families. This month, we recognize Christian Heritage Month; in January, we will celebrate Tamil Heritage Month, and in February, Black History Month. These observances give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions of these communities.

As we go into December, we want to take this opportunity to wish all families the very best for the holiday season and to wish you a safe, restful and enjoyable winter break. 

- Carolyn Butterworth, Trustee, Georgina and East Gwillimbury

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