Gator Gazette May 4 - 8, 2026

Week of May 4^th- May 8^th, 2026

YRES is hiring for Summer Jobs and Volunteer positions across York Region, with over 200 openings available. These are excellent opportunities for students to gain experience, build skills, and get involved in their community. Click here for more information.

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Wellness Day- May 8

Next week is Children's Mental Health Awareness Week and a Wellness Day has been planned for the PGPS students to participate in. There will be a special frozen treat and many fun activities to enjoy. 

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Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week 2026! Within, Between & Around Us

Check out the 2026 Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, May 4th- 8th, and Beyond Toolkit

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Every year, the first week of May is recognized as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. This year’s theme, “Come Together, Canada. Stronger connections. Better mental health,” reflects an ongoing commitment to increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and promoting awareness about topics related to mental health.

One of the ways the YRDSB is acknowledging this important week is by offering resources for parents/caregivers. 

The YRDSB Children’s Mental Health Week webpage includes themed mental health resources that parents/caregivers may utilize with their children, conversation starters on important mental health related topics, as well as links to recorded YRDSB Learning about Mental Health Presentations (LAMPS)  on a variety of topics like anxiety, emotional regulation, technology and more!

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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!

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. 

SAVE the Date for our Spring Concert! 

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Tenants’ Housing Rights  Free Virtual Workshops – May and June 2026

York Region District School Board, in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights, is offering:   Tenants’ Housing Rights  Free Virtual Workshops – May and June 2026. 

All parents, guardians and staff are welcome to attend any of the free virtual workshops. Once you register, we will send you invites and links to the workshops. Please register through the Google form.

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2026-2027 School Calendars 

The YRDSB 2026-2027 school year calendars have been approved by the Ministry. These calendars may be accessed on the YRDSB website at: https://www2.yrdsb.ca/school-year-calendar 

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YRDSB Accepting Applications for Board Committees

York Region District School Board is accepting applications for membership on two advisory committees that provide important family and community perspectives at the Board level. 

Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC) 

Applications open May 14 - June 10, 2026.

Parents, caregivers and family members are invited to apply for membership on PEAC. The committee offers families a meaningful opportunity to share their perspectives and support family engagement at the Board level to improve student achievement and well-being.

Learn more about PEAC, eligibility requirements and how to apply on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC) webpage. 

Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC)

Applications open May 11 - June 15, 2026

Family and community members can apply for one of eight positions on EIAC. The committee supports YRDSB’s commitment to providing equitable and inclusive learning and working environments in all schools and workplaces of the Board.

Learn more about EIAC, eligibility requirements and how to apply on the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) webpage. 

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East Asian Heritage Celebration

In honour of Asian Heritage Month, Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) invites you to an evening celebrating East Asian heritage. This event will include cultural performances, displays, food and cultural exchange through activities and displays that highlight the histories, cultures, and contributions of East Asian communities. 

This celebration will also feature the presentation of the Supporting East Asian Students (SEAS) Student Leadership and Community Impact Award.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Milliken Mills High School, 7522 Kennedy Rd, Markham, ON L3R 9S5

Please see our flyer for more information and to register now. Please note that registration for this event is limited to comply with venue capacity requirements. Spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once capacity has been reached. 

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

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Gr. 3 and 6 students will participate in the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments. Grade 6 students will write their assessments on  May 25, 26, and 28. Grade 3 students will write their assessments on June 2, 3, and 4. Families are asked to avoid scheduling trips or appointments during these assessment dates. Thank you for your cooperation.

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Asian Heritage Month Celebration Event

In honour of Asian Heritage Month, Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) invites students, families and staff for an evening celebrating the incredible diversity of Asian heritage. This event offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange as we learn about and celebrate the unique identities across the Asian continent. Through food, performances, and interactive activities, we will honour the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and ongoing contributions of Asian communities. 

Event Details

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: 39 Dunning Ave Aurora, Ontario L4G 1A2

Please see our flyer for more information and to register. Please note that registration for this event is limited to comply with venue capacity requirements. Spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once capacity has been reached. 

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