School News

Students Dive into Program to Earn High School Credits and Lifeguard Training

The Aquatic Leadership Program continues to expand, offering students around York Region a unique opportunity to earn high school credits while gaining swim, lifeguarding and instructor certifications.

Developed in partnership between York Region District School Board and municipalities, the program combines pool instruction with face-to-face and online learning. It is currently offered in Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan. 

“I’m learning how to save people, also how to swim better, also how to have better critical thinking skills to judge situations,” 

- Irene, Grade 11 student from Dr. G.W. Williams S.S.. 

Through the program, students earn a Health and Physical Education Credit and depending on the course, can work towards certifications including:

• Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross
• Standard First Aid with CPR-C
• National Lifeguard Certification
• Lifesaving Instruction Certification 

In addition to the qualifications, students build leadership, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills.

Courses are taught by Ontario Certified Teachers who also hold National Lifeguard Instructor and Examiner Certification.

“This gives them real life experience because many of these kids want to do lifeguarding one day and have this as a job,” said Tayler Gorman, program instructor and YRDSB teacher. “This gives them that opportunity to work towards that and earn a high school credit.”

Registration opens in August for the first semester session and December for second semester. 

Aquatic Leadership Program details including registration information and requirements can be found on the Board website. 

Watch the video to see what the program looks like and to hear from students in the program. 

Meet the Project SEARCH Interns Building Their Employability Skills

Meet the four student interns gaining employability skills and work experience through Project SEARCH – a school-to-work transition program for students with disabilities.

Project SEARCH is delivered in partnership with March of Dimes Canada, the YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Markham YMCA and YRDSB. Students receive classroom instruction focused on employability and life skills, and take part in three volunteer internship rotations within YMCA departments. The program includes on-site job coaching by YRDSB staff and career planning and employment coaching from March of Dimes Canada.

In this video, meet the student interns and hear from partner organizations about how this program makes a difference from students. 

“I love project search because I love working at my internship. My teacher and skills trainer are very caring and kind,” said Maria, a student intern. “Project SEARCH is helping me be independent, be part of a team and I am very happy.”

“We definitely saw an increase in her self esteem. She’s doing a lot of tasks that show a lot of responsibility,” said Narcisa, Maria’s mother. 

“I like to work here at the YMCA because my co-workers, skills trainer, teacher and supervisor are nice and helpful. I get to talk to a lot of staff and it has been nice to get to know them,” said Erin, one of the student interns. “I like the Project SEARCH program because I’m learning to follow a schedule, be independent and learning new tasks that will give me skills that I can use.”

Project SEARCH partners were recently recognized by the Board of Trustees with an Applause award, honouring the difference this program is making for students. 

Learn more

• Project SEARCH
• Applause Awards

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.