The Hogarth Herald - December 12

What is YRDSB Arts Camp? 

Celebrating over 35 years on the shores of a private lake in the Haliburton Highlands, Camp White Pine is host to a unique yearly camp for Grades 7-12 York Region District School Board students. Arts Camp is an intensive week-long immersion in visual, studio and performance art programs and experiences. At camp, each camper is encouraged to discover and explore their identity through supported risk-taking and positive collaboration with peers, staff artists and camp leaders through intensive and extended opportunities to explore and discover new and creative talents. Arts Camp fosters rich opportunities to gain self-awareness, self-confidence and a distinct identity, while supporting the growth, individuality and potential of all participants.

When is it? 

Saturday, May 23 to Saturday, May 30, 2026 

Where is it held? 

Camp White Pine, Haliburton, ON 

(Optional transportation is offered for a fee.) 

Who can apply? 

Students in Grades 7 – 12 who are registered in a York Region District School Board school. There is no limit to the number of student applications submitted from an individual school provided that each student applicant has met the following criteria: 

• Student demonstrates positive character in the school; 

• Student does not show significant behavioural and/or safety concerns in the school; 

• Student would positively contribute to and benefit from an arts program in an inclusive community; 

• Student is prepared, mature and well enough to spend a week away from home and school; 

• Student has parental/guardian consent; and 

• Student has their school administrator's support and the endorsement of a teacher at the school. 

See more on the YRDSB Arts Camp Website 

Save the Date! The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Implementation Plan Team, is proud to announce the upcoming event for students, families and staff. 

Growing Together - Planning for Success

Date: January 8, 2026

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Newmarket High School (505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket)

The move to high school is a critical milestone, and we are committed to ensuring every student and family feels fully prepared and equipped for success.

We are excited to invite Black students and their families in Grades 6 through 10 to an upcoming event highlighting the opportunities available to support pathway planning, specialty programs, and the transition between elementary and secondary school.  

This is a key opportunity for Black students and families to connect with educators, ask questions, and build a personalized roadmap for a successful and fulfilling secondary school experience.

More information and registration will be available shortly.

For any questions, please contact blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.

As we head into the holidays we celebrate our school spirit and community with our themed days.

MONDAY. DEC. 15—>  Holiday  Hat day 

TUESDAY. DEC. 16—>  Beach Day

WEDNESDAY. DEC. 17—>  Ugly Sweater Day

THURSDAY. DEC. 18—> Fire & Ice Day

FRIDAY. DEC. 19—> Pajama Day

Embracing Winter: Building Warmth and Resilience

December: Navigating the Holidays

There are many different holidays celebrated in December that can be exciting but overwhelming for students, with disruptions to routines. Help your child by maintaining consistent sleep and meal schedules where possible. Encourage open conversations about their feelings—whether it’s excitement or anxiety—and validate their experiences. Simple activities like family game nights or crafting can foster connection and reduce stress. Practice self-care as a family by setting realistic expectations and prioritizing quality time over perfection.

January: Getting Back to school

After the winter break, January can feel daunting. Kids might struggle to get back into the school rhythm. Help them set small goals, like finishing a book or joining a club, and encourage them on every step. Try simple mindfulness tricks, like a quick breathing exercise before bed, to ease any winter blues. Check out School Mental Health Ontario for awesome ideas on helping kids transition back to school.

February: Connection

Encourage your kids to spend time with friends or join you for a walk. Have open conversations and share how you handle tough days. Modeling healthy habits, like putting phones down for a real chat, goes a long way. Take a look at School Mental Health Ontario for tips on building those social-emotional skills.

Supportive Resources

For more community resources, check out: YRDSB Mental Health Resource Page. Continue to check out the YRDSB website for updated information and be sure to  follow YRDSB Mental Health on instagram @mh_yrdsb.

Community Mental Health Events

Explore a variety of community programs and workshops designed to support mental health and well-bring for students, families, and caregivers.

Students

The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)

• T.E.A.C.H. Mental Health Workshop Series: The YSSI T.E.A.C.H. (Training, Empowerment, Advocacy, Counseling, Help) is an Afrocentric program that offers education on mental health and well-being practices for Black children/youth. The eight-week workshop series is on mental health for Black children/youth in grades 6-8.
• Registration: T.E.A.C.H. Mental Health Workshop Series

Youth Wellness Hub Ontario - NEW! Maple Location

• Across Ontario, there are 27 YWHO Hub Networks that provide high-quality integrated youth services to support the well-being of young people aged 12 to 25, including mental health and substance use supports, primary health care, community and social supports, and more.

Caregivers

Join School Mental Health Ontario’s Parent and Caregiver Collaboration Group

• The Parent and Caregiver Collaboration Group (PCCG) is a volunteer group of parents and caregivers from across the province working alongside School Mental Health Ontario (SMH-ON) to:
• share their ideas to inform resources and tools that support Ontario school boards to enhance student mental health and well-being
• offer ideas on how to best reach and support parents and caregivers in the province with good evidence-informed information about mental health and well-being
• amplify underrepresented voices of parents and caregivers to inform the work we do in creating identity-affirming resources and supports

School Mental Health Ontario - By Your Side Webinar Series

• Offering a free webinar series designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviours

Family Services York Region

•  Free To Be
  • Third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
  • This is a free virtual group for parents/caregivers of gender diverse children, regardless of age which meets once a month. The goal of this program is to destigmatize gender diversity

York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families

• Please visit York Hills Event Page, to find information on upcoming workshops available to the community both in-person and online.

PFlag

• Coffee Night, held every second Monday of the month, is a safe space where members of the LGBTQ2 community, their friends, family or allies can come together. (Online Registration)

This edition of the newsletter was written by the Student Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Implementation Team 2025-2026, inclusive of YRDSB School Social Workers Peter Reid and Melissa Koifman. 

Patricia Marra-Stapleton, M.Sc., C. Psych. Assoc. 

• Mental Health Lead 

Paula Vicente M.S.W., R.S.W.

• Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health 

Cassandra Fezzuoglio M.S.W., R.S.W.

• Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health