The Hogarth Herald - November 28

Everybody thinks yearbook superlatives are a pretty silly tradition -- until they're seniors and it's voting time. 

When Yara and Zawn are tasked with editing the yearbook superlatives page, they find out just how far their classmates will go to get the titles they want, from hiring lobbyists to secure ‘Most Likely to Be President’ to getting a tattoo of school mascot Flippy the Trout to win ‘Most School Spirit’. Yara and Zawn can't understand why everyone is so convinced their superlatives will decide their fates. But they must come up with a plan fast, or the whole class just might be voted ‘Most Likely to Lose Their Minds’. 

Join us for this super(latively) funny comedy.

‘Most Likely To…’ runs for two evenings, Wednesday, December 10 and Thursday, December 11.  Join us at 6:30 p.m. in the BHSS theater by purchasing your tickets through School Cash Online.  Doors open at 6:15 p.m. General admission seating.

We hope to see you there!  

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. 

Michael Chen, Trustee, Markham Wards 5 and 7

We are pleased to share that applications for the Mayor’s Black Youth Liaison (MBYL) Committee are now open. MBYL is a youth-led advisory committee dedicated to representing and uplifting the voices of Black youth in the City of Markham.

About MBYL

The Committee empowers youth through advocacy, leadership opportunities, and meaningful engagement. Members plan events, discuss issues facing Black youth in Markham, and help develop initiatives that enhance the Black youth experience. MBYL plays a key role in advancing the City’s Anti-Black Racism Action Plan and in fostering long-lasting, positive change.

Term
• One-year term from January 2026 to December 2026 (to accommodate for an academic year overlap), with the potential for extension.

Responsibilities
Members will:
• Attend and actively participate in regular committee meetings.
• Support the development of initiatives that address challenges and promote growth for Black youth.
• Share relevant information with their networks as agreed by the Committee.
• Bring forward youth issues and opportunities for discussion and action.
• Promote the positive contributions of Black youth in the community.

Eligibility
Applicants must:
• Be a Black youth residing or attending school in Markham.
• Be enrolled in Grades 9 to 12 at the start of the term.
• Demonstrate engagement, enthusiasm, and community involvement.
• Possess strong leadership, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Commit to participating in meetings and committee activities.
• Engage with integrity, respect, and openness to new ideas.

Perks of Joining MBYL
• Opportunities to engage directly with the Mayor.
• Meaningful involvement in shaping positive change.
• Leadership and teamwork experience.
• A supportive network of like-minded peers.
• Personal and professional growth.
• The chance to help build a more inclusive and equitable City.

How to Apply
Complete and submit the online application form by November 30.
Apply here:  Mayor Black Youth Liaison (MBYL) General Member Application 

We encourage you to share this opportunity widely with eligible youth and community partners. Let’s work together to support young Black leaders who are ready to make a difference.

If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure a barrier-free recruitment process.

If you will be in grade 11 or 12 next school year and are passionate about student voice, consider becoming a student trustee, and representing students across YRDSB.

Student trustees network with students, staff and the Board of Trustees to share information that gives students a meaningful voice. Learn more about the role and how you can apply at www.yrdsb.ca/studenttrustees.

Applications can be submitted between December 1-15. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2025, 11:59 p.m.

All students in Grades 5-12 will have an opportunity to vote for the candidate who represents our area of the Board. There are four areas of the Board (central, east, north and west). Once the four final candidates are announced, students can vote for two of the four candidates to represent them as student trustees in the 2026-2027 school year.

Students will receive information on how to vote in the election during the campaign and voting 

Roles and Responsibilities Video

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.

Please see the www link to this board event for more information

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

The Association of Sri Lankan Graduates of Canada (ASLG), in partnership with the York Region District School Board - Educators for Tamil Students Success (ETSS), is pleased to announce a free event, Guidance for Higher Studies, Career Information Workshop for High School Students (Gr. 9-12) and  Parents/Guardians.

Looking for information on:

• Career Choices
• University/College Selections
• Scholarship & Grant Applications
• Secondary School Course Selections

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Location: Milliken Mills H.S., 7522 Kennedy Road, Markham, ON

To attend, please register online with Eventbrite.

Come join us to meet professionals, seek the right advice, and step onto the right path for a better future!

Please see the flyer or www link to this board event.

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.