The Hogarth Herald - September 25

Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, September 28, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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 the www event link to this board event to attend.

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: Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Richmond Hill High School (201 Yorkland St., Richmond Hill)

Registration: Please register now!

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.

September 30th is a day for Canadians to observe both Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is a chance to learn about the history and lasting impact of residential schools, which were institutions created to assimilate Indigenous children, erase their cultures, and perpetrate the genocide of Indigenous Peoples. The day also honours the story of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, a member of the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, survivor of the residential school system, and the founder of Orange Shirt Day. 

We encourage staff and students to wear an orange shirt on September 30th to recognize the bravery and resilience of survivors and those who never returned home.

Flags on all Ontario government buildings and establishments across the province will be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Dear Secondary School Families,

This letter is to inform you about student use of personal mobile devices in schools, in particular, students must store their mobile device out of view, and power off or set to silent mode during instructional/class time. In 2024, the Ontario Ministry of Education introduced a directive modifying the use of personal mobile devices in classrooms. YRDSB already has Policy and Procedure 194.0 - Appropriate Use of Technology - Appropriate Use of Technology and many measures around personal mobile devices in place. The changes bring alignment with the Ministry Directive. The following expectations for students’ use of personal mobile devices are outlined in the revised
Provincial Code of Conduct (PPM 128), and the York Region District School Board’s Policy #668 Caring and Safe Schools.

A personal mobile device (PMD) is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the internet, such as a laptop, cellphone, tablets, smart watches, meta glasses, or other wearable smart devices.

Expectations
Students are responsible for their personal mobile device, how they use it and the consequences of not following the provincial or school board policy.

Students’ personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, except under the circumstances outlined below:

• for educational purposes, as directed by an educator
• for health and medical purposes
• to support special education needs

Students in secondary school can bring a personal mobile device to school, but will be able to use it only during non-instructional time.

Practices at School
If an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, even after staff reminders, the student may be required to place their personal mobile device in a storage area in a location designated by the educator for the class or period. Your child may face consequences if they use their personal mobile device inappropriately. Progressive discipline may apply and families may be notified.
 

Resources:
Families play an important role in teaching children about finding a healthy balance in using technology. You may wish to access the following resources:
● Media Smarts - Four Tips for Managing Your Kids’ Screen Time
● School Mental Health Ontario - Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology
● Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - Problem Gambling and Technology Use
 

Treatment Services
For additional information regarding Policy/Program (PPM) 128, please visit the Ministry of Education’s Cellphones and other mobile devices in schools site or the York Region District School Board’s website.

In honour of Islamic Heritage Month, Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) invites students, families and staff to an evening celebrating the rich diversity of Islamic heritage and cultures. 

Join us for an opportunity to connect, learn and celebrate the diverse identities, histories, traditions and contributions of Muslim communities from around the world.

Through food, performances, cultural displays and interactive activities, participants will experience and learn about the many cultures, traditions and histories that contribute to the rich tapestry of Islamic heritage.

Four events will be held across York Region. Students, families and staff are encouraged to attend the event that is most convenient for them.

Event #1 – North Area

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location: Sir William Mulock Secondary School, 705 Columbus Way, Newmarket, ON L3X 2M7

Event #2 – West Area

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location: Tommy Douglas Secondary School, 4020 Major Mackenzie Dr. W., Vaughan, ON L4H 4E9

Event #3 – Central Area

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location: Aurora High School, 155 Wellington St. W., Aurora, ON M5V 3H1

Event #4 – East Area

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location: Bill Hogarth Secondary School, 100 Donald Sim Ave., Markham, ON L6B 0R1

Registration is required and is limited by venue capacity. Spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once capacity has been reached.

To assist with event planning, please indicate which event you will attend and the total number of people attending with you, including yourself.

Building Community and Learning Through Games in French Classes

In our French classes, we are spending time getting to know one another and building a strong sense of community through games and interactive activities.

While the games are fun, they also have an important learning purpose. Students are using French in a relaxed, low-pressure environment while practicing listening, speaking, taking turns, cooperating, and encouraging one another. These activities help students become more comfortable taking risks and communicating in French, while creating a classroom environment where mistakes are seen as a natural and valuable part of learning.

We are also reviewing important grammar concepts through gamified learning approaches. These approaches give students repeated opportunities to practice concepts such as vocabulary, verb forms, sentence structure, and other foundational French skills in engaging and meaningful ways.

Most importantly, students are learning that French class is a place where everyone belongs, participates, and contributes. By combining language practice, grammar review, and community-building activities, we are creating a classroom where students can learn from one another, build confidence, and enjoy using French.