The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) has a set of school policies and regulations that guide how schools operate, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and effective learning environment for all students. Whether you’re a new parent or have children already enrolled in a YCDSB school, understanding these policies can help you navigate the education system, advocate for your child, and stay informed about important rules and guidelines.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ Key YCDSB policies every parent should know
✔ School attendance and zoning rules
✔ Student code of conduct and discipline
✔ Homework and assessment policies
✔ Parental involvement and communication
✔ Transportation, special education, and other essential services
📌 What Are YCDSB School Policies?
YCDSB policies are a set of guidelines that govern how schools operate within the board. These policies ensure that schools maintain consistent rules across the district while allowing flexibility for individual school needs.
✔ Set by the YCDSB Board of Trustees
✔ Aligned with Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines
✔ Cover areas such as student behavior, attendance, assessments, special education, and parental involvement
📌 Each policy is designed to ensure that students receive a high-quality Catholic education while fostering respect, responsibility, and academic success.
📍 School Attendance & Boundaries
1️⃣ School Zoning & Boundaries
✔ Students must attend their designated school based on their home address.
✔ Parents can find their designated YCDSB school using the School Locator Tool on the board’s website.
✔ If parents wish to send their child to a school outside their boundary, they must submit a transfer request (Form TCH19), but approval depends on school capacity and other factors.
📌 French Immersion and special programs may require transfers to specific schools.
2️⃣ Absenteeism & Late Arrivals
✔ Parents must report student absences using the school’s online system or by phone.
✔ Prolonged absences (beyond 15 days) require special approval to ensure students don’t lose their placement.
✔ Chronic absenteeism may require a meeting with school administrators to develop an attendance improvement plan.
👩🎓 Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Policies
YCDSB follows the Ontario Safe Schools Act, which promotes respect, safety, and inclusion within schools.
✔ Bullying, discrimination, and violence are strictly prohibited.
✔ Progressive discipline is used for behavioral issues, meaning students receive warnings, counseling, or disciplinary actions based on severity.
✔ Some behaviors may lead to suspension or expulsion, but students and parents have the right to appeal decisions.
📌 Schools promote restorative justice and conflict resolution strategies to support positive behavior.
📖 Homework & Assessment Policies
✔ Homework expectations vary by grade level but should be reasonable and age-appropriate.
✔ Schools follow assessment and evaluation guidelines set by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
✔ Students are evaluated based on:
• Tests and quizzes
• Projects and assignments
• Participation and daily work
• Final exams or culminating tasks (for higher grades)
📌 Parents should stay informed about grading policies and encourage their child to follow assessment guidelines.
📢 Parent Involvement & Communication Policies
✔ Parents are encouraged to participate in Catholic School Councils (CSC) to provide input on school decisions.
✔ Schools must provide regular progress reports and parent-teacher communication.
✔ Parents can escalate concerns through:
• Teacher (first point of contact)
• School principal
• Superintendent (if unresolved at school level)
• School Board Trustee (for governance issues)
📌 Parents play a key role in supporting their child’s education and can stay informed through school newsletters, websites, and board meetings.
🚌 Transportation & Busing Policies
✔ Transportation eligibility is based on distance from the school (students must live beyond a certain distance to qualify for busing).
✔ Bus routes and schedules are managed by York Region Transit and Student Transportation Services.
✔ Transfer students (out-of-boundary placements) are NOT eligible for school bus services and must arrange their own transportation.
📌 Parents should check transportation policies to see if their child qualifies for bus services.
🏫 Special Education & Student Support Services
✔ YCDSB offers Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special learning needs.
✔ The board provides support such as:
• Resource teachers
• Educational assistants
• Speech and language services
• Gifted programs like PACE (Program for Academic and Creative Extension)
📌 Parents can work with school staff to create IEPs and support plans for students needing accommodations.
📋 Religious Education & Participation in Catholic Activities
✔ All students in YCDSB, including non-Catholic students, are expected to participate in religious education and faith-based activities.
✔ This includes:
• Daily prayers and liturgical celebrations
• Religious education courses
• Catholic social teachings and service projects
📌 While participation in religious activities is generally expected, parents with concerns about specific requirements should contact their child’s school administration to discuss potential accommodations.
📋 Other Important YCDSB Policies
✔ Safe & Inclusive Schools Policy
• Schools must provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all students.
• Anti-bullying programs are implemented in all schools.
✔ Technology & Online Learning Policies
• Students are expected to use school technology responsibly.
• Schools may implement blended learning strategies using online tools and resources.
• Cyberbullying and inappropriate online behavior are not tolerated and may result in disciplinary actions.
📌 Parents should review technology policies and help their child develop responsible digital habits.
📢 Final Thoughts: Why Parents Should Understand YCDSB Policies
✔ YCDSB policies ensure that students learn in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
✔ Understanding policies helps parents advocate for their child’s education and resolve concerns effectively.
✔ Parents should stay informed by reading school newsletters, attending meetings, and reviewing board policies.
✔ If parents have concerns about student conduct, assessments, special education, or transfers, they should communicate with school staff and board representatives.
💬 Do you have questions about YCDSB policies? Leave a comment below!
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 
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