As a parent with a child in the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB), I’ve learned that those short 10-minute parent-teacher conferences can reveal more than a report card ever could.
In most Markham Catholic schools, these brief meetings are a window into how our children learn, how they connect with others, and how we can best support them at home.
Over time, I’ve found that the most meaningful conversations happen when I focus on three simple but powerful questions — about confidence, friendships, and emotional growth. These help teachers share what really matters beyond marks and assignments.
Why Parent-Teacher Conferences Matter in YCDSB Schools
For families across Markham, the YCDSB’s faith-based approach emphasizes educating the whole child — mind, body, and spirit. Parent-teacher meetings are a reflection of that mission.
Even with only ten minutes, we can use that time to understand how our children feel about school, what excites them, and where they might need more support. As parents, we are partners in this process. The more we ask and listen, the better we can guide our children toward confidence, compassion, and resilience.
When does your child feel most confident?
Ask the teacher when your child seems happiest, most focused, or genuinely proud of themselves. Is it while sharing ideas during class, creating art, playing sports, or helping organize a group at recess?
These confident moments reveal where your child feels capable and secure — and those experiences often mark the starting point of real learning and growth.
Listen for:
- Times when your child takes initiative or volunteers to help.
- Projects or subjects they enjoy most.
- Activities that bring out excitement or leadership.
At home:
Celebrate these strengths. Mention what the teacher shared — “I heard you really enjoyed leading that group project!” — and offer more opportunities to build on them. Confidence is a spark; when nurtured, it becomes motivation to keep learning.
How are your child’s friendships developing?
Friendships are one of the clearest indicators of how happy and settled a child feels at school. Ask the teacher how your child interacts with their peers.
Do they make friends easily? Do they have one or two close companions or a broader group? Are they included and respected, or sometimes left out?
A child’s sense of belonging directly shapes how safe, confident, and motivated they feel in class. In YCDSB Catholic schools, friendships are not just social — they reflect values like empathy, respect, and kindness.
At home:
Encourage your child to build and maintain healthy friendships.
- Arrange playdates or group activities where they can connect in smaller, comfortable settings.
- Practice social skills or simple conversation openers together.
- Praise kindness and teamwork when you see it.
If ongoing social challenges come up, you can ask the teacher or principal whether it might be appropriate for your child to be referred to one of the board’s Student Services professionals
Alternatively, parents can hire a private social worker or psychologist for additional one-on-one support outside of school.
How can you nurture their social and emotional growth at home?
Emotional well-being lays the foundation for academic success. During the meeting, ask how you can strengthen that connection between home and school.
Would more playdates or shared activities help your child connect better with others?
Should you practice simple conversation skills or common social situations together?
If needed, would meeting with a professional you hire directly — such as a social worker, psychologist, or child therapist — help your child build confidence, self-esteem, and resilience?
At home:
- Make time each day to talk about the highs and lows of school.
- Model calm communication and problem-solving.
- Encourage effort over perfection.
- Create family routines that build teamwork, empathy, and responsibility.
Children who feel understood and supported at home are better equipped to handle challenges and thrive in the classroom.
Making the Most of Your 10 Minutes
Because parent-teacher conferences in YCDSB schools are short, preparation is key.
Before the meeting:
- Review your child’s work and report card.
- Write down your three main questions.
- Ask your child what they enjoy and what feels hard.
During the meeting:
- Stay focused and listen carefully.
- Take notes.
- Agree on one or two small goals to follow up on.
After the meeting:
- Talk with your child about what you learned.
- Keep your tone positive — focus on growth, not comparison.
- Reconnect with the teacher in a few weeks to share progress.
Why This Approach Works for Markham Families
In Markham’s YCDSB community, every child has unique strengths, challenges, and dreams. Asking about confidence, friendships, and emotional growth gives parents a deeper understanding of how their child experiences school life.
When we, as parents, approach conferences as collaborators — not just listeners — we build stronger bridges with teachers. Together, we create a supportive environment rooted in faith, learning, and care.
Even in just ten minutes, meaningful questions can spark insights that help our children grow — not only academically but also emotionally and spiritually.
Final Thoughts
Parent-teacher conferences may be brief, but they hold lasting impact.
When we take that time to ask:
- When does my child feel most confident?
- How are their friendships developing?
- How can I nurture their social and emotional growth at home?
—we move beyond grades and into the heart of who our children are becoming.
As a parent in the YCDSB Markham community, I’ve seen how these conversations build trust and understanding between home and school. With compassion, communication, and consistency, we can help every child grow stronger in confidence, kindness, and faith.
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 
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