yanz1982
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The Big Shift in Ontario Education: What New Student & Family Support Offices Mean for Parents, Trustees, and YCDSB
Ontario is introducing Student and Family Support Offices in every school board under Bill 33. This detailed parent-focused guide explains what these offices are, how they may help, cost concerns, transparency issues, trustee accountability, and how they may impact the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB). Includes lessons from other provinces and discussion prompts. 1.…
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Parent-Teacher Conference Guide for YCDSB Parents in Markham: Questions That Matter Most
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…
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Yesterday I Received a Flyer About Bill 33 — Here’s Why Every Ontario Parent Should Pay Attention
Yesterday, when I picked up my child from school, a teacher handed me a flyer about Bill 33, officially called the Supporting Children and Students Act (2025). I tucked it into my bag, thinking it was another school notice about upcoming events. Later that evening, I finally read it — and I’m glad I did. What I…
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First Year in Kindergarten: What I Wish I Knew (A Parent’s Guide for YCDSB Families)
Starting Kindergarten is a huge milestone — for children and parents alike. As a parent in the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB), I went through all the excitement, worries, and lessons of that very first school year. Looking back, there are many things I wish I knew before my child’s first day. This guide…
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The Hidden Risks of Removing Ontario’s School Board Trustees
A Big Change on the Horizon The Ford government has floated the idea of getting rid of elected school board trustees. Education Minister Paul Calandra says this could fix mismanagement issues in some boards. But the idea raises big questions: who will speak for parents and local communities if trustees disappear? Why Trustees Matter Trustees are the…
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How to Prepare for a Successful Transition Meeting: A Parent’s Guide for Grade One and Beyond (YCDSB)
By Yan Zhou – SEAC Member, Parent, and Advocate for Exceptional Learners Introduction Transition meetings play a vital role in supporting students as they move from Kindergarten to Grade One or shift between programs or classrooms within the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB). For students with exceptionalities, these meetings are especially important to ensure…
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Too Hot to Learn? How Schools and Parents Can Work Together During Heat Waves
By Yan Zhou | Parent & Catholic School Council Member As summer temperatures rise, many classrooms across the Greater Toronto Area are feeling the heat — literally. In some schools, especially older buildings without full air conditioning, classrooms (especially on upper floors) can become uncomfortably warm during heat waves. As a parent and school council…
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My Experience as a Parent Observing Spirit of Math: A Gifted Child’s Journey in Math Enrichment
Introduction As a parent of a gifted child in York Region, I’m always searching for programs that can truly challenge and support his learning. When my son was about to enter Grade 1, we decided to enroll him in Spirit of Math, one of Canada’s most recognized after-school math enrichment programs for high-performing students. What made the experience…
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Raising Twice-Exceptional (2e) Children: A Parent’s Comprehensive Guide to Nurturing Strengths and Supporting Struggles
Raising a twice-exceptional (2e) child — someone who is gifted and also has learning differences — is a complex, often misunderstood parenting journey. These children are intellectually advanced but may also struggle with ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, or other diagnoses. While their potential is immense, it often comes wrapped in layers of social, emotional, and…
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Split-Grade Classrooms in Ontario: Navigating the Pros, Cons, and Realities
Introduction As a parent actively involved in our school’s Catholic School Council (CSC) and a prospective YCDSB trustee candidate for 2026, I’ve encountered numerous discussions and concerns surrounding split-grade classrooms. These conversations often revolve around questions like: These are valid concerns, and it’s essential to delve into the intricacies of split-grade classrooms to provide clarity…
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 