education
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What Catholic School Councils (CSCs) Can and Cannot Do With YCDSB: A Parent’s Guide
What Catholic School Councils (CSCs) Can and Cannot Do With YCDSB: A Parent’s Guide Serving on a Catholic School Council (CSC) is a powerful way for parents to be involved in their children’s education. But for many first-time members (and even experienced ones), the rules and boundaries of what CSCs can and cannot do aren’t…
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A Parent’s Roadmap: What to Do If You Suspect or Have a Diagnosis for Your Child’s Special Needs
If you suspect your child has special needs or they have already been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, a learning disability, speech delay, or another developmental challenge, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Navigating school-based support, psychoeducational assessments, IEPs (Individual Education Plans), and advocacy can be complicated, but the earlier you take action, the better the outcomes for your…
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YCDSB 2025-2026 Budget Consultation: A Parent’s Perspective on Funding Priorities
Introduction The York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) is conducting its 2025-2026 budget consultation to seek input from parents, students, and community members regarding funding priorities. The budget consultation survey allows stakeholders to indicate whether resources should be increased, maintained, or decreased in key areas that impact student learning, school operations, and educational outcomes. As a parent and an active member of…
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Why Some Schools Have Cooling Issues & What Can Be Done About It
Many schools struggle with overheated classrooms, especially during the spring and summer months when temperatures rise. While heating systems are a standard feature in schools, air conditioning and cooling solutions are not always provided, leading to hot and uncomfortable learning environments for students and staff. At my son’s school, classroom overheating has been a major issue, especially in the warmer months. As Catholic School…
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Why Parents Are Not Engaging in Some Schools: Understanding the Barriers & Solutions
Parental involvement is essential for school success, yet some schools struggle to get parents engaged in school councils, volunteer programs, and decision-making. Many Catholic School Councils (CSC) and school-led initiatives lack support, making it difficult to implement new programs, organize fundraising, or advocate for better school resources. So why do some schools have strong parent engagement, while others struggle to find…
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Honored to Receive the Markham–Unionville Achievement Award from MP Paul Chiang
I’m incredibly honored to receive the Markham–Unionville Achievement Award from MP Paul Chiang, recognizing my contributions to education advocacy, community service, and civic engagement. This award means a lot to me—not just as a personal achievement, but as a reflection of the work we can accomplish when we come together to make a difference. From the beginning, I’ve always…
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How to Support Homework Without Stress: A Guide for YCDSB Parents
📌 Homework can be overwhelming for students and parents, but with the right approach, it can become a positive and productive experience. A structured routine, effective study strategies, and the right level of support can help students develop independent learning skills while reducing stress. This guide provides YCDSB parents with practical strategies to create a stress-free…
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High School Transition Guide for YCDSB Parents & Students
📌 Transitioning from elementary to high school is a big step for students and parents. This guide provides practical tips, key information, and important resources to help students adjust to their new learning environment and succeed in their first year of high school at YCDSB. 📍 What to Expect in High School ✔ New Learning Environment – Larger schools, multiple…
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Study Skills Checklist for Elementary Students (YCDSB Parents)
📌 Helping your child develop strong study habits early on can improve their academic success and confidence. This checklist provides practical study strategies that work well for elementary students in YCDSB and can be used at home to support learning. 📍 Study Environment & Organization ✔ Create a Quiet Study Space – A well-lit, distraction-free area for homework and studying. ✔ Keep Supplies…
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Sample Meeting Agenda for Catholic School Councils (YCDSB Parents)
📌 Catholic School Council (CSC) meetings provide a structured way for parents, staff, and community members to discuss school matters, plan initiatives, and collaborate on improving student experiences. Below is a sample agenda to help guide a typical CSC meeting in YCDSB schools. 📍 Catholic School Council Meeting Agenda 📅 Date: [Insert Date] ⏰ Time: [Insert Time] 📍 Location: [Insert Location or…
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 