education
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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…
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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…
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 