learning
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Ontario’s $750 Classroom Supply Credit for Elementary Homeroom Teachers: Helpful, But Still Not Enough for Many Classrooms
The Government of Ontario recently announced a $750 classroom supply credit for elementary homeroom teachers, intended to help educators cover the cost of materials they often purchase out of their own pockets. The announcement recognizes a reality many parents may not see: teachers frequently spend their own money to make sure students have the supplies…
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Ontario Places York Catholic District School Board Under Supervision: What Parents Need to Know (2026 Update)
Published: March 5, 2026 Today, the Ontario Ministry of Education announced that the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) will be placed under provincial supervision. In a letter addressed to parents, guardians, and caregivers, Ontario’s Minister of Education explained that the decision was made after reviewing the board’s financial situation and governance challenges over the…
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YCDSB PACE Program Guide: What Parents Should Know After Attending a PACE Information Night
Recently, I attended a PACE (Program for Academic and Creative Extension) Information Night hosted by the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB). As a parent in Markham, I wanted to better understand how the board supports students who benefit from additional academic challenges. Many families in Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan have questions about the YCDSB PACE gifted program, including…
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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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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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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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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…
Yan Zhou on Catholic Education & Advocacy 