Important Dates
- April 7: Junior Boys Basketball vs. Harry Bowes P.S.; Subway lunches for those who ordered
- April 8: International Day of Pink; Intermediate Badminton vs. Glad Park P.S.; Dominos Pizza lunches for those who ordered
- April 9: Junior Girls Basketball vs. Harry Bowes P.S.; Plates & Bowls lunches for those who ordered
- April 13: Junior Boys Basketball vs. Summitview P.S.
- April 14: Holocaust Memorial Day or Yom HaShoah; Subway lunches for those who ordered
- April 15: Intermediate Badminton vs. Whitchurch Highlands P.S.; Dominos Pizza lunches for those who ordered
- April 16: Junior Girls Basketball vs. Whitchurch Highlands P.S.; Plates & Bowls lunches for those who ordered
- April 17: RUSH Assembly
- April 20 - 24: Earth Week
- April 20: Junior Girls Basketball Areas
- April 21: Subway lunches for those who ordered
- April 22: Grade 7 Vaccinations
- Junior Boys Basketball Areas; Dominos Pizza lunches for those who ordered
- April 23: Plates & Bowls lunches for those who ordered
- April 28: Blue Spruce Book Trailer & Vote Assembly; Intermediate Badminton vs. Wendat Village P.S.; Subway lunches for those who ordered
- April 29: Intermediate Badminton vs. Oscar Peterson P.S.; School Council Meeting - 7pm; Dominos Pizza lunches for those who ordered
- April 30: Primary Concert 6pm Plates & Bowls lunches for those who ordered
- May 1: Spring Dance
April is Sikh Heritage Month
Touchstone Focus
WORDS MATTER: We believe in equity and inclusivity. We accept people for who they are.
Keeping Our Students Safe
Allergies: Please make sure snack and lunch items are nut-free, peanut-free, and sesame-free. Please ensure items dropped off for lunch from eateries are also free of these items (e.g., no sesame on McDonalds burger buns).
Children with Epi-pens need to carry them throughout the day. Families needing support accessing pouches/other materials are invited to contact the school.
Bussing
Families of students taking the bus are reminded that late bus reports are issued through the school transportation portal if the bus is expected to be more than 10 minutes late. Please check this report if wondering whether a bus is on time.
Parking Lot
Thank you to all who have continued to follow procedures that minimize congestion and help keep our parking lot safe. If driving, please ensure students are only dropped off/picked up in the designated area.
Morning Drop-Off: When possible, Kindergarten students will be helped by a staff member to exit the car. Older students can be dropped off independently.
Afternoon Pick-Up: Families of Kindergarten students are asked to display the sign on their dashboard so we can prioritize access to the pick-up area beginning at 3:30pm. Families of older students will be directed into the pick-up area after Kindergarten pick-up is completed.
Crossing: We encourage families and students to cross at the crosswalk for safety.
Parking Spaces: Open parking spaces are available for families who wish to park their cars and walk with their children at drop-off or pick-up times. Please do not park or idle your car in the driving lanes of the parking lot as it is unsafe and results in congestion.
Reminders
Student absences need to be communicated to the office as soon as possible via Edsby or by calling the school at 905-591-3800. The school needs to be notified of all absences, including those due to inclement weather and/or bus cancellations.
If picking up students during the day (e.g., for medical appointments, etc.), please try to do so outside the recess and lunch times.
Recess: 11:10am - 11:40am Lunch: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Address/Phone Number Changes: Please notify the office by email to: barbara.reid.ps@yrdsb.ca if your address, phone number, or email contact information has changed. Up-to-date information helps us in our communication with families.
YRDSB Diamond Days and Significant Faith Days
September 2025 - June 2026
September 24-24: Rosh Hashanah*
October 2: Yom Kippur*
October 20: Diwali
October 7-13: Sukkot
October 14-15: Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah
November 1: All Saints Day
November 5: Birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji
December 25: Christmas (Western)
January 5: Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
January 7: Christmas (Eastern)
January 14-16: Thai Pongal
February 17: Lunar New Year
February 18: Ash Wednesday
February 18- March 20: Ramadan*
March 3: Holi
March 3: Purim
March 20: Eid-al-Fitr*
March 21: NawRuz
March 21: Nowruz
April 2-9: Pesach/Passover*
April 3: Good Friday
April 10: Holy Friday
April 14: Vaisakhi
April 21-May 2: Ridvan
May 1: Wesak
May 22-23: Shavuot
May 27: Eid-al-Adha*
May 31: Wesak
June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 25: Ashura
To view the YRDSB Significant Faith Days Calendar, please visit our website here.
*The asterisk denotes that observations for the marked date begin on the preceding evening at sunset and/or that dates are subject to the sighting of the moon each month and may vary for some communities
A Message From the BRPS French Educators
Bonjour BRPS families,
If you have a child currently taking French at BRPS, you may have heard about Manie musicale 2026. This unit highlights French culture around the world, as students learn French through music.
We, the French team, wish to let you know that “Manie musicale season” will conclude with an assembly that brings the Grade 3/Junior/Intermediate community together. Students will have a chance to showcase their artistic and French skills along with their favourite 2026 songs.
Please touch base with your child in order to find out if they will be performing on stage, in which case, it would be wonderful if you could attend.
Event Details:
When: Wednesday, April 8th, 2026.
Time: 9:20 am -10:30 am
Who is invited: Parents/guardians are welcome if their child is performing on stage.
If you have any questions, please reach out to BRPS’s FSL team.
Sincerely,
Mme Loconte, Mme Longland, M. Ponce Tovar
A Message from the BRPS Glitter Gang
Wednesday, April 8th is the International Day of Pink. On this date, we invite students and staff to wear pink in solidarity against transphobia, homophobia, discrimination and bullying of all forms. We appreciate your support.
2026 2027 Budget Consultation Process
Families Invited to Provide Input into YRDSB Budget From March 24-April 17,
YRDSB is inviting families to share their input in the annual budget consultation. Your feedback will help inform budget decisions for the 2026-2027 school year. How to Participate:
Complete the online survey (translated into 17 languages)
Join the virtual consultation on April 13, 2026 at 7 p.m. Log in details are available on the YRDSB website.
Your voice matters. Please take a few minutes to participate and help shape next year's budget. Questions about YRDSB's budget process can be directed to budget@yrdsb.ca.
Tamil Student Conference Event
Tamil Student Conference Event Educators for Tamil Student Success (ETSS) and Inclusive School and Community Services are pleased to announce: Elementary Tamil Student Conference 2026. Students in Grades 5 to 8 are invited to the Elementary Student Conference to participate in 4 learning workshops for Tamil Heritage.
Please see our flyer for more details.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 Time: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm Lunch Provided
- Venue: Milliken Mills High School 7522 Kennedy Rd, Markham, ON L3R 9S5
Registration is required. Electronic Registration is preferred, but if a paper copy is needed to register, please call the school office. For further information, email Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.
Sikh Heritage Month Event
Join us for a lively evening celebrating Sikh Heritage Month, featuring educational displays, music, and community connection. This year, we will be honouring the contributions of the Sikh community in Canada, as well as Sikh culture, history, and identity.
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026 Time: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Emily Carr Secondary School 4901 Rutherford Rd, Vaughan, ON L4H 3C2
All students, families, staff, and community members are welcome to attend. Please see our flyer for more information and to register by Monday, April 20, 2026.
Students who would like to participate in the Sikh Heritage Month event by showcasing their talents on stage, hosting an activity booth, or volunteering their time for community service hours, are encouraged to complete the registration form. For further information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.
Engagement Matters
Read the latest newsletter from the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC). This edition covers the latest on artificial intelligence. You’ll also find information about the latest Board policies under review. PEAC works to support, encourage and enhance parent engagement at the Board level to improve student achievement and well-being.
YRDSB Korean-Canadian Student Leadership Initiative
The Network of Educators for Korean-Canadian Students (NEKS), would like to invite students of Korean heritage to participate in the YRDSB Korean-Canadian Student Leadership Initiative. The purpose of the YRDSB Korean-Canadian Student Leadership Initiative is to create meaningful opportunities for Korean-Canadian students to:
- Build positive relationships with other peers across schools;
- Strengthen their understanding of Korean identity and cultural belonging;
- Develop leadership skills that support future student-led initiatives and community engagement;
- Foster collaboration and participation in future events serving Korean-Canadian students within YRDSB.
This initiative aims to support student voice, community connection, and leadership development within a culturally responsive and inclusive framework.
Details:
- Thursday, April 16, 2026 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Thornhill Secondary School (Library) 167 Dudley Ave, Thornhill, ON L3T 2E7
Student Referral Criteria
1. Korean Heritage & Grade Eligibility: Students who identify as Korean or are of Korean heritage and are currently in Grades 8–11.
2. Responsibility and Leadership Potential: Students who demonstrate reliability, initiative, and a willingness to contribute, collaborate, and grow as leaders within their school and community.
3. Interest in Cultural Learning and Community Building: Students who are interested in exploring Korean identity, heritage, and culture, and eager to connect, build relationships, and engage with other Korean Canadian students.
4. Staff Reference: A recommendation from a YRDSB staff member confirming the student’s readiness, character, and suitability for participation in a leadership setting.
For more information, contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.
Speak Real - Youth Mental Health Community Talk for Parents and Caregivers
Join YRDSB for an evening dedicated to building emotional connections and supporting student well-being.
This panel discussion, “How to Support Youth and Conversations about Mental Health at Home,” features youth with lived experience from YouthSpeak Charity , Clinical Psychologist Dr. Wendy Manel (CMHA), and YRDSB Mental Health Lead Patricia Marra-Stapleton.
Event Details
- When: April 16, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Registration starts at 6:00 PM)
- Where: Westmount Collegiate Institute (1000 New Westminster Dr., Thornhill)
- Who: All YRDSB elementary and secondary parents and caregivers.
Registration & Accessibility
Register here. Interpretation services will be available in select languages (details on the registration form). Please contact mental.health@yrdsb.ca for more information and questions.
Connection Between Physical and Mental Health
Student Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter - Spring 2026
Please visit the newsletter for resources, tips, and information about programs and events for children, youth, families, and caregivers.
Indigenous Languages & International Languages
Exciting language learning opportunities are available through the York Region District School Board’s Indigenous Language and International Languages (ILIL) program! In-person and online extracurricular classes for students in Senior Kindergarten (K2) to Grade 8 teach reading, writing, and speaking in a new language or provide opportunities to enjoy a heritage language. Registration for 2025–2026 is open (space is limited).
Visit the ILIL Elementary Programs webpage to see languages offered and for registration information.
From the Community:
Youth School Success Initiative
Registration is now open for the Youth School Success Initiative (YSSI) — a collaborative program supporting Black youth in Grades 4–8 across York Region.
Delivered in partnership with community organizations and funded by the Regional Municipality of York, YSSI provides culturally affirming, wraparound supports designed to strengthen academic success, build confidence and nurture mental wellness. Through mentorship, leadership development and holistic programming, youth are supported to both succeed in school and thrive in who they are.
Program offerings include:
- Integrated academic, cultural and wellness supports
- Holistic wrap-around services
- Mentorship and leadership development opportunities
- Flexible delivery (in-person, virtual, and hybrid)
If you’re looking for a supportive, empowering space for a young person in your life, YSSI is here.
Registration is now open Phone: 905-781-6222 Email: info@naccacommunity.ca.
Parents of Black Children Homework Help and Tutoring
Parents of Black Children is offering free 25-minute drop-in tutoring and homework help sessions inside the Omo Africentric Virtual Campus, also known as The ‘O’, Monday to Thursday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Program Details:
- Mondays & Wednesdays → Grades K–12, all subjects
- Tuesdays & Thursdays → Grades K–8, all subjects
Our dedicated team will assist students in all subjects to help them succeed academically in a supportive and affirming environment. For more information, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact Givens Owusu (Program Manager) at givens.owusu@parentsofblackchildren.org.
Community Resources for Cantonese and Mandarin-Speaking Families
These services are offered in Cantonese and/or Mandarin: many of these services are free and others are offered on a sliding-fee scale to families.