May 30, 2023
“We are many, we are one in Christ.”
–Romans 12:5
Dear Families of the YCDSB,
Last night, the Board of Trustees of the York Catholic District School Board committed to expanded efforts to end bullying and harassment in its schools for all students – especially for 2SLGTBQIA+ and Black students, staff and families.
Over the past several months, we have heard from community members who say they do not feel like equal members of our school and that is unacceptable. I thank Director of Education Domenic Scuglia for his leadership in recording recent messages denouncing anti-Black racism and speaking out against the harassment of 2SLGBTQIA+ students. These videos clearly show that the YCDSB stands against hatred.
The YCDSB is now taking the next step in addressing bullying and harassment. As of today, on every YCDSB school homepage, there is a button linking to the “Report It!” tool, which gives every student facing bullying and harassment another option to reach out to a caring adult. Last week staff also shared the YCDSB’s first ever mental health and wellness survey, which will help staff better understand the needs of our students, staff and families, and where there are gaps we can fill.
The Board of Trustees has directed staff to create a strategy to address bullying and harassment in our schools.
After listening to the input of community members, the Board of Trustees also decided to maintain our long-standing policy of only flying Canadian flags on YCDSB property, in order to equally represent all of the YCDSB’s many communities.
I acknowledge that the past several months have been difficult for many members of our community. Let us move forward with the knowledge that we are all God’s children and we are called to love each other as God loves us.
Sincerely,
Frank Alexander
Chair of the Board