In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, host Zahra, a teacher with the York Region District School Board, leads a meaningful conversation on Muslim identity and the importance of supporting Muslim students through initiatives like Muslim Student Associations (MSAs).

Featuring a diverse panel of students, educators, and a guest from the Muslims in Canada Archives, the discussion explores the impact of Islamic Heritage Month and why these celebrations matter year-round.

Together, they share insights on fostering inclusive spaces that honour faith and identity, and the role MSAs play in building supportive communities within schools.

In today's episode of Tune In YRDSB, host D'Andrew, the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Partnership Developer with Inclusive Schools and Community Services, is joined by educators and students to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ History Month.

The conversation highlights the importance of GSA clubs in creating inclusive and affirming spaces for queer students. More than just clubs, GSAs are symbols of resilience, empowerment, and the on-going work of creating inclusive schools for all.

Hear from students as they share their personal experiences, explore how these groups have evolved, and reflect on the lasting impact GSAs have on school communities.

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, host Paula Vicente, assistant coordinator of Mental Health at YRDSB, is joined by Peter Reid, a social worker on the Central Mental Health Team, along with student leaders from the Youth Space Student Advisory.

The discussion centres around the complex relationship between social media and teen mental health, exploring both the benefits and risks associated with popular platforms like TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, Discord, and online gaming spaces.

The Youth Space initiative, which promotes awareness, connection, and student-led mental health advocacy, plays a pivotal role in supporting well-being and leadership across schools.

Tune in as the guests share their insights, student perspectives, and strategies for fostering positive online interactions and mental health support within the YRDSB community.

In this impactful episode, school social workers Tracy Thomas-Elleston and Melanie Beckford delve into the critical topic of supporting Black student mental health within the York Region District School Board.

Tracy and Melanie, both dedicated members of the community care team, share their unique backgrounds and experiences that shape their understanding of the needs of Black students and families.

As they explore the importance of cultural heritage, Tracy and Melanie discuss their personal journeys—one rooted in Jamaican heritage and the other in Barbadian roots—highlighting the historical context of immigration and its influence on the Black population in Canada, and the necessity of an education system that actively dismantles oppressive practices and promotes inclusivity.

Join us for an enlightening discussion on the vital steps needed to foster a supportive educational landscape for Black students and families, ensuring their voices are heard and their mental health is prioritized.

In today's Pride Month episode, we delve into the important role of Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSA) in school settings. Together, all of guests share their experiences and the impact GSAs have on fostering inclusive and supportive environments for students within the 2SLGBTQI+.

This episode also features insightful contributions from students who are actively involved in their school's GSA, speaking to the significance of these alliances in their lives.

Tune in to hear inspiring stories of celebration, acceptance, and community as we honour Pride Month and the vital work of GSAs in our schools.

Welcome to another episode of Experience YRDSB!

Hosted by Karen O'Meara, Community Connected Experiential Learning Consultant, this episode dives deep into the dynamic world of business, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the YRDSB secondary schools.

Karen is joined by Claire Hainstock, Head of Business at Bur Oak Secondary School, who brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive career in international banking and trade.

Together, they explore the various courses and programs available to students, designed to equip them with valuable skills, experiences, and certifications. Tune in to learn how these opportunities prepare students for the future, fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.

Whether you're a student, educator, or parent, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how YRDSB is shaping the business leaders of tomorrow.

Listen to this special episode of the podcast as we invite you into circle to join self-identified Indigenous students as they make moccasins and share in learning and conversation with Knowledge Keeper Angela Duckworth and members of the school board's First Nation, Metis and Inuit Education team. 

Learn more about the significance of moccasins, what it means to these graduating students to make a pair of moccasins to travel into the next phase of their lives.

Join us for another special episode as we celebrate South Asian Heritage Month! Hosted by Kyle Gulab, a special education consultant, this episode delves into the significance of May as a month of celebration and recognition for South Asian communities in York Region.

Our guests, including Educators Radhika Bhatt, Annu Minhas, Zahra Murad, and Speech Pathologist, Kavita Masih as they share their personal insights on what it means to be South Asian, highlighting both the diversity and commonalities within this rich cultural identity.

Additionally, we are joined by three inspiring students from Thornlea Secondary School's South Asian Alliance Club. They recount their experiences in founding the club, aiming to create a supportive space for South Asian voices and identities within their school community. Their stories emphasize the importance of student-led initiatives in fostering inclusivity and cultural awareness.

Tune in to learn more about the vibrant South Asian heritage and how our schools are embracing and celebrating this diversity. Whether you're part of the South Asian community or simply interested in learning more, this episode offers valuable perspectives and heartwarming stories that you won't want to miss!

In today's episode, we delve into the exciting and fulfilling world of hospitality and tourism. Hosted by Kristy MacDonald, Consultant in Curriculum and Instructional services, supporting technological education, including the hospitality sector.

Our technological education teachers, bring real-world industry experience to her classrooms, offering students authentic learning experiences. According to the Workforce Planning Board of York Region, in 2022, the accommodation and food services sector provided nearly 40,000 jobs, with a remarkable growth of 2,000 jobs since 2019, despite the challenges of 2020. Notably, cooks and kitchen support services are among the top ten occupations in demand, with the sector itself ranking in the top five for hiring.

Today, we're joined by Laura Tarver, the department head of Technological Education at Alexander Mackenzie High School, and two students from her class, Sebastian and Matthew. Laura shares her insights into the hospitality industry, her personal career journey, and the valuable, transferable skills that hospitality courses offer students.

Join us on this special episode of Tune in YRDSB with host Jordan Rappapport, Equity & Inclusive Education Consultant, alongside Hayden Bendavid, Equity & Inclusive Education Consultant, Rebecca Zaiontz, Teacher at Johnny Lombardi PS and Leonora Buskin, Community Partnership Developer, as they talk about the importance of pride in identity, how folks identify as being Jewish and so much more.

Don't miss this important conversation!