Congratulations to the students and staff at St. Angela Merici CES! We are so proud to share that they have been awarded First Place in the City of Vaughan’s Earth Hour Banner Competition.

This year, the City of Vaughan invited students from the YCDSB and York Region District School Board to share their vision for the future of our planet through creative banner designs. Out of seven entries, St. Angela Merici鈥檚 submission rose to the top, a wonderful reflection of the creativity, talent and environmental awareness that our students bring to everything they do.

In recognition of this accomplishment, the school received a certificate signed by Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan, along with a $250 prize. The winning banners were displayed at Vaughan City Hall during this year’s Earth Hour celebration.

Congratulations to grade 7 students Sofia Antoniazzi, Sophia Merenda, Ave Torbidone, Elise Manase, Ire Folorunso, Ariel Mckenzie, and to the teachers who supported them throughout this project, Mrs. Fini and Mrs. Salini!

We also want to thank the City of Vaughan for providing so many opportunities for our students to get involved in environmental initiatives. Partnerships like this one help young people connect their learning to the wider community and inspire them to become thoughtful stewards of our planet.

To learn more about the competition and the City of Vaughan’s environmental programs, visit their website at or follow them on Instagram.

St. Brigid CES in Stouffville has always emphasized the importance of literacy, and in the coming months, local community members will help students grow a love of reading.听

These special guests, from various careers, backgrounds and interests, will model that reading is an exciting way for all students to explore new ideas, enjoy a story and just have fun.

Thank you to the following people who have agreed to share one of their favourite books with St. Brigid students:听

• Ian Lovatt, Mayor of Stouffville
• Adam Sgroi, Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire Department
• Miguel Torres, Staff Sergeant at the York Regional Police鈥檚 Stouffville sub-station
• Frank Ferragine, TV personality also known as 鈥淔rankie Flowers鈥�
• Shem from Kiss 92.5
• Jim Mason, journalist and broadcaster
• Eon Macfarlene, Toronto Police Service
• Cynthia Undyantara, an artist with experience in the animation industry
• Dr. Abby Farrell, family physician and St. Brigid CES alum
• Rowan Smith and Henry Austin from the Stouffville Spirit hockey team
• Rod Black, sports commentator听
• Ron Sciulli, author
• Deacon Gordon Lee from St. Mark鈥檚 Parish, Stouffville
• David Corry, co-host on CHUM 104.5
• Sadie Caldarola, zookeeper

Catholic education thrives when schools, families, parishes and the wider community come together to support children鈥檚 education, so we are grateful to everyone who is making this initiative possible.听

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Minister of Education placed the YCDSB (草莓社区) under supervision. While under supervision, all decisions that would normally be made by trustees, with the exception of denominational matters, will now be made by the appointed Supervisor, Carrie Kormos.

You can read a letter from the Minister of Education by and .

You can read the Minister of Education’s vesting order by .

The Mandate of the Supervisor can be read by .

Congratulations to Francesco De Bartolo, Principal of Our Lady of Hope CES in Richmond Hill, Ont., who is among the winners of the 2026 Catholic Principals鈥� Council of Ontario鈥檚 (CPCO) 鈥淓lementary Principal of the Year鈥� award.

Francesco is known for his dedication to the YCDSB (草莓社区), and especially to听 its students and staff. He is an excellent example of leadership in Catholic education and he is very deserving of this Ontario-wide recognition.听

Below is Francesco鈥檚 biography, which was submitted to the CPCO:

Francesco De Bartolo has dedicated 24 years to York Catholic, with 10 years serving as an administrator (principal/vice principal). A lifelong learner and passionate educator, he is committed to fostering inclusive, engaging and student-centered learning environments. Francesco鈥檚 leadership is guided by collaboration, innovation and a deep understanding of educational best practices. He continually seeks opportunities to grow professionally while supporting the growth of staff and students alike. Known for his dedication, integrity and approachable leadership style, he strives to create a school culture where every student feels valued, challenged and empowered to reach their full potential.

Congratulations again to Principal De Bartolo! It is excellent to see the YCDSB鈥檚 amazing principals being acknowledged at the provincial-level for their selfless service to our community.

The Minister of Education has approved updates to the Grades 7, 8, and 10 History curriculum, which will take effect in the 2026-27 school year.听

These updates are described by the Ministry of Education as:

Students will learn about significant contributions of Black individuals and communities to Canada鈥檚 foundation as a nation, and the obstacles they faced in the pursuit of building an inclusive and prosperous country.听

The Grade 10 History course will also have new learning on extreme political and social ideologies, the Holocaust and rising antisemitism, and the Holodomor famine in Ukraine.

Parent overviews are available for the and the .

We encourage all parents and guardians to visit the , which is full of useful information and resources.