Tune In YRDSB

In this insightful episode of the podcast, host Jenni Kilgour, Transition Navigator with YRDSB, sits down with two university students and YRDSB alumni, Daniel and Thalia, to discuss the realities of transitioning from high school to post-secondary education with a disability. Both guests share their personal journeys, offering an invaluable road-map for students navigating academic accommodations...

In this second episode of our two-part series for Museum Month, Tune In YRDSB goes live on location to Mulock Secondary School. We follow the York Region District School Board Museum and Archives team as they bring history to life on the road, operating as a true "museum without walls" for a Grade 10 Canadian history class. The episode centres on the interactive program "York Region...

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, we are celebrating Museum Month by stepping back in time to the YRDSB Museum and Archives, a historic one-room schoolhouse. Joined by Museum Curator Rebekah Mitchell and Education Programmer Christina Blake, as well as Grade 3 students and staff from Kettle Lakes Public School, we explore the history of public education in our region. We discuss how the museum use...

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, we’re talking about the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and mental health — exploring how students are interacting with AI tools and what it means for their well-being. Joined by Paula Vicente, YRDSB’s Assistant Coordinator of Mental Health, and student leaders from the Youth SPACE Student Advisory team, explore the pros and cons of turning to AI for...

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, we’re talking about choosing courses and pathway planning — helping students make sense of course selection and what it means for their future. Joined by YRDSB’s Transitions and Pathways team, Janani, Elvira and Carina, they explore how to approach course selection like a "buffet" of opportunities rather than a checklist. They discuss the breakdown of co...

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB , we’re talking about the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) — a key graduation requirement for secondary students across the province. Joined by members of YRDSB’s Curriculum and Instructional Services and Student Services teams, we explore what students can expect on the test, how to prepare effectively, and what supports and accommodations are availa...

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, we are talking with Work Experience Transition Coordinators, and hear specifically from Bryan Ashby about the Work Experience Program and its 40-year legacy of supporting students. Together, they explore how the program connects students with in-school and community placements, builds transferable skills, and supports transitions after high school. From life skill...

In this episode of  Tune In YRDSB , host Kate Diakiw sits down with Lynn Ziraldo, Chair of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and parent advocate, and Wendy Howes, Coordinating Superintendent of Student Services and Well-Being. Together, they reflect on the evolving role of SEAC over the past four decades, the importance of parent and community voices, and the collective work of suppo...

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, Tali Amar, Coordinator of the Math Team, is joined by Shauda Rhoden, math and science teacher at Richmond Hill High School, and Carina Park, former Assistant Head of Math at Richmond Hill High School, now Curriculum Consultant of Mathematics & Transitions. Together, they discuss how to build meaningful engagement in mathematics, both inside and outside the cla...

In this Pride Month episode of Tune In YRDSB, Max, School Social Worker, and D'Andrew, Community and Partnership Developer, reflect on how YRDSB is celebrating and supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, and families, not just in June, but year-round. From meaningful flag-raising ceremonies to student-led events that centre visibility, this conversation highlights the ongoing commitment to represen...

In celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, Tune In YRDSB welcomes six secondary students for an honest conversation about culture, identity, and belonging. Together, they reflect on the pride, strength, and growth that comes from embracing their South Asian heritage, while also exploring the diverse experiences within the community. Through personal stories, they highlight how culture can be bo...

In this Jewish Heritage Month episode of Tune In YRDSB, host Jordan Rappaport is joined by Rebecca Zaiontz, and Aneta Fishman to reflect on Jewish identity, pride, and belonging. The conversation begins with a meaningful look at the history of Jewish communities in Canada, Ontario, and York Region, setting the stage for a rich exploration of culture, resilience, and the diversity of Jewish experie...

In this East Asian Heritage Month episode of Tune In YRDSB , Superintendent Elizabeth Lau is joined by four East Asian-identifying staff, Rebecca Tam Nesbitt, Hilda Cosmidis, Seiji Ishiguro, and Jae Yeon (Jasmin) Kwak, for a rich, reflective conversation about identity, representation, and belonging. Together, they explore the impact of growing up and working in educational spaces. They share stor...

In honour of Sikh Heritage Month, this episode of Tune In YRDSB explores the cultural and spiritual significance of the Patka and Dastar, two important articles of faith within the Sikh community. Host Harkiran Kaur, a teacher at Teston Village Public School, is joined by Rosey Kaur, founder of the Patka Box, and Amrit Dhaliwal, Vice Principal at Kleinburg Public School. Rosey shares her personal...

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB , we celebrate Persian Heritage Month by highlighting the rich cultural contributions of Persian communities across York Region District School Board and beyond. Host Sherry Morgan, Principal of Equity and Inclusive School and Community Services, is joined by members of two staff affinity groups: the Iranian Afghan Educators Affinity Group and the Persian Admin Lea...

In honour of Women’s History Month, this episode of Tune In YRDSB celebrates the strength, resilience, and achievements of female athletes. Host Meshell Lynch-James, principal of Tommy Douglas Secondary School, sits down with two outstanding student athletes from Emily Carr Secondary School, Julie, a national basketball team player, and Stefania, a multi-sport athlete who has competed at the provi...

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, we visit Central Park Public School to explore how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) comes to life in their library learning commons. Host Alison MacPherson speaks with teacher-librarian Naseem Cohen and students Zoey and Ava about the school's vibrant makerspace, where hands-on learning fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collabora...

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB , we discuss the ongoing work to support Black students in our schools, with a focus on Black Student Associations and the role of Graduation Coaches. Host Heather Henry is joined by Deon Teape, Dane Smith, and Samuel Kwendo, educators dedicated to equity and student success. They explore the importance of creating spaces where Black students feel seen, heard, and...

In this special Tamil Heritage Month episode of Tune In YRDSB, host Jananthini Sivabasgaran, YRDSB science & french teacher welcomes three talented guests who are shaping the Tamil arts scene. Singer-songwriter and Bharatanatyam dancer Luksimi Sivaneswaralingam, Bharatanatyam choreographer Kashmia Balabaskaran, and music producer Yanchan Produced. Together, they explore the deep cultural roots...

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB, Heather Young, Principal in Curriculum and Instructional Services, explores the role of early literacy in student success.  Joined by Stephanie Gauthier, Primary Literacy Coordinator, and Ashley LeBlanc, Kindergarten Literacy and Early Years Coordinator, they discuss what literacy truly incorporates, from reading and writing to communication and creativity. They t...

In this episode of Tune In YRDSB , Jilian Stambolich Arts Consultant with Curriculum and Instructional Services, hosts a vibrant discussion on the role of arts education in fostering creativity, leadership, and collaboration. Joined by Nadia, head of dramatic arts and music at Richmond Green Secondary School, and Arshida, a student and recent participant in the school’s musical theatre program, th...

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 Is...

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, empow...

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...

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 familie...