Next Wednesday –February 25th, 2026—is Pink Shirt Day.

Pink Shirt Day emphasizes kindness and the importance of lifting each other up. We will have pink shirts on display throughout our school, where students share how they support mattering and belonging at Rosedale Heights P.S. If you are in the school, please be sure to read some of them!

The origins of this day trace back to 2007, when Nova Scotia secondary students David Shepherd and Travis Price saw a grade nine student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school. In an effort to stand up for the student, they purchased 50 pink shirts and distributed them to other students, who wore them in solidarity. Since David and Travis’ act of kindness in 2007, the spirit of their effort has grown each year. Over the past number of years, people in almost 180 countries shared their support of Pink Shirt Day through social media posts and donations. (For more information, visit the official website for Pink Shirt Day.)

Please encourage your child to wear a Pink shirt to school on February 25, 2026. Let’s engage in kindness and stand up to bullying next Wednesday, and every day.

We are excited to see our Primary and Junior Students (K- Grade 6) and their families at our upcoming Family Literacy Night on Thursday, March 5th, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. We will share fun, simple ways to build literacy into everyday routines. Join us and enjoy hands-on activities and games with your child while promoting literacy skills!

On Tuesday, February 17th it will be Lunar New Year! We welcome all those who celebrate the holiday to dress up in traditional New Year clothing, if they wish. And we welcome all our students to get into the spirit, even in the absence of traditional clothing, by dressing in red on Tuesday, February 17th. The colour red is thought to symbolize good luck, so please help us usher in the Year of the Horse with some colourful good fortune!

There’s a lot happening as we move into the second half of the school year, and I want to share some updates and opportunities.

Programs and Opportunities

Well done to all secondary school students who have completed their exams and are starting a new semester with new courses and teachers.

We encourage students to connect with their guidance counselors and to learn about the many secondary programs and courses available – programs that let students explore their interests, gain transferable skills and get hands-on experience that will benefit them in the future. Opportunities include earning college credits, workplace certifications, lifeguarding certifications and real on-the-job experience – all while earning high school credits.

Our elementary and secondary schools also offer a variety of clubs where students can meet peers with similar interests, take on leadership roles and try new things. Getting involved is a great way to build connections and skills.

We also regularly host events to help students and families learn about different pathways and programs and to bring communities together. Check your school newsletters and the Board calendar so you don’t miss these opportunities.

Black History Month

Throughout the Board and community, events are being held to celebrate Black History Month. We look forward to honoring the contributions of Black Canadians and creating opportunities for community to come together.

Kindergarten Registration is Open

Is your child turning 4 or 5 in 2026? Or do you know someone who is? Kindergarten helps children develop the academic and social skills they need to thrive in Grade 1 and beyond. Our skilled and caring teams of certified teachers and early childhood educators work together to support every child in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Start your journey at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten.

Preparing Students for the Future

As a school board, we know that it is important that we continue to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. That includes preparing students to use artificial intelligence (AI) effectively, appropriately and safely. We are developing guidelines for educators, students and families to support responsible AI use. While AI can support student learning, it does not replace student work. We teach and encourage critical thinking and honesty when using these tools. More will be shared in the near future.

Student Trustee Elections

We are also in the middle of the student trustee elections for next school year. This is an excellent opportunity for students in Grades 5-12 to participate in the democratic process. Student trustees represent student voice at the board table, influencing discussions about policy, budget and more. The final vote takes place later in the month and students will receive an email to their GAPPs with information on candidates and how to vote.

York Region Presidents’ Council

Student Trustees work closely with the York Region Presidents’ Council. The council includes leadership from all secondary school student councils. All secondary school students are welcome to attend their meetings and receive invitations in their GAPPS email. It’s a great opportunity for students to get involved and have their voices heard.

Wishing You Success

We wish all students and families the very best as we begin this second half of the school year and look forward to spring break ahead.

I encourage you to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Estelle Cohen, Trustee, Vaughan Wards 4 and 5

We have received this letter of appreciation from the Richmond Hill Community Food Bank, thanking us for our support during our recent Food Drive. They write that our school’s “continued support plays a crucial role in helping us serve those in need, and we are truly grateful for your ongoing commitment to our mission.”

We gratefully share this letter with you, and extend our own thanks to our students and staff for supporting this most worthwhile cause, and of course, our generous Rosedale Heights P.S. community.

Order today … before it’s too late! Chicken combos can be ordered on School Cash Online.  If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

We wanted to share with our community regarding the upcoming School Council Meeting on Thursday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the school library. We welcome everyone’s involvement and encourage all those interested to attend. Minutes from the previous School Council meeting can be found here. You needn’t be an elected member of the School Council to get involved. Simply come out and lend a hand!

We thank you for your continued support of our school.

Kindergarten registration begins on Friday, January 16, 2026 for the 2026-27 school year.  Children who turn four or five years old during 2026, live within the school boundary, and whose parents or guardians are public school tax supporters will be eligible to register for Kindergarten.

There are several ways you can register for Kindergarten:

• Online – Families can access the online Kindergarten registration information at yrdsb.ca/kindergarten. It is recommended that families use a laptop or a desktop, rather than a mobile device to complete this registration.
• By email – Families can download the Elementary School Registration Form at yrdsb.ca/kindergarten and email the completed form to rosedale.ps@yrdsb.ca.
• In-person at the school – Families may visit the school office to drop off or complete a registration form.

If you require support to complete the registration form or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office at 905-882-1864 or by email at rosedale.ps@yrdsb.ca.

Once you have completed your application, the school will contact you to make an appointment to review and verify the required documents.

Our Kindergarten programs are caring and welcoming where children learn through exploration, play and inquiry. You can learn more at yrdsb.ca/kindergarten.  We look forward to welcoming new students and their families to our school in September!

Our School Council is excited to share about an upcoming lunchtime program that will be starting in the New Year on January 21^st, Brixology. This lunchtime program is being offered to students in Grades 1 to 6 over eight Wednesdays, from January 21^st through March 11^th.

In this exciting program, children will build a different LEGO project each week.  Each program has been developed by a LEGO Certified Professional.  Mechanical engineering will be explored as students build boats and vehicles.  Aerospace engineering will come alive as they assemble a space station.  A wide array of scientific principles will be explored through Lego builds: carnival rides, drawing machines, mechanical animals, truss bridges, and so much more.  Your future engineer will foster their creativity through fun and hands-on design challenges.  Let the tinkering begin!

Weekly topics include: Aerospace, Carnivals, Creatures, Vehicles, Towers, Boats, Bridges, and Machines.

For more information on this program, including what’s covered in each of the eight classes and details on how to register, please visit the linked flyer.

We hope you enjoy this program offering. We thank our School Council for their efforts in organizing the program.

Order today … before it’s too late! Pizza can be ordered on School Cash Online through January 9th.  If you have any questions, please contact the school office.