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.

We are excited to share with you that we will be holding a special seasonal Spirit Day next week.  Wednesday, December 17th will be Winter Holiday Spirit Day!  Join us as we celebrate the joy and cheer of the winter holidays.

We are going to welcome in the season and all students are invited and encouraged to wear their finest, festive, winter wear.  Antlers are perfect for the occasion!  Ugly sweaters are welcome, too. Festive hats will fit right in.  Or even come to school in your comfiest holiday pajamas!  Or simply display your spirit by wearing your most wintery apparel.  Let’s show off our Rosedale Heights P.S. School Spirit this Holiday Season!

We look forward to seeing you at this free, fun, family event on Saturday, January 17th!

Needless to say, we want every student to have the chance to enjoy the joy of skating. To support families who may not have access to skates, our school will be running a Skate Exchange Program. We are now collecting gently used children’s and adult ice skates of all sizes. If you have a pair at home that’s been outgrown or no longer used, we would be grateful to give them a new life with another Rosedale Heights family. Donations can be dropped off at the school office anytime during regular school hours.

Your generosity helps ensure that more of our students can take part in this classic winter activity. Thank you for helping us build a community where everyone can participate together!

We wanted to share with our community that a Red Cross Stay Safe Course (with first aid) will be offered at Rosedale Heights P.S. on the January 30^th P.A. Day for interested students in grades 3 through 5. The course will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The course content includes: understanding the responsibility of being accountable for yourself; how to stay safe at home and within the community; check, call, care (including phoning 911); conscious choking (adult/child/alone); asthma (includes use of inhaler and spacer); anaphylaxis (includes use of EpiPen); poisoning and insect stings, and; wound care (minor cuts and scrapes, splinters, nosebleeds, bumps and bruises, life-threatening bleeding, and burns).

For more information on the course, including the cost and registration details, please see the linked flyer. Space is limited, so if you’re interested, be sure to register today!