As we close out November, here are a few important updates and reminders:
Report cards were sent electronically this past week through the YRDSB Family Dashboard. Mark your calendars! Our Grade 8 Open House will take place on Thursday, December 4. We also have our Emily Carr Winter Welcome on December 11. Let’s finish the month strong and look forward to an exciting December ahead!
Emily Carr’s Pantry Program
The Pantry Program is meant to fill a specific gap in food access at school: confidential, anonymous, and drop-in access to healthy food. Should you require support, please review the attached flyer. If you are able to donate, please drop off donations to the main office.
Emily Carr Winter Welcome!
ECSS ARTS Department presents "Winter Welcome" Thursday, December 11 from 6 pm - 8 pm. The ECSS ARTS Department will be showcasing student artwork, photography, drama, and music performances at ECSS on the evening of December 11th. This is a family-friendly event, and admission is free. We will have craft and bake sales, and a winter clothing drive. Hope you can join us!
Attention grade 12 students: Grad photos are coming!
Edge Imaging will be here to take grad photos beginning Monday December 1. Don’t forget to book your appointment! Please sign up on line at www.bookmygrad.ca. Our school code is: YEC
Sign up early to get the time that works best for you. Congratulations class of 2026; we look forward to seeing you for your graduation photos.
Reminders about vaping:
In alignment with Ministry of Education regulations, vaping is strictly prohibited:
- In all school washrooms
- On school property
- In community buildings such as Pierre Berton Library and Al Palladini Community Centre
To support these regulations, vape detectors have been installed in our school washrooms and are actively monitored. These devices notify the main office when vaping is detected. We ask for your support in reinforcing this message at home:
- Do not bring vapes to school.
- Do not use vapes on school property or in community spaces.
Let’s work together to ensure our school remains a place where all students feel safe, respected, and supported in making healthy choices.
Guidance Updates
Parents/guardians are asked to have their students, who have applied to postsecondary programs at colleges or universities in Ontario, check their OCAS and/or OUAC accounts. ECSS has completed the upload for first semester midterm marks for all students. If students notice any mark discrepancies, or if they notice any courses that appear that should no longer be there, they are asked to contact their guidance counsellor or speak to our Guidance secretary, Ms. Giotis.
The full disclosure/mark visibility date for this semester is Friday, November 28th. Grade 11 and 12 courses that are dropped after this date will appear on the Ontario Student Transcript with the most recent mark. If senior students are concerned about midterms achievement and postsecondary pathway programs, they should come to the Guidance Office during the Pop-Up Shop in the mornings prior to the start of school, to the Guidance Office at the beginning of the lunch period, or schedule an appointment with their guidance counsellor to discuss options prior to Wednesday, November 26th.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Families, parents, and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting, where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools. Please see our flyer for more information. Registration is available online. For further information, please email the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.
The Pathways Team in Curriculum & Instructional Services in collaboration with the York Catholic District School Board invites families of students in Grades 9-11 to attend a Skilled Trades and Technology Career Planning Information Night. The goal of this event is to provide students with an opportunity to learn about pathways in industries that are constantly innovating, on the cutting edge of emerging technologies, and making a critical difference in people’s lives. Students will have the opportunity to learn about some of Ontario’s 140+ trades through presentations and information booths. They will hear directly from the YRDSB Pathways team, tradespeople and local employers about life-changing career opportunities.
This event is taking place on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Cardinal Carter Catholic School (210 Bloomington Rd, Aurora, ON L4G 0P9).
The YRDSB District Action Plan identifies the need to support students with transitions into their chosen programs and pathways. The Student Success Team in Curriculum and Instructional Services is pleased to provide a professional learning opportunity to assist Secondary school staff in obtaining up-to-date information about Ontario college and university programs. Attendees will learn about newly updated scholarship opportunities, emerging program offerings, and the latest admission requirements and application insights that contribute to the postsecondary selection process. This event features panel discussions with college and university representatives, along with an opportunity for attendees to visit college and university exhibits and ask individual questions.
Future Black Applicant Day is designed to provide prospective Black students and their supporters with invaluable insights into their academic programs, vibrant campus life, and the boundless opportunities that await at U of T. Please refer to the link for more details.
Postsecondary Resources and Supports for Indigenous Students be can be found using Aboriginal Post-Secondary Information Program (APSIP) and Indspire.
Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) is an Integrated Youth Services (IYS) initiative designed to address the service gaps in the youth mental health and substance use sectors in Ontario. A new location has opened in Maple.
NACCA Presents Roots and Branches: An Africentric Tree of Life Workshop for Black Families on Saturday, November 22, 2025, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. This is a powerful family-centered workshop where Black families come together to explore the Tree of Life approach. Through storytelling, creativity, and illustration, families will map out their histories, values, and dreams—recognizing that our roots ground us, our branches uplift us, and our community connects us.
School Mental Health Ontario has a webinar series to support students and families.
York Hills provides webinars for parents/caregivers.
CMHA York Region - Community Connections Program A recovery-oriented drop-in hub organized to help individuals 16 years or older improve mental health and overall wellness. The program offers opportunities for socialization, building a community network, physical and mental health enhancements, increased recreational skills for community transition, and guided activity-based discovery through peer led activities in the community.
The Caregiver Resource Hub provides new resources for parents and caregivers on important topics identified by families across the province, made possible through funding from the Ministry of Education.
Building Healthy Kids with York Region provides various resources for families.
College and University Open Houses & Tours: Attending a college and university open house or tour is a great way to find out more about the campus, the programs, and the environment. Each postsecondary institution offers a variety of events throughout the year for secondary school students. We encourage students and families to visit each institution’s website to find out more details about in-person and virtual opportunities. Students can view the details on each individual college website. Information on college tours can be viewed on the College Information Program page.
Take time to explore the Student Mental Health and Addictions letter for Fall 2025. It includes supportive resources and community mental health events.
Aboriginal Post-Secondary Information Program will be travelling across Ontario and parts of Quebec for the annual fall recruitment season: September - November 2025. Dates here.