Dear Families,
As we approach the final month of the year, we are excited to share some upcoming events that will bring our school community together.
Grade 8 Open House
📅 Thursday, December 4
We look forward to welcoming future students and families to explore our programs and learn about the opportunities that await.
Winter Welcome
📅 Thursday, December 11
Join us for a festive celebration of the season! This is a wonderful chance to connect and enjoy the warmth of our community.
Looking Ahead
December is always a special time filled with learning, joy, and togetherness. Thank you for your continued support in making our school a vibrant place for all.
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.
Student Trustee Applications Open
If you will be in grade 11 or 12 next school year and are passionate about student voice, consider becoming a student trustee, and representing students across YRDSB.
Student trustees network with students, staff and the Board of Trustees to share information that gives students a meaningful voice. Learn more about the role and how you can apply at www.yrdsb.ca/studenttrustees.
Applications can be submitted between December 1-15. The deadline to apply is December 15, 2025, 11:59 p.m.
All students in Grades 5-12 will have an opportunity to vote for the candidate who represents our area of the Board. There are four areas of the Board (central, east, north and west). Once the four final candidates are announced, students can vote for two of the four candidates to represent them as student trustees in the 2026-2027 school year.
Students will receive information on how to vote in the election during the campaign and voting,
Guidance Updates
Dual Credit Course opportunities are now open for Winter/Spring 2026. Dual credits courses allow Grade 11 and Grade 12 students an opportunity to take college courses that count towards both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or SHSM OSSD and a college certificate, diploma, or degree. Students may earn up to a maximum of four elective credits through college-delivered dual credit courses that count towards their OSSD or SHSM OSSD. Information and steps has been posted in the Grade 11 and Grade 12 All Things Google Classrooms for students to explore.
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.
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.
Postsecondary Resources and Supports for Indigenous Students can be found using Aboriginal Post-Secondary Information Program (APSIP) and Indspire.
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.
Take time to explore the Student Mental Health and Addictions letter for Fall 2025. It includes supportive resources and community mental health events.