What’s Up Next At DCPS - Issue #6 - November 27, 2025

Message from Administration

We have had a few opportunities to connect with family members over the past couple of weeks.

We were happy to see the family members who were able to attend our Remembrance Day assembly on November 11th. We would like to extend a huge thank you to Ms. Quach for organizing the assemblies and to all of our homeroom teachers who worked with their students to prepare a performance to honour those who have served and sacrificed and/or been impacted by war, and to reflect on those who continue to serve today.

We also enjoyed welcoming and connecting with so many families during our evening and morning of parent-teacher interviews.  We truly value our partnership with families and feel fortunate to have such an incredible school and school community.

We are very proud of our Boys and Girls Intermediate Volleyball teams.  Under the leadership of their coaches, Ms. Kameka, Ms. Lung and Mr. Tredree, they practice for countless hours during recess times, played in multiple tournaments and games leading up to the Area Meets, and demonstrated true sportsmanship and teamwork at the Area Meets. They represented DCPS in ways that couldn’t make us prouder!  Way to go, Dragons!

Finally, we would like to thank Ms. Channa for organizing another very successful Scholastic Book Fair. Our incredible volunteer, Ms. Leung, helped out each day with the sales, and we would like to take this opportunity to recognize her for her ongoing support of our DCPS students and staff.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions, concerns or comments.  We care about your children and want to ensure we are here to help.

Sean Yao        Joanne Trim

Principal         Vice Principal

From Our DCPS EcoTeam

Shraiyah, a Grade 8 student at Donald Cousens Public School, is the deserving recipient of the 2025 Friend of the Greenbelt: Rising Leader Award. As a dedicated eco leader at the school, Shraiyah's commitment to environmental stewardship goes beyond simple participation; she actively mentors younger students, inspiring the next generation of eco-conscious citizens. A highlight of her leadership was last year's Legacy Project, which she co-led with Hazel. This significant initiative included an information night about the Greenbelt to educate the community and culminated in a community art project, fostering a hands-on connection to the vital protected area. Furthermore, Shraiyah's personal passion for the environment was demonstrated when she entered a photograph in a contest supporting the Greenbelt, showcasing her commitment to its preservation through both action and artistic expression. Congratulations Shraiyah!

What are Microplastics and What Can we do About it?

By Aathetri (Grade 8) and Brandon (Grade 7)

Microplastics are extremely small pieces of plastics in the environment. These can come from large plastic materials, and can be found almost everywhere, from the ocean, the highest mountains, and even the air we breathe. They were found in personal care products, and clothes.

Microplastics are everywhere in the world we live in today. They are found in Antarctica’s glaciers, seawater samples, farms, and even in our food. A lot of this is caused by plastic wrapped food and produce. Many of the food we eat is covered in plastic or has been in contact with plastic on the way to us.

Reducing plastic use may seem small, but we can make a significant impact together. It's essential to take responsibility for protecting our planet and its wildlife. By being mindful of our plastic consumption today, we can work toward a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

What you can do…

• Reduce exposure through lifestyle and food
• Reduce the amount of processed foods or food with plastic packaging
• Avoid heating food in plastic containers - heat increases microplastics release
• Choose alternatives to hot beverages and food. Don’t use tea bags, as they have microplastics. Use loose-leaf tea instead
• Select seafood carefully, they might have ingested plastics
• Reduce synthetic clothing, every time you wash it, it releases microplastics

 DCPS Library Learning Commons

We’ve been having an exciting time in the DCPS Library this month! In recognition of Remembrance Day, students had the opportunity to take part in a special origami activity. They created paper poppies and cranes as a way to reflect on peace, gratitude, and the importance of remembrance.

Our annual Book Fair was held this month, and students had the chance to browse a wonderful selection of books and boutique items. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our school library and to encourage a love of reading.                

Thank you for all of your support!

Ms. Channa

A Word From Our Volleyball Coaches

Another Intermediate season of DCPS volleyball has come to a close, and as we start up Junior volleyball, it is with great appreciation that Coach Lung, Coach Tredree, and I (Coach Kameka) reflect on the Intermediate season. 

Though we experienced a few ups and downs, including some injuries and absences, we had a strong season. The Intermediate Boys won a coveted Castlemore tournament in early November, all for team pride and a box of donuts! The unity and focus they showed were tremendous! The Intermediate Girls finished the season strong with a great upset game at the Wismer tournament against Unionville Meadows and a fabulous finish of fourth place at the Area Tournament. The hair salon days were a ton of fun, and our team spirit was unmatched. Though we say goodbye to our Grade 8 athletes, we invite them back next year for a “Dragons’ All-Star” reunion game in early November 2026. For the returning athletes: “No, fear, no doubt, DC Dragons….shout it out!!! Goooooo Dragons!!!!!”

Hot Lunch Program

Message from Our Trustee

December 2025

As trustees, it is a privilege to work alongside families and schools. Every day, we see incredible successes - big and small - taking place in classrooms and learning spaces across our Board. We are committed to celebrating those achievements and supporting families as you navigate the system to access the resources, programs and information you need. 

Our schools and the Board host many events throughout the year for families—from information nights to cultural celebrations and community activities. These events provide wonderful opportunities to connect, learn and engage with the community. We encourage you to check your school’s calendar and the Board calendar regularly so you don’t miss these opportunities.

There are also some important registration dates coming up, including Kindergarten and French Immersion in January. Course selection also takes place in the coming months, which is a great time for students entering or currently in secondary school to explore the many options available to them. 

Visit our school programs page for deadlines, details and to learn more about the many programs available to YRDSB students. These programs allow students to explore their interests, gain valuable experience and build transferable skills for the future. 

We meet regularly as a Board of Trustees through monthly Board meetings and at regular committee meetings. Agendas and minutes are posted publicly so community members can stay informed. 

A highlight of each monthly meeting is the Applause Awards, where we celebrate students, staff and community partners who are making a meaningful difference in our schools. These inspiring stories showcase student achievement, perseverance, and the power of communities coming together to support student learning and well-being 

We also take time during our meetings to recognize Heritage months that reflect the diversity of our region and honour the identities of students, staff and families. This month, we recognize Christian Heritage Month; in January, we will celebrate Tamil Heritage Month, and in February, Black History Month. These observances give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions of these communities. 

As we go into December, we want to take this opportunity to wish all families the very best for the holiday season and to wish you a safe, restful and enjoyable winter break. 

Ron Lynn, Trustee, Markham Wards 2 and 6

DECEMBER Math Newsletter:  Sparking Joy through Reasoning and Proving

Welcome families! As the winter gets near, let's explore a powerful way to spark joy in math at home through Reasoning and Proving. What exactly is "Reasoning and Proving" in math? It's about explaining why something is true, or how you know. It's moving beyond just giving an answer to explaining the thinking process behind it. Whether a child is explaining why one season is better than another, or how they figured out how many cookies are left, they are engaging in reasoning and proving – a critical life skill!

Connecting it Back to the Classroom

Reasoning and proving is a fundamental "Mathematical Process" that students are developing from Kindergarten onwards. When a students learn to reason and prove, they build a much deeper understanding of the mathematics than if they simply memorize a series of steps or procedures. For example, knowing why 2+3=5 (e.g., "because if I have 2 and add 3 more, I get 5") is more powerful than just recalling the sum. This ability to explain their thinking is essential for problem-solving across all areas of mathematics and helps students make sense of the world around them.

Engaging in Reasoning and Proving at Home

Here are some  ways to engage students in some reasoning and proving though everyday math conversations at home:

• Ask "Why" and "How": After an answer is given; or a choice is made, simply ask, "Why do you think that?" or "How did you figure that out?"
• Encourage Different Approaches: "Is there another way you could solve this?", “Does this strategy always work?” Why or why not ?” This shows there's often more than one path to a solution.
• Actively Listen: Give students time to articulate their thoughts, even if it's messy at first. Model curiosity, not judgment.
• Value the Process: Praise students thinking and effort, not just getting the "right" answer. "I love how you explained that!" , “I can really picture your thinking in my head!”
• Use Everyday Situations: "Why do you think this line for the cashier is shorter?" or "How do you know we have enough wrapping paper for all these gifts?"

A Fantastic Resource for Families: WHICH ONE DOESN’T BELONG? 

A wonderful tool for sparking these conversations is "Which One Doesn't Belong?" https://talkingmathwithkids.com/wodb/

Present a set of four numbers, shapes, images, or objects. The challenge is that any of the four can be the one that "doesn't belong," depending on the rule or attribute you identify. For example, show four shapes: a red square, a blue circle, a red triangle, and a blue square. Some responses may be: 

• "The circle doesn't belong because it's the only one without straight sides." (Reasoning about shape attributes)
• "The red square doesn't belong because it's the only red shape that is also a square." (Reasoning about color and shape)
• "The blue square doesn't belong because it's the only shape that's both blue and a square." (Reasoning about unique combinations)

The beauty of "Which One Doesn't Belong?" is that there's no single "right" answer. Instead, it requires students  to observe, analyze, categorize, and most importantly, justify their reasoning. This naturally leads to rich discussions where they're compelled to reason and prove their thinking.

By making reasoning and proving a natural part of your family conversations, you'll be fostering confident, articulate mathematical thinkers.

Happy math talking!

From the YRDSB:

The York Region District School Board, in collaboration with the Government of Ontario, offers free English as a Second Language (ESL) training for adults aged 18 and over. Programs are available from beginner to advanced levels, and registration is ongoing.

Adult non-credit ESL Program - Key eligibility criteria

• Age: 18 years or older.
• Residency: A resident of Ontario.
• Immigration/Citizenship Status: Naturalized Canadian citizens, permanent residents, refugee claimants and convention refugees whose first language is not English. 

For details on program offerings, locations, and schedules, please visit the https://www2.yrdsb.ca/schools-programs/adult-learning/english-second-language page. For further assistance, please contact uplands@yrdsb.ca or call 905-731-9557.

Kwanzaa Celebration

The Centre for Black Student Excellence is hosting a Kwanzaa Celebration, on December 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bill Hogarth S.S. Our events are designed to celebrate and affirm Black identity and excellence, and we welcome all members of the YRDSB community to be part of this shared journey of learning and growth. Dinner will be provided.

Event Details:

• Storytelling on Kwanzaa’s history and principles
• Music and performances celebrating African heritage and culture
• Crafts and activities for all ages
• A community feast
• We look forward to celebrating this cultural holiday with you.

The deadline to register is Monday, December 1. Please fill out this registration form.

The Centre for Black Student Excellence - Understanding the Navigating the Education System

Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, December 15, 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 www link for more information.

Daring to Dream with Determination and Delight

Families, parents, and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meetings where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools.

Agenda

• Welcome and Engagement Exercise
• Presentation by NACCA: Supporting Our Black Children and Youth Through the Holidays
• Upcoming Programs and Events
• Question and Answer Session 

Please register as soon as possible. A virtual link will be sent after registration.

Black Student Excellence

Save the Date! The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Implementation Plan Team, is proud to announce the upcoming event for students, families and staff. 

Growing Together - Planning for Success

Date: January 8, 2026

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: Newmarket High School (505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket)

The move to high school is a critical milestone, and we are committed to ensuring every student and family feels fully prepared and equipped for success.

We are excited to invite Black students and their families in Grades 6 through 10 to an upcoming event highlighting the opportunities available to support pathway planning, specialty programs, and the transition between elementary and secondary school.  

This is a key opportunity for Black students and families to connect with educators, ask questions, and build a personalized roadmap for a successful and fulfilling secondary school experience.

More information and registration will be available shortly.

2026 Prime Minister’s Award Nominations Open

Consider nominating an educator for a 2026 Prime Minister’s Award! Download your nomination package today. Submit your nomination electronically by January 14, 2026.

Student Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter - Winter 2025

The Winter Mental Health Newsletter for Families and Caregivers has a focus on navigating the holidays, getting back to school and connection.