October 2, 2026 Bulldog Newsletter

Please see an update as of October 6:

This message is about Electronic Scooters (E-Scooters) and Electric Bicycles (E-Bikes) and to reiterate the importance of the safety and well-being of the Bur Oak school community.

There has been an increase in students using e-scooters and e-bikes. This has brought serious safety concerns to the school community as we have had one student injury requiring emergency hospital attention and several near miss accidents.

To ensure everyone remains safe on and around school property, I would like to review the relevant York Regional Police, provincial, and York Region District School Board (YRDSB) guidelines and expectations regarding e-bikes and e-scooters:

1. Age Requirements and Legal Regulations

• Minimum Age: Under Ontario law and York Regional Police guidelines, riders must be at least 16 years of age to operate an e-bike or e-scooter.
• Helmets: Helmets are mandatory for anyone under 18 years of age operating these devices. We strongly encourage all riders, regardless of age, to protect themselves by wearing an approved helmet at all times.

• Local Bylaws: E-scooters and e-bikes are subject to strict municipal bylaws across York Region regarding where they can legally be operated (e.g., sidewalks vs. designated roadways)

   

2. School Property Rules & Storage

• Dismount on School Grounds: For the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, e-scooters and e-bikes MUST NOT be ridden anywhere on school property. This includes parking lots, driveways, and walkways.
• Walk Your Device: Students riding an e-scooter or e-bike to school must dismount immediately upon reaching school property and walk their device to designated bicycle rack areas.
• No Indoor Storage: Motorized devices, batteries, and e-scooters are not permitted inside the school building at any time due to safety and fire hazard regulations. They must be secured outdoors at designated bike racks.

If you have questions or concerns, please email me:  louis.lim@yrdsb.ca

• This week, we presented information to grade 9 students about the guidance department - what we do and how to book appointments with us - and about community involvement hours required for graduation. We hope our grade 9 students will feel comfortable booking guidance appointments or reaching out to us for support when needed!

Upcoming Events:

Saturday, October 17 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm - Meet the Colleges & Universities

• Location: Vaughan Civic Centre Resource Library, 2191 Major Mackenzie Dr W, Vaughan, ON, L6A 4W2
• Students considering college or university will have the opportunity to connect directly with representatives from a variety of post-secondary institutions. Attendees can learn about academic programs, admissions requirements, campus life, and the many pathways available after high school. With 18 post-secondary institutions confirmed, this event offers students a valuable chance to ask questions, gather information, and begin planning for their educational future.
• Visit the Vaughan Public Libraries website for more information

Tuesday, October 20 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm 

• Location: Richmond Green Secondary School (1 William F. Bell Parkway, Richmond Hill, L4S 2T9)
• For YRDSB Families of students in grades 9 to 11. Learn about:
• OYAP
• Pathway Planning
• Course selection for skilled trade careers
• Experiential learning opportunities

Here about career pathways and opportunities from:

• Industry partners and associations
• Colleges and trade unions
• Local employers
•  See flyer for initial details

The Pathways Team in Curriculum & Instructional Services invites students and their families to attend the Accelerated OYAP and Apprenticeship Virtual Information Night. This event is for:

• Grade 12 students who are planning on entering the Skilled Trades
• Grade 10 or 11 students who would like more information on this program to better prepare for this pathway
• Parents/guardians of students in Grades 9-12 who are considering a career in the skilled trades 

This virtual event takes place on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. A link to this online session will be sent out via email a few days before the event. 

Additional information and accompanying flyer can be found on the Accelerated OYAP Sharepoint.  

Please see the York Regional Police Experience Career event happening on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with families of Grade 10-12 students about careers in emergency services in York Region

YRDSB has partnered with LEARNstyle, one of our assistive technology training providers, to offer the Ignite Technology Grant for students with Specialized Equipment Allocation (SEA) technology. 

The Ignite Technology Grant is designed to create leadership opportunities, hone communication skills, and increase self-esteem for students with SEA technology within their school community. Students with all types of SEA technology (i.e., Read&Write, Braille Notetaker, Boardmaker, etc.) are invited to submit an application for the grant. The goal of this grant is to bring awareness to the effective and successful use of technology for learning.  

The Ignite Technology Grant consists of two different awards - Elementary and Secondary School Awards, and Graduation Awards for students graduating secondary school. A total of $5400 will be awarded and distributed amongst the recipients.

Application Dates:

• Applications open: October 13, 2026
• Applications close: November 27, 2026

Ignite Elementary and Secondary School Awards

Elementary and Secondary School Awards honour an individual and/or group of students with SEA technology who take the initiative to create an educational and awareness-building club, activity and/or technology event for their school community. All Elementary and Secondary School Award applications require School Administrator support/approval. Teacher, Administrator and family involvement are encouraged.

Ignite Graduation Awards

The Ignite Graduation Award will be granted to Grade 12 graduating students who have demonstrated leadership and success with SEA technology throughout their educational journey, and school & community involvement. This Graduation Award is only available to students currently enrolled in a YRDSB school with SEA technology. A primary school contact (i.e., teacher and/or principal) will be required for each application.

Applications

Specific criteria, information about the application process and the application form are available on the Board’s public website.To ensure confidentiality of student images and information, all multi-media submissions should be completed using YRDSB Google Apps. Please ensure any video that is captured and submitted also has consent from families and individuals who have been recorded. 

In honour of Islamic Heritage Month, Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) invites you to an evening celebrating the incredible diversity of Islamic heritage and cultures.

This event offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, connection, and learning as we come together to celebrate the diverse identities, histories, and traditions of Muslim communities across the globe.

Through food, performances, cultural displays, and interactive activities, we will honour the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and ongoing contributions of communities that form part of the diverse tapestry of Islamic heritage.

Event Details

North Area

Date: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Sir William Mulock Secondary School, 705 Columbus Way, Newmarket, ON L3X 2M7

West Area

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Tommy Douglas Secondary School, 4020 Major Mackenzie Dr, Vaughan ,ON, L4H 4E9

Central Area

Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Aurora High School , 155 Wellington St W, Aurora ,ON , M5V 3H1 

East Area

Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Bill Hogarth Secondary School, 100 Donald Sim Ave., Markham, ON L6B 0R1

For more information and to register please complete the Google Form. Please note that registration for this event is limited to comply with venue capacity requirements. Spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once capacity has been reached. 

For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.