October 9, 2026 Bulldog Newsletter

Please see this post from the City of Markham and review Mr. Lim's message below concerning an update on E-Scooters and E-bikes.

1. E-Scooters – Strictly Prohibited

E-scooters are entirely banned on all school grounds, as well as almost all public spaces across the City of Markham. By municipal law, e-scooters are NOT permitted on city roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, paths, parks, or trails. Thus, students must NOT bring or ride E-scooters on Bur Oak Secondary School property.

Consequences for E-Scooters:

• School administration will confiscate the E-Scooter. Parent/guardian will be required to come to the school to retrieve the E-Scooter.
• Progressive Discipline: Students will face progressive discipline. Repeat infractions will result in escalating consequences, up to and including out-of-school suspension.
• Police Fines ($250 to $2500): York Regional Police (YRP) can issue tickets directly to riders. Parents and guardians can also face charges and fines.

2. Electric Bikes (E-Bikes) – Permitted under Strict Rules

E-Bikes are permitted on public roads and designated pathways. However, strict laws and school policies apply: 

Age Requirement: By Ontario law, riders must be 16 years of age or older to operate any e-bike.

• Helmet Law: Helmets are mandatory for anyone under the age of 18.
• No Sidewalk Riding: It is illegal to ride e-bikes on sidewalks. They must be ridden on the road or in designated bike lanes.
• School Property Rules: E-bikes must be powered off on school property, walked safely through pedestrian areas, and securely locked at the bicycle racks. 

Consequences for E-Bikes:

• Confiscation: Any e-bike operated unsafely on school property or brought to school by an underage or unhelmeted rider, will be confiscated immediately by school administration and held until a parent/guardian retrieves it.
• Progressive Discipline: Progressive discipline applies with repeated or dangerous offences leading up to and including out-of-school suspension.
• Police Fines ($60 to $500+): York Regional Police (YRP) enforces e-bike laws. Parents/guardians can face charges.

If you have any questions, please contact me:  louis.lim@yrdsb.ca

The Centre for Black Student Excellence is proud to announce the upcoming event for students, families and staff.

Join us for an evening of culture, connection and family fun. Families will take part in interactive experiences that bring together the richness and diversity of African, Caribbean and Black cultures through literature and art. Author Blessing Owusu-Cobby will share her journey as an author as well as celebrate Abena's Adventures: A Taste of Home inspired by her upbringing as a Ghanaian-Canadian, a tale that celebrates cultural pride, confidence and connections to cultural food. Children and youth will have opportunities to create, explore and make connections between cultural traditions and the ways Black culture continues to grow, evolve and influence the world around us. Black secondary students will help lead activities and connect with younger students throughout the evening, creating opportunities for students of different ages to learn from and alongside one another. Dinner will be provided, with activities designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Date: Monday, October 19, 2026

Time: 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Location: Stouffville District Secondary School (801 Hoover Park Dr, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A 0A4)

Registration: Please register now!

Please see the registration link and this flyer for this board event .  

For any questions, please contact the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.

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

Experience the Career

Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

York Regional Police Training and Education Bureau
70 Bales Dr. E
East Gwillimbury ON L0G 1V0
Canada

Students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 have the chance to Experience the Career at a unique expo showcasing emergency services from across York Region.

Attendees will be treated to live demonstrations, hands-on activities and interactive presentations. They will also have the opportunity to connect with first responders, recruitment teams and post-secondary program co-ordinators.

Parents are welcome to attend. 

Session 1: 9 a.m.

Session 2: 12 p.m.

Dear families,

Please see the Start Up forms that were sent at the beginning of the year.  If you did not sign these, please do so by Friday October 16.  It is important that these forms are completed and there are both mandatory and optional forms. Families with more than one child will be able to access the form for each of their children in the Family Dashboard. Please complete a separate form for each child attending our schools.

The forms should be completed for all students. Your child's school will access the information. Any changes to information once you have submitted the form for the current school year must be communicated directly to the school, and not by re-submitting another form.

If you prefer to complete the forms on paper or have questions about the information in the forms, please contact the office.

Start Up Forms
 

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

• 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 - Pathways to the Skilled Trades and Technology Open House

• 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

Hear about career pathways and opportunities from:

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

We will be celebrating the academic achievements of our students from the 2025-2026 school year at our annual Awards Breakfast on October 27! 

• Invitations were sent to students a few weeks ago and they were asked to RSVP by October 9. 
• The event is for students only, but there will be opportunities for students to get their pictures taken with their certificates so parents & guardians can celebrate this memorable occasion with them at a later time. 
• Students should inform their period 1 teachers ahead of time that they will be away that day. Attendance will be taken when students arrive in the cafeteria. 
• Students should arrive at 8 am to enjoy a hot breakfast before the ceremony starts. 

We look forward to celebrating with students on the 27th!