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During Graduation Season, the YCDSB Recognizes its Distinguished Alumni

YOUNGSUB KANG — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:32:12 +0000

As schools throughout Ontario celebrate graduation ceremonies, the �Ǹ�Թ� (YCDSB) is recognizing some of its outstanding graduates from previous years with the 2026 YCDSB Distinguished Alumni Award.

Every year, this award celebrates how publicly-funded Catholic education helps young people to use their God-given talents to have successful lives and to contribute to their communities. Members of the public nominated the award winners for being examples of the Catholic School Graduate Expectations, for being inspirations to others and for integrating Catholic values into their daily lives.

The 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award winners are featured on posters that are now on display in all YCDSB schools. During this graduation season, the example set by these individuals will inspire another generation of students to work hard and achieve their dreams.

“Our 2026 Distinguished Alumni prove that a YCDSB education prepares students not just for careers, but for lives of purpose,” said Interim Director of Education Jennifer Sarna. “Congratulations to this year’s award winners and to the YCDSB’s Class of 2026 who will follow in their footsteps.”

The YCDSB is pleased to announce its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award winners:

Nicolina Bozzo Singer

Nicolina Bozzo is one of Canada’s most compelling new voices in pop music. She first captivated audiences with her emotionally charged TikTok covers, where her powerhouse vocals and raw authenticity resonated with millions worldwide.

In 2022, Nicolina gained international recognition as a top five finalist on season 20 of “American Idol,” becoming the furthest-advancing Canadian contestant in the show’s history. She continued her rise in 2025 as a finalist on “Canada’s Got Talent” season four. Her debut EP, “Rearview,” showcased her signature blend of soaring vocals, poetic lyricism and modern pop production.

Nicolina’s music can be heard on popular radio stations around the world. With over two million followers across social media platforms and 100+ million video views, Nicolina is an artist to watch.

Nicolina attended St. Jerome CES in Aurora and is a graduate of St. Elizabeth CHS in Thornhill.

Dr. Amelia Ciofani Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist

Dr. Amelia Ciofani is a cardiologist and electrophysiologist, which is the study of the heart’s electrical system, at Brampton Civic Hospital – William Osler Health System (WOHS) and St. Michael’s Hospital. Dr. Ciofani earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and a Medical Degree at the University of Toronto.

As an electrophysiologist, Dr. Ciofani performs life-saving surgeries, such as pacemaker and defibrillator implants, as well as ablations, which correct arrhythmias or abnormal heartbeats. Over the past 10 years, Dr. Ciofani has led the development of the device implant and cardiac arrhythmia program at WOHS, bringing specialized cardiac device surgeries into the Brampton community. She is currently working towards opening an electrophysiology laboratory and cardiac ablation program at WOHS, with hopes to provide specialized ablation procedures close to patients’ homes.

She attended St. John Bosco CES and St. Joan of Arc CHS in Vaughan.

Ryan Nembhard NBA Player

Ryan Nembhard is a professional point guard for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He had a stellar college career at Creighton University and Gonzaga University, including leading the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in assists in his senior year. The Mavericks signed him to a two-way contract, and Ryan wasted no time proving he belonged. In December 2025, he scored 28 points in a win against the Denver Nuggets. By March 2026, Dallas had signed him to a multi-year contract. Then on April 12, 2026, Ryan dished out 23 assists against the Chicago Bulls—a Mavericks rookie franchise record that broke one previously held by his coach and Hall of Famer, Jason Kidd. His older brother, Andrew, is also an NBA player and 2023 YCDSB Distinguished Alumni.
Ryan attended St. Jerome CES in Aurora.

Father Alvin Joys Priest

Fr. Alvin Joys was born in India and moved to Canada in 2000 at the age of four. Raised in a devout Catholic household, he developed a deep connection to his faith through his parents. Fr. Alvin was involved in parish life growing up both as an altar server at St. Padre Pio and St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar Catholic Cathedral, and through his involvement with Jesus Youth. Fr. Alvin pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo, and after completing it in 2018, he entered seminary formation. In 2025, he was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Toronto and now serves as Associate Pastor at St. Clare of Assisi in Woodbridge.

Fr. Alvin attended St. Stephen CES and graduated from St. Jean de Brébeuf CHS in Woodbridge.

Linda Shin Superior Court Judge

Justice Linda Shin is an Ontario Superior Court judge in Toronto. The daughter of Korean immigrants, she received a B.A. from Queen’s University and a LL.B. from the University of Toronto. She was admitted to the Bar of Ontario in 2000.

Justice Shin began her career as a civil litigation associate at McCarthy Tétrault law firm. She joined the Ministry of the Attorney General in 2006 where she served in various roles, including as an Assistant Crown Attorney prosecuting criminal cases and Chief Counsel to Ontario’s Deputy Attorney General. At the time of her appointment, she was General Counsel at the Crown Law Office – Criminal, where she conducted trials and appeals on complex criminal matters. Justice Shin has been an articling principal, a mentor to law students and sat on the board of the Korean Canadian Women’s Association.

She attended St. Charles Garnier CES and St. Anne CES in Richmond Hill, and graduated from St. Robert CHS in Thornhill.

Congratulations to the new YCDSB Distinguished Alumni.

YCDSB Launches Student and Family Support Office

YOUNGSUB KANG — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:28:13 +0000

The �Ǹ�Թ� (YCDSB) has launched a new resource to help families better navigate their child’s educational journey. This office is an additional point of contact that makes it easier for students and parents/guardians to access support, bring questions to the right person and receive timely updates.

What Is the Student and Family Support Office?

This office will help students and parents/guardians who are seeking support or guidance related to a student’s education, particularly when a concern is complex, unresolved or cannot be addressed at the school level.
The Ministry of Education has directed all school boards to create a local Student and Family Support Office.

How Can the Office Help?

The Student and Family Support Office can support you when:

A concern has not been resolved after speaking with school staff
Guidance is needed on who can assist with more complex or sensitive matters
Central school board support is needed beyond what the school can provide

In these cases, the Student and Family Support Office can connect you with your area superintendent and support matters that may require further escalation. We can also direct your inquiry to the appropriate YCDSB department for support, where needed. These are just two examples of how the office can help.

Start With Your Child’s School

For most day-to-day questions or concerns, communicating with your child’s teacher or principal is the quickest and best option. Before contacting the Student and Family Support Office, we encourage families to bring the issue to their school directly.

How to Contact the Student and Family Support Office

Starting today, you can contact the Student and Family Support Office through:

Email: supportoffice@ycdsb.ca
Phone: (289) 453-0097
Online:
A link will also be available on and on every school website

More information on the Student and Family Support Office is available on its website: .
As a Catholic learning community, the �Ǹ�Թ� believes in providing every student with the best possible educational experience. We are pleased that the Student and Family Support Office will provide another opportunity to answer our community’s questions and help our students thrive.

2026 Registration for Kindergarten at YCDSB is Open

YOUNGSUB KANG — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:50:31 +0000

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of learning and growth for your child? The �Ǹ�Թ� (YCDSB) offers a welcoming and nurturing Kindergarten program designed to spark curiosity, build confidence and inspire a love for learning rooted in faith.

At YCDSB, your child will benefit from:

A safe, inclusive and faith-filled environment
Engaging, play-based learning activities
Caring and dedicated educators
Opportunities to develop socially, emotionally and academically

From exploring the wonders of literacy and math to celebrating faith and friendship, YCDSB schools provide a strong foundation for lifelong success.

��here to learn more about our Kindergarten program and how to register your little one for a bright future with YCDSB.

We look forward to welcoming your family into ours.

Learn More and Register Now!

YCDSB PA Day: Friday, January 31, 2025

YOUNGSUB KANG — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:00:26 +0000

In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s new Regulation 304, “School Year Calendar, Professional Activity Days,” the �Ǹ�Թ� (YCDSB) is providing the following summary of P.A. Day activities at the elementary level on Friday, January 31, 2025.

Elementary
Mathematics
Teachers will deepen their understanding of the K-8 Mathematics curriculum by exploring assessment FOR learning, focusing on research-based practices in the curriculum front matter, key expectations along the math continuum, and using our board’s foundational math resource (Nelson My Math Path) and digital tool (Knowledgehook) for effective assessment. Educators in certain specialty areas will also participate in subject-specific sessions in locations throughout the YCDSB.

Bullying and School Safety
Staff will complete online modules covering the Bullying, Human Rights and Online Incident Reporting Tool. The bullying and human rights module will provide school staff with a better understanding of bullying behaviour, their obligations to help prevent bullying, as well as understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code Protective Grounds.The online reporting tool will cover steps on how to report incidents of workplace violence. These training modules will support and monitor the health and safety of all our students and staff.

For Secondary
Secondary – Semester Two Prep
Teachers will complete semester one assessment facilitated by school administrators.

Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee Invites all Applicants Interested in Joining the Advisory Committee to contact The Office of the Human Rights & Equity Advisor by the end of January 2025.

YOUNGSUB KANG — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 19:12:16 +0000

The �Ǹ�Թ� recognizes that an equitable, inclusive education system will always be fundamental to achieving its mission and evolving core priorities. The Board recognizes that any form of overt or covert racism and discrimination is incompatible with Catholic values and is in violation of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Cultivating an authentically safe and inclusive space also requires a recognition of the role that racism, which is historically and systemically embedded, has in working against these goals and outcomes. Such spaces demand an understanding of how anti-Black racism has thrived as a particularly aggressive form of racism that impacts Black learners, Black professionals, and Black communities.

The Board is committed to listening to its diverse communities and addressing disparities to cultivate a learning community that promotes human rights, equity, anti-racism, and inclusion. In collaboration with the Board, the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee will work to effectively address and dismantle the disadvantages and discrimination experienced by Black students, staff, and families.

For further information and to express interest in joining the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Committee contact The Office of the Human Rights & Equity Advisor at humanrights.equityadvisor@ycdsb.ca

YCDSB & York Regional Police: Human Trafficking and Internet Exploitation

YOUNGSUB KANG — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 19:15:01 +0000

Join us at on Tuesday February 11, 2025 from 7:00-8:30pm for an important information session aimed at helping families protect York Region youth from the dangers of human trafficking and internet exploitation. As our young people navigate the digital world, it is crucial for parents and guardians to stay informed about the risks they may encounter online. The session will provide valuable information on recognizing the signs of human trafficking and internet exploitation, as well as strategies to protect youth from becoming victims. Experts from York Regional Police will share insights into the current dangers facing our youth and offer guidance on how to keep children safe in both online and offline spaces.

Important Note for Attendees: The subject matter being discussed may be difficult for some people, so we strongly recommend that parents accompany any students who plan to attend. Additionally, the presentation is not intended for children under the age of 10, but it is up to parents’ discretion at what age their child is ready for this information. You are welcome to bring families from outside of the YCDSB.

YCDSB P.A. Day: Friday, January 17, 2025

YOUNGSUB KANG — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 21:14:56 +0000

Elementary – Report Card Writing

Elementary teachers will write report cards, which will be available to parents/guardians on ConnectEd on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, after 4 p.m.

John De Faveri Accepts Director of Education and Foundation Chair Position With the YCDSB

YOUNGSUB KANG — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:35:37 +0000

Dear �Ǹ�Թ� Students, Staff, Families and Community Members,

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that John De Faveri has accepted the position of Director of Education and Foundation Chair with the �Ǹ�Թ�.

We thank Mr. De Faveri for being our Interim Director for the past 11 months and look forward to continuing to work together to implement the Multi-Year Strategic Plan and the Multi-Year Financial Recovery Plan.

Mr. De Faveri has years of experience leading public and private organizations across the Province of Ontario. He has provided great wisdom and leadership as Interim Director of Education, and we are confident that he is the right person to ensure the �Ǹ�Թ� remains the top-performing school board in Ontario.

Please join us in congratulating Mr. De Faveri.

Yours in Catholic Education,
Elizabeth Crowe
Chair of the Board

The 2023-24 Director’s Annual Report Is Now Available

YOUNGSUB KANG — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:37:18 +0000

The 2023-24 school year was an incredible time for the �Ǹ�Թ� (YCDSB). To help our community relive some of the YCDSB’s many accomplishments from this school year, we are happy to share the.

In this beautifully designed report, you will see that we opened two new schools in Stouffville, and we looked ahead to more new schools in the future.

Our students excelled with province-leading EQAO and OSSLT scores, and the highest five-year graduation rate in Ontario.

We shared our faith with a renewed “We Are Diverse. We Are One in Christ” campaign. And we lived the Gospel mission by being a leader in charitable giving, including by raising more money for ShareLife than any other school board in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

As a community, we advanced equity and inclusion through initiatives such as the Indigenous Winter Games, a Black Leadership Conference and the YCDSB’s Special Olympics Track and Field event.

We also worked to build a culture of positive well-being, which resulted in 94 per cent of grade 4, 6 and 7 students reporting that they feel safe at school.

And we did much more.

shows what makes a York Catholic education special. We are proud of what we achieved together, as a community, and we hope you will read the Director’s Annual Report to see why this was an excellent year for our province-leading school board.

Nominate Someone Special for the Distinguished Alumni Award

YOUNGSUB KANG — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:44:45 +0000

�Ǹ�Թ� alumni are truly outstanding. Through their God-given talents and social conscience, they constantly make the world a better place.

York Catholic recognizes some of its incredible alumni every year with the Distinguished Alumni Awards. This is a celebration of Catholic education and the people who have benefited from it.

If you know a York Catholic alumni who deserves the Distinguished Alumni Award, please by Sunday, January 12, 2025.

Last year’s Distinguished Alumni winners were:

Father Scott Birchall, a priest in the Archdiocese of Toronto
Jessica Dizon Burns, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and professor at Centennial College
Jeffrey Man, a senior policy advisor at the Ontario Public Service (OPS)
Kevin McCloskey, a deputy chief in the York Regional Police
Saneliso Moyo, a partner at Goldblatt Partners LLP law firm
Marsha Pinto, a speech therapist and advocate for shy children
Jordan Romano, a professional baseball pitcher
Sierra Scodellaro, a researcher at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

Distinguished Alumni Awards winners:

Have made a significant contribution to their field, industry and/or community, and are an inspiration to others (and have worked in their field for at least two years)
Reflect one or more of the Catholic School Graduate Expectations
Demonstrate creative and critical thinking skills and integrate Catholic values into their daily lives, as a socially responsible global citizen
Graduated from a York Catholic secondary school or spent the majority of their formative years in a York Catholic school

Please by Sunday, January 12, 2025!