NEWS RELEASE
YORK CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
**************************
On June 16, 2020, the Board of Trustees at the York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB) approved the creation of six STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Centres of Excellence throughout York Region. The expected opening date is targeted for September 2021 but may be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The STREAM Centres of Excellence will serve as YCDSB teaching and learning hubs with a goal to enhance the learning experiences of students through global-leading STREAM initiatives. The focus will be on student engagement and innovation to inspire deep learning using design thinking to meet the needs of diverse learners. Subjects will include Design Thinking, Robotics, Coding, 3D Printing, Virtual Reality, Experiential Learning and Cross-Curricular Learning using Technology.
Providing STREAM learning is part of the YCDSB’s vision for all its schools. Students require a diverse set of 21st century skills and ways of thinking, applying and solving the problems that we all face as global Catholic disciples. This educational approach to learning uses STREAM as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking.
These STREAM Centres of Excellence will be located at selected schools and will be accessible to all students from kindergarten to Grade 12. Students from all schools will have the opportunity to attend field trips to participate in workshops at the centres.
The six STREAM Centres of Excellence will be located at All Saints CES in Unionville, Corpus Christi CES in Richmond Hill, Divine Mercy CES in Maple, Our Lady of Grace CES in Aurora, St. Agnes of Assisi CES in Woodbridge and St. Stephen CES in Woodbridge.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce the approval of six new STREAM Centres of Excellence. At the York Catholic District School Board, we recognize the need to provide students with the innovative learning and technology they require to develop and support their 21st century skills. With this focus on student engagement and innovation, we are confident that we can meet the needs of diverse learners so that all can realize their God-given potential,” said Maria Marchese, chair of the Board of Trustees.
“I would like to thank the Board of Trustees for their approval of six new STREAM Centres of Excellence. This investment will be important for students as they continue to develop their critical thinking skills in this technologically advanced world. I would like to extend my gratitude to our team of dedicated staff who continue to apply their forward-thinking skills to meet the needs of all our students,” said Mary Battista, interim director of education.
The York Catholic District School Board is one of the top-performing school boards in Ontario. It delivers educational programming to approximately 53,000 students in 101 schools throughout York Region. For more information, visit www.ycdsb.ca or follow us on Twitter at @YCDSB.
**************************
