Student Success
My commitment to providing Catholic Education that serves the unique needs of every child while minimizing the impact of chronic under-funding
Catholicity
Blessing of new Mother Mary statue St.Patrick CES
Chapel at St. Jerome CES Aurora
Holy Name CES Mass May 2022
All Principals are now required to hold a Specialist in Religious Education
New Religious Education Curriculum approved by the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario: digital and print resources purchased for all elementary grades, secondary program roll-out September 2018 with new digital resources and texts for grades 9 and 10 expected shortly
Every high school and elementary school (where possible) has a chapel
Every classroom has a prayer center
Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation: Land Acknowledgement, Grade 11 English (ENG3) replaced by Understanding Contemporary Indigenous Voices (NBE3)
“Ms. Crowe’s level of commitment and dedication to YCDSB students is truly inspiring. She has always taken the time to listen to the voice of the students, as well as provide us with new ideas and opportunities. I loved working with Ms. Crowe as she treated not just me, but all students as her equal and was always an encouraging mentor.”
Student Lenten Reflections through art
Student Achievement
Elementary Volleyball Board Championships
Black Heritage month quilt at St.Brigid CES. Thanks to Nadine Williams for her inspiration and guidance.
3-D Printer at STREAM Center Our Lady of Grace CES in Aurora.
Board consistently ranked top four in province on EQAO.
York Catholic DSB has highest graduation rates of all English Boards in the province
6 STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math) Centers opened in 2022, including one at Our Lady of Grace CES in Aurora. They are accessible to all students in the system, and most students have already visited these state-of-the-art classrooms at least once.
Libraries transforming into Learning Commons and Technology hubs
Implemented Phys-Ed and Music specialists in all elementary schools
Orff Instruments purchased for every school and dedicated music/drama rooms in all elementary schools.
St. Maximilian Kolbe CHS: French Immersion and Advanced Placement (AP) program implemented HPA (High Performance Athlete) program approved for 2023.
IB program at Cardinal Carter CHS is a success
St. Katharine Drexel CHS 7-12 CHS in Stouffville offers French Immersion and Advanced Placement (AP).
Regional Arts Program, iRAP, at Sacred Heart CHS in Newmarket
Expanded Specialist High Skills Majors options available to high school students as well opportunities for SHSM CO-OP and Dual Credit during the summer
Implemented Secondary Exam Review days
Mental Health and Addiction Strategic implemented. Mental Health workers hired. Mental Health Ambassador program implemented in schools. Mental Health Instructional Lead approved to develop classroom resources.
Approved Accessibility plan
Restructured senior team to create position of Superintendent of Inviting and Inclusive schools to develop and implement a plan to address systemic barriers to equity in education to ensure inclusive and accessible learning and working environments.
Eco Clubs in our schools do amazing work!
“I have known Elizabeth Crowe for the 24 years she has served as the trustee for Aurora, King and Whitchurch-Stouffville. She has been an instrumental leader in spearheading the construction of new schools and additions, actively lobbying the government for funding. Elizabeth is able to “act” as your full-time trustee and has been an enthusiastic and dedicated Chair of the school board for 18 years. She has proven her commitment to the rich history of the communities she serves but she is also a forward thinker. Her experience and knowledge with the operation of the school system is an invaluable asset for the future of your children’s Catholic education in the 21st century. ”
Fiscal Responsibility
Continue to lobby local MPPs to inform them of budgetary pressures: reduced enrollment due to demographic changes (less Catholics, high cost of housing), unfunded increases in Special education needs/costs, e-learning underfunding
Implemented joint purchasing and tendering for supplies and services wherever possible
Achieved reductions of administrative staff at the Board offices through attrition and realignment
Audit committee initiated review of Maintenance Department with recommendations to improve accountability, efficiency and timeliness of repairs
Empty classroom space addressed by mothballing classrooms
Relocated some central staff to school based offices to free up space at Board office for lease
Welcomed stakeholder input into Budget Development by creating opportunities both online and by delegation
Implemented transportation efficiencies
Attending the York Cooperatives Buyers Luncheon
Supporting York CDSB Track and Field Athletes at OFSAA
“I have had the pleasure of working with Elizabeth over the course of the past year. Elizabeth was instrumental in obtaining Board approval for a critical service for our Stouffville students, a late-run bus for St. Brother Andre CHS. Her extensive experience and knowledge are indispensable in getting things done. Lastly, Elizabeth is very responsive to the needs of the community. She is very approachable and has the interest of both the Board and the communities she serves in all she does as Trustee.”
On the Horizon
Implementing Multi Year Strategic Plan 2023-28 and Long Term Accommodation Plan 2024-29
Implementing Multi-Year Financial Recovery Plan to achieve a balanced budget in 2026-27
Developing strategies to improve school-parish relationships including exploring the possibility of a Catholic Education Corner in parish bulletins
Exploring opportunities to promote YCDSB through Marriage and Baptism kits
Working in concert with the Institute for Catholic Education (ICE) to enrich Adult Faith Formation opportunities.
Continuing to lobby for more funding for Special Education
Establishing a Foundation to address equitable access to education