June 4, 2025
Important Updates - School Year 2025-2026
Dear Junior School Families,
As we look ahead to the 2025–26 school year, I’m excited to share several important updates that reflect our continued focus on community, consistency and student well-being. These changes are designed to strengthen our students’ experience and align us more closely with The York School’s values and practices across divisions.
Each section below outlines what’s changing, why, how it will affect your child and any next steps. Thank you to the class reps who helped us craft this message and for taking the time to read through and for your ongoing partnership.
LATE START WEDNESDAYS
WHAT:
As shared earlier, beginning in September, the Junior School will adopt Late Start Wednesdays, in alignment with our Middle and Senior Schools.
WHY:
This time provides dedicated space for faculty collaboration, planning and reflection—supporting professional growth and high-quality teaching and learning. It also reflects best practices across top independent schools and supports educator well-being, which directly benefits students.
HOW:
● Two drop-off windows:
○ First drop-off: 7:45am – 8:15am
○ Second drop-off: 9:00am – 9:20am (morning recess)
● No drop-offs permitted between 8:20am – 9:00am, as faculty will be engaged in meetings and we won’t have enough adults to escort students to their activities.
Students arriving during the early window will join screen-free, purposeful programming planned by Ms. Sarah Charley (Director of Student Life & Belonging) and Ms. Lia Domenis(Assistant Athletic Director) and led by our team of Associate Teachers.
Programming Includes:
● JK/SK: Crafting, Discovery Space exploration and indoor/outdoor play
● Grades 1–3: Mindfulness, mind games and movement activities, playground access
● Grades 4–5: Athletics, Homework Club and Leadership Club opportunities
NEXT STEPS:
Please complete the attached interest survey to help us plan appropriately. This is not a commitment, it is for planning purposes only.
NEW: WEEKLY SCHEDULE: WEEK A / WEEK B
WHAT:
We are replacing our current Day 1–5 rotating schedule with a consistent Week A / Week B model tied to the Monday–Friday calendar.
WHY:
This model brings greater clarity and predictability for families, aligns with the Middle and Senior Schools and allows for better coordination of cross-divisional initiatives.
HOW:
● Week A and Week B will alternate each week
● Your child’s schedule (e.g., gym, music, French) will follow a consistent 2-week pattern
● For example:
○ In Week A, gym might be Tuesday/Thursday
○ In Week B, it might be Monday/Friday
Important clarification: The schedule will not shift when there is a Monday or Friday holiday. Week A and B will continue as scheduled. Specialist timetables have been designed with this in mind to minimize any loss of instructional time.
NEXT STEPS:
A calendar highlighting A/B weeks will be shared at the start of the school year for your reference.
NEW: BEGINNING AND END-OF-DAY LEARNING BLOCKS
WHAT:
We are introducing two short, structured learning blocks:
● Current: 8:30am – 8:45am and 3:00pm – 3:15pm
● New: 8:25am – 8:45am and 3:00pm – 3:20pm (Adding 5 minutes to the beginning and end of the school day).
WHY:
These windows allow for intentional, focused instruction tied to The York School’s mission of lifelong learning, reflection and student growth.
HOW:
● Morning and afternoon routines will focus on:
○ Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) connected to the IB Learner Profile
○ Math fluency (e.g., mental math, consolidation)
○ Literacy reinforcement (e.g., reading, writing, spelling)
● Note: If your child participates in a Learning Strategies session before or after school, they will return to class in time to participate fully in the 8:25 start of programming and be there until 3:20.
NEXT STEPS:
Please ensure students arrive on time and are not picked up early unless necessary, as these blocks are integral to the learning day.
NEW: CLASS LISTS & MEET-THE-TEACHER DROP-IN
WHAT:
Class lists for 2025–26 will be released on Wednesday, August 27. Families are invited to a Meet-the-Teacher Drop-In on Thursday, August 28 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm.
WHY:
This change supports transparency and excitement for the year ahead. It also allows students to connect with their teacher and space before the first day.
HOW:
● Class placements are made using input from:
○ Homeroom teachers
○ Specialists and student support staff
○ Your “Top Three” learner centered preferences submitted during the Spring
● Lists are carefully reviewed to ensure balanced, student-centred learning environments
NEXT STEPS:
● Use the final weeks of summer to organize cross-class playdates and help students reconnect with peers
● Join us on August 28 for the drop-in to help ease first-day jitters and build excitement
NEW: RECESS & LUNCH REFLECTIONS
WHAT:
We are updating our approach to recess and lunch to reflect construction-related changes and student needs.
WHY:
With part of the playground unavailable, we are committed to ensuring recess remains safe, enjoyable and inclusive.
HOW:
● Indoor recess options (e.g., gym access) will be offered when outdoor space is limited or crowded
● A quiet lunch space will be available for students who prefer a calmer environment
● Only teachers will be on recess duty moving forward to ensure consistent expectations and support
NEXT STEPS:
We’ll continue reviewing space and student feedback throughout the year to ensure all students feel supported during unstructured time.
UNIFORM REMINDER
WHAT:
Starting September 2025, students will wear their York School uniform every day—except on scheduled Phys. Ed. days when the gym uniform is required (JK/SK exempt).
WHY:
The uniform promotes a sense of pride, community and shared purpose.
HOW:
● Gym uniforms are permitted on days when students:
○ Have scheduled Phys. Ed.
○ Are participating in a before- or after-school athletic co-curricular
● On all other days, students are expected to wear the regular school uniform
● Items replacing the uniform items sold by TopMarks are allowed as long as they match the color and style of uniform items.
● Legacy items are no longer sold by TopMarks but are still considered as uniform. Please refer to the handbook for more information and frequently asked questions.
NEXT STEPS:
Please review the attached uniform guidelines to support your planning for the school year.
Thank you, as always, for your support and engagement. These updates reflect thoughtful planning and a shared commitment to our students’ well-being and growth. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Warm regards,
Ms. Sara Sankari
Junior School Principal
The York School