Core Competencies

September 9, 2026

Looking ahead to the five, ten, twenty years from now, or even further, what kind of people should our students become? I believe that, first and foremost, they should aspire to be lifelong learners, thinkers, and contributors. So, as a Candidate for the YRDSB Trustee, what can I do right now? I believe my role is to focus on student success and propose meaningful, practical ideas, especially with respect to policy-making and community engagement.

1. Make scientific research and technological innovation fashionable

Canada needs scientists, specifically, more science and technology professionals who stand at the forefront of their fields and the cutting edge of global innovation. Science drives technology, technology drives industry, and industry drives the economy; a thriving economy fosters societal progress and paves the way for a better future. It is time to update the roster of speakers for the "Parents Reaching Out" (PRO) Grants Program; future investments in this initiative should focus more on encouraging Canadian science and technology leaders to engage directly with schools, families, and students—positioning scientists as role models for the times and making technological innovation a trend. Perhaps, a new initiative titled "Scientists in Schools," should be launched.

2. Inspire the campus with an atmosphere of scientific innovation

Each grade level at every school should establish at least one "end-to-end" project team that integrates learning, scientific research, academic writing, patent development, entrepreneurship, and business operations. These projects can range from simple to complex, depending on the grade level deemed appropriate by the school, and may focus on specialized subjects or interdisciplinary fields. They can be aligned with the Markham municipal government’s youth entrepreneurship initiatives or integrated with the school's existing financial literacy programs. Such projects allow students to experience every facet of a real-world undertaking, from failure to success, from effort to reward. Students are encouraged to leverage their youthful energy, innovative spirit, and global perspective to contribute to technological progress at an early age, embodying the legend that "heroes emerge from the ranks of the young." To support this, schools should create immersive spaces for science and innovation, host frequent competitions to foster learning through rivalry, implement curricula that integrate industry and education, and establish inclusive evaluation mechanisms that provide mutual incentives for both teachers and students.

3. Promote family-based sports activities to foster the development of sports for all

To deepen the reach of sports, particularly family-based and broad public participation events and activities, the driving role played by schools and students cannot be overlooked. The success of sports in society is defined not merely by gold medals and world records, but by the physical fitness and spirited well-being of the youth and the general public, as well as by a more vibrant social and economic life. Broad participation is essential to achieving this, a point on which there is a societal consensus. We call upon schools, families, communities, government and professional sports clubs to join forces and pool resources to create rich and varied sports competitions and to organize deeply impactful, long-lasting sports activities.

4. Establish new supply standards and market entry procedures for campus food options

Research by nutritionists indicates a significant link between the frequent consumption of sugary beverages, fast food, and foods high in oil and salt and the presence of depressive states; furthermore, chronic nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of zinc, B vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids, can trigger or exacerbate eating disorders and depressive episodes among students. Providing high-quality campus meals and adopting advanced nutritional approaches not only helps students build robust physical health but also offers new solutions for preventing and alleviating depression. It is recommended that YRDSB takes the lead in establishing an expert panel to oversee campus food safety, nutritional quality, and supplier qualifications, while also standardizing supply criteria and relevant operational procedures.

5. Encourage every student to become an environmental protection volunteer

Participation in environmental protection activities should be made a requirement for student assessment. The cumulative effect of small, everyday environmental actions taken at home, at school, and in the community is reshaping the future of the Earth's ecology in the long run. Students’ participation in these activities can be integrated with projects run by environmental organizations or school-based volunteer credit programs, or it can be arranged flexibly by students and their families. Let us emphasize the concept of environmental protection in our students from an early age, encouraging them to put this awareness into practice and making it a cherished tradition within their families, schools and society.

6. Support every student to put care for their family into action

Increasing attention is being paid to the multiple roles students play in modern society; these roles present both significant challenges and valuable opportunities. Within the family, students are key members, and a caring attitude toward their families is an essential quality for them to cultivate. It is recommended that the School Council incorporate the concept of "caring for the family" when organizing school activities, for instance, by encouraging students to genuinely learn how to cook and handle a full range of household chores as these also are vital skills for their future.

7. Help every student grow into a "Gifted Student"

Each of us is a talented person possessing unique gifts; helping every student realize this point is a profound act of respect for the individual. Discovering these gifts requires a love for life; developing them requires steadfast dedication to that passion; and channeling these talents into meaningful contributions to society relies on that same dedication, supported by the proper guidance and wholehearted care of family, school, and society. By guiding students according to their natural aptitudes, respecting individuality, and ensuring educational equity, the Canada, emerging with countless "gifted students," is certain to possess boundless core competitiveness in the future.