The ONABSE January Newsletter

January 2026

We hope you're staying safe and warm out there!

Check out the following governance updates as well as some exciting webinars coming your way from ONABSE!

ELECTION RESULTS:

A special thank you to our members and guests for attending the 2025 Annual General Meeting held on January 17, 2026. Below are the official results of our election of Board of Directors. Further update will be provided on the appointed officer roles of these members of the board.

Directors with a three-year term:

Deborah Buchanan-Walford

Sandria Goodall

David Sutton

Directors with a one-year term:

Dr. Rose Gibbs

Dale Walker

Thank you for your confidence in our leadership!

UPCOMING WEBINARS 2026

January 29 @ 7:00 PM

About the session:

Black Youth are often misunderstood through harmful behaviour myths that can impact their confidence, motivation and sense of belonging in school and community spaces.  This interactive and affirming session is designed to support Black youth in understanding themselves, strengthening focus and building motivation - while honouring their identities, voices and lived experiences. 

Discussions:

• Reframing common behaviour myths that unfairly impact Black Youth
• Understanding focus, attention, and motivation through a strength-based lens
• Building confidence and self- advocacy skills.

February 2 @ 7:30 PM

About the session:

This webinar, hosted in partnership with Parents of Black Children, will focus on discussing cultivating the seeds for success in elementary school as well as the transition from elementary school to high school for students in grades 7 & 8.

Bonus: Hear from current successful high school students on how to maintain success.

Discussions:

• How can I cultivate successful habits in my child while they are in middle school?
• How do I ensure my child is prepared for high school now?
• What can I do to access supports at school when my child is struggling?

Toolkit and recording will be provided.

February 9 @ 7:30 PM

About the session:

This webinar, hosted in partnership with Parents of Black Children, will focus on providing practical tools for holistic academic success for students currently in high school, especially those in senior courses (grades 11 and 12).

Bonus: Hear from current post-secondary students on how to maintain success.

Discussions:

• What does successful studying look like?
• How can we leverage AI and maintain academic honesty?
• What do I do when I need help?

Toolkit and recording will be provided.

March 16 @ 7:30 PM

About the session:

This webinar, hosted in partnership with Parents of Black Children, will extend the conversation on high school success to incorporating post-secondary success. We will also review alternative schools (including Caring and Safe Schools and Adult High Schools).

Bonus: Hear from formally trained education personnel from alternative schools on how to best support your child.

Discussions:

• What are the avenues for help that I may not be aware of?
• What is an alternative school really and how do they work?
• How can I ensure my child is successful when they experience setbacks?

Toolkit and recording will be provided.