Following the terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians this past weekend by Hamas, we have been receiving a number of questions from our TDSB community about the next steps in ensuring our students, staff and families are supported.
We recognize that many are experiencing a range of emotions following the horrific attacks which, together with local, provincial and national governments, we condemn in the strongest possible terms.
With that in mind, we wanted to provide some additional resources, while not exhaustive, that may be helpful at this tremendously challenging time:
These are in addition to the previously shared tips created by TDSB Professional Support Services staff about speaking with children who are experiencing difficulties. Should additional resources be required, they will be shared on the TDSB website as they become available over time.
As many students and staff have direct connections to the tragic events unfolding in the Middle East through family, community, identity, and history, discussions about what has occurred may make their way into schools. We have heard deep concern from a number of communities, including Israeli, Jewish, Palestinian, and Muslim, about the safety of their children and that is why we reiterate our commitment to the TDSB’s Anti-Hate-Anti-Racism-Strategy. We want to ensure that students and staff feel heard through respectful interactions, while being sure to stop any form of hate that is impacting students, such as antisemitism or Islamophobia in our classrooms.
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers and students are encouraged to contact their school principal for more information about additional mental health supports through our Professional Support Services department. They may also wish to seek assistance from a qualified medical or mental health practitioner. Staff can access Mental Health and Well-Being Resources and/or can contact the TDSB’s Employee and Family Assistance Program should they require additional support.
We know this has been a very difficult time for many in our TDSB community and we want to ensure that all are being supported to the best of our ability.
Colleen Russell-Rawlins
Director of Education
Rachel Chernos Lin
Chair