| Remembrance Day 2023 – November 11th As we approach Remembrance Day on Saturday, November 11th, it is a time for us to reflect and pay tribute to the sacrifices of the generations of Canadians who served – and continue to serve -- our country, both at home and overseas. This day holds immense significance in acknowledging the sacrifices made by these brave individuals, many of whom were once students at the TDSB. As Remembrance Day occurs on a Saturday this year, schools will primarily mark the day on Friday, November 10.
I encourage you to take part in Remembrance Day commemorations organized in our community or elsewhere in the city.
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Central Student Interest Programs
I encourage you to look at the variety of elementary central student interest programs and secondary central student interest programs offered at the TDSB! Applications for these programs opens on Monday, November 6, 2023 and close on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 4 p.m. To learn more about each program, review program and application requirements, get dates for upcoming open houses and view webinar recordings, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/csip.
High School Open Houses and Information Nights
Please join us between November and January for organized open houses and information sessions aimed at aiding your decision in choosing the right school for your child. These events are tailored to provide information for parents/guardians/caregivers and students. I encourage you to visit our website, where you'll find detailed information on dates and times for the upcoming Open Houses and Information Nights.
Early French Immersion (Junior Kindergarten Entry) Application Deadline
If your family is interested in the Toronto District School Board's system-wide French Immersion Program, we are pleased to offer an online process to apply for Early French Immersion (which begins in Junior Kindergarten). To apply to the Early French Immersion Program for September 2024, please complete the online applications between November 6 and December 1, 2023. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. For more information, please visit: Early French Immersion or the Application Process.
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November is Indigenous Education Month
We are proud to celebrate Indigenous Education Month throughout the month of November. Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to honour a number of important days to deepen knowledge, to learn from our shared histories, and to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. It is important to remember to center First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities across the TDSB every day. Please visit the UIEC website for more information.
Hindu Heritage Month
At the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), we are proud to recognize Hindu Heritage Month during the month of November. This is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values which promote compassion, tolerance, and inclusion.This year’s theme is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakum: The World is One Family. Visit the Hindu Heritage webpage for more information.
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Celebrating Good News
I encourage you to read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including:
Status of Child Care Services (Funding)
This week the Chair of the TDSB sent a public advocacy letter to the Minister of Education regarding our significant funding concerns related to child care services across the city. For more detailed information regarding the Board’s concerns, please
review the letter posted on our public webpage.
During War & Conflict: Video Series and Culturally Responsive Resources
I know our community is going through a period of unprecedented challenges, and we understand that it's crucial to find effective ways to manage our well-being. A video series and related resources have been developed by TDSB staff and expert facilitators to offer coping strategies during war and conflict to support the emotional and mental wellness of students, parents/guardians/caregivers, staff, and the broader community. Visit the Affinity Wellness webpage for videos and resources
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Professional Activity (PA) Days
As you know, during the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. Starting this school year, boards of education are now required to publicly share detailed information about PA Days, as outlined in Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 151. Please note, all information and details will be posted to www.tdsb.on.ca/PAdays at least 14 days in advance of the scheduled PA Day. Information for the upcoming PA Day on November 17 will be posted on the PA Day web page on November 3.
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Thorncliffe Youth HubUpcoming events
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Job Opportunity – Come work with the TDSB Trustees
I am happy to share an exiting employment opportunity. We are looking to expand our roster of Shared Services Liaisons (SSLs) at the TDSB. SSLs are casual employees, who provide support to Trustees (and occasionally other TDSB departments) on an as- needed basis. They often assist with the planning and implementation of Ward meetings (both in- person and virtual) or provide additional support to trustees with things like research, newsletter prep, community outreach and more! To learn more, or to apply, click here! Please note, the deadline for applications is Friday, November 17th at 12 noon.
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Reduce the Spread of Respiratory Viruses
Please remember, as we head into the cooler months and respiratory virus activity increases, I encourage you to review this information from Toronto Public Health about how to prevent the spread of infections in schools and communities.
Steps to Address Your Questions and Concerns
Here at the TDSB, we are always open to hearing your questions and concerns, and make every effort to address them as quickly as possible. Your child's classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school's principal, the school superintendent, and me, your Trustee! For more information visit https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Contact-Us/Steps-to-Address-Questions-Concerns.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
Stay Connected with your School
The TDSB now offers two new ways to stay connected with your school and the TDSB.Learn about opting in for text messages and using the School Messenger app, which provides a faster and easier way to report absences.
Follow the TDSB
Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
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