Dear Students, Parents, and Caregivers,
Winter Break Reminder
Wishing you the best of the holiday season, a wonderful Winter Break, and a Happy New Year!
As we approach the end of the year, we want to remind you that schools will be closed for Winter Break from December 25, 2023, to January 5, 2024. I hope that students enjoy this well-deserved time off and that everyone has the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back on Monday, January 8, 2024.
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:
Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) Application Deadline
For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's system-wide French Immersion Program, we offer an online process to apply for Middle French Immersion (begins in Grade 4). To apply to the Middle French Immersion Program for September 2024, applications must be completed online between January 8 and February 2, 2024. Families with an older sibling currently in a Middle French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. For more information, please visit Middle French Immersion or the Application Process. Interested families can apply via the Application Link.
High School Open Houses and Information Nights
We are pleased to offer open houses and information sessions for students and parents/ guardians/ caregivers to help you make an informed decision when choosing a school. These open houses and information sessions are taking place until January! Please visit the website to learn more about our variety of schools, programs, and courses and see the dates and times of scheduled Open Houses and Information Nights.
Literacy Strategy Consultation
I am happy to inform you that the TDSB is developing a Kindergarten to Grade 12 Literacy Strategy which will set the direction, priorities, and goals for learning and teaching literacy over the next three years. And we want to hear from you! I encourage all TDSB parents/guardians/caregivers to share feedback anonymously through the online Literacy Strategy Consultation survey. The survey will remain open until Monday, December 18, 2023.
Winter Weather and Student Transportation
From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel student transportation, classes, and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices, or sites.
With approximately 236,000 students in 583 schools, any decision to cancel buses, classes, and/or programs or to close sites can have a significant impact on thousands of families across Toronto. This decision is not taken lightly. When schools remain open on days with inclement weather, parents/guardians/caregivers make the final decision on whether to send their children to school and they can keep children home from school if they so choose.
TDSB Student Census Results
In Spring 2023, the TDSB conducted its fourth Student Census, which resulted in a response rate of approximately 58% across all grades. The Student Census asks students important questions about school experiences and identities and is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system. Please visit the following link to view Student Census results on the TDSB website.
Learn4Life Adult Community Programs - Winter 2024 Registration Now Open
I am pleased to share that the Winter 2024 registration is now OPEN for Learn4Life's Adult General Interest Program with courses in business, languages, art, music, sports, dancing, and more!
The variety of courses is open to adults 18 years of age and seniors. The Learn4Life program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for individuals to pursue their interests, expand their knowledge, and engage in lifelong learning with a wide range of courses and activities designed to cater to diverse interests and passions.
New courses this term include:
- Adventures in Photography
- Bringing Stories to Life Through Book Illustrations
- Create Your Own Natural Cosmetics
- De-Stress and Relax
- Pastry Arts for Everyone
- Golf Training Program
- Portuguese Essential Conversation
- Afrobeat Aerobics
- Understanding Landlord Rights and Responsibilities
New Community Adult Classes in January 2024
I am happy to share that the Community Services Unit-operated programs across the GTA are offering new start dates for various classes starting in January. These free and low-cost services and programs are designed for parents and adults seeking employment, new skills, and better opportunities.
