February 2, 2025 

During the month of February, African Heritage (Black History) Month is recognized at the TDSB and across Canada thanks to The Honourable Jean Augustine. It celebrates the role Black Canadians have played in Canada’s past and present and recognizes and honours the diverse cultural influences, achievements and contributions of Black Canadians in all aspects of society. 

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11 was declared by the UN in 2015. It celebrates STEM achievements by women and encourages equity and diversity in global scientific progress.

Have a Heart Day on February 14 (Valentine's Day) is a child and youth-led reconciliation event that brings us together to commit that First Nations children have the opportunity to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.

February 15, National Flag of Canada Day celebrates the adoption of the iconic maple leaf flag and the first time it was raised on Parliament Hill on February 15, 1965. It symbolizes Canadian unity, pride and identity. We need this now, more than ever...

Family Day gives families an opportunity for quality time, fun and community engagement on February 19.

On February 26, some schools take a stand against bullying by wearing pink shirts for Pink Shirt Day. TDSB recognizes International Day of Pink – celebrated annually on the second Wednesday of April. This day was created as a campaign to end bullying against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, continuing the fight for equality, diversity, and acceptance.

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic Calendar. During the month of Ramadan, many Muslims around the world abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset for 29 or 30 consecutive days. Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of Friday 28 February 2025, and will end on the evening of Sunday 30 March 2025. Please read the TDSB's Ramadan and the Duty to Accommodate.

Please take a bit of time to learn more about the commemorative, cultural and religious days that are recognized throughout this month. Please see more on the February Days of Significance recognized by the Ontario Government below:

TDSB’s Chinese Heritage Month is proudly recognized in February each year.  This year we celebrate the Year of the Snake: Tenacious and Transformative. We hope to encourage our students, staff and the TDSB community.

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant holidays of the Chinese heritage. The date is determined by the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar and the celebration lasts 16 days. This year, it began on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. Wishing everyone who celebrates a joyous year.

All TDSB students were invited to participate in the CHM’s popular annual poster contest, and we are excited to share the winning posters on our TDSB website.

In addition, all TDSB students and staff were invited to submit a 1-minute video on one of four guiding questions emphasizing the importance of Chinese heritage and/or a tradition. Submissions are currently being collected and a selection of the entries will be posted on our TDSB websites shortly.   

An in-person Chinese Heritage Month celebration will be held at A. Y. Jackson Secondary School with performances, presentations, and speakers to mark the day. A video that captures the highlights of the event will be posted for all to enjoy! Lastly, elementary students will have the opportunity to further learn about Chinese heritage by participating in an author reading presentation.

Please follow us on X for daily messages throughout the month of February  @tdsbChineseHM.

At the TDSB, a motion to recognize African Heritage (Black History) Month was carried in January 2002 and reaffirmed again in January 2004. During the month of February, African Heritage (Black History) Month is recognized across Canada thanks to The Honourable Jean Augustine in February 1996. The Black History Month Act was passed in Ontario in 2016. 

The chosen theme for 2024-25 is Lift Every Voice. This theme is drawn from the iconic first line of the Black National Anthem, and encourages collective strength, unity, diversity, and resilience.  

Whether you identify as Black, African, African-Caribbean, Black 2SLGBTQI+ or African-Indigenous, this powerful phrase invites us to acknowledge and celebrate our shared heritage, recognize our historical and ongoing struggles, and honour our achievements. 

It also serves as a call to action, encouraging inclusivity, collaboration, and solidarity, and reminding us of the impact we can make when we raise our voices together for justice, equity, and the greater good. 

TDSB has organized a variety of events to celebrate the rich heritage of the people and nations of Africa and the African Diaspora for students, staff, and community members. This includes the Know Your Worth (KYW) Black Youth Empowerment Conference for secondary schools in partnership with York University Black Law Student Association. This initiative also produced the Know Your Worth Educators Conference. In addition, we are excited to offer the You See Me Black Youth Empowerment Elementary Conference to elementary students. 

Under the guidance of TDSB Staff Advisors, Black Students Alliance (BSA) groups continue to increase across the system. Students support each other through discussion meetings, school assemblies, guest speakers and presentations. The TDSB’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and Black students’ success is brought to life through this initiative. 

African Heritage (Black History) Month Virtual Launch Celebration 
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 
10 - 11 a.m.  
Click here to access the live webcast! 

Please follow us on X @tdsbAfricanHM and Instagram @tdsb_african_hm.  

This past week, School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) launched By Your Side, a new parent/caregiver learning hub that has been designed to meet the needs of Ontario’s families.

By Your Side was created by Ontario parents/caregivers and school mental health professionals and includes resources and supports made available in multiple formats—including web content, PDFs, and videos to ensure that families can easily access information and strategies that promote mental health and well-being at home. Key topics include understanding mental health, promoting mental health at home, supporting mental health at school, stress and anxiety management, substance use prevention, navigating digital technology use, and reaching out for help. z

Our hope is you find these resources helpful. Mental health matters.

School boards may apply for funding for construction projects such as school additions, school replacements or deep retrofits from the Ministry of Education through the Capital Priorities program. School boards identify their most urgent capital needs and submit business cases for these priority projects. The projects are meant to be ranked based on a priority. Historically, the TDSB has received approval for a small number of capital projects through the Capital Priorities process. The list of the five TDSB Capital Priority projects ranked to align with the Ministry criteria and submitted for funding consideration in the last application process can be found here.

The news release from the Ministry of Education provided details of $1.3 billion of capital priorities which included 30 new schools and 15 additions. https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005655/ontario-making-historic-13-billion-investment-to-build-and-expand-more-schools.

We were held to submitting business cases for 5 projects, like every other school board, regardless of our size and need. TDSB did not receive any funding for our priority projects even though we have 12% of all the students in the province.

The Ministry provided some feedback to staff - you will remember that Recommendation 15 from the Auditor General's Report on the TDSB included the ministry providing written feedback to the boards. It also included "develop and implement a formal quantifiable process that is used for scoring criteria used by the Ministry to rank capital project business case submissions." That was not provided. Not surprisingly, most of these projects are either in PC ridings or possible swing ridings. There is no transparency. "In a report released earlier this month, Ontario’s auditor general found that TDSB school buildings are in the worst condition of all school buildings in the province and that financial and capital resources are not consistently allocated in the most cost effective or efficient way."

Please also note in the December 17, 2024 report on school buildings in Ontario, including building condition and the state of good repair by the province's Financial Accountability Office, "the FAO estimates that it would cost $21.7 billion to clear the infrastructure backlog and maintain all school buildings in a state of good repair over the 2024-25 to 2033-34 period. This includes $16.3 billion for school buildings in the English Public school system." 

Specifically Davisville Jr PS in our ward, was included in the priority asks for the last number of years. The Business Case asked for 5 additional classrooms - although the ministry noted it met the utilization metrics, it was not approved. It will remain a board priority. 

It is very disappointing for TDSB and it highlights the significant need for the moratorium to be lifted in order to address excess capacity in certain areas of the city that impacts accommodation pressures in other areas of the city. We will continue our advocacy.

Please note the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) has also been calling for the province to lift the moratorium.

Last Thursday, Interim Director Zucker and Chair Neethan Shan sent a letter to the Deputy Ministry of Education as we await the final report on the Grassy Narrows River Run excursion investigation. We have requested a progress update, including any preliminary findings and an updated timeline for completion. Additionally, we have offered to provide any further support or information that may assist the Ministry's investigator. We remain committed to transparency and are prepared to act on the findings. 

On Tuesday, January 28, Premier Doug Ford met with the Lieutenant Governor and requested the dissolution of Ontario’s Legislative Assembly and issued a proclamation dissolving the Legislature as of 4:00 pm the same day. As per the Election Act, the election writs for a general election were issued on Wednesday January 29, 2025.

The election will be held on February 27, 2025. Everyone who is at least 18 years old, lives in Ontario and holds Canadian citizenship. Most eligible voters will receive voter information cards (VIC) in the mail. They are expected to arrive in mailboxes between Feb. 17-22. The VIC includes details about what district to vote in and the site of the local election office. In order to vote, one piece of valid ID is necessary. The Elections Ontario website, www.elections.on.ca, includes information of what ID is acceptable and how to update change of address and other information.

January 29, 2025 - As a non-partisan association, we advocate for the voice of Ontario’s English public school boards on the diverse range of issues that affect students and communities, regardless of which political party forms government.

Throughout the provincial election campaign, we encourage parents, students, seniors, and other members of school communities to learn about the issues impacting Ontario’s public schools before Election Day on February 27, 2025.

The government policies of today will affect the world our children and youth will inherit tomorrow. The provincial government decides what is taught in our schools and how much of our provincial taxes are used to pay for education. The future of the province depends on high quality, publicly funded education.  This affects you — whether you have children in the school system or not.

The February 27 election will have far-reaching effects. As a voter and citizen of Ontario, it is in your interest to know where the candidates stand on education issues. Read on for more information and make sure to attend local all candidates’ meetings if possible. This article will be updated as resources and links become available.

Resources - Elections Ontario I The Candidates

The Parties

OPSBA will be reaching out to the four main parties – the Progressive Conservatives, New Democrats, Liberals, and Greens – represented in the Ontario Legislature with a questionnaire on key education issues this election. Replies will be posted here as they come in.

Party Websites:

Election day is Monday, March 3, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advance voting takes place Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The boundaries of Toronto District School Board TDSB Ward 11 Don Valley West  are the same as the boundaries of the City of Toronto Ward 15, Don Valley West.

For the TDSB Ward 11 Don Valley West By-election, you can use MyVote to confirm you are on the voters’ list, apply to vote by mail, check where you vote, access your voter information card and more.

Visit the City of Toronto’s 2025 TDSB Ward 11 By-Election webpage for additional information and resources. 

TDSB Media Release - January 30, 2025

Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute (LPCI) is proud to announce its steps toward becoming the first TDSB school to join the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).

This exciting initiative is being led by LPCI Head of Social Science and Canadian and World Studies, Sheridan Hay.

The UNESCO Associated Schools Network connects nearly 10,000 schools across 181 countries to promote peace, global citizenship, sustainability, and intercultural learning.

Member schools uphold UNESCO’s ideals of human rights, equality, democracy, diversity, and international solidarity through meaningful, action-oriented initiatives.

LPCI’s journey toward this recognition highlights the incredible work already underway by students and staff that aligns with UNESCO’s values. As a member, LPCI would join schools across Canada and the world committed to building a brighter, more equitable future, while fostering educational excellence.

The Toronto District School Board is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. Meetings will be broadcasted live to the public. Click here at the start time to view - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings.

Full Agenda and Reports for meetings are available here - click on the appropriate meeting https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Agenda-Minutes

View full schedule of meetings for 2024-2025 here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings

Wednesday, February 5 2025 – Program and School Services Committee 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

Regulation 304 requires that there be a minimum of 194 school days between 1 September and 30 June, including a maximum of ten examination days for secondary schools and a maximum of seven Professional Activity (PA) days.  It also establishes the dates for the Winter Break and the Mid-Winter Break. One of the Reports at PSSC this week is the recommendation for the School Year Calendar 2025-2026. Please note it still has to be approved by the Ministry.

It is the hope that presenting this early provides students, parents and staff sufficient notice to make plans for the 2025-2026 school year following Ministry approval. Please see the full Report.

Also coming to PSSC this week, is Report 2 for the Math Achievement Action Plan. This is the second of three Mathematics Achievement Action Plan (see Appendix A) reports for the 2024-2025 school year.  

Please read the full report here. This report highlights: 

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is committed to open and inclusive policy decision-making and values community input and participation through consultation. Consultation is a two-way communication process between the Board and external participants, including students and their parents/guardians, school councils, advisory committees, community members, different levels of government, service agencies, professional organizations and union partners. The objective of consultation is to gather public input regarding options, alternative courses of action, as well as to identify unintended effects for various participants and to find solutions. 

Learning Opportunities Index Policy Consultation 

The Learning Opportunities Index Policy (P067) is currently being reviewed. The revised draft Learning Opportunities Index Policy (P067) (the “Policy”) affirms the TDSB’s commitment to achieve equitable academic opportunities. 

This Policy will assist with steering additional resources to schools serving students who face greater challenges and make sure all students have access to educational resources. The revised draft Policy also aims to support student learning experiences through equitable allocation of resources to schools and to provide direction to staff regarding the use of the Learning Opportunities Index (LOI). 

Consultation closes March 24, 2025. Draft New Policy [docx]  Draft New Policy [pdf]

Please provide your input and feedback here. If you have any questions related to the review and consultation of the Policy, please feel free to contact us at: research@tdsb.on.ca

Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students Policy Consultation 

The Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students Policy (P045) is currently being reviewed and reconsulted for 30 days. The revised draft Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students Policy (the “Policy”) supports the TDSB’s commitment to educate school communities about their Duty to Report, incidents of suspected, witnessed, and/or disclosed neglect and abuse of children to the Children Aid Societies.  

The draft Policy also centres around the principles of human rights, in alignment with the Human Rights Policy (P031) and the Human Rights Code, to provide a culturally safe, nurturing, positive, and respectful learning environment focused on preventing abuse and neglect for all students. In addition, the revised draft Policy includes provisions related to: embedding Jordans and Katelynn Principles, detecting and reporting abuse and neglect, privacy and confidentiality, training and awareness, Truth and Reconciliation – Calls to Action, UNDRIP, National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, child welfare and their impacts on black students, newcomer students and their parents/guardians/caregivers and institutional accountability.

Consultation closes February 24, 2025. Read Draft New Policy [docx], Draft New Policy [pdf]. If you have any questions related to the review and consultation of the Policy, please feel free to contact us at: mentalhealthandwellbeing@tdsb.on.ca.

On January 24, 2025 the Toronto District School Board was invited by the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, Zee Hamid, to participate in a community budget consultation. Unfortunately, the process was stopped as the election was called. That said, it is important to understand the Chair's remarks which state the board priorities. In order to meet the full needs of students and teachers, the Chair stated the budget needs to account for:

Please read the full remarks shared by Neethan Shan, TDSB Chair.  

On January 17, the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) submitted a modified version of its Core Education Funding submission to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs as part of pre-budget advocacy. The cover letter calls for new investments in public education to ensure schools can set “conditions that promote and sustain improved student achievement and well-being,” and notes that “providing these conditions is becoming difficult as an increasing number of boards are grappling with deficits, which poses significant challenges in preserving essential classroom resources.”

HOLD THE DATE - VIRTUAL WARD FORUM

Stop the Hate – Creating Understanding In Times of Geopolitical Conflict

Thursday March 20, 2025 | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm

Get ready for CampTO! ☀️

With a variety of specialty camps at over 140 locations across the city, check out the full list of programs available this summer for children & youth ages 4 to 16.

Registration opens Wednesday, February 5 at 7 a.m.

Visit  toronto.ca/CampTO 

Parents/Caregivers are invited to Screen-Wise Families 

This session will help you reflect on the role of technology in your home, guiding you to make intentional decisions that align with your values and goals.

February 6, 2025 at 7:30pm

Cedarvale Community School - 145 Ava Rd

Please RSVP here -https://forms.gle/uxYQ77HCx3YsPn776

The University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto's Continuing Education Division invites you to join us on campus in the Charbonnel Lounge (81 St. Mary St., steps from the corner of Bay St. & St. Mary St.) on Saturday, March 1st from 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. for Oh, The Change We Will Make: Inspiring Social Impact through Children's Literature. 

This workshop will feature presentations from six celebrated children's authors & educators, followed by a hands-on session with social purpose leader Elisha Muskat, which will use the Social Change Map and Canvas Kit for Non-Profits to lead participants in making their own actionable plans for contributing to changemaking in their own communities. Register here

Nominations are now open for the 2025 OTIP Teaching Awards. For many years, these awards have recognized the excellence of our teachers in publicly funded education. There are three categories of awards: elementary teacher, secondary teacher and beginning teacher (in the first five years of teaching). 

A teacher may be nominated by anyone—professional colleagues, students, parents, or the general public. The deadline for receipt of nominations is March 31, 2025. Questions should be directed to Jason Healey at OTIPAwards@otffeo.on.ca. The Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP) and the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) are proud sponsors of the OTIP Teaching Awards.

On-Call Replacement Roster

There is a new Recruitment platform for applications for the On-Call Replacement Roster.

Click on the "Click here to apply for On-Call Replacement opportunities". If you require assistance with creating a profile please click here. These positions are casual/on-call for short term assignments. You must be available at least 3 days per week. Assignments are in schools... Positions include the following:

As I repeat in every update, the TDSB collects data through the Bias and Hate (RBH) Portal, and the increase in antisemitic incidents is also being experienced in our schools - on my website I have excerpted from all our public reports on the data - TDSB Public Reports with RBH Portal Data 2018-2023. Principals and Superintendents are being reminded of their responsibilities in documenting incidents and educating against them. All students and staff - all students and staff - must be safe in our schools and free from discrimination, harassment and hate - all hate. 

You can read more on TDSB's Combating Hate and Racism Strategy on our website. It is important that there is accurate information about Board updates and decisions as they relate to combating hate and racism. Questions and Answers have been prepared to provide additional information - should you have any additional questions, please email me. 

If you are a staff or a student or a parent/caregiver, and you are a victim of/or witnessing an incident of racism, bias, or hate in our schools, please report it to the school's principal, who has a duty to investigate all incidents. Each time an incident takes place in a school, it is to be recorded in the portal I previously referenced which then begins a system response. We have a responsibility to educate against hate. For more information, please visit the webpage for Reporting an Incident of Hate or Discrimination Involving or Impacting Students. If you experience it, or witness it, report it. Please. If you are concerned your complaint is not being taken seriously after you follow the Parent Concern Protocol, please let me know.

For incidents involving and impacting students, the following procedures can apply: Reporting and Responding to Racism and Hate Incidents Involving or Impacting Students in Schools, PR728 Parent Concern Protocol, PR505 Caring and Safe Schools related procedures

For employee complaints, the following procedures can apply: Workplace Harassment Prevention and Human Rights, PR515 (for employee conduct alleged to be a human rights violation or Code-based workplace harassment) Non-Code Based Workplace Harassment, PR740

In some circumstances an incident entered into the RBH portal may be a breach of the Criminal Code through the incitement of hate; in which case, the incident must also be reported to the police in accordance with PR728.

Complaints regarding social media postings should be sent directly to the TDSB's Human Rights Office at humanrightsoffice@tdsb.on.ca. The intake process is being centralized in the Human Rights Office to ensure for consistency of process.

If you witness something inside the community, report any allegations of hate-motivated crimes to police for investigation at 416-808-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. The Police state they will not tolerate any intimidation, harassment, or hate-motivated behaviour aimed at specific communities. You can also call 1-800-222-TIPS to Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Please remember TDSB's Mental Health and Well Being Professional Support Staff (PSS) are here to support your mental health and well-being and to help you navigate the tools and resources you may need. Please see resources on their website.

As you may be aware, during the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. On these dates, students remain at home and schools are open for staff to engage in professional learning. As per Ministry requirements, detailed information about planned activities will be posted to the TDSB public website at least 14 days in advance of each scheduled PA Day during the 2024-25 school year. I encourage you to visit the PA Day web page to learn more and check back throughout the school year. 

Please ensure you check for Days of Significance before scheduling student and community events - as the TDSB is currently reviewing ours - for 2024-25, the TDSB will only publish a Faith/Creed-Based Holy Days Calendar and an Indigenous Days of Significance Calendar. For now, please check the Multi-Faith calendar available online https://multifaithcalendar.org/cal/index.php.

Stay Home If You Are Sick

During this respiratory virus season, I encourage you to review tips from Toronto Public Health (TPH) to help prevent the spread of infections in schools and communities.

Stay home if you are sick: If you have symptoms of illness, even if they are mild, stay home and wear a mask for 10 days after symptoms start. Practice good hygiene: Wash or sanitize your hands often, cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, and clean frequently touched surfaces.

Vaccines

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is hosting community clinics to help students catch-up on their school-based vaccines. Clinics are appointment based and residents are encouraged to book an appointment.

In Ontario, the Immunization of School Pupil Act (ISPA) requires all students to be up to date with meningococcal vaccines or have a valid exemption  even if they received a meningococcal vaccine as a child. The following vaccines are available at School Immunization Program (SIP) clinics:

TPH warns that students could be suspended if they don’t have vaccines required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), starting in spring.TPH is hosting community clinics to help students catch-up on their school-based vaccines. Clinics are appointment based and residents are encouraged to book an appointment.

We are excited to announce that the Winter Well-Being Guide 2024-2025 is now available. The Guide is prepared by the Mental Health and Well-Being Committee, in collaboration with the Mental Health Leads and the System Leader for Mental Health and Professional Support Services.You can access it here: The Winter Well-Being Guide 2024-2025.

Winter Clothing Drive - As winter approaches, many members of our community will face the harsh realities of cold weather without adequate clothing. That is why TDSB is organizing a Winter Outerwear Drive to collect funds that will be put towards the purchase of warm coats, hats, gloves, and boots for students. The TDSB Winter Outerwear Drive has raised over $1.3-million in monetary and in-kind donations since 2021. 

The needs of TDSB families are greater than ever. These items represent a difficult purchase for many families, especially this year. Donate: To make a monetary donation, please click the link below. 100% of the donation value is eligible for a tax receipt. Donate to the Winter Clothing Drive 100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations benefit TDSB students. This year’s Winter Outerwear Drive will run from November to the end of February 2025. 

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) presents Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away, which examines the history and legacy of the most significant site of the Holocaust, for its exclusive Canadian showing. The exhibition opened on January 10, 2025, and runs to September 1, 2025.

This powerful exhibition arrived in Toronto just ahead of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 2025, "explores the dual identity of the Auschwitz camp as a physical setting — the largest documented mass murder site in human history — and as a symbol of the borderless manifestation of hatred and human atrocity."

As per the museum's website, this groundbreaking exhibition brought together more than 700 original objects and 400 photographs from over 20 institutions and museums around the world. Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away, is the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the history of Auschwitz and its role in the Holocaust ever presented in North America, and an unparalleled opportunity to confront the singular face of human evil—one that arose not long ago and not far away.

The public is invited to purchase tickets - more information can be found here.

Please note that a group of TDSB educators from the Jewish Heritage Committee (as reported at our last JHC Executive meeting) and members of TDSB Central Teaching and Learning Team (part of a team of educational advisors and partners to the ROM), were invited to an advance preview of the exhibit in December and began to plan how we would promote it internally to TDSB and that plan is currently underway…. We have messaged this important opportunity to teachers and all staff through DirectLine, administrators through the System Leaders Weekly, Trustees in Trustees Weekly and Social and World Studies and Humanities teachers through the department newsletter.

At this time, the ROM is currently offering school visits to this exhibition to high school students only. They are in the process of redesigning the learning experience related to Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. to link more closely to the elementary curriculum, Grades 6-8. This new program for middle school students is scheduled to be available February 4. More information on school visits can be found here. 

Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to once again offer a series of drop-in sessions designed for parents/ guardians/caregivers on navigating special education resources and supports within the TDSB.

These informal gatherings provide a welcoming space for parents to learn about available services, ask questions, and connect with other families.
Facilitators will guide discussions on topics such as supporting student
transitions and exploring occupational therapy/ physiotherapy strategies to use at home with students. All drop-in sessions for the 2024-2025 school year can be found here.

TDSB Special Education Department Family Sessions
Drop-In Q & A with Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Staff - Receive general OT/PT strategies for your child(ren) / Chat with other parents/caregivers; Ask questions.

If you require translation services or have any questions or concerns, please email:
Learning Centre 1 - Rhanda Craig: rhanda.craig@tdsb.on.ca and Leslie Hopkins: leslie.hopkins@tdsb.on.ca Learning Centre 2 - Anna Lin: anna.lin@tdsb.on.ca and Andrea Wiltsie: andrea.wiltsie@tdsb.on.ca
Get the link here Sensory and Motor team parent/guardian/caregiver VOH flyer

I have been communicating issues we have been having with dogs on school property with every update. Now, as part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and welcoming environment on TDSB properties, we would like to update you on the policies and new reporting procedures related to dogs on school grounds.

The TDSB enforces a strict policy regarding dogs on its properties. Dogs are generally not permitted on TDSB grounds, with the exception of service animals as defined by the Student Use of Service Animals in Schools Policy (P096) and the Use of Service Animals by the General Public Procedure (PR604). These guidelines are in place to ensure proper management and support for service animals within our schools.

New Reporting Process for Dogs Off-Leash

To effectively address incidents of dogs being off-leash on school properties, a new reporting process has been established through the City of Toronto’s 311 service. Community members can report such incidents either by phone or online:

Phone Reporting: Call 311 to report dogs off-leash on school property

Online Reporting: Visit the City of Toronto Service Request or Feedback webpage.

If you should you ever see any suspicious activity around school buildings after school hours, please contact 311, Toronto Police Services Dispatch at 416-808-2222, or the TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620.

If you or a family member is in crisis, please contact Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868 or get support right now by texting CONNECT to 686868.

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