Celebrating Good News
Read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including:
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PA Day Moved Due to Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024
Trustees recently approved changes to the 2023-24 school calendar, moving the Professional Activity Day on April 19 to April 8, 2024 due to the upcoming total solar eclipse. This decision, which was made following guidance and consultation with the Ministry of Education, is in line with similar changes announced by other school boards in the Greater Toronto and Golden Horseshoe Area, including the Toronto Catholic District School Board, with which we share student transportation services. Read the full parent/guardian message.
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2023 Director’s Annual Report Released
I am pleased to share that TDSB Director of Education, Colleen Russell-Rawlins, shared the latest Director’s Annual Report at the January Board Meeting. I encourage you to read the report which outlines academic milestones, community engagement initiatives and all the new ways our community has continued to support high levels of achievement for every student.
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Historic Capital Revitalization Strategy Approved
This ambitious plan, approved at January’s Regular Board Meeting, will address challenges posed by aging school buildings, with safety, accessibility and energy efficiency and sustainability as priorities. The ten-year strategy aims to have no school buildings classified as “requiring extensive improvement” by 2035. Improvements will range from light retrofit to deep retrofit, replacement, or new construction. Schools will be categorized based on improvement needs, with identification, cost estimation, budgeting, and prioritization already underway. The initial phase is set to conclude by December 2024, paving the way for the commencement of the first projects in January 2025. Read more about the Capital Revitalization Strategy.
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English Kindergarten Registration Begins in February
Starting on the school journey is an exciting milestone, and TDSB schools are proud to offer a vibrant learning space for every child's development – inside and outside the classroom. Registration for English Kindergarten programs starts in February. For Junior Kindergarten enrollment in September, children should be four years old by December 31. Senior Kindergarten registration requires children to be five years old by December 31. To learn more, please visit the Kindergarten Registration page.
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TDSB Budget Consultations
Over the next few months, TDSB Trustees, in collaboration with TDSB staff, will be working together to establish a budget for 2024-25. I encourage you to participate in our public consultations, which are an important part of this budget process. As always, we want to hear from you! Please visit the budget website to learn about opportunities to participate in the budget process in mid-February. See you there!
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TDSB To Create New Cellphone/Mobile Device Policy
You may have heard that TDSB Trustees have approved the development of a comprehensive Cellphone/Mobile Device policy which will build on the existing Board Code of Conduct. This new policy aims to strike a better balance between educational use and minimizing distractions in classrooms. Staff will now create a policy development plan that will outline next steps including timelines and opportunities for students, staff and families to provide feedback as part of an extensive public consultation process. More information on this process will be shared as soon as it is confirmed.
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African Heritage (Black History) Month
At the TDSB, we are proud to celebrate African Heritage (Black History) Month during the month of February. African Heritage Month is an occasion to commemorate present and past individuals who helped shape the path of our future student leaders, while also celebrating the many achievements and contributions of numerous individuals with this heritage! This year’s chosen theme is Our Black Is… Our Black Is Resilient, Community, Beautiful, Unity, Joy, Self-Determination, Excellence, Empowering, Purpose, Brilliance, Engaging, Creative, Belonging, Tenacious, Powerful, Faith, Audacious, Powerful, Me…
For more information and activities, please visit the TDSB webpage, or follow the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement on Instagram and X/ Twitter.
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Community opportunities from the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement offers a variety of programs, initiatives and engagement opportunities for students and families. Program offerings are designed to fulfill the mandates of the Centre and are in alignment with the TDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan Towards Excellence in the Education of Black Students: Transforming Learning, Achievement and Well-being.
Programs, initiatives and opportunities are focused on honouring Black students’ experiences and strengths and ensuring their needs are met.
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Chinese Heritage Month
TDSB’s Chinese Heritage Month is proudly recognized in February each year. This year we celebrate the Year of the Dragon: Majesty, Brilliance, Confidence, Leadership.
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations for Chinese communities around the world. I encourage you to visit and follow @tdsbChineseHM for daily messages, and more information on festivities throughout the month.
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Somali Heritage Month Event
You’re invited to participate in a celebration of Somali Heritage at TDSB on February 9, 2024 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Kipling Collegiate Institute. This immersive event, themed "Educate. Elevate. Excel.," is a rich exploration of Somali culture organized by the Somali Heritage Month committee and the Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation. The evening will feature diverse talents in spoken word, digital and visual arts, and photography. A panel discussion will delve into the layers of Somali heritage, fostering insightful conversations. Enjoy!
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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 www.tdsb.on.ca/Contact-Us/Steps-to-Address-Questions-Concerns.
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Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
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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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