September 29, 2024

As you know, September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This is a day in which people create awareness of the individual, family, and community intergenerational impacts of Indian Residential Schools and promote the concept of Every Child Matters.

Orange Shirt Day, established in 2013 by Phyllis Webstad, recognizes the legacy of the Residential Schools System for First Nations, Métis and Inuit families and communities. By wearing orange, we acknowledge the truths of Residential Schools in Canada, we honour Survivors, and we remember the thousands of children who died, many of them buried in unmarked graves. 

Let's not forget to also celebrate the brilliance, joy, and contributions of Indigenous peoples.

"As we head into October, there are several significant dates that many people across our province will recognize, celebrate and commemorate.

From October 3-4, Rosh Hashanah – also known as the Jewish New Year – will be observed with special prayers, the sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn) and festive meals. Yom Kippur – known as the Day of Atonement, the holiest day in Judaism – will be observed with fasting, prayers and repentance on October 12.

Mental Illness Awareness Week takes place from October 6-12. It is an annual, national public education campaign to raise awareness and address misconceptions about mental illness to improve our understanding of mental health. World Mental Health Day, a globally recognized day to raise awareness and mobilize efforts in support of mental health, takes place on October 10.

On October 14, people across Canada will gather with family and friends to give thanks and celebrate Thanksgiving.

Diwali, often referred to as the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on October 31 by millions of people around the world, including Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. Oil lamps or diyas, candles and other colourful lights will be displayed to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

October is a notable month for many cultural, religious and community groups across our province." - Ontario Public Service

Rosh Hashanah is a time for deep introspection and renewal... Shanah Tovah to all observing Rosh Hashanah 5785. May the New Year bring you health and joy and may it be a year of greater understanding filled with peace and harmony for the whole world. 

Ontario’s celebrations and commemorations

TDSB Days of Significance - January 2023 – December 2024

Latin-America History Month is proudly recognized in October.

This year the focus and theme of October 2024 continues to be: "Weaving Our Legacies: Return to Our Collective Path | Enlazar Nuestres Legados: Volver a Nuestre Camino Colectivo."

In alignment with this year’s theme, we are centring on weaving individual and collective legacies of resistance, struggles, joy, love, and healing as peoples of the Latin-America / Abya Yala / Pachamama and its diaspora. 

We are also focusing on the communal purpose of raising consciousness and moving toward reclaiming our whole authentic selves, along with a (re)commitment to reciprocal relations, solidarity, and action towards a just world. 

During October, several educational opportunities are being planned for students, staff, and community members. To start the learning offerings, all students from K to 12 across the TDSB were invited to participate in a Poster Showcase, capturing images that reflect this year’s theme. The posters that best embody the theme will be shared soon - for now sharing last year's poster.

Please follow us on X where daily quotes and announcements will also be shared: @TDSBLAHM.

TDSB has proudly recognized Islamic Heritage Month (IHM) during the month of October since 2016.  This year, the theme is Sabr and Shukr, oft-mentioned concepts in the Qu'ran that offer guidance as to how Muslims should face challenges.

Sabr is patience, perseverance, and persistence, which are essential to accomplishing goals, overcoming obstacles, and dealing with setbacks.

Shukr is gratitude that allows one to recognize one's blessings and can take the form of words, feelings, or behaviours. This Islamic Heritage Month we will explore how sabr and shukr are woven into the lived experiences, histories, and cultures of Muslim communities.

This year’s IHM poster features ten remarkable Muslim Olympic athletes whose journeys are a testament to the values of sabr and shukr. Competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics, these athletes overcame significant personal and professional challenges, embodying resilience, faith, and perseverance at the highest level. From Arshad Nadeem’s record-breaking javelin throw to Sifan Hassan’s triumphant treble after a heart-breaking fall at the 2023 Worlds in Budapest, each athlete’s story showcases how sabr and shukr are not only principles of their faith but integral to their success. 

This poster highlights their achievements, reminding us that with patience and gratitude, greatness is possible even in the face of adversity. A copy of this poster has been sent to each school, along with a 3-page supplement offering more information about these athletes. 

At the Toronto District School Board, several educational opportunities are being organized for all students, staff and the TDSB community to further learn about Islamic traditions, cultures and customs. These offerings include:

The TDSB has been marking Somali Heritage Month since June 2016. 

This year, the theme of Somali Heritage Month is Aqoon la`aani, waa iftiinla’aan - The absence of knowledge is the absence of light. The saying highlights the fundamental value of knowledge and education. By choosing this saying, we hope to underscore the importance of learning and intellectual growth, aligning with our educational mission of fostering a knowledgeable and enlightened student body.

During the month of October several Somali Heritage Month educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Somali traditions and customs. 

To further learn about the Somali heritage, our students will have a chance to learn from a brilliant author. More on this to come! This year, we are thrilled to offer secondary students an opportunity to participate in a Career Day, called, Visionary Voices: Career Connections for Students! The goal of this event is to inspire students by showcasing various career paths and the success stories of Somali professionals in various industries that include arts, technology, medicine, filmmaking and more!  On this day, our students will be enriched by all our guest speakers! 

This poster was commissioned by Saada Awale and is being shared with all Toronto District School Board schools, and sites. Saada Awaleh is a Toronto-based Visual Artist, Educator, and the Creative Director of Awaleh Arts. She identifies as a visual storyteller, aiming her lens at her Somali and Muslim roots. Saada loves textures, patterns and vibrant colours and often incorporates mixed media elements into her work. We thank Saada Awaleh for her beautiful work!

Today, the Chairs and Directors of school boards across Ontario received a Memo from Education Minister Jill Dunlop on safe and inclusive schools. Below is the text -

Our government firmly believes in the safety and well-being of all children in Ontario schools. As we approach one year since the October 7th attack, we ask all school boards across the province to uphold this principle and be vigilant in ensuring classrooms remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all students and staff. As education leaders, your role in upholding this principle has never been more important.

The focus in our schools must always be on learning. This means our schools and school-related activities should never be used as vehicles for political protests that enable inflammatory, discriminatory, and hateful content. While everyone is entitled to their own political opinions, they are not entitled to disseminate political biases into our classrooms.

It is my expectation that every school board will hold itself accountable to the highest standards under Ontario’s Code of Conduct and govern with respect, civility and responsible citizenship to ensure schools are free of discrimination and harassment in every corner of the province.

This is particularly important as we see a distressing rise in intolerance, racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia across Ontario, including in our schools. Everyone deserves to be safe, supported and included in Ontario’s schools. This is my commitment to our students, families and educators. I respectfully ask that you work with local school communities to ensure a continuation of safe spaces for students and staff. As leaders and educators, you have an obligation to role model positive behaviour for our students. 

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the success of our education system that begins and ends every school day with a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom for all learners and staff.

Earlier this week, the TDSB Acting Director and Associate Directors sent an email to all staff with a similar message -

"As we settle into the start of a new school year with many new and exciting challenges ahead, we remain focused on the well-being of TDSB communities.The focus now and throughout the year will be on building bridges of understanding, care and compassion. 

Schools are places where all community members must feel a sense of belonging and joy, and where we embrace a climate of mutual understanding and respect. As we continue to grapple with the sense of loss that many communities have experienced over the past year, we recognize our collective responsibility to maintain safe and welcoming environments for all students, staff and families...

Please be assured that our top priority continues to be ensuring that schools remain to be places of belonging and care in which students thrive and achieve."

They also included resources for teachers.

I am committed to supporting this message and hold the Associate Directors accountable for ensuring the all staff and students are welcomed and supported in our schools and have the resources they need to educate against hate.

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.

To submit a delegation request (written for the Trustees to read or oral to present to Trustees) for a Board Committee (delegations are not accepted for Board meetings), please see here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations and email delegates@tdsb.on.ca. If your request is approved, further details will be provided to you via email. 

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

Tuesday, October 1, 2024 – Planning and Priorities Committee - 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

Unlocking the potential of TDSB properties for the benefit of students, staff and communities. 

The Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) is the wholly owned subsidiary and exclusive real estate, leasing, development and land use planning services provider to the Toronto District School Board.

With specific and professional expertise in these disciplines, TLC’s mandate is to  provide opportunities that ensure the well-being of TDSB students in modern and innovative schools, preserve public assets and collaborate to build complete communities where people live, learn, work and play. 

TLC’s Shareholder’s Direction requires that the TDSB Board approve an Annual Plan for TLC operations within one month of the start of the fiscal year.

The annual plan, which builds on the previously approved annual capital and operating budgets, provides additional detail on TLC’s strategic direction, alignment to the TDSB’s mission and strategic plan, and key deliverables it will achieve during the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Please read the full report here. For more detail on the work of the Toronto Lands Corporation visit our website at torontolandscorp.com.

Dear Minister Dunlop,  

I am writing to you on behalf of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) with an update on the recent student excursion to the Grassy Narrows River Run on September 18, 2024 -- a community event organized in support of the Grassy Narrows First Nation and their efforts to address mercury contamination impacting their community. This excursion was organized as an educational experience for students to hear from Indigenous voices about the ongoing challenges faced by the people of Grassy Narrows, however a number of students may have been involved in or were exposed to political demonstrations during the trip. Staff expressed their regret and apologized to students and their families who were impacted. 

Staff immediately launched an investigation on Thursday, September 19, 2024, within 24 hours of the event in question. Staff also announced a review of our field trip procedures and gave notice across the system that, at this time, students should not be participating in organized protests/rallies/marches as part of any school-related outing.  
 
Our commitment to a thorough investigation was publicly affirmed in a statement released on September 20, 2024. We received the Ministry's announcement on September 24, 2024, to conduct its own investigation and during a Special Board Meeting on September 25, 2024, Trustees voted unanimously to fully cooperate with it. In doing so, Trustees also voted to request the following from the Ministry's investigator: 

As was previously publicly shared, if the investigation concludes that TDSB policies, procedures, or professional standards were not followed, staff have stated clearly that they will take appropriate action to ensure accountability.  

Trustees also voted to advance the scheduled review of the TDSB’s Excursions Policy from the 2027-2028 school year to the current school year. During the Special Board Meeting, the Acting Director of Education reiterated the  suspension of school field trips to protests, marches and rallies. The Acting Director further informed Trustees that as a result of the Ministry’s investigation, TDSB has suspended its internal investigation and will refocus its efforts to cooperate with the Ministry’s investigation.  

As always, I welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further with you and am available at your earliest convenience. 

Sincerely, 

Neethan Shan 
Acting Chair, Toronto District School Board 

Letter published on the Board Website

The TDSB EcoSchools October Newsletter arrived! In the October Issue:
•    Kickoff-Conference October 30th
•    Climate Heroes in the TDSB
•    2024/25 EcoSchools Registration
•    Walk to School Month
•    Circular Economy Month
•    Take Me Outside Day
•    Accelerate Climate Change Education Webinar
•    Waste Reduction Week
•    Climate Fresk Workshop
•    Community School Safety Zone Survey
•    Environmental Sustainability Community Advisory Committee

It's official that EcoSchools Canada is open for business! Please make sure that your school registers each year to participate in the EcoSchools program.
 
As always, we suggest that you "start small and do it well" - don't feel pressured to bite off more than you can chew! There is great climate work getting done at the TDSB, and every bit helps. The most important thing is to keep communicating hope to your students, but that all their help is going to be needed. As a community we must stay focussed on the solutions for the future.

Contact us at EcoSchools@tdsb.on.ca. Visit our website at tdsbecoschools.ca, 

On September 4, 2024, Executive Council approved revisions to the Barbecue Safety Procedure (PR686).

This Procedure supports implementation of the TDSB’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy (P048), Enterprise Risk Management Policy (P101), and Fundraising Policy (P021). Staff recently reviewed the Procedure and implemented the following changes to address identified gaps.

BBQs may be rented from approved service providers or purchased using TDSB-approved procurement processes. BBQs that are purchased must be CSA certified/approved with CSA certified/approved gas fittings/components. Schools that own BBQs are required to have the units inspected annually by a Board approved service provider.

Schools are prohibited from storing propane tanks on Board property.

BBQ operators are required to have the appropriate food handling certification.

Schools are not permitted to own or operate charcoal barbeques or smoker BBQs, unless rented through a Board-approved service provider or in connection with culturally significant celebrations formally conducted by Indigenous persons or the Indigenous community. Schools requesting use of a smoker BBQ should consult with their Facility Team Leader prior to use or purchase.

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. 

We are about to initiate public consultation on the Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy. The consultation is expected to open after the October 9 meeting of the Board of Trustees. Please stay tuned. For more information on the policy development and consultation timeline, please see the: Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy Development Report.

If you have any questions related to the development and consultation of the Policy, please feel free to contact us at: mobiledevicepolicy@tdsb.on.ca

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. 

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.

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. 

Note: the next PA Day for the 2024-25 school year is October 11, 2024 for both elementary and secondary students.

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.

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.

Walk to School Month

International Walk to School Month (IWALK) is an annual mass celebration of active transportation that takes place around the world throughout the month of October.

Schools across Ontario can celebrate IWALK with special events on IWALK Day (the first Wednesday of October) or anytime throughout the month.

Register your celebration activities and events with them!

Annual EcoSchools Kickoff/OISE Conference Wednesday October 30th, 8am - 3pm @ Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

Climate change is expanding worldwide, manifesting in severe weather events, declining biodiversity, and growing injustice - yet its causes, impacts, and solutions are often hidden in plain sight. A critical part of Climate Change Education (CCE) is revealing these invisible factors to support mitigation and adaptation to a changing climate, while simultaneously making new narratives visible that inspire hope and action for teachers and learners alike.

From spotlighting energy education, to mapping paths towards climate justice, this conference makes innovative ideas visible to help learners of all ages ‘change the climate’ in their schools and communities.

This EcoSchools conference kicks off a new year of teaching and learning by bringing TDSB educators and staff together to foster Climate Change Education in K-12 classrooms. Keynote speakers, workshop leaders and local organizations will share a range of inspiring ideas, strategies and resources to involve students in climate change learning that is authentic, interdisciplinary, action-oriented and community-driven. Join us to connect with other educators engaged in CCE to exchange ideas, foster community, and discover hopeful pathways for advancing climate action across all levels of education!

Release is provided for one educator per school - register soon as space is limited and filling up quickly! Open this document for the full description of the keynote and workshops available. Register Now!

Community School Safety Zone Survey

This survey has been designed by a panel of experts from police services, public health, municipal transportation, school boards, and student transportation consortiums to gain a clearer picture of how people experience and perceive School Safety Zones. They intend to use the answers to inform recommendations for improving children's safety within these integral spaces. Please take 5 minutes to complete their survey. Thank you!

Parent & Community Engagement Newsletter

The September 2024 issue of the Parent/Caregiver & Community Engagement Worker monthly newsletter is out now! Access the newsletter here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jf6v17sv3CQQ1qidYgWxFDXPFKww0v56/view?usp=drive_link

Free Computer Workshops offered by TDSB Community Services      Essential Skills Upgrading

Please see information on free computer workshops.

Word and Excel workshops are offered in October.

To register, call 416-396-6368 or email us at upgrading@tdsb.on.ca and include your phone number please

Aga Khan Museum Marks 10th Anniversary with Exhilarating In-Person Experiences, Expanded Online Offerings, and a Site-Wide Festival

The Aga Khan Museum proudly announces a monumental year of exciting programs and digital experiences celebrating a decade of impact and achievement.

With an exceptional lineup of exhibitions, events, and innovative digital offerings, the Museum invites visitors to explore its inspiring journey of fostering connections through intercultural dialogue.

For more information, please click here.

Islamic Heritage Month at the Aga Khan

This October, to mark Islamic Heritage Month, we invite you to explore a range of programs designed to bridge the gap between the past and present, fostering a deeper understanding of Muslim culture and its global impact.

For more details, download an overview of our Education offerings, and contact us with any questions.

City of Toronto PollinateTO Grants for TDSB Schools

The City of Toronto is very excited to announce that PollinateTO grant applications are now open for online submission until October 21, 2024, 11:59 PM.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led projects that create or expand pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. School groups looking to initiate schoolyard greening projects through the creation of pollinator habitat and rain gardens are encouraged to apply.

Learn more about the program, eligibility, past projects and application details at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO. Important Dates:

TDSB Special Education Department Family Sessions
Drop-In Q & A with Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Staff

Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Drop-Ins and 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
October 15, 2024
November 19, 2024
December 17, 2024
January 21, 2025
February 18, 2025
March 18, 2025
April 15, 2025
May 20, 2025
June 2025

Get the link here Sensory and Motor team parent/guardian/caregiver VOH flyer

TDSB Speech and Language Pathologists in collaboration with Donna Cardoza invite you to Let's Talk, Read, and Write 
Parents/Caregivers of Grade 1 students, Ontario has a new Language Curriculum.  Come and learn how you can help your child develop early reading, writing and talking skills.  Register for ALL 5 Sessions on Tuesdays from 6:30pm-7:30pm - Register here.

Oct 8 - From Sounds to Words
Oct 15 - Let's Read
Oct 29 - Let's Write
Nov 12 - Let's Keep Learning

Continuing Education Programming

Did you know the TDSB offers Continuing Education Programming in our communities?

Explore learning opportunities available for children, families, adults, and visitors at the TDSB this fall:

International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program, Secondary Credit Night School, Learn4Life - Adult General Interest Programs and Adult ESL.

Model Parliament for High School Students

The High School Model Parliament program at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario is designed for civic-minded Ontario students in grades 10 to 12, who are interested in current events and provincial issues. This unique experience brings together students from across the province for a three-day Model Parliament Program in Toronto.

Students will have the opportunity to play the role of a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and learn how parliament works through a series of workshops and presentations. They will meet key figures in Ontario’s Parliament as they forge new friendships with like-minded students. Applications will be accepted from August 7 to October 6, 2024.

The upcoming Model Parliament dates are February 19 to February 21, 2025 (onsite in Toronto). The virtual component of the program starts in November 2024. The first mandatory virtual meeting will take place on November 7, 2024.

For more information, click on https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/programs/model-parliament-high-school-students.

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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