Dear friends,

I hope everybody is enjoying great summer holidays - whether that is at home, at camp, on holidays, or at one of the many summer programs offered by the TDSB and others.

As we still await more details from the Ministry about Return-to-School in September, I hope everybody who is eligible will take advantage of the many vaccination opportunities that are currently available. Please see below for a special Family Vaccination Clinic organized on Tuesday, July 20, at Hodgson Middle School - for students and families of Hodgson-area schools. There is ample room available, so register now!

There are several other options to get vaccinated, including:

Sunnybrook Hospital Covid-19 Vaccine Hub
Thorncliffe Park Community Hub clinic in the East York Town Centre (operated by East Toronto Health Partners/ETHP, which includes Michael Garron Hospital)
Pop-up clinics organized by ETHP/Michael Garron(drop-ins welcome):
- Thorncliffe Park Community Hub (45 Overlea Blvd): July 16 (until 8pm), July 17 (noon-8pm), July 18 & 25 (8am-8pm):
- Marc Garneau Collegiate (135 Overlea Blvd): July 20 (2-8pm)
- various other locations in East York
and more (e.g. one of the four City of Toronto clinics).

More information about Vaccinations, Summer Resources & Programs, as well as the upcoming Selection Process for in-school or virtual learning for September 2021, please read on below.

Selection Form for In-Person or Virtual Learning (2021-22)

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) will be asking all families to complete a Selection Form for In-Person or Virtual Learning for the 2021-22 school year.

Over the past several weeks, COVID-19 cases in Toronto have continued to decline, and we have seen significant progress with vaccines among adults and children aged 12-17. This is encouraging news, and we look forward to reconnecting all students to their home schools and welcoming them in person in September.

While requests for Virtual Learning will be accommodated where necessary, we strongly encourage all students to select In-Person Learning. Based on our TDSB data about how students feel they learn best, and available data with respect to students returning to in-person learning, we feel confident that this is the best choice for students following what has been a challenging year.

Families can complete the Selection Form for In-Person or Virtual Learning online from Thursday, August 5 to Thursday, August 12.

An email with a Selection Form link will be sent on Thursday, August 5.
Families with two or more children will receive a separate email and link for each student.
Families must complete the Selection Form using the link provided.
Those without an email address on file with the TDSB will receive a phone call to complete the Selection Form between August 10 and 12.
Students will be placed in In-Person Learning if we do not receive a completed Selection Form by August 12.

For more information, including translations, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/School-Year-2021-22/Selection-Form

Summer Well-Being Guide

As parents and caregivers, we may be wondering what we can do to help keep our children active and healthy, and to support their mental health and well-being. The TDSB has provided a helpful guide that includes a variety of culturally-responsive resources and accessible activities to help make this summer a little easier for you and your family. Information on where and how to reach out for help is also included.
The guide includes sections on:

TDSB Summer Programs & Services, including Virtual Office Hour
Support for Mental Health & Well-Being Support & Resources For Youth
Summer Programs & Activities For My Child/Youth
Some Ideas For Keeping My Child/Youth Active This Summer
Resources For My Child With Special/Complex Needs
TDSB Supports & Resources For Mental Health & Well-Being

Download the guide here.

TDSB Summer Menu of Activities & Supports

TDSB Professional Support Services offers a HUGE Summer Menu of Activities and Supports for students, parents and caregivers!

Please see the brief descriptions for each activity/group and click on the PDF flyer to access contact and registration information.

These programs and activities are being provided by TDSB’s Professional Support Services (PSS) staff from Social Work, Speech- Language Pathology, Psychology, Child and Youth Services and Occupational/Physical Therapy.

During the month of July and the last two weeks of August, PSS Staff will also continue to offer Virtual Office Hours for Caregivers/Parents of all students, as well as Caregivers/Parents of students with special/complex needs (please see new summer times).

Click for the full Summer Menu of Activities & Supports.

2021-2022 School Year Calendar

The Ministry of Education has approved the TDSB’s 2021-2022 School Year Calendar.

The first day of classes for students will be Thursday, September 9, 2021.

Visit the TDSB website for the full calendar, including PA days and holidays.

Over the summer, or at any time, if you notice anything at a school that concerns you, please call the TDSB Security Call Centre (416) 395-4620 and the Toronto Police - non-emergencies can be reported by calling ‪416-808-2222.

Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin

Over the summer, or at any time, if you notice anything at a school that concerns you, please call the TDSB Security Call Centre (416) 395-4620 and the Toronto Police - non-emergencies can be reported by calling ‪416-808-2222.