April 27, 2025 

Election Day Tomorrow!

The Federal Election is tomorrow! Be prepared: Find your assigned polling station on your voter information card or online.

#ItsOurVote

Anecdotally, I heard from a friend who while voting in the advance polls at one of our schools, heard comments on the conditions of the building - blaming TDSB for negligence. Although she explained caretakers do their best and there is a $4.45 billion Renewal Needs Backlog (RNB) as of January 2025, they were unmoved. If you hear such comments, please remind them we are funded by the province!

May is Asian Heritage Month, which celebrates the diverse histories, contributions and accomplishments of Asian Canadians in Ontario. This month is also Jewish Heritage Month, which honours the culture, faith and resilience of Ontario’s Jewish community. Please see more on how the TDSB is celebrating these months in the next articles.

This year, May 5 marks the 15th anniversary of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ People, also known as Red Dress Day. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the need to recognize and address the violence still faced by many in Canada. It honours victims and raises awareness through the powerful symbolism of red dresses, inspired by Jaime Black's REDress Project.

May 5 also marks African World Heritage Day which was proclaimed in 2015, during the 38th session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) General Conference. Its aim is to promote and celebrate the vibrant heritage, rich culture and people of the Continent of Africa.

Next week (May 5-11) is Canadian Mental Health Awareness Week, which encourages us all to learn more and connect with others about mental health. This year's theme: Unmasking Mental Health.

Mother’s Day, May 11 celebrates the invaluable contributions of mothers and mother figures. It's a time to convey heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for motherhood and the pivotal role mothers play in shaping our society.

May 19, Victoria Day is a public holiday in Canada that falls on the Monday prior to May 25. Initially celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Queen Victoria, it has become a celebration of Canadian culture and a time to welcome in the summer. There's no school on May 19!

National AccessAbility Week in 2025 will be held from May 25 to 31. This week is dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, recognizing their contributions, and highlighting efforts to remove barriers. 

Please note this is not an exhaustive list. Please know the TDSB is now using a new creed and holy day calendar that highlights the many days where there may be creed-based observances and/or Holy days between January to December, 2025. 

Asian Heritage Month has been proudly recognized at the TDSB during the month of May since 2007. This month marks the 20th anniversary of the royal ascent of the Asian Heritage Act, 2005 in the Province of Ontario. It is also recognized across Canada since May 2002 with the declaration to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada.

This year's Asian Heritage Month theme, Asian Canadians Up and Rising, celebrates the strength, resilience, and achievements of Asian Canadian communities. It recognizes individuals and groups who have contributed to shaping Canada's past and present, while also highlighting emerging voices and future leaders, for students and staff in the TDSB community, this theme serves as an opportunity to explore stories of perseverance and embrace the unique identities that contribute to both the school community and to the diverse Asian diaspora in Canada. By learning about and celebrating these diverse perspectives, schools can promote inclusivity, equity, and a deeper appreciation for Asian Canadians.

The TDSB is the largest and one of the most diverse school boards in Canada. Nearly one-quarter of our students were born outside of Canada and collectively we speak more than 120 languages. According to the 2023 Student Census 46% of TDSB students self-identified as Asian.

During the month of May, the Asian Heritage Month Volunteer Planning committee members are working together to assemble various educational opportunities that include an author reading, learning traditional dance moves, and compiling resources for our students, staff and TDSB community to further learn about the Asian heritage heritage.

All TDSB students were invited to participate in the Asian Heritage Month Poster Contest and all students and staff were invited to share an Asian Canadian Memory. All students, staff, and TDSB community members are invited to join us at our upcoming Asian Heritage Month Virtual Launch Celebration.

Asian Heritage Month Virtual Launch Celebration - Thursday, May 8, 2025 - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Zoom Live Stream Link: : https://www.tdsb.on.ca/stream/LiveWebcast-Asian-Heritage.html 

Please visit the Asian Heritage Month webpage  https://tdsbweb.tdsb.on.ca/equity/Heritage-History-Months/2024-2025/Asian-Heritage-Month-May-2025 for the following items: Resources that include daily quotes that may be used for daily announcements or in the classroom for discussions and TDSB Professional Library  Professional Learning Resource Guides: Heritage
and History.

When the Province of Ontario passed the Jewish Heritage Month Act in 2012, it recognized the important contributions that Jewish Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political, and cultural fabric.

Since its inception in 2015, the TDSB's Jewish Heritage Committee (JHC) aims to do just that. We aim to celebrate Jewish heritage and culture in impactful, innovative, and inspirational ways for students - with the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate providing the core goal of this work. The JHC is pleased to present two educational programs for May 2025 that have been vetted and approved by staff.

Being Jewish in Ontario
This brand-new collection for middle and high school educators contains a 10-minute short film and lesson plans with supporting materials in English and French. It explores what it means to be Jewish today through the voices of youth and their family members. Students learn how Jewish immigrants throughout Ontario built a sense of community, belonging, and opportunity during the early 20th century, despite facing societal exclusion.

Through stories of individual and collective action, this history not only educates youth about a specific heritage, but also highlights a universal connection to the generational efforts that foster positive, lasting legacies for vibrant community life and contributions to all Canadians today.

Please visit the Being Jewish in Ontario website to access the film and learning resources. Being Jewish in Ontario is a partnership between Facing History and Ourselves and the Ontario Jewish Archives, Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre.

The Children’s Republic
This play is written by Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch and produced by the Harold Green Theatre Company and Koffler Arts. It casts local Toronto actors, including high school students, and relays the heartfelt and inspirational tale of Dr. Janusz Korczak's selfless journey to bring safety to Polish-Jewish orphans within the Warsaw Ghetto. His struggle to advocate for children's rights and shelter his orphans from the horrors of the Holocaust ended with his death in 1942. 

The Children’s Republic is a powerful and true story of beauty, heroism, and legacy in a world devoid of freedom and even the necessities of life.

Please see the play's flyer for locations, dates, and times. We are offering complimentary tickets for TDSB secondary school students. Seating is very limited, so please register as soon as possible. 

Additional classroom resources have been posted to the Jewish Heritage Committee Website, including daily announcements for schools.Please TDSB Professional Library Professional Learning Guide: Jewish Heritage.

For more information, and to RSVP for The Children’s Republic play, contact Shari Schwartz-Maltz at shari.schwartz-maltz@tdsb.on.ca.

Please follow us on X/Twitter @TDSB_JH.

Shalom and Happy Jewish Heritage Month!

Wednesday April 23, 2025

Today, the Minister of Education announced a focus on increasing school board accountability to protect students, families and taxpayer funds. We acknowledge the Minister’s remarks on the TDSB’s multi-year deficit and will be fully cooperating with the investigation.

The TDSB is committed to transparency and accountability in our budget-setting process. Each year, we consult with school communities to seek their input to support the decision-making process. In a report released earlier this year, staff identified several areas with opportunities to reduce spending and find efficiencies. As planned, at the April 30, 2025 Finance, Budget and Enrollment Committee meeting, staff will present options to balance the budget for Trustee consideration and decision making.

It is important to note that while Trustees will continue reviewing the budget to find savings, we have already cut millions of dollars from the TDSB budget over recent years in the face of significant financial challenges that impact our ability to meet student needs. These challenges - which disproportionately affect large urban boards - have been brought on by unfunded increases in statutory benefits (e.g. Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance), teacher salaries that are higher than the Ministry funding benchmarks, and the provincial moratorium on school closures. Further complicating the matter is an estimated $1,500 shortfall in per student provincial funding when adjusted for inflation.

We have also now received the report from the Ministry of Education with regard to the investigation into the Grassy Narrows River Run field trip. Following the field trip, we strengthened our excursion approvals process and provided clear direction to schools regarding field trips. In the fall, Trustees requested an expedited review of TDSB’s excursion policy and procedure, and it will be informed by the report’s recommendations.

As a Board, we will soon be holding a Special Meeting to discuss today’s developments. We will continue to centre our students in every decision we make as part of our core commitment to creating school environments where they belong, achieve and thrive.

Neethan Shan
Chair

Read the Minister's letter to the Chair.

In the letter to the Chair linked above, Minister Calandra states "I remain very concerned about the deterioration of the TDSB’s financial position in recent years, and its continued reliance on proceeds of disposition to fund operating in-year deficits.The accumulated surplus is almost entirely depleted and what remains is insufficient to protect against any unforeseen pressures, placing the TDSB at risk of not being able to meet its financial obligations."

Please don't forget that during COVID19, the Minister of Education directed school boards to use their reserves - TDSB used $61M of reserves to do what was possible to support the health and safety of students and staff. That money was never reimbursed by the Ministry. That alone is more than the Board's current anticipated budget deficit.

In addition, as confirmed in the latest Board Report, TDSB has a structural deficit, meaning that the Board spends more than it receives in funding. Some reasons for the structural deficit include the underfunding of statutory benefits and the TDSB teacher salary grid, the inability to close underutilized schools, and the fact that grant revenue has not kept up with the cost of inflation. See further explanations below:

Just imagine if the Ministry would fully fund the items they require and don't fund - $61M + $43.7M + $26.1M + $1.5M + 43.1M + $184.5M = $359.9M

The TDSB has a structural deficit - the Province is responsible. 

As indicated in the staff report, "the Auditor General’s 2024 Annual Report, released in December 2024, included a Performance Audit of TDSB.  One recommendation stated “We recommend that the TDSB and the Ministry of Education work together to understand whether the TDSB has a structural funding deficit and how the TDSB’s unique circumstances play a role in its financial challenges.”  

Both the Board and the Ministry identified areas of concern with regard to the structural deficit and committed to working together.  TDSB staff has reached out to EDU staff and one meeting has already happened with the intention of continuing to meet." 

Read the Auditor General recommendations and TDSB staff response here.

Register here by 10am Monday.

Kindly note that due to time constraints, 110 delegation spots will be available and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be three distinct session times to choose from: 

12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.; 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Each delegate will be allotted 3 minutes to speak. We encourage you to indicate your preferred time slot(s) in your delegation form.

Please note: Selecting multiple time slots will increase your chances of securing a spot. ***If no time slot is indicated, one will be assigned to you.

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.

As there are delegations scheduled for April 29, there will be no delegations before the April 30 meeting.

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

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 – Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

At the Special FBEC meeting on February 27, 2025, staff presented a report that indicated that the projected deficit for 2025-26 was estimated at $65.9 million. With the decision by Trustees at the March 6, 2025 Special Board meeting to add back 28.0 unfunded Vice Principals that had been removed from the preliminary school based staffing allocation, the updated projected deficit for 2025-26 increased to $70.3 million. Since that time, it has been confirmed that the elimination of the federal consumer carbon tax will have a positive impact on TDSB in 2025-26 equalling $12.3 million. This means that the updated projected deficit is $58.0 million. 

Included in this report to be presented at Wednesday's FBEC are staff recommendations on how to balance the budget for 2025-26 It is being presented for trustee consideration. These will be discussed at Wednesday's meeting. Please read the full report for details - it includes the following proposed cuts that add up to $59.2M: 

It is imperative to note that the TDSB Trustees have not agreed to these staff recommendations. FBEC will discuss on Wednesday.

Feel free to send this template letter developed by the East End Parents 4 Public Education - Stop the games; Fund what kids need.

There are many staff recommendations that directly affect students, staff and communities. Pools is one of them. 

Here we are again - I quote directly from Save Our Pools in 2008.

Clearly children and families in our city will be poorer for the loss of school pools. These facilities provide valuable sports, recreation and life skills opportunities for children and families. We ask you to join us and express your support for swimming pools in Toronto schools and the urgent need for the Provincial government to do its part by investing in these pools for our children and families.

The province is deflecting their responsibility by arguing that this is an issue between the TDSB and the City.

While short term solutions solve current budget crunches the Provincial government will need to be part of the solution here. It needs to accept responsibility that these are their schools and their pools. We urge you to join us and call on the province to address the financial issues and allow the school pools to continue to serve our residents.

Prior to amalgamation in 1998 when the province took over funding of education, the majority of pools in schools were built cooperatively by the City and the Boards through our tax dollars - most schools with pools also have community centres. Schools were thought of as Community Hubs. 

Due to a special arrangement between the TDSB and the City of Toronto, 27 school pools are exclusive to Parks, Forestry and Recreation after 6 p.m. on weekdays, all day on weekends and during summer break. 36 pools are managed by the TDSB Permit Unit. The list of these pools is available here.

The closure of TDSB pools not only directly affects kids, but the many businesses that operate permits in TDSB pools. 

As noted in our joint statement below, the TDSB through the Toronto Lands Corporation had already begun negotiations with the City. But this is not just up to the City - the Province has a responsibility to fully fund our schools.

Hillcrest and 529 Vaughan Rd are the only schools in the ward with a pool leased by the City. The pool at JPCI is leased by the 3rd party. The other pools in schools in the Ward are at risk - Allenby, Brown, Deer Park, FHCI, Glenview, LPCI, and Winona.

I was interviewed by CITY TV Saturday in front of Brown PS - thank you to the parents who jointed me. Click here to view.

Please sign the petition to Save Our Pools - https://www.joshmatlow.ca/saveourpools

Staff are basing their reports to date on estimates. The Ministry has not yet released the Core Education Funding (Core Ed).

Once the actual Core Ed is received, staff will calculate the actual grant revenue to determine any changes required to the estimate.

The next FBEC meeting will be on May 15, 2025.

Please note the information on Summer Programs on the website will continue to be updated.

Elementary Programs

Summer School - The Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program offers the opportunity for students to continue learning in the summer. Programs are offered in-person at various locations to students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, from July 2 to July 25, 2025. A remote program is available for students in grades 6 to 8. Registration Information: Program Dates and Hours - Monday, July 2 to Friday, July 25, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Registration is online. To fill out an application, please click on the school registration form link on the website.

2025 Summer International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program

When: July 2 to July 25, 2025 (Monday to Friday).
Who: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept 2025) to Grade 8 (TDSB and non-TDSB students).
Cost: $20 (for materials fee). Please note that a minimum of 25 students is required to open a class. Registration Requirements:
Ontario Education Number (OEN) and OHIP card is required at the time of registration. (OEN can be found at the top of your child’s report card). Registration:
Online Registration: Register now Registration closes: June 22, 2025

Summer Extended Day Program

The Extended Day Summer Program provides fun explorations and learning for children from Kindergarten to Grade 6. Children will develop skills such as collaboration, responsibility, problem-solving, creativity, citizenship, and leadership through interesting activities, and experiences. The Summer Program is delivered by TDSB staff, Designated Early Childhood Educators, and Early Childhood Assistants.
Registration Information: June 30 to August 15. Please see website here. Note: Information on International Languages and African Heritage Language & Culture Program, Outdoor Education Summer Camp and Summer Music & Art Camps will be available shortly.

Secondary Programs

e-Summer School Program - Registration will open on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 AM for TDSB students and on Tuesday, April 29 at 10:00 AM for NON-TDSB students. More information can be found here.

• All Grade 9 and 10 online Summer School credit courses will be delivered synchronously through the Continuing Education Remote Summer Program.

• All Grade 11 and 12 online Summer School credit courses will be delivered asynchronously through the e-Summer Program.

• The Grade 8 to 9 Reach Ahead Summer Credit course will be offered only in-person through the Continuing Education Reach Ahead Credit Program.  

Summer School

Registration for all Summer Programs opened on April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Summer School classes will be held from July 2 to July 25, 2025 Monday to Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. These classes are available only in July. More information on how to register available here.

The Grade 8 to 9 Reach Ahead credit course is available only in person. Students will attend face-to-face classes with a teacher. Reach Ahead Flyer 

Remote Learning All Grade 9 and 10 credit courses will be delivered through synchronous learning. In-Person Learning All Grade 9 to 12 credit courses, students will attend face-to-face classes with a teacher. Summer School In Person Sites/Locations

Special Education and Inclusion Summer 2025 Programs 

Special Education and Inclusion Summer School 
Special Education and Inclusion will once again offer summer school programs from July 2 to 25 for students currently enrolled in Developmental Disability (DD), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), and Physical Disability (PD) Intensive Support Programs (ISPs). Principals were asked to share this information flyer with the families of students currently enrolled in these programs. Visit our summer school website for more information. 

We are excited to announce that registration for TDSB's 2025 Summer Music Camps is now open! Our camps welcome students of all skill levels with programs in band, orchestra, strings, steel pan, & personalized instruction.

Toronto Summer Music Camp (Overnight camps) Location: Mono Cliffs Outdoor Education Centre 755046 2nd Line, Orangeville, ON

Summer Sounds Music Camp (Day camp) Location: York Mills Collegiate Institute 490 York Mills Rd, Toronto, ON 

Register Now!

Proposed Boundary Change - NSS, LPCI, NTCI, YMCI, LHS

The TDSB is currently receiving feedback regarding a proposed boundary modifications involving Northern SS, Lawrence Park CI, North Toronto CI, York Mills CI, and Leaside HS. These modifications are to address the four shared attendance boundaries between Northern SS, Lawrence Park CI, York Mills CI, and Leaside HS, and the accommodation pressures at North Toronto CI.The slide deck from last week's public meeting, along with an FAQ document, is posted on the Accommodation Reviews webpage. You may view the recording of the March 27, 2025, public presentation. The best ways to provide feedback are to complete this feedback survey, email me or your local Trustee, or email staff at accommodationreviews@tdsb.on.ca with any questions or concerns.

Next steps. After reviewing comments, TDSB staff will present a report with their recommendations to the Board’s Planning and Priorities Committee on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 4:30 PM, Boardroom, Main Floor, 5050 Yonge Street, Toronto. If you would like to share your thoughts in person with Trustees at the committee meeting or in writing, please contact delegates@tdsb.on.ca by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025. More informaton https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations.

The staff report will be included in the Planning and Priorities Committee agenda and posted online (http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Agenda-Minutes). by May 12, 2024. I will include it in my update.

The Planning and Priorities Committee recommendations regarding the Boundary Change review will be presented to the Board at a meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, where the Board of Trustees will make the final decisions about the schools in the review. None of these changes will be implemented until September 1, 2026.

Consultations on Anti-Asian Hate

The TDSB aims to be responsive to the voices of communities by developing tailored action plans, each based on the pillars of the Anti Hate and Anti Racism Strategy. This approach will allow communities to see themselves in the actions and will require ongoing collaboration and support of families, communities and partner organizations. 

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) invites TDSB students, families and community members who self-identify as part of the Asian diaspora to attend a community consultation this Spring. These consultations will support the development of a multi-dimensional strategy to affirm the diverse and intersectional Asian identities and address anti-Asian racism within the TDSB. 

Attendees are encouraged to participate in conversations that explore the various ways the TDSB can nurture, affirm, and support Asian students, families, and community members while also understanding and addressing manifestations of anti-Asian racism. 

Please join us for a special evening celebrating the dedication and hard work of our PIAC and FSLAC Reps, School Council members and school volunteers whose contributions have helped shape a positive, supportive, and enriching learning environment for students.

This event is sponsored by the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC).

If you are interested in participating, please RSVP Here and indicate if you require childcare.

Dinner will be provided!

TDSB Community Services Skills Training - Introduction to Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint - Call 416-396-6368 or email upgrading@tdsb.on.ca

Supporting Your Child’s Well-being: Free webinar series for parents and caregivers focused on substance use, addictive behaviours and youth

School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free, 5-part webinar series designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviours.

This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on:

Each webinar will include time for experts to answer questions sent in advance, plus a Q&A opportunity to ask experts questions during the session. Questions can be entered on the By Your Side learning hub - entries will close 2 weeks prior to each session. For more information, Click Here.

Campus Ready in Toronto - Event on May 7, 2025

UJA Israel Engagement is proud to host Campus Ready, presented by Makom, an initiative of The Jewish Agency For Israel. This important program offers parents, students, and Jewish professionals practical workshops to help prepare high school students to navigate today’s challenging campus environment.

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

5:30 - 8:00 pm

Lipa Green Centre, Tamari Hall 

4600 Bathurst St

Registration is required. Please reach out to Jenna Potash at jpotash@ujafed.org.

Parent/Caregivers IMPACT Symposiums

Calling all parents and caregivers! The City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Response Program and the TDSB Parent/Caregiver & Community Engagement Office invite you to IMPACT – Innovative Methods for Parents/Caregivers Today!. Join us this May for one of three powerful sessions designed to equip you with the knowledge and the tools to support your children. We’ll tackle the most pressing issues facing young people, including: Mental Health & Well- being & Vaping Dependency; Social Media and Cellphone Dependency; Criminality & Prevention and Missing Youth & Community Safety. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect. Register soon as registration is limited.

Parent/Caregiver and Community Education Workers invite you to their Financial Literacy Series

Acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make responsible financial decisions.

Monday, April 28

Monday, May 5

6:00PM to 7:30PM

Register here.

Parent/Caregiver and Community Education Workers invite you to Nurturing Positive Mathematical Minds for K to 12

These virtual workshops will provide you with practical strategies to support your child's math learning at home, building confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

For more information, contact Donna Cardoza, TDSB Parent Caregiver and Community Engagement Worker (PCCEW) call or text at 647-403-5821 or email at donna.cardoza@tdsb.on.ca

Tuesday, May 6th

6:30PM to 8:00PM

Register here.

Stronger Together - Tuesday, May 6th, during Children's Mental Health Week

The event will take place at Silverthorn from 6-9pm. From 7-9pm, we have guest speaker: Michael Landsberg, who will give a keynote address on his personal experience with depression and anxiety. The topic of suicide and suicidal ideation will also be brought up in parts.

Throughout the evening, we will have representatives on hand from major mental health organizations in Etobicoke and the Toronto area. Parents, staff, etc. are welcome to meet with the various agencies to discuss various resources and how to get help for a loved one.

Register for free tickets here.

WongAvery Asia Pacific Peace Museum (APPM) - Run for Peace on June 8

To celebrate the 1st anniversary of the birth of the APPM, we are launching a 5 KM Run/Walk this year that also carries a fundraising goal of $200,000 in support of ALPHA’s continuous education work.

We sincerely invite you to participate/ support the 2025 Run for Peace on June 8. Join the event as an individual participant/ a group or with your family

Join and raise funds as a participant/ group/ family (we will set up a profile for you on our webpage).

Support the participants.

City of Toronto Children's Spring Poetry Contest - Due by May 5, 2025

Calling all budding poets. Enter the 's first Children’s City of Toronto's Spring Poetry Contest. Children ages 6 to 14 are invited to write a poem highlighting what they love most about Toronto’s parks. Do you love playing in Toronto’s parks? Write a poem and enter the contest by noon on May 5.

More information can be found here.

Grow for Grub Fundraiser to Support
TDSB Student Nutrition Programs

Grow for Grub is a small group of friends & family, passionate about local urban vegetable gardening, who want to
support student nutrition programs at hundreds of TDSB schools. We believe that children need to eat to get the
energy to learn. We grow our own vegetable seedlings and are giving them away in exchange for donations to the
Toronto Foundation for Student Success (tfss.ca) who oversees 826 Student Nutrition Programs. Please donate by
purchasing our seedling boxes featuring a special variety of seedlings. All proceeds (100%) go to TFSS.
Donations $50 and above may receive a tax receipt.

See this year's featured seedlings in the 2025 Brochure and place your order here.

You will be contacted when orders are ready for pickup in Toronto. Thank you for your support!

Social Media Safety Night for Parents on April 29th, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Regent Park Community Centre, Banquet Hall – 402 Shuter Street, Toronto

Aligned with TDSB’s policies on responsible technology use, including social media and cellphone guidelines, this event aims to equip parents/ caregivers/guardians with strategies to navigate their children's digital engagement. To sign up please click on "Register Here".

This evening will include: Practical strategies for navigating social media risks; Open discussion on online safety; Take-home resources and giveaways; Food and childcare.

Virtual Urgent Care Kiosk, an in-person space at the Lawrence Allen Center

SickKids started a Virtual Urgent Care (VUC) platform in 2021 (Learn more by clicking here).

After initial community consultation, SickKids have created the Greeter-supported Virtual Urgent Care Kiosk, an in-person space at the Lawrence Allen Center (a local mall located at Lawrence and the Allen Road). This one-year project is a novel, health equity-focused approach to urgent care, which would see SickKids provide an additional way for one of Toronto’s most digitally underserved communities to access our VUC platform.

The initiative launched in late January. SickKids are very excited to bring this novel, health equity-focused resource to the community - we hope this project brings benefits to the local community and learning that will improve care for patients and families.

As staff continue developing the overarching Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy please remember that should an incident of antisemitism or any form of hate or racism occur in our schools, principals have an obligation to report it.

As I repeat in every update, the TDSB collects data through the Bias and Hate (RBH) Portal. An increase in antisemitic incidents is being experienced in our schools as it is in our communities - 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. Antisemitism is but one form of hate our students and staff are experiencing. 

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. 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.

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.

2005 - 2026 School Year Calendar

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. 

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. 

Special Education and Inclusion Guides for Parents/ Guardians/Caregivers

From learning about Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to navigating the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process, these resources are here to support you every step of the way.

We encourage you to explore the full guides on the Special Education and Inclusion website, where you’ll also find\additional Special Education resources for families.

School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) has 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. Our hope is you find these resources helpful. Mental health matters.

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 - Make Sure You're Up-to-Date

Learn more about where you can get your vaccines, including the flu, COVID-19 and school-based vaccines.

Vaccine preventable diseases are still spreading globally. Vaccines help build and strengthen our immune system, protecting us against diseases.

For more information on timing of recommended vaccinations visit Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule 

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. Visit School Immunization Program (SIP) clinics.

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.

The public is invited to purchase tickets - more information can be found here.  More information on school visits for grades 6-12 can be found here. 

Virtual Drop-In Hours: Pathways to Care for Mental Health

Did you know the TDSB offers drop-in hours for educational presentations that provide the knowledge and tools necessary to support the well-being of students at home and in school?

Visit the TDSB website to view session dates and themes.

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

Special Education and Inclusion 2024-25 Drop-In Sessions

Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to offer drop-in sessions for parents, guardians, and caregivers. These sessions aim to provide information and resources for accessing special education supports and services. Participants can ask questions, share experiences, and connect with other families in a friendly environment.

Please see the flyer for upcoming dates, times and links.

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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