April 2023
TDSB Chair & Director Request Reimbursement of Pandemic Costs
On March 22, 2023, TDSB Chair Rachel Chernos Lin and Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins issued a joint letter to the Minister of Education requesting that the government reimburse the Board for pandemic costs.
During the pandemic, all available resources were put toward keeping students, staff and the community safe. The TDSB spent more than $70 million on measures like smaller class sizes that were not funded by the Ministry of Education. As the TDSB faces an operating deficit of more than $60 million for next year, it is clear that pandemic-related costs should be fully reimbursed by the province so that cuts impacting students are not required.
In addition, the letter also outlines the Board’s concerns regarding the pandemic funding that the Ministry plans to end for 2023-24. This funding of $31.5 million allowed TDSB to put an additional 485 staff resources into the system. This included teachers, social workers, child and youth workers, caretaking and vice-principals, among other categories, and we are worried about the ramifications to student well-being with the reduction of this funding. Cutting this funding now seems reckless and harmful to students. Read more in the joint letter to the Minister of Education issued by the TDSB Chair and Director.
TDSB Student Census
Share your voice! The TDSB Student Census is a confidential and voluntary survey that asks our students important questions about their school experiences and identities including participation in school activities, safety, well-being, mental health, outdoor learning, etc. It is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help us improve our schools and system. We are asking all parents/guardians/caregivers and/or students to consider filling out a census survey online. Detailed information about the Student Census and consent process was shared directly with parents/guardians via email during the week of March 27. For more information, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/census and read the Student Census Questions and Answers.
Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism
The TDSB’s Student Equity Collective, a student-led group created by the Director of Education, which addresses injustices, racism and hate in our school communities is launching its first board-wide initiative ‒ Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism! Students were invited to submit a two-minute video to share what they’ve accomplished together to make their schools more inclusive for everyone. This initiative is focussed on students from Grade 7 to 12, but a group or class in any grade may submit a video. This is an opportunity for students to showcase how they’re addressing racism and discrimination in their own unique ways at their schools. For more details visit the Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism webpage.
Elementary Summer School 2023 – Registration Now Open!
Looking to build your child’s literacy and numeracy skills? Elementary Summer School registration is now open! The focus of the 2023 Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program is to continue student engagement through the month of July. Programs, which are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the local school focus, are offered in-person to students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, from July 4 to July 28, 2023, in various locations around the city. This year, one remote program will also be available.
For more information, including a list of schools and online registration forms, visit our summer school program webpage.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized in the month of April. Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the outstanding achievements and contributions of Hispanic people in the province.
Latin-America History Month
April is Latin-America History Month at the TDSB! During the month of April, several activities are planned for students, staff, and community members. We invite everyone to join us to kick-off Latin-America History Month with a virtual launch. This year the theme to mark Latin-America History Month is (Decolonizing) Latin-America History Month & Beyond: Honouring & Uplifting the Real Hxstories and Multiplicities of Our Identities.
Sikh Heritage Month
We are celebrating Sikh Heritage Month! We are inviting all TDSB community, students, and staff to join our virtual Sikh Heritage Month launch to recognize the contributions of Sikh Canadians. This year the Sikh Heritage Month theme is Kes. Kes is one of the five Kahaars, indicators that Sikh individuals must acknowledge as part of their faith. The five Kakaars are five sacred articles of faith prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Reminder: Excellence Award Nominations Close April 6
The TDSB Excellence Awards help shine a light on the stories of extraordinary staff commitment. We want to know about TDSB staff who are working to reduce disproportionate outcomes in student achievement, as well as fostering joy, engagement and belonging in our schools, workplaces and communities. We welcome nominations from anyone – staff, students, parents/caregivers or community members – submit nominations by April 6, 2023 at 4 p.m.
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 Steps to Address Your Questions and Concerns.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
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.
