Schools Reopening February 16th
The Minister of Education announced that in-person learning will resume for schools in Toronto on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Until that time, schools will remain closed to most students and staff and remote learning will continue. For students in the virtual learning model, classes will continue as normal during the closure and when in-person learning resumes.
In the days ahead, the TDSB will be sharing additional information with families with regards to health and safety measures at all TDSB schools when we return.
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Kindergarten Registration begins in February
Children who will be four by December 31, 2021, can start Junior Kindergarten in September 2021.
In the Kindergarten program, your child will develop their skills and abilities through inquiry and intentional play-based learning that includes math, science and literacy. Teachers and early childhood educators plan learning experiences where children are actively engaged in learning and thinking creatively.
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APPLICATION NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!
Parent Reaching Out (PRO) Grant
School Councils may submit one request for supports up to $1,500 to support initiatives/activities that engage parents/caregivers (including virtual), and builds School Councils’ capacity around Human Rights, Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Indigenous and Anti-Black Racism. School Councils may collaborate and submit one application, however allocation will remain at a maximum of $1,500 per school.
Projects/Initiatives will be required to:- Demonstrate a commitment to respecting the role of parents/caregivers in students’ educational experiences by working with parents/caregivers, particularly racialized parents/caregivers, Elders and School Council members
- Include strategies for connecting, supporting and engaging racialized parents/caregivers, particularly parents who identify as Indigenous and Black
- Provide a safe and welcoming school environment
- Maintain open communication with teachers
- Respect parents as valued partners within the education system in relation to decisions about their child’s education
Project/Initiative must be completed on or before by June 30, 2021.
Eligible Activities/Initiatives- Workshops
- Training session
- Information sessions with guest speakers
- Parent Resource Creation
- Conversation Circles
Ineligible Initiatives- Student initiatives
- Staffing initiatives
- Equipment purchases
Deadline - Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2021.
- Applications must be submitted virtually using the application and submission form and platform. No hard copies will be accepted.
- Applications will be reviewed and will be approved upon a first come first served basis. Please apply early, funds are limited.
A final report will be required on or before July 6, 2021.
For further information please, contact Michelle Munroe, Coordinator of Parent and Community Engagement at michelle.munroe@tdsb.on.ca.
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TDSB families are invited to join the TDSB for a series of engaging and informative conversations on topics we heard you want to learn more about. Hear from leading experts and participate in question and answer sessions online.These conversations are jointly hosted by the TDSB's Parent and Community Engagement Office and the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee.
Families Amidst Racial Traumas
Speaker: Charmaine Lane M.Sc., RP
Thursday February 4, 2021 6:30 p.m.
Black youth and families have been experiencing racial trauma against their bodies for generations and this has contributed to the issues of physical and mental health and the way in which black people receive services. Considering recent events of anti-black racism in North America, it is important to acknowledge the immediate and vicarious trauma experienced by black youth and their families on account of racial trauma.
This webinar will look at the differential experiences of Black bodies as it pertains to the hierarchy of race, and subsequently why anti-black racism must be the focus when dealing with black people and addressing trauma. This will be an opportunity to have some discussion on how to address issues of anti-black racism to best serve people you support.
Ways to join:Phone (647-558-0588 or 778-907-2071 or 647-374-4685)
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Optional Attendance Applications
Students who wish to register for a school for the 2021-2022 school year that is not their designated home school can do so by applying for optional attendance. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability and program suitability.
Because of the current school closures it is necessary for the system to adjust the Optional Attendance process due to the heightened need to reduce potential Covid-19 exposures. As such, the following process will be in place for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year should your child/ward be applying to a school via Optional Attendance:
- The parent/guardian will complete the Optional Attendance form and will email the completed form to current school principal. The form may be sent as a scan, a photo or a screengrab.
- The current school principal or designate (VP, office staff etc.) will sign and email the form(s) to the receiving school.
- The receiving school will confirm receipt of the form(s) by way of email reply to the sending school.
- The current school will communicate with families that the Optional Attendance Form was signed, sent and received by the receiving school.
- The current school principal or designate will track optional attendance applications to ensure that TDSB policies are being followed.
- All current timelines are still in effect. Forms for secondary schools are due by January 29, 2021, and for elementary schools by February 12, 2021.
Elementary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:February 12, 2021 Optional attendance forms due at elementary schoolMarch 05, 2021 Deadline for parents/guardians to be informed of the status of the application requestMarch 26, 2021 Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer
Secondary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:January 29, 2021 Optional attendance forms due at secondary schoolFebruary 12, 2021 Deadline for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the application requestFebruary 26, 2021 Course selection sheets due at secondary schools
Please contact your school principal should you have any questions.
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Elementary Switch UpdateFor families of elementary students who indicated an interest in switching learning models in the December switching survey, students will have a final opportunity to switch in February 2021, where space is available. The TDSB is committed to completing as many requests as possible, but please note that not all requests will be accommodated.
More information will be emailed soon to families who requested a switch in December.
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Provincial Funding - Get Support for Learners
The Province is offering one-time funding to support children, youth and students during the 2020-2021 school year. Eligible applicants will receive a one-time payment of:
- $200 for each child or youth up to Grade 12
- $250 for each child or youth up to age 21 with special needs
You are eligible to apply if you live in Ontario and are a:
- parent or guardian to a child or youth up to Grade 12
- secondary school student over the age of 18
- parent or guardian to a child or youth that is 21 or younger and has special needs
The deadline to apply is February 8, 2021.
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Parent and Caregiver Engagement Initiatives
During this challenging period for students, staff and parents/caregivers connecting with and supporting parents and caregivers continues to be a priority in the TDSB. The Parent and Community Engagement Office (PCEO), Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) and the Community Support Workers (CSWs) have been engaged in a variety of activities to offer support, build capacity and make connections for parents/caregivers. A few examples include responding to food insecurity, organizing virtual information sessions, collaborating with 211 Toronto to ensure access to community-based services and helping parents navigate the system for assistance.
TDSB Community Support Workers have also created a Community Support Hub, a one stop shop program and service hub for parents/caregivers. The Hub features not only full access to CSWs and their work, but also a series of information and presentation on navigating, understanding TDSB and professional development for families through the Parent Academy, including a number of other events under three themes: Anti-Racism Series, Know Your Rights Series, and Well-Being Resources and Support Series.Each of these initiatives offer so many options to our varied parents/caregivers across our district.
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School Year Calendar 2020-2021
Note: Virtual Schools follow the same calendar as in-person schools unless otherwise noted.
The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1 to June 30.
The last day of class for elementary students is June 29.
Secondary Quadmester Calendar
Quad 2: Nov. 23 - Feb 4
Quad 3: Feb 8 - April 20 + exams April 21 & 22
Quad 4: April 23 - June 23 + exams June 24, 25 & 28
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