November 17, 2024

The TDSB joins school boards across the province to recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (BAPW) from November 17 to 23, 2024. At the TDSB, we are committed to creating schools that are safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for all. During this week and always, we must remember the impact that bullying can have on a school community and to talk about the ways we can report, support and prevent bullying in our schools.

As a system, we focus on prevention efforts and creating a welcoming school community – both in-person and online. Staff and students are engaged through events, activities and prevention programming and encouraged to take on leadership roles to enhance the school community. Supporting a positive school climate is one of the most important ways we support students’ well-being. The TDSB is committed to working to strengthen relationships between students and school adults and improving overall school climate to create inviting and engaging learning spaces where student want to be.

We have a responsibility to respond to incidents of bullying, to support the affected individuals, hold students accountable and address issues that may have contributed to the situation and help prevent them from happening again. This work is supported by a number of TDSB policies and procedures.

Learn more about how we support students, bullying prevention programs that we offer and the educational partners we work with to support anti-bullying initiatives in our schools and classrooms. Follow along on social media with #TDSBbekind and join the conversation with stories of kindness.  

The Organizational Board for the third year of our 4-year term was held last Wednesday. For the Summary of all the votes, and for the new 2025 committee and board calendar, please click here. Updated committee listings can now be viewed on the Trustee Committees webpage. Please see the trustee leadership positions (new and continuing) until November 14, 2025:

With the election of Rachel Chernos Lin to Council, representing Don Valley West, the Trustee position in TDSB Ward 11 is vacant. Congratulations to Rachel!

With respect to Trustee matters, Trustee Farzana Rajwani will oversee the following schools: Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy, Thorncliffe Park Public School, and Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute. I will be supporting the remaining schools in Ward 11 in addition to the schools in Ward 8.

A vacancy on a school board must be filled unless the vacancy occurs within one month before voting day in the next regular election. Pursuant to section 221(1) of the Education Act, “if the office of a member of a board becomes vacant before the end of the member’s term, (a) the remaining elected members shall appoint a qualified person to fill the vacancy within 90 days after the office becomes vacant, if a majority of the elected members remain in office, or (b) a by-election shall be held to fill the vacancy, in the same manner as an election of the board, if a majority of the elected members do not remain in office”.  Pursuant to section 221(5), “a member appointed or elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the term of the member who vacated the office”. 

In other words, a vacant seat can be filled either by appointing someone who is qualified or by holding a by-election. The decision is made by the Board of Trustees.

If a school board decides to fill a vacancy by appointment, we must appoint a person who is eligible to serve on the school board and who is willing to accept the appointment. The legislation does not set out a process for making the appointment. It is up to the board to determine how we will decide who to appoint. 

If a school board decides to hold a by-election, the municipal clerk is in charge of conducting it. The board does not decide when the last day to file nominations or voting day will be. These dates are determined by the clerk. The clerk must set nomination day within 60 days after the by-election was ordered by the board. Voting day will be 45 days after nomination day. The costs for a by-election are borne by the board - I have heard estimates from $400K to $600K.

We anticipate a report will come to the board for us to make a decision at the December Board Meeting on December 11.

Professional Support Services (PSS) is re-sharing the Mental Health and Well Being Toolkit 2024/25 created by the Mental Health Leads and PSS team members. Developed alongside School Mental Health Ontario and the Ministry of Education, the resources in the Toolkit are identity affirming to meet students’ diverse needs. 

This Toolkit covers a wide range—from daily mental health and wellness activities for K-12, contacts to culturally relevant and responsive community agencies, daily wellness activities for students with disabilities and grief and loss resources available in multiple languages. Valuable information and resources on topics like anti-sex trafficking and addiction are also available, including the Vaping and Cannabis Toolkit, developed in collaboration Toronto Public Health.

If you have any questions or want to know more please email mentalhealthandwellbeing@tdsb.on.ca.  

This fall, we’ve been making some exciting updates to our external website.Some of the changes include a redesigned carousel section on our home page, now featuring a more full-width banner to highlight upcoming activities.

We’re also introducing a consistent format for banners, which will have a call-to-action on the left to engage our community. Navigation has been streamlined in both the main menu and footer, and the home page has been updated to a more full-width layout. 

In the months ahead, more of the website will move to this format, with further technical work planned for a seamless transition. A new “View Board Meeting Schedule” feature was added to the home page, showcasing the next three upcoming meetings and the Parents and Caregivers page was also refreshed to help our communities access our helpful resources.  

A new graphic was added to the home page this month, highlighting TDSB reports, strategies and plans listed together on a new page. These changes are all part of our efforts to enhance the user experience before eventually transitioning to a new website platform.

New this year, registration for all TDSB English Kindergarten programs will begin in January.

We are opening the registration window a month earlier to better align with other system-wide application processes such as Out-of-Area and Alternative Schools.

This alignment will streamline timelines for families and support their decision-making around possible program options for their child(ren). 

As in previous years, families have the option to register their child online at www.tdsb.on.ca/kindergarten or in person at the school. With both options, families must validate registration information in person at the school.

Children who will be four by December 31, 2025, can start Junior Kindergarten in September 2025.

Learn more about Kindergarten at the TDSB, Before- and After-School Programs and Extended Day Programs.

Registration for the winter semester of the Learn4Life program opened on November 13th. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) offers a wide range of Adult General Interest and Seniors Daytime classes through the Learn4Life program.

These classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others in your community.

Led by expert instructors, Learn4Life offers courses in Arts, Business, Computers, Cooking, Crafts, Dance, Finance, Fitness, Languages, Music, Sports, Sewing, and much more!

Registration is now open and we really need to fill the courses to ensure the viability of the programs.

Please visit learn4life.ca to learn more.

The application to the Early French Immersion program will remain an online process and applications must be completed online between November 4 and November 29, 2024. 

An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program at the same school are still required to complete an online application for the new student. For more information, please visit: Application Early French Immersion.

At any time, please visit the TDSB French Language Programs webpage to view a video that provides information about the TDSB French Language programs, as well as, the application and placement process in the Early French Immersion and the Middle French Immersion programs. More information about the Early Immersion Program is available in 22 languages, or view the application video. 

November is the start of the Grade 8 to 9 Transition period. Over the next few months, secondary schools will be hosting Open Houses and Information Nights for current Grade 8 students and their parents/guardians and caregivers. You should be receiving information from your school - but the information and links below will assist Grade 8 students and families in planning for a smooth transition from Grade 8 to 9:

Open Houses and Information Sessions

TDSB Beyond 8 website

Beyond 8 Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Elementary Out-of-Area Admissions website - Online application form is open from January 6 to January 31, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions website - Online application form open from January 6 to January 24, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Secondary Schools without a Boundary

Central Student Interest Programs: The TDSB offers over 50 programs with a particular focus. These programs are for anyone who demonstrates an interest and passion in the particular program area. This year, students can apply to 1 primary program. Applicants can choose to include an alternate choice. Alternate choices will only be considered after all primary applicants from the city of Toronto have been accommodated. The two choices could be two schools offering the same type of program or two different types of programs. 

Please note there is no sibling priority associated with Central Student Interest Programs, either when siblings are applying in the same grade, or when a second sibling applies to attend the same program that an older sibling already attends. 

Application for CSIP programs opens on November 4, 2024 and closes on November 22 at 4 p.m.  

Central Student Interest Programs website

Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application Process 

Did you know the TDSB offers a wide range of Elementary Alternative Schools available to students? The application process is managed centrally and includes an online application form. Complete information about the central online application process is available on the Elementary Alternative Schools Application and Admissions Process webpage.  

The online application for admission for September 2025 will be open from Monday, January 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. to Friday, January 31, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. 

We encourage you to take part in information sessions and/or open houses for students and parents/guardians/caregivers in late November 2024 to mid-January 2025. More information is available on the Elementary School Open Houses and Information Nights webpage.  

TDSB staff is hosting two Elementary Alternative Schools live webinars, including one daytime and one evening session. Registration is required, and a recording of the webinars will be posted on the Elementary Alternative Schools Application and Admissions Process webpage. 

Register here:

Daytime Session - Tuesday, November 26 from 1:00PM to 2:00PM

Evening Session - Tuesday, November 26 from 7:00PM to 8:00PM 

Students with Special Education Needs

Students with an exceptionality for whom a change in setting or program is being considered for grade 9 will be discussed at the Annual IPRC Review. Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and no formal identification, will be discussed at the School Support Team (SST) meeting. Please note this meeting will occur with the parent(s)/guardian(s)/caregiver(s).

Supporting the Grade 8 to 9 Transition for Students with Special Education Needs
Virtual sessions for Parents/Caregivers - November 4th and December 3rd
Register here 

I included all the Qs and As in last week's update - please click here to access them all - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Going-to-High-School/Beyond-8/FAQ.

To help you make an informed decision when choosing a school, TDSB schools will host in-person open houses and information sessions for parents/guardians and students between November and January. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. If you have questions about a specific school or open house, please contact the school directly for more information.

Note: Please check this page regularly, as secondary schools will continue to post information about open house dates/times.

To locate your designated elementary home school by address, please Find Your School - By Address. Schools that offer Central Student Interest Programs and local programs will host open houses and information sessions for parents/guardians and students between November and February. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools and programs. If you have questions about a specific school, please visit the school’s website or contact the school directly for more information.

Note: Please check this page regularly, as elementary schools will continue to post information about open house dates/times.

Celebrate Your Healthy School - OPHEA Healthy Schools Certification

Have you registered yet to become a Healthy School for the 2024/2025 school year? Schools, including those that have been certified in the past, must register each year. Healthy Schools Certification gives your school the tools to promote and enhance the health and well-being of students, school staff, and the broader school community. 

To learn more about the Healthy Schools Certification Program, please review the Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook 2024-2025.

Please note, registration closes on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (ET).

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. 

Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy - NEW

Objective - To outline requirements for the appropriate use of Personal Mobile Devices by students, staff and other members of the TDSB School Community at schools; to advance a conducive learning environment and promote responsible Digital Citizenship; and to reduce negative impacts of excessive screen time and social media use on students’ achievement, well-being, and mental health.  

Draft New Policy [docx] Draft New Policy [pdf]

Please provide your questions, comments and suggestions related to the draft Policy to: mobiledevicepolicy@tdsb.on.ca by December 10, 2024.

Student Leadership Policy (P070)

Objective: To further the Board's commitment of expanding platforms for student voice and establishing a governance framework for equitable, effective and efficient student representation and leadership across the system. To affirm the leadership roles of Student Council, Student Presidents’ Council, Student Senate and Student Trustees in advancing interests and aspirations of TDSB students and the promotion of effective communication. To provide resources and opportunities in order to build and foster a diverse group of student leaders.

P070 -Draft for Consultation

Please provide your questions, comments and suggestions related to the draft Policy tol: tdsbpolicyconsultation@tdsb.on.ca by December 13, 2024.

REVISED UPDATE RE TIMING -

Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy - Two-Year Working Plan Updates

The first phase of working groups began in the 2023/24 school year and concentrated on addressing Antisemitism and Islamophobia. Note the Islamophobia Strategy will be presented at a Special PPC on December 4, 2024 along with other items on the agenda - Those responsible for the Antisemitism Strategy have asked for more time to consult with students - it will come to PPC in January or February depending on the consultation.

In the second phase, scheduled for the 2024/25 school year, the focus will shift to anti-Asian Racism, as well as Homophobia and Transphobia. The working group addressing anti-Indigenous racism is also part of the second phase. It is being led and coordinated by the Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC) and its elders council, following the UIEC’s established process. Similarly, the working group addressing anti-Black racism will be led and coordinated by the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement in collaboration with its elders council and community process.

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.

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.

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 November 29, 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.

Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to once again offer a series of drop-in sessions designed for parents/ guardians/caregivers on navigating special education resources and supports within the TDSB.

These informal gatherings provide a welcoming space for parents to learn about available services, ask questions, and connect with other families.
Facilitators will guide discussions on topics such as supporting student
transitions and exploring occupational therapy/ physiotherapy strategies to use at home with students. All drop-in sessions for the 2024-2025 school year can be found here.

November is Indigenous Education Month. The Urban Indigenous Education Centre will host virtual events to support students and staff to learn from Indigenous Peoples.  Resources can be found on the Urban Indigenous Education Centre website.

Throughout the month of November, students, staff, and community members honour a number of important days to deepen knowledge, to learn from our shared histories, and to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.  

It is important that we remember to centre First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities across the TDSB every day.

This month places emphasis on creating opportunities to learn from Indigenous perspectives on treaties, leadership, achievements, resurgence, futurities, and creativity. 

November is Hindu Heritage Month

November is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values which promote compassion, peace, and inclusion.  

This year’s theme is Antah Shanti for Vishwa Shanti. This Sanskrit phrase conveys that to foster World (Vishwa) Peace (Shanti) we need to have Inner (Antah) Peace (Shanti). 

As part of the celebrations to mark Hindu Heritage Month during the month of November, all TDSB students were invited to be creative and submit an image to the Hindu Heritage Month Poster Design Challenge. Congratulations to Forest Hill Jr/Sr student Laksh, grade 4 who won the Hindu Heritage Month Poster Challenge! 

School Council Professional Learning 

Each year the Parent/Caregiver and Community Engagement Office (PCCEO) provides training opportunities for School Councils across the system to support the important work of School Councils. This year's sessions are: School Council 101, School Improvement Plan & School Statement of Needs and Leading Effective Engagement.

Go to the TDSB School Council Workshops page for session details and to register or please refer to the charts below for all upcoming events and log in details. We hope you take advantage of these opportunities.

Upcoming Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Sessions:

Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The following are the dates for the upcoming parent/caregiver/guardian session offered by the Special Education and Inclusion Department:

Imagine a Canada

The Imagine a Canada 2024-2025 program invites Canadian youth from K-G12 and CÉGEP to envision a Canada reconciled. 

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is inviting youth across the nation to Imagine a Canada through the lens of Reconciliation!

Youth who participate in the art and essay stream can submit an art piece, essay, or other representation to express their vision of a reconciled Canada and what they hope others will learn from their submission. Up to twelve projects will be selected from the art and essay stream to be included in an art booklet showcasing their work and message. 

Youth who participate in the project stream are asked to go one step further and submit a plan on how their project will address Reconciliation in their community or school. Projects for consideration include: inviting Survivors, Elders, or Knowledge Keepers to speak at a series of learning events; building a permanent art installation representing Reconciliation at the school; or supporting volunteer work in communities related to Reconciliation.

Six projects from the project stream will receive $750, six will receive $1000, and three will receive $1500. Additionally, these projects will also be recognized in an art booklet.
Youth from select projects in both streams will be invited to participate in virtual leadership training exercises. You can find more information about the Imagine a Canada program on our website: buff.ly/3n5KaWx.

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

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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