February 2023
Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis and Inuit Voices
I am pleased to share with you that Trustees approved a motion that will require secondary students to take the Grade 11 English course “Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis and Inuit Voices.” The course, created by the Ministry of Education, has been taught with great success for many years. With this approval, TDSB staff will now prepare a report, to be presented to the Board of Trustees this June, with additional details on the implementation of the course including timelines on when students and staff can expect this course to be made available across the system. To learn more, please click here.
African Heritage (Black History) Month
During the month of February, the TDSB proudly recognizes African Heritage (Black History) Month. It is an occasion to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of peoples of African descent to Canada and the world. The chosen theme for 2022-2023 is Black Joy. There are several events open to parents and caregivers. A full listing of events can be viewed here and on the TDSB African Heritage Month webpage. You can also follow @tdsbAfricanHM on Twitter.
Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
A special shout-out to Rawlinson Community School in Ward 9, for piloting the newly revised African Heritage program curriculum this year. Rawlinson will be hosting the updated curriculum launch event on February 21st at the school.
The African Heritage program is an after-school program run through the TDSB's International Languages Elementary and African Heritage Department. Registration is ongoing. The program is open to all elementary schools - all you need is a minimum of 23 participants! For more information on how to bring this enriching program to your school, please visit African Heritage program webpage.
Chinese Heritage Month
Chinese Heritage Month is proudly recognized in February each year. During this month, several learning resources and educational opportunities are provided to our students and staff to further enhance their knowledge of the Chinese heritage. For more information, please follow @tdsbChineseHM.
Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria
The people of Türkiye and Syria continue to be in our thoughts following an earthquake that has tragically claimed thousands of lives and injured thousands more. As the search and rescue effort continues, our students, staff and their families here in Toronto who are waiting to hear from loved ones are also in our thoughts. The TDSB has launched a board-wide campaign to raise funds for earthquake relief. Thanks to the Government of Canada, all donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be matched until February 22, 2023. To learn more and/or to donate, please visit the Canadian Red Cross website.
Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC)
Please join me in extending a warm welcome to our newly elected Ward 9 PIAC Representatives, Melanie Madeiros-Sims and Karin Short! Melanie and Karin were elected by the parents and caregivers in attendance at my January 10th Ward Forum.
PIAC is a statutory committee that advises the Board and supports school councils and parents/caregivers with events and resources. The committee consists of parent and caregiver representatives from each of the 22 TDSB Wards across the city, and Melanie and Karin will represent the voice of the Ward 9 community on PIAC. You can reach out to them at PIAC.ward09@tdsb.on.ca.
Calling all Ward 9 School Council Co-Chairs!!
To all of the school council co-chairs in our amazing Ward 9 community - thank you for volunteering to fulfill this very important role in your school. It appears that the contact list for school council co-chairs has not been updated - please email your contact information to me at alexis.dawson@tdsb.on.ca. I am planning to host a meeting for the Ward 9 school council co-chairs in March and I need your info to invite you!
Communications Survey for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers
Keeping you informed and engaged is important to us at the TDSB. We want to hear from you about what we are doing well and what we could be doing better when it comes to communication. Please take a few minutes to complete the anonymous survey to help us best communicate with you. Survey will be open until February 17, 2023.
Save the Date: EnVision Conference
The annual EnVision Conference (in-person) will be from Tuesday, February 28 to Wednesday, March 1 at our very own Ward 9 school - Oakwood Collegiate Institute. The focus of this year's conference is 2SLGBTQIAP+ Indigenous, Black and Racialized Joy, Intersections, and Futurity.
All 2SLGBTQIAP+ elementary and secondary students, as well as their allies/co-conspirators are invited come together in collective care to address biphobia, homophobia, and transphobia. There will be keynote speakers, workshops on a continuum for those beginning their journey in allyship and those who would like more support in student action. The entire conference will be an opportunity for students to share the multiple ways gender and sexual diversity can be celebrated within the Toronto District School Board.
Reminder: Kindergarten Registration
Registration for English Kindergarten programs began this month. The TDSB is looking forward to welcoming you and your child at school in September! To attend Junior Kindergarten in September, children must turn four-years-old by December 31. To register for Senior Kindergarten, children must be five-years-old by December 31. For more information about the Kindergarten program and registration requirements, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/kindergarten.
Inclement Weather
Winter weather is here! With our cold Canadian winter comes snow, ice, and severe weather. It is occasionally necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs. Occasionally, severe weather forces the closure of our schools and administrative offices. Visit the website to learn more about Snow/Cold Weather and the Procedure for Severe Weather.
Stay Connected with your School
The TDSB now offers two new ways to stay connected with your school and the TDSB. Learn more about opting in for text messages and using the School Messenger app, which provides a faster and easier way to report absences.
February 20 is a Statutory Holiday
Please note, there will be no classes on Monday, February 20 to reflect the province-wide statutory holiday called Family Day. The holiday occurs on the third Monday in February of each year for the purpose of emphasizing and celebrating the importance of families taking time to be together.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 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.
