NEWS

TDSB Graduation Rate Remains at All-Time High

The numbers are in and the TDSB’s graduation rate remains at an all-time high of 85%. TDSB students continue to graduate at this high rate thanks to a focus on connecting students with the right programs and providing targeted supports for at-risk students, re-engaging early school leavers, and expanding partnership opportunities with college, university, government and community agencies. Learn more.

Trustees Approve Balanced Budget for 2017-18

At a recent Board Meeting, Trustees approved a balanced budget plan for the 2017-18 school year. Read the Board decision (page 4). As a result of enrolment stability over the past three years, the TDSB is currently in a financially stable operating position and cuts were not required to balance the budget. Learn more.

Director Recognized with Leadership Award

TDSB Director of Education John Malloy was presented with an award by the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association (OPSOA) and the Canadian Association of School System Administrators (CASSA). The OPSOA CASSA-EXL Award recognized Director Malloy both for his commitment and dedication to shared leadership, as well as the key roles he has fulfilled as a leader in education in Ontario. His focus on equity and supporting achievement and success for all students was highlighted, as well as the work he led at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board around 21st Century Learning, which advanced thinking and conversations across the country. Congratulations Director Malloy!

Join us for a Ward Forum about Enhancing Equity in the TDSB!

Ward forums are happening across the Board to bring communities together to talk about school-specific strategies that will improve equity for all. Join the conversation. Share your voice. See the calendar of meetings. Register Now!

Mental Health and Well-Being Webcast

Learn about mental health and well-being resources, initiatives and programs that can benefit all TDSB students. Join us for a webcast on Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m.

School Year Calendar

The first day of school for the 2017-18 school year is Tuesday, September 5, 2017. Take a look at next year’s School Year Calendar for all of the important dates and holidays.

TDSB Summer Programs

TDSB offers high quality summer programming for children, youth and adults in locations across the city. Learn more.

Heritage Months and Celebrations at the TDSB

In April and May, the TDSB marks many important events:

• Hispanic Heritage Month (April) recognized the rich cultures and traditions of those with Hispanic heritage in our communities.
• Latin-America History Month (April) celebrated the diverse ethnicities, nationalities, cultures and languages of Latin-America. 
• Sikh Heritage Month (April) provided an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments, struggles and contributions of those within the Sikh community.
• World Autism Awareness Day (April 3) provided an opportunity for students, teachers and communities to increase awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder. 
• International Day of Pink (April 12) brought staff, students and communities together to stop homophobia, transphobia, transmisogyny, and all forms of bullying. 
• Asian Heritage Month (May) is exploring the theme of celebrating 150 years through a diversity of resources, information and events.
• Jewish Heritage Month (May) is featuring an international exhibit, on loan from the Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam. Housed at John Polanyi Collegiate Institute for the month of May, it is open to the public on Sunday, May 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Education Week (May 1 - 5) highlighted and celebrated the amazing work and ongoing initiatives happening across our system each and every day.
• Children’s Mental Health Week (May 1 - 5) focused on the importance of positive mental health and well-being featuring a different theme each day.
• Bike to School Week (May 29 - June 2) is a chance to get active on the way to school, which supports kids to do better in school while getting the exercise they need.

BOARD MEETING NOTES

Development of Open Data Policy

As part of its commitment to openness, transparency and accessibility of information, the TDSB continues to develop an Open Data Policy. The draft policy will undergo stakeholder consultations and will be reviewed by the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee for consideration of start-up funding. Read the report. Read the Board decision (page 7).

Recommendations from Black Student Achievement Community Advisory Committee 

The Board accepted the recommendations made by the Black Student
Achievement Community Advisory Committee to support the TDSB's ongoing work in equity and and inclusion. Read the committee's report. Read the Board decision (page 7).

Review of Caffeinated Energy Drinks

To support student health and well-being, the Board has asked for a report about caffeinated energy drinks in schools. It will explore if there is a need for lesson plans on energy drinks, as part of the Health curriculum, and if other actions are needed to reduce consumption. Read the Board decision (page 9).

Strategy to Address City Growth and Intensification

At the request of the Board, staff will be considering options, strategies and timelines to address issues that arise for TDSB schools and communities as a result of development and intensification in the city. Read the Board decision (page 10).

Funds for Yorkview PS Playground Improvements

The Board received $20,000 from the City of Toronto to go towards playground improvements at Yorkview Public School. Read the Board decision (page 3).

Body Confidence Awareness Week Declared in October

Ensuring our schools are safe and caring places for all students is a top priority at the TDSB. To further support creating school environments where students are free of the fear of discrimination based on their appearance, the Board will now recognize Body Confidence Awareness Week in October. Read the Board decision (page 13).

Community Use of Schools Permit Fee Increase

Permit fees for Community Use of Schools will be adjusted by 2.3% for all users. The fee increase will take effect on September 1, 2017 for all users except those who permit outdoor fields, which will be adjusted as of January 1, 2018. Read the Board decision (page 3).

Baycrest Public School Declared Surplus

Baycrest Public School and Baycrest Child Care Centre will be relocated to the former Sir Sandford Fleming Academy building as early as September 1, 2018, once renovations are completed. The Baycrest Public School property, located at 145 Baycrest Avenue, has been declared surplus. Read the Board decision (page 11).

Silver Creek Public School and McNicoll Public School Declared Surplus 

The Board has directed the Toronto Lands Corporation to initiate the disposition of Silver Creek Public School, at 65 Hartsdale Drive, and McNicoll Public School, at 155 McNicoll Avenue, on condition that the organizations currently serving children and families continue to operate out of these facilities. Read the Board decision (page 7).

Review of the Toronto Foundation for Student Success

Staff will conduct a review of the relationship between the TDSB and the Toronto Foundation for Student Success which will include operations, delivery of services, administration, governance and oversight. The report will be presented to the Planning and Priorities Committee meeting in May 2017. Read the Board decision (pages 4, 19).