May 18, 2025 

Hope you are enjoying this long weekend with family and friends. 

Stay safe - into the home stretch now!

Toronto Lands Corporation - Last Updated - May 13, 2025

On May 21, Toronto City Council will review a report proposing an innovative new partnership between the City and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). 

This week, the City’s Planning and Housing Committee unanimously advanced a report titled “Toronto Builds – A Policy Framework to Build More Affordable Housing on Public Land.” One of the key recommendations in the report calls for the City to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TDSB and its agent, the Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC), to develop mutually beneficial building solutions.

Earlier this year, TLC identified eight potential TDSB properties where up to 10,000 new rental homes could be constructed, most in conjunction with new or revitalized schools, and potentially additional community service facilities. The MOU would commit to creating 2,100 of these new units as affordable rental homes, representing a significant step toward the City’s housing supply targets. The City defines “affordable rental housing” as units where the total monthly cost is at or below the city average by dwelling type, or 30% of the monthly income of renter households.

In exchange, the TDSB would benefit from a reduction in the development fees and charges typically associated with such projects. These cost savings would make developing new schools in this manner more feasible and more appealing to potential development partners. These sites have all been previously reported as priority sites, including:

1 Civic Centre Court
2900-3000 Don Mills Road
2335 Dufferin Street
50 Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Lane
235 Galloway Road
155 Mill Street
200 Poplar Road
705 Progress Avenue

For this proposed agreement to become a reality, it still requires several approvals, beginning with City Council, followed by reviews from both the boards of the TLC and the TDSB, which are expected to take place in the fall.

This potential partnership exemplifies the values promoted by TLC through its guiding principles and long-term strategic plan. These initiatives aim to maximize the use and value of public land to the TDSB through innovative collaborations with government partners, non-profit organizations, and community groups. TLC is eager to pursue this potential win-win collaboration, highlighting the positive outcomes that can arise from government partnerships.

Toronto Lands Corporation - Last Updated - May 14, 2025

On April 30, 2025, the Finance, Budget, and Enrollment Committee (FBEC) of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) reviewed staff recommendations concerning the future of the 66 swimming pools owned and operated by the Board. 

The TDSB recognized the challenges of maintaining its pools under the current model. These challenges include the lack of provincial funding for pool facilities, the high costs of renewing aging pools, and ensuring equitable access to programming.

On May 21, the full Board of Trustees will consider a recommendation adopted by the FBEC. This recommendation requests that the CEO of the Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) explore innovative opportunities to achieve cost recovery for as many pools as possible through agreements with third parties. This will apply to any pool locations not required under any agreement with the City of Toronto by May 31.

In anticipation of this formal request from the Board, TLC has started gathering information from current and potential pool operators interested in future leasing agreements for TDSB pools. Operators can submit their information through this page. TLC will reach out to those who submit information should the TDSB direct further action.

As announced on April 23, 2025, the Ontario government has launched a financial probe into the TDSB to validate its current financial position and determine if control of the board should be vested in the ministry. 

On Friday, May 9, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was appointed as the investigator at the Toronto District School Board. The investigator has arrived at he Board and will present a report of their findings to the Minister of Education by May 30.

The TDSB has a structural deficit - the Province is responsible. To read in full, check my Weekly Update - May 4, 2025.

The updated projected deficit for 2025-26 is $58.0 million. 

Included the report presented at the April 30 FBEC meeting, were staff recommendations on how to balance the budget for 2025-26. Staff used the list of unfunded/ underfunded/overspent provided in Appendix A of the March 26, 2025 Special FBEC Structural Deficit Update report areas to identify proposed options to balance. It includes the following proposed cuts that add up to $59.2M:

It is imperative to note that the TDSB Trustees have not agreed to these staff recommendations. 

At the April 30th FBEC meeting the following motion was moved and will be voted on at the Board Meeting on Wednesday, May 21.

The May 15 Special FBEC continued the discussion of staff proposed recommendations to balance.

At the meeting, a number of trustees provided possible Business Arising Motions - they include the following and will potentially be recommended at the next Special FBEC Meeting on Tuesday, May 20 at 4:30:

Staff are basing their reports to date on estimates. The Ministry has not yet released the Core Education Funding (Core Ed). Once the actual Core Ed is received, staff will calculate the actual grant revenue to determine any changes required to the estimate.

The Special FBEC meeting on Tuesday, May 20 is a continuation of May 15. The June 4 meeting is to approve the Operating Budget.

One of our parents in the Ward, Karina Walsh created a What's App group called TDSB Ward 8 community. Ideally we get to having a Toronto wide group, but let's see what happens. For now, please join https://chat.whatsapp.com/IZwQ0Rn

In addition, some east end parents are working hard to bring lots of attention to this matter and help make the changes our kids deserve. A communication package, including phone scripts, email templates and key messages is available to use - please click here.

Call to action: Lobby your MPP (list of MPPS here) to fund Education fully, including statutory obligations of Employer's CPP & EI contributions and negotiated wages and benefits. Ensure MPPs provide sufficient funding to ensure no program directly affecting students is cut in any way.

Please sign the petition to save the Itinerant Music Program: Music Education Canada (CMEC) launched a petition.

Please see the joint statement on saving pools from Councilor Matlow and me in my earlier updates or online - https://x.com/JoshMatlow/status/1915903055154864633

Please sign the petition to Save Our Pools - https://www.joshmatlow.ca/saveourpools

Support our Kids: Rally for Education Funding

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Noon - 1:30pm

Queen's Park South Lawn (111 Wellesley St West)

Speakers will include students, parents, educators, and advocates. This is a family-friendly, accessible rally. Bring your kids, your colleagues, your signs, and your voice. RSVP to Join the Rally

To learn more: Visit Support Our Kids Event Page

Read TDSB’s Press Release

The Toronto District School Board is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. Meetings will be broadcasted live to the public. Click here at the start time to view - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings.

Full Agenda and Reports for meetings are available here - click on the appropriate meeting https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Agenda-Minutes

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – Regular Board Meeting - Public Session 7:00pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

At the TDSB we provide a wide range of enriching summer programs for children, youth and adults.

Elementary

Elementary Summer School

Extended Day Program – Summer Program

International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Summer Program

Outdoor Education Summer Camp

Summer Music Camps

Secondary

Credit Courses for e-Summer High School (online)

Continuing Education Secondary Credit Summer Programs

International Youth Summer Program

Special Education and Inclusion

Special Education and Inclusion Summer Program

Adult

Adult ESL Summer Program

Learn4Life General Interest Courses

Printable Course Listing

Open to adults 18 years of age and seniors, the Learn4Life program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for individuals to pursue their interests, expand their knowledge, and engage in lifelong learning with a wide range of courses and activities designed to cater to diverse interests and passions. Learn more.

Available Courses and Register Here

Please join us for a special evening celebrating the dedication and hard work of our PIAC and FSLAC Reps, School Council members and school volunteers whose contributions have helped shape a positive, supportive, and enriching learning environment for students. This event is sponsored by the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC).

We are very excited to announce students from the Black Student Leadership Course (BSLC) will perform their original works.

If you are interested in participating, please RSVP Here and indicate if you require  childcare. Dinner will be provided!

Measles Continues to Spread

Here's what to know:

Check your vaccine records.

You are considered protected from measles if you got 2 doses of the vaccine.

Know the symptoms.

Find out what to do if you were exposed or get sick

More info: http://toronto.ca/measles

Toronto Public Health

Dogs Are Not Allowed on School Property and Must be Leased in Public

The TDSB enforces a strict policy regarding dogs on its properties. 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. Call 311 to report dogs off-leash on school property.

If you own a dog, they must be on a leash in public, unless you are at a dogs off-leash area. No excuses! You are responsible for your dog’s behaviour. Learn what responsible dog owners do at http://toronto.ca/LeashYourDog

Something Special is Happening at Geneva Centre for Autism!
Join Geneva Centre’s Open House – Saturday, May 24th | 10 AM–12 PM at 112 Merton St.

This is a great opportunity for families and caregivers to step inside, meet their team, and explore how they support individuals and families on the autism spectrum. What to Expect:
✅ Guided tours of the Midtown Toronto Centre
✅ Meet clinicians, ask questions, explore real programs in action
✅ Hands-on activities for families + craft space for kids
✅ A chance to win a $150 Geneva Centre gift card
👉 Learn more & plan your visit 

Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers –This monthly newsletter is designed to support families in navigating the journey of supporting students with special education needs. Each edition features valuable resources, tips, and success stories to empower families and their children.

TDSB Community Services Skills Training - Introduction to Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint - Call 416-396-6368 or email upgrading@tdsb.on.ca

Supporting Your Child’s Well-being: Free webinar series for parents and caregivers focused on substance use, addictive behaviours and youth

School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free, 5-part webinar series designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviours.

This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on:

Each webinar will include time for experts to answer questions sent in advance, plus a Q&A opportunity to ask experts questions during the session. Questions can be entered on the By Your Side learning hub - entries will close 2 weeks prior to each session. For more information, Click Here.

Parent/Caregivers IMPACT Symposiums

Calling all parents and caregivers! The City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Response Program and the TDSB Parent/Caregiver & Community Engagement Office invite you to IMPACT – Innovative Methods for Parents/Caregivers Today!. Join us this May for one of three powerful sessions designed to equip you with the knowledge and the tools to support your children. We’ll tackle the most pressing issues facing young people, including: Mental Health & Well- being & Vaping Dependency; Social Media and Cellphone Dependency; Criminality & Prevention and Missing Youth & Community Safety. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect. Register soon as registration is limited.

WongAvery Asia Pacific Peace Museum (APPM) - Run for Peace on June 8

To celebrate the 1st anniversary of the birth of the APPM, we are launching a 5 KM Run/Walk this year that also carries a fundraising goal of $200,000 in support of ALPHA’s continuous education work.

We sincerely invite you to participate/ support the 2025 Run for Peace on June 8. Join the event as an individual participant/ a group or with your family

Join and raise funds as a participant/ group/ family (we will set up a profile for you on our webpage).

Support the participants.

Virtual Urgent Care Kiosk, an in-person space at the Lawrence Allen Center

SickKids started a Virtual Urgent Care (VUC) platform in 2021 (Learn more by clicking here).

After initial community consultation, SickKids have created the Greeter-supported Virtual Urgent Care Kiosk, an in-person space at the Lawrence Allen Center (a local mall located at Lawrence and the Allen Road). This one-year project is a novel, health equity-focused approach to urgent care, which would see SickKids provide an additional way for one of Toronto’s most digitally underserved communities to access our VUC platform.

The initiative launched in late January. SickKids are very excited to bring this novel, health equity-focused resource to the community - we hope this project brings benefits to the local community and learning that will improve care for patients and families.

As staff continue developing the overarching Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy please remember that should an incident of antisemitism or any form of hate or racism occur in our schools, principals have an obligation to report it.

As I repeat in every update, the TDSB collects data through the Bias and Hate (RBH) Portal. An increase in antisemitic incidents is being experienced in our schools as it is in our communities - on my website I have excerpted from all our public reports on the data - TDSB Public Reports with RBH Portal Data 2018-2024. 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. Antisemitism is but one form of hate our students and staff are experiencing. 

From 211 antisemitic incidents in 2022-2023 to 312 antisemitic incidents in 2023-2024 is an increase of 48%.

Incidents of Islamophobia was the only other reported data that rose between 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 - it went from 4% to 4.7% - East Asian racism incidents went from 9% last year to 7.3% this year - Middle Eastern went from 4% last year to 3.3% this year - anti-Black racism went from 61% last year to 59% this year 

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. 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.

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.

2005 - 2026 School Year Calendar

The Ministry has approved the 2025-26 School Year Calendar!

It is the hope that presenting this early provides students, parents and staff sufficient notice to make plans for the 2025-2026 school year.

Asian Heritage Month May 2025 Since 2007, the TDSB has proudly celebrated Asian Heritage Month, recognizing the rich cultural diversity and contributions of Asian Canadian communities. This year's theme, Asian Canadians Up and Rising, highlights the strength, resilience, and remarkable achievements of Asian Canadians. We invite you to explore various educational opportunities that honor and celebrate these communities. Read the full Asian Heritage Month message to discover exciting events, workshops, and resources designed to inspire and educate our students and staff.

Jewish Heritage Month - May 2025 is a special time for the TDSB to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, political, and cultural contributions of Jewish Canadians.

TDSB's Jewish Heritage Committee has curated a series of impactful, innovative, and inspirational opportunities for students to engage with Jewish heritage and culture.

We encourage you to learn more about these enriching experiences and join us in celebrating the vibrant Jewish community within our schools. Read the full message to learn more.

Special Education and Inclusion Guides for Parents/ Guardians/Caregivers

From learning about Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to navigating the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process, these resources are here to support you every step of the way.

We encourage you to explore the full guides on the Special Education and Inclusion website, where you’ll also find\additional Special Education resources for families.

School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) has launched By Your Side, a new parent/caregiver learning hub that has been designed to meet the needs of Ontario’s families. By Your Side was created by Ontario parents/caregivers and school mental health professionals and includes resources and supports made available in multiple formats—including web content, PDFs, and videos to ensure that families can easily access information and strategies that promote mental health and well-being at home. Key topics include understanding mental health, promoting mental health at home, supporting mental health at school, stress and anxiety management, substance use prevention, navigating digital technology use, and reaching out for help. Our hope is you find these resources helpful. Mental health matters.

Vaccines - Make Sure You're Up-to-Date

Learn more about where you can get your vaccines, including the flu, COVID-19 and school-based vaccines.

Vaccine preventable diseases are still spreading globally. Vaccines help build and strengthen our immune system, protecting us against diseases.

For more information on timing of recommended vaccinations visit Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule 

In Ontario, the Immunization of School Pupil Act (ISPA) requires all students to be up to date with meningococcal vaccines or have a valid exemption  even if they received a meningococcal vaccine as a child. Visit School Immunization Program (SIP) clinics.

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) presents Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away, which examines the history and legacy of the most significant site of the Holocaust, for its exclusive Canadian showing. The exhibition opened on January 10, 2025, and runs to September 1, 2025.

The public is invited to purchase tickets - more information can be found here.  More information on school visits for grades 6-12 can be found here. 

Virtual Drop-In Hours: Pathways to Care for Mental Health

Did you know the TDSB offers drop-in hours for educational presentations that provide the knowledge and tools necessary to support the well-being of students at home and in school?

Visit the TDSB website to view session dates and themes.

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

Special Education and Inclusion 2024-25 Drop-In Sessions

Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to offer drop-in sessions for parents, guardians, and caregivers. These sessions aim to provide information and resources for accessing special education supports and services. Participants can ask questions, share experiences, and connect with other families in a friendly environment.

Please see the flyer for upcoming dates, times and links.

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.

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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