October 20, 2024

Please join me and our local Family of School (FOS) Superintendents for a joint Ward Forum Meet & Greet – Cassandra Alviani-Alvarez FOS 6, Jane Phillips-Long (A) FOS 7, John Currie FOS 8 , Jennifer Chan FOS 10, Peter Chang FOS12, Kurt McIntosh FOS13, Nadira Persaud FOS14 & Jack Nigro, Executive Superintendent of Education for LC1.

October 28, 6:30-8:30 at Davisville Public School, 50 Davisville Avenue (one block east of Davisville Subway)

If you are interested in participating, please Register Online (https://forms.gle/74dLeEmX7TbxV18s8) 

October 18, 2024
Ministry of Education
         
TORONTO — The Ontario government has appointed Patrick Case to review the Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) field trip policies and events after students attended a trip to a political demonstration last month. Mr. Case will review the TDSB’s policies, procedures and practices, including their implementation, after parents raised serious safety concerns. 
"The safety and well-being of students should always come first in our classrooms. Publicly funded schools should never be used as vehicles of political protest, ideology or discrimination,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education. “We have a responsibility to act when a school board fails to take appropriate action. Through this review, we are helping to ensure that schools across the province prioritize the health, safety and inclusion of all students and their learning environment.”
Mr. Case previously served as the Ministry of Education’s Chief Equity Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister of the Education Equity and Governance Secretariat from 2017- 2024 and was one of two reviewers appointed to undertake the 2017 review of the York Region District School Board. He is a leading voice in education policy and will deliver a report following the review, including recommendations to ensure student safety is prioritized, before the end of the year.
This review is a necessary step to address this pressing issue and examine where gaps may exist, so that the TDSB can prevent such matters from occurring in the future. 
Based on the final report, the ministry will determine next steps to ensure TDSB classrooms are a safe place for students and staff, with a focus on learning, not politics.  

TDSB Staff Response - We are always looking for ways to further strengthen our policies and procedures. It is with that in mind that we will support Mr. Case in any way we can as he reviews TDSB’s field trip policies and procedures.

Change is our only constant! Thank you to Jane Phillips-Long, retired Superintendent who has been supporting Family of Schools 7 - I am happy to welcome Alex Tracey, who has been appointed Acting Superintendent FOS7 effective November 4, 2024. 

Current FOS Superintendents supporting Ward 8 schools as of November 4, 2024

Cassandra Alviani-Alvarez FOS 6, Alex Tracey (A) FOS 7, John Currie FOS 8 , Jennifer Chan FOS 10, and Peter Chang FOS12, 

October 21 to 25 is Local Government Week! 

This week, in collaboration with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), the TDSB is once again raising civic awareness among our students and communities during Local Government Week. 

Schools across Ontario are encouraged to incorporate educational opportunities into their events calendar from October 21 – 25, 2024, please check resources available on OPSBA's website and tomorrow, a deck customized for Ward 8 will be available here. 

In Ontario, school board trustees represent the oldest form of elected leadership, with this tradition dating back to 1807. Over the years, community-minded citizens have made decisions on behalf of our local, publicly funded schools, laying the groundwork for the education system we have today. The board of trustees is responsible for shaping our vision, creating policies, allocating resources, and establishing the goals that underpin our educational programs and operations. Collectively, they formulate our Multi-Year Strategic Plan for student achievement and well-being, overseeing the recruitment and performance of the Director of Education to ensure we are making progress toward our objectives. 

Remember to use the social media hashtag #LocalGovWeek to join the conversation and share your experiences, when tweeting or posting photos on social media. 

Over the past two years, in conjunction with the development of the Anti-Hate and AntiRacism Strategy (2023), the Board has begun forming working groups to develop these strategies. The first phase of working groups began in the 2023/24 school year and concentrated on addressing Antisemitism and Islamophobia. 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.  

The third phase of working groups will focus on Anti-Palestinian Racism and Ableism, furthering the Board’s commitment to creating an inclusive educational environment for all students.  

This update highlights the key elements of each strategy, their current status and the next steps moving forward. 

The overall Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy (2023) takes intersectional and systemic approaches with student success as the primary focus. The distinct action plans aim to amplify community suggestions and recommendations while ensuring a consistent framework that all working groups will be utilizing:

Status Update: October 2024

Phase 1 working groups are formed and are in various stages of development.

Antisemitism - Staff have consulted with more than 38 different Jewish agencies/organizations, representing a diverse range of beliefs and perspectives within  the Jewish community. The work has been reviewed with the staff group for feedback. Next Steps: Consult with a student leadership group and consult with staff group. Timeline:  November 2024

Islamophobia - During the 2023/2024 school year, the Affirming Muslim Identities &  Addressing Islamophobia committee met to begin the work. This Committee is comprised of TDSB Community/Social Workers, Teachers, Administrators and Superintendents. As a result of that work, for the 2024/25 school year, we will begin  the consultation process with students, families, and communities, focussing on six action items: prayer spaces, affinity spaces, Noticing, Naming & Reporting Islamophobia, Equitable Hiring Practices for  Muslim Educators and Community Partnerships. Timeline: November 2024 

Phase II Working Groups

Most of the phase II working groups have been formed and staff are in the process of development, which entails collaborating with diverse community groups (internally and externally). The timeline for completion of these working plans is April or May 2025.

Anti-Asian Racism - Staff met with seven community groups for an initial meeting and will continue to set up initial community meetings to share the context and process of the Anti-Asian Racism working group. Staff continue to reach out to community partners to ensure broad representation from the Asian diaspora and based on feedback from Board deputations, staff are focusing on the experiences of Asian international students in our schools. Next Steps: Begin focus group discussions with participating community partners (internal and external) to identify key actions to support the six pillars identified in the Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism Strategy and identify Asian students’ student groups and hold affinity space discussions with a focus on a deeper understanding of students’ experiences of anti-Asian racism or hate. Timelines: March/April 2025

Hate against 2SLGBTQIA+  or Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia - Staff are working with community partners to hold the working group's initial consultation meeting, at which the purpose and structure of the working group will be shared. Next Steps: Begin consulting with working group members to identify actions aligned with the six pillars of the Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy. Timelines: March/April 2025 

Anti-Black Racism - Staff are in the process of consulting with community members, other education partners (e.g., students, families, etc.), and council advisories (e.g., BSACAC, African Heritage Month, and Somali Heritage Group). Next Steps: Staff will implement the recommendations described during previous consultations at TDSB to broaden the discussion with the community and align with the six pillars identified under the Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism umbrella strategy. After further community engagement, staff will anticipate bringing forward actions that focus on the six pillars. Timelines: April/May 2025

The working groups for phase 3 have yet to start forming their work with community groups. They will begin their entry into the process shortly.

As you are aware, the TDSB is developing a new Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy in response to the January 2024 resolution of the Board and direction from the Ministry of Education outlined in Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct (April 2024).

The pre-consultation phase was completed in July 2024, which led to the draft policy being developed for the consultation phase, which began on Thursday, October 10.

The consultation includes two live public webcasts to provide information and answer questions about the policy, and an opportunity to submit feedback. Additionally, a package, based on the survey questions, will be made available for Trustees to support discussion at Ward Forums. Please visit the Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy website for further details.

Webcast Information

Tuesday, October 22 at 1 p.m.
Register here: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_K_PaT7U4Qjy8qEYID6XN_g

Thursday, October 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Register here: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z7SvZS7rQo227CaGcIm4rg

Submit written feedback here!

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.

To submit a delegation request (written for the Trustees to read or oral to present to Trustees) for a Board Committee (delegations are not accepted for Board meetings), please see here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations and email delegates@tdsb.on.ca. If your request is approved, further details will be provided to you via email. 

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

Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - Tuesday, October 22, 2024 @ 4:30 PM, Boardroom, Main Floor, 5050 Yonge Street, Toronto - Agenda

Program and School Services Committee - Wednesday, October 23, 2024 @ 4:30 PM, Boardroom, Main Floor, 5050 Yonge Street, Toronto - Agenda

Date: November 4, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual or In-person (TDSB Board Office, 5050 Yonge St.)

TDSB’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) includes volunteers who advise the TDSB on how to improve special education programs and services. We want your feedback and to learn from your experience.

TDSB SEAC is hosting a Town Hall. This is an opportunity for families who have a child with a disability/special education needs to share their experiences at school.

We will ask you 2 questions:

1. What barriers to learning have you and your child encountered in school?

2. What recommendations do you have to enhance services and experiences for students receiving special education services?

We will use this information to help develop recommendations for the TDSB on how it can better serve these students. The Town Hall is not set up to give you advice on how to navigate TDSB services. Families needing help with this regarding their child’s services should contact their school’s principal and superintendent.

At the Town Hall, you will get up to 5 minutes to share your experiences. If you want to attend in-person or online, please complete this registration form. If instead, you would like to submit a pre-recorded video, your written comments, or even an artistic piece, email it to lianne.dixon@tdsb.on.ca.

At the Town Hall and in any feedback you send in, to respect privacy, please do not use the names of specific staff or schools. SEAC cannot investigate specific problems. We want to learn from your feedback on what system-wide reforms we should recommend to TDSB.

Special Education and Inclusion Website and Resources

In consultation with SEAC special education staff and communications have revamped the website, have built and are building new fact sheets, parent guides and video tutorials, and rewritten FAQs. The parent guides have been translated into several languages and more are coming. A lot of work has been done over the last year and is continuing.

https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Learning-Equity-and-Well-Being/Special-Education-and-Inclusion

https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Learning-Equity-and-Well-Being/Special-Education-and-Inclusion/Parent-Guides-to-Special-Education-and-Inclusion

The 2024-2025 School Council Innovation Grant (SCIG) is now open for applications, with a deadline of December 1, 2024.

Information sessions will be held on the following dates:

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

School Councils may submit one request for support up to $1,500 to support innovative (the development of new ideas, original and creative in thinking) projects/activities that engages parents/caregivers (in-person, virtual and hybrid) and builds School Councils’ parents/caregivers capability around:

For more information, click here. Questions? shadi.mousavizanjani@tdsb.on.ca

To assist you in preparing your grant application, please visit this link.

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

Secondary Central Student Interest Program

Out-of-Area Admissions

Secondary Schools without a Boundary

Central Student Interest Programs website

Preparing for High School Information Webinar Sessions
Below is a summary of the two upcoming webinars. Further details, including the link to register and request an interpreter, will be posted shortly on the TDSB Guidance site and the Central Student Interest Program Website.  

Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transitions: Taking place on October 29, 2024 at 7 p.m., this session will focus on the Top 10 Tips and Considerations in the Transition to High School. This presentation is designed to augment the work already taking place through secondary open houses and at the Grade 8 schools. More information: TDSB Beyond 8 website.

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. On October 30, 2024 at 7 p.m., the Student Interest Program Webinar will provide more information about Secondary Schools without a Boundary, local programs, Out-of-Area Admissions and applying to Central Student Interest Programs (CSIP).  Application for CSIP programs opens on November 4, 2024 and closes on November 22 at 4 p.m.  

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 

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.

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.

The TDSB’s Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy asks educators and students to notice, name and interrupt incidents of racism and hate and to work together through student voice, leadership and professional learning to promote peace, justice, and equity. The TDSB expects that all students, staff, and communities will be treated with dignity and respect so that we may learn and work in environments free from discrimination, in accordance with the Human Rights Policy (P031). Hate has no place in our schools.

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 15, 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.

Neuberger Holocaust Education Week 2024

From November 4-10, join the THM to learn, remember, and reflect on the history of the Holocaust together, and to commemorate the anniversary of Kristallnacht.

Programs include:

Grade 6 Ontario Teacher Day - October 28 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Dialogue for Descendants Symposium – November 3 at 10 PM
Opening Night: Final Verdict – November 4 at 7:30 PM
The Humanity of Grief – November 5 at 10 AM
The Spoils – November 6 at 7 PM
Kristallnacht Commemoration: Hasidism and Anti-Jewish Violence in Poland – November 10 at 7 PM

Neuberger Holocaust Education Week (HEW) is one of the THM’s most well-known annual signature public events. Internationally recognized as a best practice in the field, HEW occurs in November to coincide with the commemoration of Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass).

For more than 40 years, HEW has provided high impact programming across the GTA to students, intercultural groups, and the general public. Stay tuned throughout the week to see what’s in store this year.

Take Our Kids to Work Day (TOKTWD)

Take Our Kids to Work Day (TOKTWD) is taking place on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. TOKTWD is an experiential learning opportunity for Grade 9 students across Canada offering them the chance to see the world of work firsthand, explore a variety of careers and sectors, and look at what skills are important to thrive in the world of work.

Grade 9 students will have the opportunity to shadow a parent/guardian or another adult approved by their parent/guardian on November 6. Next week, all grade 9 students will receive a paper copy of this Take Our Kids to Work Day Parent/Guardian Consent Form that should be returned to the period 1 teacher.  Students who are not participating may attend school where they will be offered programming from Students Commission of Canada about careers and the workplace.

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.

French Immersion Application for JK 2025/26

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.

Please find an AODA poster and flyer card with QR Code. 

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. 

Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Webinar Wednesdays  Parents, caregivers and stakeholders of Black students are encouraged to join a discussion on October 30 at 6:30 p.m. about the TDSB’s Cell Phone/ Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy. The session will be led by Claudine Tyrell, Principal of Humberside CI and TDSB Cell Phone Policy Working Group member and supported by Graduation Coaches for Black Students and K-12 Learning Coaches. Register here.  

Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Conference
I am happy to inform you of the YPAR Conference: It Takes a Village: Nurturing and Celebrating Black Youth Identity in K-12 Schools and Community on Saturday, October 26 at Toronto Metropolitan University. The conference will include research presentations that focus on themes such as Black student experiences in K-12 education, transforming student learning and more! Learn more and register here.

Register Now! Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference 
You are invited to join us for the Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on Saturday, November 16, 2024. This year’s conference theme is Journey to Joy, Wellness, and Wholeness and will be a day full of presentations and workshops. Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca for more information and to register to attend.  

MusiCounts School Music Funding Programs

School Music Grant Funding window is OPEN! Grants of up to $20,000 are available for instruments, equipment, and resources to ensure that students have access to music education. Application deadline: December 3, Learn more about the 2024 MusiCounts School Music Funding Programs https://musicounts.ca/en/posts/74-schools-across-canada-to-receive-1-million-in-music-program-grants-via-national-charity-musicounts/.

Youth Climate Action Grants

Funding applications are now open. The application takes 15 minutes to complete and will close November 12, 2024.

The Youth Climate Action Grants provides funding to TDSB and TCDSB student-led projects, activities and events that: educate and engage students, families and/or community members on climate actions; help Toronto achieve its GHG emissions reduction goals by 2030; align with the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy for net-zero emissions by 2040.

Grant funding up to $1,000 is available. This funding program is a partnership between the City and the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board.

Islamic Heritage Month
At the TDSB, we proudly recognize Islamic Heritage Month during October. This year’s theme is Sabr and Shukr in Muslim Communities. Several educational opportunities and activities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Islamic traditions and customs. To learn more, visit the Islamic Heritage Month webpage. 

Latin-America History Month
We recognize October as Latin-America History Month at the Toronto District School Board. This year’s theme is Weaving Our Legacies: Returning to Our Collective Path | Enlazar Nuestres Legados: Volver a Nuestre Camino Colectivo. Activities are planned throughout the month of October for students, staff, and community members. Please click here to learn more. 

Somali Heritage Month
The TDSB proudly recognizes Somali Heritage Month in October. This year, the theme of Somali Heritage Month is Aqoon la`aani, waa iftiinla’aan - The absence of knowledge is the absence of light. Several educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Somali traditions and customs. To learn more, visit the Somali Heritage Month webpage.

Annual EcoSchools Kickoff/OISE Conference Wednesday October 30th, 8am - 3pm @ Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

This EcoSchools conference kicks off a new year of teaching and learning by bringing TDSB educators and staff together to foster Climate Change Education in K-12 classrooms. Keynote speakers, workshop leaders and local organizations will share a range of inspiring ideas, strategies and resources to involve students in climate change learning that is authentic, interdisciplinary, action-oriented and community-driven. Join us to connect with other educators engaged in CCE to exchange ideas, foster community, and discover hopeful pathways for advancing climate action across all levels of education!

Release is provided for one educator per school - register soon as space is limited and filling up quickly! Open this document for the full description of the keynote and workshops available. Register Now!

Free Computer Workshops offered by TDSB Community Services      Essential Skills Upgrading

Please see information on free computer workshops.

Word and Excel workshops are offered in October.

To register, call 416-396-6368 or email us at upgrading@tdsb.on.ca and include your phone number please

Islamic Heritage Month at the Aga Khan

This October, to mark Islamic Heritage Month, we invite you to explore a range of programs designed to bridge the gap between the past and present, fostering a deeper understanding of Muslim culture and its global impact.

For more details, download an overview of our Education offerings, and contact us with any questions.

TDSB Special Education Department Family Sessions
Drop-In Q & A with Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Staff

Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Drop-Ins and 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
November 19, 2024
December 17, 2024
January 21, 2025
February 18, 2025
March 18, 2025
April 15, 2025
May 20, 2025
June 2025

Get the link here Sensory and Motor team parent/guardian/caregiver VOH flyer

TDSB Speech and Language Pathologists in collaboration with Donna Cardoza invite you to Let's Talk, Read, and Write 
Parents/Caregivers of Grade 1 students, Ontario has a new Language Curriculum.  Come and learn how you can help your child develop early reading, writing and talking skills.  Register for ALL 5 Sessions on Tuesdays from 6:30pm-7:30pm - Register here.

Oct 29 - Let's Write
Nov 12 - Let's Keep Learning

Continuing Education Programming

Did you know the TDSB offers Continuing Education Programming in our communities?

Explore learning opportunities available for children, families, adults, and visitors at the TDSB this fall:

International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program, Secondary Credit Night School, Learn4Life - Adult General Interest Programs and Adult ESL.

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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