October 6, 2024

Repeating the Memo from Education Minister Jill Dunlop on safe and inclusive schools sent on September 27, 2024. Below is the text -

Our government firmly believes in the safety and well-being of all children in Ontario schools. As we approach one year since the October 7th attack, we ask all school boards across the province to uphold this principle and be vigilant in ensuring classrooms remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all students and staff. As education leaders, your role in upholding this principle has never been more important.

The focus in our schools must always be on learning. This means our schools and school-related activities should never be used as vehicles for political protests that enable inflammatory, discriminatory, and hateful content. While everyone is entitled to their own political opinions, they are not entitled to disseminate political biases into our classrooms.

It is my expectation that every school board will hold itself accountable to the highest standards under Ontario’s Code of Conduct and govern with respect, civility and responsible citizenship to ensure schools are free of discrimination and harassment in every corner of the province.

This is particularly important as we see a distressing rise in intolerance, racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia across Ontario, including in our schools. Everyone deserves to be safe, supported and included in Ontario’s schools. This is my commitment to our students, families and educators. I respectfully ask that you work with local school communities to ensure a continuation of safe spaces for students and staff. As leaders and educators, you have an obligation to role model positive behaviour for our students. 

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the success of our education system that begins and ends every school day with a safe, welcoming, and inclusive classroom for all learners and staff.

On October 1, 2023, the TDSB Acting Director sent an email to all elementary and secondary educators - Supporting K to 12 Educators in Addressing the Conflict in the Middle East - the text is below.

Dear Elementary and Secondary Educators,    

At the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), we are committed to safe, respectful and inclusive learning and working environments. Throughout the year, we continue to support students and staff in accordance with TDSB policies and procedures. 

Schools are places where all community members must feel a sense of belonging and joy, and where we embrace a climate of mutual understanding and respect. To that end, we wanted to provide some additional resources for educators to help guide conversations that may be occurring in classrooms and schools. This document represents an update to what has previously been shared to support educators in addressing the conflict in the Middle East. 

Our goals are rooted in education and care for our students and staff, as we work to promote a learning environment of respect and belonging. All students need to feel safe in their identities and be able to respectfully engage in dialogue that builds a strong sense of understanding.    

Worth repeating - "As we approach one year since the October 7th attack, we ask all school boards across the province to uphold this principle and be vigilant in ensuring classrooms remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all students and staff." 

Please note, I am hearing that there may be student walkouts/protests tomorrow on October 7. Staff have confirmed they have communicated expectations to all school staff. Hoping all our communities are vigilant and everyone stays safe as we remember... 

"It is important to note that the TDSB is not involved in organizing walkouts, nor are we in a position to permit them or stop them from occurring. Participating students are advised that walkouts should take place off school property and for their safety, students should stay on public sidewalks, off roads, and other private property. 

During any walkout, a limited number of school administration and staff will be outside to support safety. Administrators may act as observers and monitor for student safety during walkouts. However, it is important to note that once students leave school property, staff cannot supervise them. Students are also advised that when expressing themselves, they do so in a constructive, respectful and responsible way. As a reminder, students under 18 require parental permission to leave class. Any students who do not attend class will be marked absent. 

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. This includes providing students access to professional support services and resources as needed. We recognize that students not participating in a walkout may also be impacted. Staff are responsible for supporting and checking in with these students and providing additional support as needed. Participation in protests - regardless of the cause - is not an approved activity for the 40 hours of community involvement required for secondary students to earn their OSSD."

My understanding is that a communication has gone out to staff and community of the affected schools. 

Staff has created new resources as part of our ongoing commitment to the Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy and in order to foster a culture of respect and understanding throughout the TDSB. The Human Rights Office is introducing new resources to help address the use of slurs and epithets (including name-calling). For access to the new posters designed for schools and workplaces, please visit the Human Rights Office website. They are included below FYI.

"We take a student-centered approach to learning and work to promote safe, respectful, equitable and inclusive environments so that all students can thrive and achieve their individual potential. Promoting a climate of understanding and mutual respect means there is no place for bullying, harassment, discrimination or hate in TDSB schools.  

Building on the Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy, the following resources are available to promote a climate of understanding and mutual respect in schools and workplaces, addressing slurs and epithets (including name-calling) across the system:

Poster resources available for elementary and high schools and resources available for workplaces."

In April 2024, the Board of Trustees approved the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP), Inspiring Minds and Shaping Futures: Our Multi-Year Commitment to Student Success. This plan guides the Board’s work for the next four years on a continued journey towards excellence in education for all students. The MYSP serves as a roadmap towards realizing the collective vision for students and staff served by the TDSB.

For each of the next four years, staff will identify System Goals from the MYSP, aligned with the Ministry’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), to give specific direction to guide professional learning, actions and monitoring efforts. The identified System Goals will strengthen the work being done by teams and departments across the district as they refine their focus on student achievement, mental health and well-being, as well as implement TDSB strategies (e.g., Literacy Strategy, Math Strategy, Combating Hate and Racism Strategy: Student Learning Strategy, Mental Health and Addiction Strategy). The System Goals will be reviewed and updated each year as we make progress and new needs arise.

Progress of System Goals will be monitored and reported annually to the Planning and Priorities Committee, inclusive of data and evidence associated with the KPIs. Action Plan and Associated Timeline Principals and Vice Principals will initiate Phase 1 of the School Improvement Planning (SIP) Framework in September 2024.

Principals and Vice Principals will engage school staff, students and parents/guardians /caregivers in the development of a school focus in Indigenous Education, and use their school data to determine specific evidence-based strategies and actions to implement throughout the phases of the School Improvement Planning Framework.

Using the School Improvement Planning Framework, Family of Schools Superintendents of Education will monitor each school’s progress through regular school improvement visits and reviews of school and student data. Executive Officers and System Officers will monitor progress through regular meetings and reviews of the KPIs. Please read the full report that will go to Board Wednesday.

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, October 9, 2024 – Regular Board Meeting - Public Session 7:00pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

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. 

We are about to initiate public consultation on the Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy. The consultation is expected to open after the October 9 meeting of the Board of Trustees. Please stay tuned. For more information on the policy development and consultation timeline, please see the: Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy Development Report.

If you have any questions related to the development and consultation of the Policy, please feel free to contact us at: mobiledevicepolicy@tdsb.on.ca

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 October 11, 2024 for both elementary and secondary students.

Target Audience: All Staff - Elementary

1. Topics:  Compliance and Board Mandated Training

Length: Half day (remote learning is an option)

Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Asynchronous learning (Content developed by TDSB staff)

Description: All employees of the Toronto District School Board will participate in and complete Compliance Training courses

2. Topics:  Mental health, cell phones and vaping, bullying and school safety

Length: Half day (remote learning is an option)

Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): School-Based Staff

Description: School-based teams will review practical and effective strategies to support student learning with a focus on the following:

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.

Online Interpreter Training Program

TDSB is offering the opportunity to 85 TDSB parents/caregivers to receive online interpreter training in TDSB's most requested languages! Are you a parent/caregiver with a child registered in the TDSB who:

Ensuring equitable engagement opportunities for our multi-lingual parents/caregivers, while maximizing their language assets, will enable the TDSB to improve communication between parents/caregivers and the school/Board.

If interested, please join on October 21, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.  See attached for more details. 

Early French Immersion (Junior Kindergarten Entry) Application Opens November 4
If your family is interested in the Toronto District School Board's Early French Immersion Program (begins in Junior Kindergarten), we are pleased to offer an online process to apply. Applications for September 2025 must be completed online by November 29, 2024. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program must complete an online application for the new student. Visit the Early French Immersion page for more information.

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.  

John Wanless School Council is thrilled to invite parents to a special presentation by Paul Davis on October 15th, 2024.

Paul Davis brings over 30 years of IT knowledge and expertise to his speaking engagements focusing on Social Media, Digital Trails, Smartphones, Online Security, Cyberbullying and more.

Paul has presented to over 895,000 students across Canada and the United States. 

Please RSVP for this session by Wednesday, October 9th. Space is limited.

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.

Walk to School Month

International Walk to School Month (IWALK) is an annual mass celebration of active transportation that takes place around the world throughout the month of October.

Schools across Ontario can celebrate IWALK with special events on IWALK Day (the first Wednesday of October) or anytime throughout the month.

Register your celebration activities and events with them!

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!

Community School Safety Zone Survey

This survey has been designed by a panel of experts from police services, public health, municipal transportation, school boards, and student transportation consortiums to gain a clearer picture of how people experience and perceive School Safety Zones. They intend to use the answers to inform recommendations for improving children's safety within these integral spaces. Please take 5 minutes to complete their survey. Thank you!

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.

City of Toronto PollinateTO Grants for TDSB Schools

The City of Toronto is very excited to announce that PollinateTO grant applications are now open for online submission until October 21, 2024, 11:59 PM.

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to support community-led projects that create or expand pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. School groups looking to initiate schoolyard greening projects through the creation of pollinator habitat and rain gardens are encouraged to apply.

Learn more about the program, eligibility, past projects and application details at www.toronto.ca/PollinateTO. Important Dates:

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
October 15, 2024
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 8 - From Sounds to Words
Oct 15 - Let's Read
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.

Share this email:

5050 Yonge Street 5th Floor, Communications and Public Affairs
Toronto, Ontario | M2N 5N8 CA