| Winter Break Reminder
As we approach the end of the year, we want to remind you that schools will be closed for Winter Break from December 25, 2023, to January 5, 2024. I hope that students enjoy this well-deserved time off and that everyone has the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back on Monday, January 8, 2024.
Wishing you the best of the holiday season, a wonderful Winter Break, and a Happy New Year!
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Celebrating Good News
I encourage you to read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including:
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Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) Application Deadline
For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's system-wide French Immersion Program, we offer an online process to apply for Middle French Immersion (begins in Grade 4). To apply to the Middle French Immersion Program for September 2024, applications must be completed online between January 8 and February 2, 2024. Families with an older sibling currently in a Middle French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. For more information, please visit: Middle French Immersion or the Application Process. Interested families can apply via the Application Link.
Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application
Did you know the TDSB offers a wide range of elementary alternative schools available to students? The application process is managed centrally and includes an online application form. For more information about the online application process, please visit the Alternative Schools website on December 11, 2023.
The online application for admission for September 2024 will be open from Monday, January 8, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to Wednesday, January 31, 2024at 4:00 p.m.
I encourage you to take part in information sessions and/or open houses for students and parents/guardians/caregivers in December 2023 and January 2024 at our Elementary alternative schools. More information is available on the Elementary School Open Houses and Information Nights web page.
The TDSB is also hosting two Elementary Alternative Schools live webinars, including one daytime and one evening session. Registration is required, and a recording of the webinars will be posted on the website.
If you have any questions or require additional support, you can contact the school or contact EAS.Application@tdsb.on.ca.
High School Open Houses and Information Nights
We are pleased to offer open houses and information sessions for students and parents/ guardians/ caregivers to help you make an informed decision when choosing a school. These open houses and information sessions are taking place between November and January! Please visit the website to learn more about our variety of schools, programs and courses and see the dates and times of scheduled Open Houses and Information Nights.
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Literacy Strategy Consultation
I am happy to inform you that the TDSB is developing a Kindergarten to Grade 12 Literacy Strategy which will set the direction, priorities, and goals for learning and teaching literacy over the next three years. And we want to hear from you! I encourage all TDSB parents/guardians/caregivers to share feedback anonymously through the online Literacy Strategy Consultation survey. The survey will remain open until Monday, December 18, 2023.
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Winter Weather and Student Transportation
From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices, or sites.
With approximately 236,000 students in 583 schools, any decision to cancel buses, classes and/or programs or to close sites can have a significant impact on thousands of families across Toronto. This decision is not taken lightly. When schools remain open on days with inclement weather, parents/guardians/caregivers make the final decision on whether to send their children to school and they can keep children home from school if they so choose.
Should a cancellation or closure be necessary, information will be posted on the TDSB web site and TDSB social media 6 a.m. Visit the website to learn about Snow/Cold Weather and the Procedure for Severe Weather.
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TDSB Student Census Results
In Spring 2023, the TDSB conducted its fourth Student Census, which resulted in a response rate of approximately 58% across all grades. The Student Census asks students important questions about school experiences and identities and is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system. Please visit the following link to view Student Census results on the TDSB website.
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Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy 2023-2032
On November 1, 2023, the Board of Trustees approved the Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy (LTPAS) for 2023-2032. The LTPAS helps the TDSB plan in a city that is always changing. The LTPAS enables the Board to plan studies to balance school enrolments among overcrowded and under-used schools, as well as increase access to programs for all TDSB students. The LTPAS is updated and approved each year. For more information, please visit the TDSB’s public website to review the LTPAS document.
Ministry of Education Information Sheets
The Ministry of Education has created information sheets for parents/guardians/caregivers to keep you informed about important issues or initiatives and to help support your children reach their full potential: Financial Literacy: Interactive online lessons for parents to use with their children which covers the value and use of money, managing personal finances such as budgeting and investing wisely.
Anti-Bullying: The guide, ‘Bullying: We can all help stop it’ has information about bullying, including cyberbullying, what you can do if your child is being bullied, has witnessed bullying or may be bullying others.
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Review of Legacy Technical and Commercial Boundaries
As part of the Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy, the TDSB aims to address outdated technical and commercial boundaries that exist in certain areas of the city.
These outdated boundaries were established during a time of academic-vocational streamlining, but now hinder equity of access. The Board is proposing the dissolution of these legacy boundaries by September 2025 to provide equal access to all Toronto students.
The affected schools include Central Technical School, Central Toronto Academy, Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute, Northern Secondary School, Victoria Park Collegiate Institute, and Western Technical-Commercial School. The proposed changes would not affect current programs.
I encourage you to attend public engagement opportunities, which are scheduled for mid-January 2024 through three virtual meetings, details of which will be provided before the winter break.
For more information, please visit the Boards’ Secondary Program Review which can be found here: www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Secondary-Program-Review
A webpage dedicated to the review of legacy technical and commercial boundaries can be found here:
www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Strategy-Planning/Search-All-Reviews/id/189
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Learn4Life Adult Community Programs - Winter 2024 Registration Now Open
I am pleased to share that the Winter 2024 registration is now OPEN for Learn4Life's Adult General Interest Program with courses in business, languages, art, music, sports, dancing, and more! The variety of courses are 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.
New courses this term include: - Adventures in Photography
- Bringing Stories to Life Through Book Illustrations
- Create Your Own Natural Cosmetics
- De-Stress and Relax
- Pastry Arts for Everyone
- Golf Training Program
- Portuguese Essential Conversation
- Afrobeat Aerobics
- Understanding Landlord Rights and Responsibilities
New Community Adult Classes in January 2024
I am happy to share that the Community Services Unit-operated programs across the GTA are offering new start dates for various classes starting in January. These free and low-cost services and programs are designed for parents and adults seeking employment, new skills, and better opportunities. January 12: Enhanced Language Training (ELT) starts new sessions for newcomer professionals who have education and/or experience in Information Technology; Office Admin & Customer Relations; and Health and Wellness sectorsJanuary 22: Studio500 Hairstylist program starts a new term of Full-Time Hairstylist Apprenticeship program and Enhanced Language Training (ELT) starts new sessions for newcomer professionals trained and/or experienced in Engineering and Accounting/Financial Services
For young adults who are out of school and out of work, the On the Road Construction training program and On the Line Culinary training program will start new sessions on January 1 and 8, respectively. Please note that these programs have very rigorous criteria for enrollment. To learn more about Community Services programs and services, please click here.
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Professional Activity (PA) Days
As you know, during the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. Starting this school year, boards of education are now required to publicly share detailed information about PA Days, as outlined in Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 151. Please note, all information and details will be posted to www.tdsb.on.ca/PAdays at least 14 days in advance of the scheduled PA Day. Information for the upcoming PA Day on December 8 was posted on the PA Day web page on November 24.
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Coping During War & Conflict: Video Series and Culturally Responsive Resources
I know our community is going through a period of unprecedented challenges, and we understand that it's crucial to find effective ways to manage our well-being. A video series and related resources have been developed by TDSB staff and expert facilitators to offer coping strategies during war and conflict to support the emotional and mental wellness of students, parents/guardians/caregivers, staff, and the broader community. Visit the Affinity Wellness webpage for videos and resources.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline 9-8-8
On November 30, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) through the Canadian Radio and Television Corporation (CRTC) announced a national three digit Mental Health and Suicide Prevention hotline number, 988. Learn More.
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Reduce the Spread of Respiratory Viruses
Please remember, as we head into the cooler months and respiratory virus activity increases, I encourage you to review this information from Toronto Public Health about how to prevent the spread of infections in schools and communities.
Steps to Address Your Questions and Concerns
Here at the TDSB, we are always open to hearing your questions and concerns, and make every effort to address them as quickly as possible. Your child's classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school's principal, the school superintendent, and me, your Trustee! For more information visit https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Contact-Us/Steps-to-Address-Questions-Concerns.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2024. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
Stay Connected with your School
The TDSB now offers two new ways to stay connected with your school and the TDSB.Learn about opting in for text messages and using the School Messenger app, which provides a faster and easier way to report absences.
Follow the TDSB
Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
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