June 2023
Dear Students, Parents and Caregivers,
End of School
As we approach the end of another school year, I wanted to take a moment to share with you a final newsletter before summer break. It's hard to believe how quickly time has flown by.
I encourage you to find the time to relax, recharge, and reconnect with friends and family. See you in September!
School Year Calendar
It’s June and the end of the school year is near! But please mark your calendars - the first day of school for the 2023-2024 School Year will be Tuesday, September 5, 2023! For a full list of key dates for the upcoming school year, please visit the TDSB’s School Year Calendar web page.
National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21st was National Indigenous Peoples Day. This was a time to celebrate and learn from First Nations, Métis and Inuit people about the diverse cultures, histories, experiences, creations, perspectives, and achievements. All month long, the Urban Indigenous Education Centre hosted several events and celebrations with David A. Robertson, Tasha Spillett, Elder Albert McLeod, along with Two-Spirit & Indigiqueer Pride launched by Elder Blu Water. Learn more about National Indigenous History Month at the TDSB.
Italian Heritage Month
Italian Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of June at the TDSB. Did you know that this year marks the 90th anniversary of the Christie Pits riot that took place in Toronto in August 1933? To commemorate this dark moment in Toronto’s history, the TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee in collaboration with the Italian Heritage Committee offered TDSB students a chance to learn about the largest race riot in Canadian history. Learn more about Italian Heritage Month at the TDSB.
Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month
Portuguese- Speaking Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of June at the TDSB. This year, the theme for Portuguese-speaking Heritage Month is “Alegria / Joy!” The contributions of the Portuguese-speaking community to Canada are significant as they include the arts, sports, music, culinary arts, and many professional contributions to education and medicine.
June is Pride Month
We are celebrating Pride month in June! The TDSB marks Pride Month across all TDSB schools and sites. Pride Month is a time to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and reflect on the important work that must continue to make our schools and workplaces more inclusive, welcoming and affirming for all. Learn more on the TDSB Pride webpage.
TDSB Backpacks & School Supplies Drive
We know that backpacks and school supplies can be expensive and represent a difficult purchase for some students and families. I encourage you to participate in TDSB’s Backpack & School Supplies Drive.
The drive will run until the end of September. We are accepting donations of new products, including backpacks (gender neutral coloured with no commercial logos preferred), lunch bags, crayons, calculators, notebooks and basic school supplies. If you are interested in supporting this great cause for TDSB students, please complete an online donation form. For more information contact BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.
Tutoring Update
With the end of June approaching, the Ministry funding for Tutoring programs is also coming to an end. Community organizations are in the process of wrapping up their programs in neighbourhoods and the Continuing Education programs in schools are also winding down. We have not been informed of any extension of the Ministry funding into the summer.
Fundraising Policy Consultation
The Fundraising Policy (P021) is currently being reviewed.
You can find the draft policy posted for your review/comment and can provide feedback via the online survey portal at: Policy Consultations.
