November is Indigenous Education Month
We are proud to celebrate Indigenous Education Month throughout the month of November. Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to honour a number of important days to deepen knowledge, to learn from our shared histories, and to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. It is important to remember to center First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities across the TDSB every day. Please visit the website for more information.
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Hindu Heritage Month
At the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), we are proud to recognize Hindu Heritage Month during the month of November. This is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values which promote compassion, tolerance, and inclusion. This year’s theme is Antah Shanti for Vishwa Shanti. This Sanskrit phrase conveys that to foster World (Vishwa) Peace (Shanti) we need to have Inner (Antah) Peace (Shanti). Visit the Hindu Heritage webpage for more information.
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Register Now! 2024 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.
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Good News in TDSB Mathematics! The TDSB is committed to providing exceptional, inclusive, empowering and culturally responsive mathematics education. Every classroom should be where students from diverse backgrounds and abilities can excel, fostering a deep appreciation for mathematics and promoting collaborative problem-solving while maintaining high expectations for student achievement. The 2023-24 school year marked the introduction of the TDSB Math Achievement Action Plan — a comprehensive mathematics strategy — with targeted support for Math Learning Partner schools. Some highlights from the first year of implementation include:
- Improvements in EQAO results at TDSB Math Learning Partner schools, after just one year of Ministry Math Learning Partner support.
- Collaboration with experts and working with Ontario’s leading math researchers to develop math learning sessions for Kindergarten to Grade 12 teachers.
- Focused programming on the new Ontario math curriculum and continuing to build teacher expertise in content and pedagogical skills.
- Adoption of innovative tools for learning and now offers 12 digital math tools for students and teachers to explore math concepts in the classroom and at home (accessible via the Digital Math Tool Page).
- Promotion of the Mathematics for Families & Caregivers website to provide families with access to interactive tools and activities to support math learning at home, including TVO Mathify (free online tutoring).
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Early French Immersion (Junior Kindergarten Entry) Application Opens November 4
If your family is interested in the Toronto District School Board's system-wide French Immersion Program, we are pleased to offer an online process to apply for Early French Immersion (which begins in Junior Kindergarten). To apply to the Early French Immersion Program for September 2025, please complete the online applications online between November 4 and 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.
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High School Open Houses and Information Nights
Please join us between November and January for organized open houses and information sessions aimed at aiding your decision in choosing the right school for your child. These events are tailored to provide information for parents/guardians/caregivers and students. I encourage you to visit our website, where you'll find detailed information on dates and times for the upcoming Open Houses and Information Nights.
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Apply to TDSB Central Student Interest Programs
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Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application Process
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. Complete information about the central online application process and the upcoming information webinars (including the registration links) will be available on the Elementary Alternative Schools Application and Admissions Process webpage. The online application for September 2025 admission will be open from Monday, January 6, 2025, at 9 a.m. to Friday, January 31, 2025, at 4 p.m.
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Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy Consultation
I am pleased to let you know that the TDSB is developing a Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy, and we want to hear from parents/guardians/caregivers, students, and community partners. Visit the website to read the draft policy and provide feedback by December 10, 2024
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TDSB EarlyON Child and Family Centres
I am pleased to share that the TDSB continues to offer EarlyON Child and Family Centre programs in 75 schools providing a safe and welcoming space for children ages 0-6 and their parents/caregivers to gather, connect and learn. These drop-in programs are free, and no pre-registration is required. For an overview of EarlyON programs, including schedules, locations and hours, visit the EarlyON Child and Family Centres website.
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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 website to view session dates and themes.
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Parent Engagement Session: Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Mark your calendars! Special Education and Inclusion will be holding two virtual sessions on Wednesday, November 27 and Thursday, November 28, 2024 for parents/guardians/caregivers to provide information on strategies and supports for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the TDSB. These sessions will be recorded and housed on the TDSB Special Education public website for parents/guardians/caregivers to access at any time. Please see this flyer for registration information.
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Special Education and Inclusion Drop-In Sessions 2024-2025 for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers
Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to offer drop-in sessions for parents, guardians, and caregivers. These sessions aim to support parents/guardians/caregivers by providing 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 this flyer for upcoming dates, times and links.
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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 238,000 students in nearly 600 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 by 6 a.m. I encourage you to visit the website to learn about Snow/Cold Weather and the Procedure for Severe Weather.
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Reduce the Spread of Respiratory Infections
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.
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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 www.tdsb.on.ca/Contact-Us/Steps-to-Address-Questions-Concerns.
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Upcoming Meetings The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Our annual Organizational Board meeting will take place Wednesday, November 13, 2024. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
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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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