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January 2019 Newsletter
TDSB Recognizes Tamil Heritage Month
The TDSB is celebrating Tamil Heritage Month in January 2019 with the theme of “Remembrance. Resilience. Recognition.”
In October 2016, the House of Commons voted unanimously to recognize every January as Tamil Heritage Month. This month was chosen as it coincides with one of the most important celebrations for Canadians of Tamil heritage, the Thai Pongal Harvest Festival. Millions of Tamil people around the world, irrespective of their religion, celebrate Thai Pongal, and offer thanks for an abundant harvest. TDSB proudly marked Tamil Heritage Month for the first time in 2016.
As Toronto has the largest Tamil populations outside of the South Asian subcontinent, this committee aims to ensure that the objectives of TDSB’s January’s Tamil Heritage month are reflected in the curriculum and learning objectives for students. To explore these themes, the planning committee will be inviting students to learn about the rich culture of the Tamil heritage and how their own respective ancestry can be used to shape their future through essays, original artwork and public speaking contests. The poster for the month was designed by committee member and Wexford CI student, Ganga, and has been shared with schools across the system.
Director’s Annual Report
The 2018 Director’s Annual Report is now available online. This report is a summary of the work that is happening across the system in support of achievement, equity and well-being.
Good News Stories
trending@tdsb is a new online publication that features stories by former education reporter Louise Brown that will take you inside schools across the Toronto District School Board. Her stories focus on the exciting changes that are underway in and out of our classrooms, including new ways of learning and teaching, reaching deeper into communities and putting equity into action.
TDSB Employment Opportunity Fair
Explore the exciting career possibilities the TDSB has to offer at our first ever Employment Opportunity Fair on Saturday, January 26, 2019. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Montecassino Hotel and Event Venue in North York.
Winter Weather and Student Transportation
From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs due to severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices or sites.
With approximately 246,000 students in our schools and sites each day, 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 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 website, TDSB social media and provided to local media by 6 a.m. For more information, please see the TDSB's Procedure for Severe Weather.
Making the Best of Winter Weather at our School
Principals are often asked how we decide whether it's too cold to allow our students out in the schoolyard for recess.
Fresh air and exercise are important for children. It keeps them physically fit, and helps them stay alert all through the school day. Parents can help by making sure their children come to school prepared to spend time outdoors. Hats, mitts, boots and a warm jacket are important to keep students comfortable during lunch and recess.
But extreme cold can be dangerous, and parents want to know that their children will be safe. When the temperature is predicted to drop below -15C, the City of Toronto may declare a cold weather alert. Schools are very sensitive to the needs of our students and pay close attention to the weather, especially when the windchill is below -20 C.
The TDSB Severe Weather Protocol is flexible, so that every principal can make a decision that meets the needs of his or her school. It sets guidelines for when to allow students outside for recess, when to make outdoor breaks shorter, and when to keep students inside altogether.
Canadian winters can be wonderful but when the weather is cold, school staff keep one eye on the thermometer and the other on the needs of our students - a perfect balance of fun and safety.
Stay Healthy During Flu Season
Flu season is here again. Ontarians are encouraged to avoid getting sick this flu season by getting their annual flu shot.
Toronto Public Health is recommending that whenever students and staff experience flu-like symptoms, they are sent home and do not return to school until they are no longer infectious to others. Therefore, ill students and staff should be symptom-free (especially from vomiting and diarrhea) for at least 48 hours before returning to school.
The primary concern is for the health and safety of all students and staff. Please note that no special measures are required when there is a case of influenza in a school or daycare. However, everyone should do their part to stop the spread of the flu. As parents, you can also assist by: - reminding children to wash their hands often especially after using the washroom and before and after eating;
- reminding children to cover their sneeze and cough;
- watching for symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and/or high fever;
- informing the school if your child is ill;
- keeping your child at home when he/she is ill
For more information, please visit the Toronto Public Health website www.toronto.ca/health, contact your family doctor, or Telehealth Ontario. 1-866-797-0000.
Recess During Cold Weather
Elementary school students are kept indoors for recess and lunch times for a number of weather conditions such as rain, lightning in the area, extreme winds and extreme cold. When temperature and wind chill measure -28C or lower, students are kept indoors. Recesses and lunch hour may be shortened if the temperature and wind chill reading is between -20C and -28C.
If a student's medical condition requires further consideration due to weather conditions, or if parents have other questions or concerns about how and when weather conditions affect your child's school day, please contact the school office.
Continuing Education - Community Programs
Registration for the Winter Learn4Life term is still open with classes starting Saturday, January 12, 2019.Keep up with your New Year’s fitness goals, learn a language, or even learn to tango! Take up a new sport or get ready for income tax season. Register at www.learn4life.ca
Facebook.com/TDSBLearn4Life
@TDSB_ConEd
Kindergarten Registration Begins in February!
Registration for all TDSB Kindergarten programs begins in February. We look forward to welcoming you and your child at our school in September!
To attend Junior Kindergarten in September, children must turn four-years-old by December 31. To register for Senior Kindergarten, children must be five-years-old by December 31. You may choose to register in person at the school or begin the process online.
For more information about the Kindergarten program and registration requirements, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/kindergarten.
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.
Twitter @TDSB
Facebook
Instagram@Torontodsb
TDSB News: December 2018
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