February 9, 2025 

Clayton La Touche starts his role as the TDSB Director of Education on Monday, February 10, 2025. He began his career with the TDSB in 1994 before taking on roles at the Ministry of Education and York Region District School Board. 

Clayton is known for being a collaborative leader who cares deeply about student success and well-being. His appointment follows a thorough four-month search process led by the Trustee Director Search Committee. I am grateful to Stacey Zucker for her excellent work as Interim Director during the transitional period. Read the full update here. Welcome Clayton... 

Thank You to all Parents, Caregivers and School Council Reps for joining us at PIAC’s 18th Annual Conference. This year we celebrated School Councils & Principals: Stronger Together, and the strength of good collaboration to build excellent schools and student achievement. You made the day a great success.

How can PIAC support your school council efforts? 

PIAC Members across the city are gearing up to connect with their local school communities. We look forward to more opportunities to connect in person and talk 'school councils'. We’d love to hear from you!

Kaydeen Bankasingh and Anshu Grover, PIAC.Ward08@tdsb.on.ca

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.

To submit a delegation request (written for the Trustees to read or oral to present to Trustees) for a Board Committee (delegations are not accepted for Board meetings), please see here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations and email delegates@tdsb.on.ca. If your request is approved, further details will be provided to you via email. 

Full Agenda and Reports for meetings are available here - click on the appropriate meeting https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Agenda-Minutes

Wednesday, February 12 2025 – Planning and Priorities Committee 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

Please see below for highlights of a few of the agenda item reports.

This has been a long time coming... for years I have been working to ensure the TDSB not only acknowledges all forms of hate and discrimination, but educates against it. It was 2019 when the Board passed our motion titled "Dealing with Incidents of Racism and Hate," demonstrating our commitment to addressing these issues head-on. Subsequently, staff formulated PR 728 - "Reporting and Responding to Racism and Hate Incidents Involving or Impacting Students in Schools" in October 2020, aligning with the spirit of the Board motion. 

In March 2022, the Combatting Hate and Racism – Student Learning Strategy was introduced as a multifaceted approach to understanding and addressing the impact of reported cases of hate and racism by specifically focusing on educating students. 

In March 2023, the Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism umbrella strategy was developed. The TDSB’s Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy is a TDSB staff-facilitated and community-led initiative that takes an intersectional and systemic approach to developing and implementing comprehensive two-year work and action plans to combat all forms of discrimination, hate and racism, with academic success as its primary focus. The way specific forms of hate, racism and discrimination are addressed requires coherency, community partnership and cross-collaboration within and amongst the diverse community groups impacted. This requires solidarity and a deep understanding that the work of the Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy is everyone’s responsibility (TDSB, 2023). It is important to note the initial strategies came out of the data from the Racism, Bias and Hate Portal (RBP). 

The Addressing Antisemitism working group was convened in January 2023 to support the development of recommendations and action and monitoring plans. Subsequent working group meetings focused on consulting with over 35 community partners throughout the City. Members included community groups, faith leaders, students and TDSB Jewish Heritage Committee members. The working group prioritized goals and actions aligned with the pillars of the Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy (2023). Their recommendations centred on identifying actionable, system-wide objectives for classroom implementation and broader Districtwide initiatives.

The consultation process included a representation of diverse Jewish community organizations across Toronto, providing space for diverse perspectives from within the Jewish community to be meaningfully included. 

Below is a selection of key recommendations from the full set presented by community. For a comprehensive list and detailed context, please refer to Appendix A.

Please read the complete report to understand next steps - and now that we all know, we must act.

Executive Summary: This report aims to address questions and provide significant details that help Trustees to see the impact of the recommendations. The final recommendations assist in reducing the budget pressure associated with permit fees while recognizing the importance of using schools as community hubs.

The recommendations are intended to minimize impacts on permit holders, to spread the increases out over a period of time and to continue subsidizing not for profit organizations that support students.

Policy P011 “Community Use of Board Facilities” governs the use of schools in TDSB. There are costs associated with making schools available for community use including utilities, supplies, caretaking, maintenance, and administration. Permit fees are charged to recover these costs and the non-subsidized (base) permit fee rate should achieve full cost recovery. In addition to these costs, there are ancillary costs including staffing of non-scheduled custodian services, media and technology specialists, stage crews, security officers and parking attendants, as required, and are to be added to the permit cost in accordance with Policy P011.  

In 2010, a third-party consultant indicated that a 47% increase in permit fees was required in order for the base fee to achieve full cost recovery. The Board did not approve this increase but rather, approved a 7% increase in 2014. Since this time, fees have increased annually by Consumer Price Index (CPI). The current weekend blended rates were originally intended to incorporate caretaking costs however, as the rate was not revised in 2014, there has been and continues to be a shortfall of approximately $2.6 million annually.

The Ministry of Education (EDU) provides funding to “make school space affordable for use outside school hours.” TDSB, like all school boards, uses this funding to subsidize the permit fee rate for certain user groups.  Unfortunately, the funding provided by the EDU has decreased by $200,000 from $3.8 million to $3.6 million over the last 5 years.  In addition, Priority School Initiative (PSI) funding of $2.6 million was eliminated in 2018. At the same time, the number of permit holders eligible for TDSB subsidy has increased.  Currently, TDSB is providing approximately $1.2 million more in subsidy than it receives in funding.  

In order to be compliant with P011 and as expected by the EDU, as indicated in their letter to staff in June 2024 regarding the TDSB budget deficit recovery plan, staff has undertaken a process to work towards full cost recovery for permit fees.

In order to assist in providing recommendations to Trustees, significant consultation was undertaken with the following: Community Use of School Community Advisory Committee (CUSCAC), monthly meetings since May 2024; Permit Fees Working Group, since July 2024; Local Neighbourhood Support Program (LNSP) Focus Group and Survey, November 2024 Feedback from Trustees, as well as other members of the public were also considered and a comprehensive survey was sent to LNSP permit holders, followed by a virtual meeting.  

Please read the full report here.

On May 20, 2020, the Board of Trustees received the Secondary Program Review Interim Report and Board Report) which highlighted the issues, gaps, and needs facing the TDSB system.  The Secondary Program Review Final Report was approved by the Board of Trustees on November 4, 2022. This report provided the Board with additional background information, context, and feedback from impacted communities on secondary alternative schools.  

The next step is to develop a series of initiatives that strive to build on the strengths, leverage the opportunities, and address the threats that have been identified in this report.  Developing a plan will take time and will require input from Trustees. Secondary alternative schools vary widely in their purpose and the type of student they serve. This means that a ‘one size fits all’ solution will not meet student needs. Over the spring staff will continue to review and consider the information and research available to develop a series of guiding principles and concepts for discussion that involve secondary alternative schools.  The concepts for discussion may include but are not limited to:  

The high-level concepts will be shared with Trustees through the upcoming Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy (LTPAS) meetings to be held in the late Spring. The final report of the Secondary Alternative Schools Program Review will be presented to Trustees in June 2025. This report will seek approval on a set of guiding principles and will include the high level concepts that have been discussed with all Trustees in advance. Read the full report here.

In response to the new TDSB Multi-Year Strategic Plan, as well as in alignment with recommendations within the Special Education and Inclusion Plan (2024-25), the Special Education Department will embark on an ongoing and iterative 3-year cycle of review and evaluation of programs and placements for internal improvement purposes. 

The review cycles are not intended to identify and/or recommend fiscal savings or efficiencies. Rather, the review is part of the ongoing work of the department and the district to better understand students’, families’ and educators’ experiences of special education and ensure services are best supporting students.  

The aim is to complete the quantitative data analyses by March 2025, survey implementation in April-May 2025, with focus groups in May-June 2025. Reporting on Year One is slated for Fall 2025. Read the full report here.

The provincial election will be held on February 27, 2025. Everyone who is at least 18 years old, lives in Ontario and holds Canadian citizenship. Most eligible voters will receive voter information cards (VIC) in the mail. They are expected to arrive in mailboxes between Feb. 17-22. The VIC includes details about what district to vote in and the site of the local election office. In order to vote, one piece of valid ID is necessary. The Elections Ontario website, www.elections.on.ca, includes information of what ID is acceptable and how to update change of address and other information.

January 29, 2025 - As a non-partisan association, we advocate for the voice of Ontario’s English public school boards on the diverse range of issues that affect students and communities, regardless of which political party forms government.

Throughout the provincial election campaign, we encourage parents, students, seniors, and other members of school communities to learn about the issues impacting Ontario’s public schools before Election Day on February 27, 2025.

The government policies of today will affect the world our children and youth will inherit tomorrow. The provincial government decides what is taught in our schools and how much of our provincial taxes are used to pay for education. The future of the province depends on high quality, publicly funded education.  This affects you — whether you have children in the school system or not.

The February 27 election will have far-reaching effects. As a voter and citizen of Ontario, it is in your interest to know where the candidates stand on education issues. Read on for more information and make sure to attend local all candidates’ meetings if possible. This article will be updated as resources and links become available.

Resources - Elections Ontario I The Candidates

The Parties

OPSBA will be reaching out to the four main parties – the Progressive Conservatives, New Democrats, Liberals, and Greens – represented in the Ontario Legislature with a questionnaire on key education issues this election. Replies will be posted here as they come in.

Party Websites:

Election day is Monday, March 3, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advance voting takes place Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The boundaries of Toronto District School Board TDSB Ward 11 Don Valley West  are the same as the boundaries of the City of Toronto Ward 15, Don Valley West.

For the TDSB Ward 11 Don Valley West By-election, you can use MyVote to confirm you are on the voters’ list, apply to vote by mail, check where you vote, access your voter information card and more.

Visit the City of Toronto’s 2025 TDSB Ward 11 By-Election webpage for additional information and resources. 

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. 

Learning Opportunities Index Policy Consultation 

The Learning Opportunities Index Policy (P067) is currently being reviewed. The revised draft Learning Opportunities Index Policy (P067) (the “Policy”) affirms the TDSB’s commitment to achieve equitable academic opportunities. 

This Policy will assist with steering additional resources to schools serving students who face greater challenges and make sure all students have access to educational resources. The revised draft Policy also aims to support student learning experiences through equitable allocation of resources to schools and to provide direction to staff regarding the use of the Learning Opportunities Index (LOI). 

Consultation closes March 24, 2025. Draft New Policy [docx]  Draft New Policy [pdf]

Please provide your input and feedback here. If you have any questions related to the review and consultation of the Policy, please feel free to contact us at: research@tdsb.on.ca

Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students Policy Consultation 

The Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students Policy (P045) is currently being reviewed and reconsulted for 30 days. The revised draft Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students Policy (the “Policy”) supports the TDSB’s commitment to educate school communities about their Duty to Report, incidents of suspected, witnessed, and/or disclosed neglect and abuse of children to the Children Aid Societies.  

The draft Policy also centres around the principles of human rights, in alignment with the Human Rights Policy (P031) and the Human Rights Code, to provide a culturally safe, nurturing, positive, and respectful learning environment focused on preventing abuse and neglect for all students. In addition, the revised draft Policy includes provisions related to: embedding Jordans and Katelynn Principles, detecting and reporting abuse and neglect, privacy and confidentiality, training and awareness, Truth and Reconciliation – Calls to Action, UNDRIP, National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, child welfare and their impacts on black students, newcomer students and their parents/guardians/caregivers and institutional accountability.

Consultation closes February 24, 2025. Read Draft New Policy [docx], Draft New Policy [pdf]. If you have any questions related to the review and consultation of the Policy, please feel free to contact us at: mentalhealthandwellbeing@tdsb.on.ca.

JOINT VIRTUAL WARD FORUM - Stop the Hate – Creating Understanding In times of Geopolitical Conflict
Thursday March 20, 2025 | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Please join me and my colleagues Alexandra Lulka Rotman, Michelle Aarts and Deborah Williams for an opportunity to hear from experts in the field of antisemitism and hate - Mark Sandler and Karen Mock. To read their full bios, please click here. Our guests will discuss hate, what it is and what it isn’t, antisemitism, its historical roots and current context and how it impacts the broader community and the educational environment on students, their families and staff.

Most importantly, how to move forward through respectful dialogue in this time of geopolitical conflict.

If you are interested in participating, please Register Online.

EQAO Math Webinar
Parents, guardians, and caregivers are invited to join a free, live EQAO Math Webinar on Tuesday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. During this session, EQAO staff will discuss the types of math questions that Ontario students encounter in large-scale assessments for Grades 3, 6, and 9. 

Nominations are now open for the 2025 OTIP Teaching Awards. For many years, these awards have recognized the excellence of our teachers in publicly funded education. There are three categories of awards: elementary teacher, secondary teacher and beginning teacher (in the first five years of teaching). 

A teacher may be nominated by anyone—professional colleagues, students, parents, or the general public. The deadline for receipt of nominations is March 31, 2025. Questions should be directed to Jason Healey at OTIPAwards@otffeo.on.ca. The Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP) and the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) are proud sponsors of the OTIP Teaching Awards.

Learn4Life.ca - Adult General Interest Courses General Interest Programs Adults 18+ and Seniors Program Information General Interest courses are for adults, 18 years of age and older. Seniors' Daytime courses are for registrants 65 years of age and older. For more information please visit www.learn4life.ca Registration Opens: Wednesday, Feb 12, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. Classes Begin: Tuesday, April 1, 2025 

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 - all 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. 

PA DAY Elementary and Secondary - Friday, February 14, 2025

Target Audience: All Staff – Elementary; Topics: PA Day- Parent-Teacher Conferences 

Federation Day (OSSTF) Target Audience: All Staff – Secondary Topics: Literacy, Mathematics, Science, STEM, Curriculum Implementation, Student Well-Being and Belonging

It's a Long Weekend! Family Day is Monday, February 17
Don't forget to mark your calendars for Family Day on Monday, February 17! This province-wide statutory holiday is a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones. Please note that there will be no classes on this date. 

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.

Regulation 304 requires that there be a minimum of 194 school days between 1 September and 30 June, including a maximum of ten examination days for secondary schools and a maximum of seven Professional Activity (PA) days.  It also establishes the dates for the Winter Break and the Mid-Winter Break. One of the Reports at PSSC this week is the recommendation for the School Year Calendar 2025-2026. Please note it still has to be approved by the Ministry.

It is the hope that presenting this early provides students, parents and staff sufficient notice to make plans for the 2025-2026 school year following Ministry approval. Please see the full Report.

African Heritage (Black History) Month 2025
The TDSB has organized a variety of events to celebrate the rich heritage of the people and nations of Africa and the African Diaspora. This year's theme is "Lift Every Voice.” The theme is drawn from the iconic first line of the Black National Anthem, and encourages collective strength, unity, diversity, and resilience. This February and beyond, let's come together to honor and uplift every voice. Read the full African Heritage (Black History) Month message to learn how to get involved.

Chinese Heritage Month 2025
Each February, the TDSB proudly recognizes Chinese Heritage Month. This year, the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, began on Wednesday, January 29. As we welcome the Year of the Snake, we reflect on its symbolism of tenacity and transformation. Throughout the month, we will host various activities and events to highlight the rich cultural traditions and contributions of the Chinese community. Find the full Chinese Heritage Month message on the TDSB website.

School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) has launched By Your Side, a new parent/caregiver learning hub that has been designed to meet the needs of Ontario’s families.By Your Side was created by Ontario parents/caregivers and school mental health professionals and includes resources and supports made available in multiple formats—including web content, PDFs, and videos to ensure that families can easily access information and strategies that promote mental health and well-being at home. Key topics include understanding mental health, promoting mental health at home, supporting mental health at school, stress and anxiety management, substance use prevention, navigating digital technology use, and reaching out for help. Our hope is you find these resources helpful. Mental health matters.

Stay Home If You Are Sick

During this respiratory virus season, I encourage you to review tips from Toronto Public Health (TPH) to help prevent the spread of infections in schools and communities.

Stay home if you are sick: If you have symptoms of illness, even if they are mild, stay home and wear a mask for 10 days after symptoms start. Practice good hygiene: Wash or sanitize your hands often, cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, and clean frequently touched surfaces.

Vaccines

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is hosting community clinics to help students catch-up on their school-based vaccines. Clinics are appointment based and residents are encouraged to book an appointment.

In Ontario, the Immunization of School Pupil Act (ISPA) requires all students to be up to date with meningococcal vaccines or have a valid exemption  even if they received a meningococcal vaccine as a child. Visit School Immunization Program (SIP) clinics.:

The University of St. Michael's College in the University of Toronto's Continuing Education Division invites you to join us on campus in the Charbonnel Lounge (81 St. Mary St., steps from the corner of Bay St. & St. Mary St.) on Saturday, March 1st from 9:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. for Oh, The Change We Will Make: Inspiring Social Impact through Children's Literature. 

This workshop will feature presentations from six celebrated children's authors & educators, followed by a hands-on session with social purpose leader Elisha Muskat, which will use the Social Change Map and Canvas Kit for Non-Profits to lead participants in making their own actionable plans for contributing to changemaking in their own communities. Register here

We are excited to announce that the Winter Well-Being Guide 2024-2025 is now available. The Guide is prepared by the Mental Health and Well-Being Committee, in collaboration with the Mental Health Leads and the System Leader for Mental Health and Professional Support Services.You can access it here: The Winter Well-Being Guide 2024-2025.

Winter Clothing Drive - The needs of TDSB families are greater than ever. These items represent a difficult purchase for many families, especially this year. Donate: To make a monetary donation, please click the link below. 100% of the donation value is eligible for a tax receipt. Donate to the Winter Clothing Drive 100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations benefit TDSB students. This year’s Winter Outerwear Drive will run from November to the end of February 2025. 

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) presents Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away, which examines the history and legacy of the most significant site of the Holocaust, for its exclusive Canadian showing. The exhibition opened on January 10, 2025, and runs to September 1, 2025.

This powerful exhibition arrived in Toronto just ahead of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz on January 27, 2025, "explores the dual identity of the Auschwitz camp as a physical setting — the largest documented mass murder site in human history — and as a symbol of the borderless manifestation of hatred and human atrocity."

As per the museum's website, this groundbreaking exhibition brought together more than 700 original objects and 400 photographs from over 20 institutions and museums around the world. Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away, is the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the history of Auschwitz and its role in the Holocaust ever presented in North America, and an unparalleled opportunity to confront the singular face of human evil—one that arose not long ago and not far away.

The public is invited to purchase tickets - more information can be found here.

Please note that a group of TDSB educators from the Jewish Heritage Committee (as reported at our last JHC Executive meeting) and members of TDSB Central Teaching and Learning Team (part of a team of educational advisors and partners to the ROM), were invited to an advance preview of the exhibit in December and began to plan how we would promote it internally to TDSB and that plan is currently underway…. We have messaged this important opportunity to teachers and all staff through DirectLine, administrators through the System Leaders Weekly, Trustees in Trustees Weekly and Social and World Studies and Humanities teachers through the department newsletter.

More information on school visits can be found here. 

Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to once again offer a series of drop-in sessions designed for parents/ guardians/caregivers on navigating special education resources and supports within the TDSB.

These informal gatherings provide a welcoming space for parents to learn about available services, ask questions, and connect with other families.
Facilitators will guide discussions on topics such as supporting student
transitions and exploring occupational therapy/ physiotherapy strategies to use at home with students. All drop-in sessions for the 2024-2025 school year can be found here.

TDSB Special Education Department Family Sessions
Drop-In 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
Get the link here Sensory and Motor team parent/guardian/caregiver VOH flyer

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.

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.

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