email : Webview : Trustee Update - Sept 2024

Welcome to the 2024-24 School Year!

I hope you and your family had a safe and enjoyable summer. As the new school year has begun, I am filled with anticipation and excitement for the opportunities and growth that lie ahead for TDSB students and communities.

As the elected public school board trustee for Ward 12, Willowdale, my role is to advocate for your school community and to represent the needs of all students and families in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). I am

extremely proud of the progress we have made in strengthening student achievement, fostering a sense of belonging, and spreading joy throughout our schools and community.

Wishing you a positive start to the 2024-2025 school year. I am here to support your community along the way, ensuring a successful and rewarding educational journey for your child.

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:

2024-25 School Year Calendar

Welcome to a new school year! It’s hard to believe the summer break has come and gone. For important dates for the 2024-2025 school year, please visit the School Year Calendar for a list of important dates.

Professional Activity (PA) Days

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.

Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools

Beginning on September 1, 2024, the Ministry of Education has provided new direction around cell phone and mobile device use in all Ontario schools. By reducing the distraction of cell phones and mobile devices, together we can create more focused and engaging learning environments for students. Learn more at www.tdsb.on.ca/mobiledeviceuse or contact your child’s school with any questions.

Phased-in Start for Student Transportation

The Toronto Student Transportation Group will once again be implementing a phased-in start for student transportation to provide a more consistent service for families and to ensure that students with special education needs are prioritized and receive bus service beginning the first week of school. Learn more about the phased-in start for student transportation.

Back to School on the TTC

The TTC is an easy and affordable way for TDSB staff and students to travel to and from school and in the fall, TTC increases service to elementary and secondary schools across the city. Learn about planning your trip, safety tips and more!

Managing Heat in Schools and Classrooms

In September, we sometimes still experience very warm days. Learn more about how schools and staff take action to manage the heat and keep the temperature in classrooms as comfortable as possible.

Anaphylaxis - Taking the Necessary Precautions

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can be life threatening. This medical condition can cause a severe reaction to specific foods or other materials and can result in death within minutes. If your child has health problems of any kind, please inform your child's teacher or office staff so that the necessary health protection steps may be taken to ensure everyone's co-operation for a safe learning environment.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

As we enter a new school year, families are encouraged to teach children of all ages the rules of the road. Children under ten should be accompanied by adults or older children when crossing the street, as their judgment and perceptual skills are still immature. By starting to learn the rules of road at a young age, by age ten when a child can act independently, these rules will be second nature. Visit the City’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan webpage to learn more.

Grade 8 Summer Reach Ahead Opportunity

Current Grade 8 students are eligible to register for the e-Summer Full Credit Summer Reach Ahead course (GLD2OE). Successful completion of this course counts towards the Ministry of Education’s mandatory e-Learning credit requirement. Registration for the Reach Ahead course has begun! Learn More.

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day

Monday, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. The TDSB will honour this day and for more background, please visit the Urban Indigenous Education Centre website.

Continuing Education Programming

Did you know the TDSB offers Continuing Education Programming in our communities? Explore learning opportunities available for children, families, adults, and visitors at the TDSB this fall:

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.

Upcoming Meetings

The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.

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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