November 24, 2024

Every year on the fourth Saturday in November, Ukraine, Canada and the world commemorate Holodomor Memorial Day. We gather in our communities to remember and honour the millions of victims of the Holodomor.

This year was the 91st commemoration of this genocidal famine in Ukraine... we remember.

For more information, please click here https://education.holodomor.ca/holodomor-memorial-day/.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women will mark the launch of the UNiTE campaign (Nov 25- Dec 10) — an initiative of 16 days of activism concluding on the day that commemorates the International Human Rights Day (10 December).

 

Information taken from https://www.un.org/en/observances/ending-violence-against-women-day

This 2024 campaign Every 10 Minutes, a woman is killed. #NoExcuse. UNiTE to End Violence against Women will draw attention to the alarming escalation of violence against women to revitalize commitments, call for accountability and action from decision-makers.

Within the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women issued by the UN General Assembly in 1993, defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”

This affects women at all stages of their life, including education, employment, and opportunities. Some women and girls, such as those in vulnerable situations or humanitarian crises, migrants, LGTBI, indigenous people or those with disabilities, face greater risk.

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

View full schedule of meetings for 2024-2025 here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings

Wednesday, November 27, 2024 – Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee Meeting - 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

Every school year, actual enrolments for the schools are collected and compiled at the end of each week in September and then at the end of each month for the rest of the school year. 

The elementary enrolment as of September 30, 2024, was 163,523 head count which was slightly below projection by 217 students (-0.13%). This enrolment is an increase from the previous year, September 30, 2023, of 460 students (0.28%).

The secondary enrolment as of September 30, 2024, was 75,315 head count which was slightly above projection by 165 students (0.22%). This enrolment is an increase from the previous year, September 30, 2023, of 1,454 students (1.97%).

As a system (elementary and secondary panels), the total enrolment as of September 30, 2024, was 238,838 head count which was slightly below projection by 52 students (0.02%). This is an increase from the previous year, September 30, 2023, of 1,914 students (0.81%). 

Interestingly, in 2024, 965 TDSB elementary school students left the system for private school and 588 came to the TDSB from private school. Last year 994 left and 554 came. In 2024 135 TDSB secondary students left the system for private school and 521 came to the TDSB from private school. Last year 124 left and 523 came. This is counter-intuitive to the narrative many of us have been hearing.

Read the full report here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Agendas-Minutes/Type/A?Folder=Agenda%2f20241127&Filename=5.4.pdf

From the Executive Summary to the Annual Report: Final Submission on the 2025-26 Education Funding Engagement Guide.   

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is committed to creating learning environments where all students can achieve, belong and thrive. As Canada’s largest school board, we have significant needs to support safe and modern learning spaces that offer appropriate special education supports, resources to support mental health, well-being and safety, and access to reliable and up-to-date technology for all students.

Currently, existing funding gaps are having an impact on student achievement, mental health, and overall well-being. These gaps must be addressed in order to effectively meet the evolving needs of students across TDSB schools.   This year’s submission both addresses questions from the Ministry of Education and focuses on some key areas for change, from core education funding model reform to strengthening special education as well as student and staff safety and well-being.  

Our submission also focuses on additional priority areas for funding support, such as strengthening cyber security, lifting the moratorium on school closures and improving investments in devices and digital resources for students. It also identifies a need to increase funding for curriculum supports and professional development to align with the Ministry’s Student Achievement Plan. Expanding support for Caring and Safe Schools, so that they have wrap-around services to support students in a rapidly changing world is also a top priority. At the core of this submission, is the desire to keep pace with the changing dynamics and needs of our school communities, while upholding student academic achievement and well-being so they can access their own pathways to success.  

The TDSB is grateful for the opportunity to provide feedback on how we can create a better future for our students and the diverse communities we serve across nearly 600 schools in our region.  

In addition to answering the Ministry’s questions, staff highlighted additional priority areas (not in order of importance) for the TDSB, outlined below:

From the PIAC Post

Get to know who your parent
community is and provide the supports
that they need for student success.
Build relationships between home and
school with community events that
foster understanding between staff and
families.
Ensure parents are represented on
School Committees to connect parent
voice to school planning.

Parent Engagement is more than coming
out to School Council. It is more than
participating in the school’s parent
agenda. It is the relationship between
home and school that supports and
improves student outcomes.

Research shows when parents are
engaged:

When families are part of a respectful relationship with their school and learning is supported at home, students thrive.

See PIAC’s Parent Engagement page for ideas on getting engaged at your school.

Registration for the winter semester of the Learn4Life program opened on November 13th. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) offers a wide range of Adult General Interest and Seniors Daytime classes through the Learn4Life program.

These classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, stay active, and connect with others in your community.

Led by expert instructors, Learn4Life offers courses in Arts, Business, Computers, Cooking, Crafts, Dance, Finance, Fitness, Languages, Music, Sports, Sewing, and much more!

Registration is now open and we really need to fill the courses to ensure the viability of the programs.

Please visit learn4life.ca to learn more.

The application to the Early French Immersion program will remain an online process and applications must be completed online between November 4 and November 29, 2024. 

An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program at the same school are still required to complete an online application for the new student. For more information, please visit: Application Early French Immersion.

At any time, please visit the TDSB French Language Programs webpage to view a video that provides information about the TDSB French Language programs, as well as, the application and placement process in the Early French Immersion and the Middle French Immersion programs. More information about the Early Immersion Program is available in 22 languages, or view the application video. 

November is the start of the Grade 8 to 9 Transition period. Over the next few months, secondary schools will be hosting Open Houses and Information Nights for current Grade 8 students and their parents/guardians and caregivers. You should be receiving information from your school - but the information and links below will assist Grade 8 students and families in planning for a smooth transition from Grade 8 to 9:

Open Houses and Information Sessions

TDSB Beyond 8 website

Beyond 8 Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Elementary Out-of-Area Admissions website - Online application form is open from January 6 to January 31, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions website - Online application form open from January 6 to January 24, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Secondary Schools without a Boundary

 

Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application Process 

Did you know 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 is available on the Elementary Alternative Schools Application and Admissions Process webpage.  

The online application for admission for September 2025 will be open from Monday, January 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. to Friday, January 31, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. 

We encourage you to take part in information sessions and/or open houses for students and parents/guardians/caregivers in late November 2024 to mid-January 2025. More information is available on the Elementary School Open Houses and Information Nights webpage.  

TDSB staff is hosting two Elementary Alternative Schools live webinars, including one daytime and one evening session. Registration is required, and a recording of the webinars will be posted on the Elementary Alternative Schools Application and Admissions Process webpage. 

Register here:

Daytime Session - Tuesday, November 26 from 1:00PM to 2:00PM

Evening Session - Tuesday, November 26 from 7:00PM to 8:00PM 

 

Students with Special Education Needs

Students with an exceptionality for whom a change in setting or program is being considered for grade 9 will be discussed at the Annual IPRC Review. Students with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and no formal identification, will be discussed at the School Support Team (SST) meeting. Please note this meeting will occur with the parent(s)/guardian(s)/caregiver(s).

Supporting the Grade 8 to 9 Transition for Students with Special Education Needs
Virtual sessions for Parents/Caregivers - November 4th and December 3rd
Register here 

 

Elementary Out-of-Area Admissions

The Elementary Out-of-Area Admissions application process will open on January 6, 2025.

Students have the opportunity to access schools outside of the school that is designated to serve their home address by applying for Out-of-Area Admissions. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability. Find more information and details here.

If you are interested in attending a school other than your designated school by address, applicants can submit one online application. When applying for Out-of-Area admissions, applicants may include one (1) school choice in their application.

Transportation is the responsibility of the applicant when attending an Out-of-Area school.

Applicants may select Regular program, Early Immersion or a Middle/Extended Immersion Program. If selecting a French program, the applicant must already be enrolled or registered for the selected French program.

Students applying for Out-of-Area Admissions in JK should also still register at their local/designated school by address in case they are not selected at their requested school. If selected, the parent/guardian/caregiver must notify the local school.

 

Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions
The Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions application process will open on January 6, 2025.

Students have the opportunity to access schools outside of the school that is designated to serve their home address by applying for Out-of-Area Admissions. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability. Find more information and details here.

If you are interested in attending a school other than your designated school by address, applicants can submit one online application. When applying for Out-of-Area admissions, applicants may include one (1) school choice in their application. Applicants may also include one (1) Secondary School without a Boundary choice in their application.

Transportation is the responsibility of the applicant when attending an Out-of-Area school.

I included all the Qs and As in last week's update - please click here to access them all - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Going-to-High-School/Beyond-8/FAQ.

To help you make an informed decision when choosing a school, TDSB schools will host in-person open houses and information sessions for parents/guardians and students between November and January. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. If you have questions about a specific school or open house, please contact the school directly for more information.

Note: Please check this page regularly, as secondary schools will continue to post information about open house dates/times.

To locate your designated elementary home school by address, please Find Your School - By Address. Schools that offer Central Student Interest Programs and local programs will host open houses and information sessions for parents/guardians and students between November and February. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools and programs. If you have questions about a specific school, please visit the school’s website or contact the school directly for more information.

Note: Please check this page regularly, as elementary schools will continue to post information about open house dates/times.

New City of Toronto Registration System Create an account, view the complete list of winter programs and get your wish list ready before winter registration opens. Visit http://toronto.ca/OnlineReg for details and get ready for an amazing winter season! 

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. 

Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy - NEW

Objective - To outline requirements for the appropriate use of Personal Mobile Devices by students, staff and other members of the TDSB School Community at schools; to advance a conducive learning environment and promote responsible Digital Citizenship; and to reduce negative impacts of excessive screen time and social media use on students’ achievement, well-being, and mental health.  

Draft New Policy [docx] Draft New Policy [pdf]

Please provide your questions, comments and suggestions related to the draft Policy to: mobiledevicepolicy@tdsb.on.ca by December 10, 2024.

 

Student Leadership Policy (P070)

Objective: To further the Board's commitment of expanding platforms for student voice and establishing a governance framework for equitable, effective and efficient student representation and leadership across the system. To affirm the leadership roles of Student Council, Student Presidents’ Council, Student Senate and Student Trustees in advancing interests and aspirations of TDSB students and the promotion of effective communication. To provide resources and opportunities in order to build and foster a diverse group of student leaders.

P070 -Draft for Consultation

Please provide your questions, comments and suggestions related to the draft Policy tol: tdsbpolicyconsultation@tdsb.on.ca by December 13, 2024.

REVISED UPDATE RE TIMING -

Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy - Two-Year Working Plan Updates

The first phase of working groups began in the 2023/24 school year and concentrated on addressing Antisemitism and Islamophobia. Note the Islamophobia Strategy will be presented at a Special PPC on December 4, 2024 along with other items on the agenda - Those responsible for the Antisemitism Strategy have asked for more time to consult with students - it will come to PPC in January or February depending on the consultation.

In the second phase, scheduled for the 2024/25 school year, the focus will shift to anti-Asian Racism, as well as Homophobia and Transphobia. The working group addressing anti-Indigenous racism is also part of the second phase. It is being led and coordinated by the Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC) and its elders council, following the UIEC’s established process. Similarly, the working group addressing anti-Black racism will be led and coordinated by the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement in collaboration with its elders council and community process.

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. 

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. 

Note: the next PA Day for the 2024-25 school year is November 29, 2024 for both elementary and secondary students.

Federation Day (Elementary Teachers of Toronto)
Target Audience: All Staff – Elementary Topics: Literacy, Mathematics, Curriculum Implementation, Student Well-Being and Belonging Description: Educators will engage in a variety of professional learning workshops focused on effective strategies to support student learning centred on the following: K-8 Instructional Strategies, Literacy Instruction K-8, Mathematics Instruction K-8, Student Well-Being K-8, Anti-Bullying Skills For the Classroom. Professional Learning will also consider factors such as equity and human rights in education, anti-racism and anti-discrimination, and equitable learning opportunities for students.

Target Audience: All Staff – Secondary Topics: PA Day- Professional Learning Foci Description: Educators will engage in a variety of professional learning sessions focused on effective strategies to support student learning. The sessions are centred on the following: Literacy and Mathematics: Destreamed Grade 9 English curriculum, Destreamed Grade 9 Math curriculum, High-impact Instructional Practices in Mathematics, Universal Design for Learning, Differentiated Instruction and Assessment Curriculum implementation New Destreamed Grade 9 Geography, New Grades 9-10 Business Studies curriculum, New Grades 9-10 Technological Education curriculum, Updated Grade 10 Career Studies curriculum, Making connections to skilled trades, transferable skills and apprenticeship & STEM

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.

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.

Kindergarten Registration 2025

New this year, registration for all TDSB English Kindergarten programs will begin in January.

We are opening the registration window a month earlier to better align with other system-wide application processes such as Out-of-Area and Alternative Schools.

This alignment will streamline timelines for families and support their decision-making around possible program options for their child(ren). 

Children who will be four by December 31, 2025, can start Junior Kindergarten in September 2025. Learn more about Kindergarten at the TDSB, Before- and After-School Programs and Extended Day Programs.

Celebrate Your Healthy School - OPHEA Healthy Schools Certification

Have you registered yet to become a Healthy School for the 2024/2025 school year? Schools, including those that have been certified in the past, must register each year. Healthy Schools Certification gives your school the tools to promote and enhance the health and well-being of students, school staff, and the broader school community. 

To learn more about the Healthy Schools Certification Program, please review the Healthy Schools Certification Guidebook 2024-2025. Please note, registration closes on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (ET).

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.

November is Indigenous Education Month. The Urban Indigenous Education Centre will host virtual events to support students and staff to learn from Indigenous Peoples.  Resources can be found on the Urban Indigenous Education Centre website.

Throughout the month of November, students, staff, and community members 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 that we remember to centre First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities across the TDSB every day.

This month places emphasis on creating opportunities to learn from Indigenous perspectives on treaties, leadership, achievements, resurgence, futurities, and creativity. 

November is Hindu Heritage Month

November 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, peace, 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). 

As part of the celebrations to mark Hindu Heritage Month during the month of November, all TDSB students were invited to be creative and submit an image to the Hindu Heritage Month Poster Design Challenge. Congratulations to Forest Hill Jr/Sr student Laksh, grade 4 who won the Hindu Heritage Month Poster Challenge! 

School Council Professional Learning 

Each year the Parent/Caregiver and Community Engagement Office (PCCEO) provides training opportunities for School Councils across the system to support the important work of School Councils. This year's sessions are: School Council 101, School Improvement Plan & School Statement of Needs and Leading Effective Engagement.

Go to the TDSB School Council Workshops page for session details and to register or please refer to the charts below for all upcoming events and log in details. We hope you take advantage of these opportunities.

Upcoming Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Sessions:

Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The following are the dates for the upcoming parent/caregiver/guardian session offered by the Special Education and Inclusion Department:

Imagine a Canada

The Imagine a Canada 2024-2025 program invites Canadian youth from K-G12 and CÉGEP to envision a Canada reconciled. 

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) is inviting youth across the nation to Imagine a Canada through the lens of Reconciliation!

Youth who participate in the art and essay stream can submit an art piece, essay, or other representation to express their vision of a reconciled Canada and what they hope others will learn from their submission. Up to twelve projects will be selected from the art and essay stream to be included in an art booklet showcasing their work and message. 

Youth who participate in the project stream are asked to go one step further and submit a plan on how their project will address Reconciliation in their community or school. Projects for consideration include: inviting Survivors, Elders, or Knowledge Keepers to speak at a series of learning events; building a permanent art installation representing Reconciliation at the school; or supporting volunteer work in communities related to Reconciliation.

Six projects from the project stream will receive $750, six will receive $1000, and three will receive $1500. Additionally, these projects will also be recognized in an art booklet.
Youth from select projects in both streams will be invited to participate in virtual leadership training exercises. You can find more information about the Imagine a Canada program on our website: buff.ly/3n5KaWx.

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

 

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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