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As we approach the end of 2024, I hope the holiday season and winter break are kind to you, and that you are kind to each other. Throughout our schools, students and staff have been hosting concerts and supporting local communities in need of warm clothing and other essentials. This year, I joined colleagues in the Holiday Hamper program, and look forward to Christmas with my family.
Last month, I connected with parents and caregivers at our ward council meeting, and joined colleagues at a meeting with Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism appointed by President Biden. Both were productive discussions focussed on fostering sense of belonging in schools.
This month, trustees approved a by-election to fill the trustee vacancy in Don Valley West, and next steps in the Director of Education search. Read other updates from the boardroom below. You'll also find many January 2025 application dates to note including our January 23rd Ward Forum and PIAC election.
Lastly, I'd like to acknowledge the leadership and care by staff, and the calm by students, at schools that experienced hold and secures and lockdowns last week. Parents/caregivers at those schools would have received letters from the principals. If you have any questions, or your child requires support, please contact your school.
Wishing you a safe and joyous break until my next update in the new year.
Yours in Community,
Debbie King
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Meeting with Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, her staff, and trustee colleagues
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Ward 7 Meetings
Thank you to each of the school council reps, families, and staff who attended our second Ward Council & Community Meet and Greet in November. Hosted at Howard Junior Public School, we had a presentation on Indigenous Education followed by discussion about the upcoming PIAC election and ward priorities. Based on input from ward council discussions, our Thursday, January 23rd meeting will be a Ward Forum on Creating Thriving Classroom Communities. All families are invited to join us online for staff presentations and discussions about resources and practices that support positive experiences in elementary classrooms. We'll also hold elections for a Ward 7 PIAC representative at the forum. Registration will open at the start of January and can be found on my TDSB Ward 7 page.
Mark Your Calendar!
- Thurs Jan 23 Ward Forum: Creating Thriving Classroom Communities (6-8:30 online)
- Thurs Feb 20 (6-8pm online)
- Thurs Apr 10 (6-8pm hybrid)
- Thurs May 22 (6-8pm hybrid)
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Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) Ward 7 Representative Elections
The Parent Involvement Advisory Committee was formally established in 2010 under the Ontario Education Act "to support, encourage and enhance parent engagement in order to improve student achievement and well-being" (R.330/10,s.27). At our January ward forum, we will hold an election for a Parent Co-Rep for our Ward. We encourage anyone interested and who meets the criteria to apply to be elected! All nominees, electees and electors shall be Toronto District School Board parents/guardians, as defined by Ontario Regulations 612/00 and 330/10, and;
- reside in ward 7;
- have a TDSB-enrolled child who resides in Ward 7, or
- have a child who is enrolled in a TDSB school in Ward 7.
The position is a two-year term and commitment of approximately five hours each month attending commitee and working group meetings.
- Jan 6: Nominations and voter registration open
- Jan 13: Nominations close
- Jan 16: Voter registration closes and nominee bios shared
- Jan 23: Election at Ward Forum meeting
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Director's Annual Report
This month, TDSB launched the first-ever digital edition of the Director’s Annual Report, that reflects how Toronto District School Board communities came together to embrace opportunities to empower our students through learning, modernization, and compassion. I hope you will take the time to read the stories that showcase a year of growth, innovation and student success.
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In the Boardroom
A regular board meeting was held on December 11th. Review the complete meeting agenda here and video here.
Highlights from Chair's Announcements:
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Ontario Auditor General's Report
On December 3, 2024, Ontario’s Auditor General released her 2024 annual report which covered nine performance audits on various topics including the TDSB Safety, Financial Management and Capital. The Office of the Auditor General of Ontario first engaged with our staff in January of 2023 and ended in mid November of this year - almost two years. The Audit Committee and the entire Board is grateful to TDSB staff for their time and effort it took cooperating with the Auditor General. They provided the following response -
We thank the Auditor General and her office for their comprehensive review and recommendations. As the largest school board in Canada, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. We welcome the insights provided in this report, which examined aspects of our operations up to the 2022-2023 school year. While there is always more work to do, we have been actively working on many of the recommendations and have already made noteworthy progress. Most importantly, the safety and well-being of students and staff remain our highest priorities. We are taking concrete steps to implement the recommendations, including:
- Collaborating with the City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service to analyze and address community violence trends affecting our schools.
- Reviewing and enhancing our processes for Police Reference Checks and Annual Offence Declarations to promote safety and transparency.
- Strengthening our procedures for fire and lockdown drills to ensure they are conducted, recorded, and reviewed consistently across all schools. As of today, all schools across the TDSB are on track to have three of the six required fire drills and one of the two required Lockdown drills completed before the winter break.
- Launching a comprehensive Attendance Support Program in 2024-25, with a focus on reducing absenteeism and supporting staff wellness.
- Implementing the Capital Revitalization Strategy, launched in early 2024, to develop a long-term capital plan to improve the condition of facilities and learning spaces.
- Working with the Ministry of Education to address challenges posed by the moratorium on school closures.
The TDSB remains steadfast in our mission to create safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environments. We are confident that, with the support of the Ministry of Education and other partners, we can address the challenges outlined in this report and continue to meet the needs of our students, staff, and communities.”
With regard to the Auditor General's recommendations on the TDSB, we are holding a Special Audit Committee on Wednesday, December 18 to hear from staff regarding their responses to the recommendations and next steps.
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Response to Ministry of Education Funding Consultation
The submission responded to six Ministry of Education priority areas for feedback and twelve TDSB additional areas that should be prioritized to support all students to belong, achieve and thrive. Below, please find our Response Summary. Click here for TDSB's full Funding Consultation Response.
Ministry Priority Areas
- Core Education Funding Model Reform - Efforts to simplify funding streams have been helpful, but there are remaining complexities and misalignments for benchmarks that account for inflation and labor costs. The funding model must better support transportation, facilities, and local priorities to ensure equitable access and efficient resource allocation.
- Special Education - Special education is underfunded and as a result, funds are reallocated from other budgets. Recommendations include more flexible funding, reducing administrative burdens and re-evaluating what is allocated to urban boards to address complex student needs.
- Efficiencies and Reducing Administrative Burden - Providing school boards with reporting templates in advance and adding more functionality to reporting platforms would help staff collect and report data more efficiently.
- Community Use of Schools - Increased funding for the Community Use of Schools initiative can support stronger community engagement and after-school programming, which is vital to communities.
- Student Safety and Well-Being - Funds are essential for staff to support student well-being, yet many TDSB schools lack access to Urban and Priority High School funding to address growing needs.
- Safe and Accepting Schools - Funding is needed to appropriately address emerging needs in schools, given the rise of violent incidents in communities.
Other Priority Areas
- Mental Health and Well-Bein
- Curriculum Support and Professional Developmen
- Statutory Benefits and Absenteeism
- Technology and Cybersecurity
- Lifting the Moratorium on School Closure
- Addressing Inflation and Rising Costs
- School Facilities and Accessibility
- Priority on Ventilation Improvement
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TDSB Trustee By-Election to Fill Vacancy in Ward 11 Don Valley West
The Board recommended that the Toronto City Clerk be advised that pursuant to section 221(2) of the Education Act, the Board requires that an election be held to fill the vacancy created in the Toronto District School Board Ward 11 (Don Valley West),
The City Clerk provided the following information to the Board prior to the vote. The total cost for planning and delivering a TDSB Ward 11 Trustee by-election event in Q1 2025 is estimated to be between $500,000 and $540,000, excluding any applicable (and non-recoverable) HST costs. The Municipal Elections Act provides that the Board shall reimburse the City for its reasonable costs in conducting a by-election. The Director confirmed staff would pay for the election through taking $2/student from school budgets.
On Friday, the City of Toronto issued a news release - nominations are now open! The by-election has been called for Monday, March 3, 2025. For more information on nominations and voting, visit the City of Toronto website or TDSB Ward 11 webpage.
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2025 Kindergarden Registration
New this year, registration for all TDSB English Kindergarten programs will now begin in January! This change aligns with other system-wide application processes, making it easier for families to plan and decide on the best program options for their children.
Children who will be four years old by December 31, 2025, are eligible to start Junior Kindergarten in September 2025. Families can register their child online at tdsb.on.ca/kindergarten or in person at the school. Remember, even if you register online, you will need to validate your registration information in person at the school. Visit the Kindergarten at the TDSB, Before- and After-School Programs and Extended Day Programs webpages for more information.
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Elementary Alternative Applications
The TDSB offers a variety of Elementary Alternative Schools for students. The application process is streamlined and easy, with everything managed centrally through an online application form. Do not miss this chance to explore the unique educational opportunities available to your child! Elementary alternative shools in Ward 7 are:
- High Park Alternative PS
- Mountview Alternative PS
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Middle French Immersion Applications (Grade 4 entry)
For families interested in the TDSB’s system-wide French Immersion Program, we offer an online process to apply for Middle French Immersion (begins in Grade 4). To apply to the Middle French Immersion Program for September 2025, applications must be completed online between January 6 and 31, 2025. Families with an older sibling currently in a Middle French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. Ward 7 schools offering middle French immerion programs are:
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Out-of-Area Admissions
Elementary Out-of-Area Admissions
Online application form is open from January 6 to January 31, 2025 at 4 p.m.
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.
Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions
Online application form open from January 6 to January 24, 2025 at 4 p.m.
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.
Secondary Schools without a Boundary Admissions
The legacy technical and commercial boundaries for the five schools listed below have been dissolved to expand access to all students in Toronto. Beginning with admissions for September 2025, all interested students must apply for entry to a Secondary School without a Boundary (SSWAB) regardless of where they live (see below for details, including application deadline). The Secondary Schools without a Boundary are:
- Central Technical School
- Central Toronto Academy
- Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute
- Western Technical-Commercial School
- Northern Secondary School*
The technical and commercial boundaries that are currently showing on the “Find Your School” site only apply for entry during the 2024-25 school year. They do not provide access for those starting in September 2025. The application for SSWAB can be found within the Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions application. The application opens on January 6, 2025 and the deadline to apply is January 24, 2025 at 4 p.m. Find more information and details here.
Applicants can opt to apply for:
- One Out-of-Area Option
- One Secondary School without a Boundary Option
- Both an Out-of-Area option and a Secondary School without a Boundary option
If applying to both and if offered a seat in both, applicants may only accept the seat at one school.
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2025 Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP)
The Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP) was first created in 2019 in partnership with the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora at York University’s Faculty of Education. It was developed to enhance Black students’ agency, activism, and leadership skills as well as their engagement with active citizenship.
Through partnership with TDSB’s Research and Development Department, Continuing Education’s Focus on Youth Initiative and recently, the Co-operative Education Department, the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement facilitates this summer learning opportunity for Black students in Grades 10 to 12 at Toronto District School Board.
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2024-2025 Mental Health Toolkit
Unlock a healthier school year with the 2024-25 Mental Health and Well-Being Toolkit! Created by the Professional Support Services team in collaboration with School Mental Health Ontario and the Ministry of Education, it is designed to meet the diverse needs of students and families. The toolkit includes:
- Daily mental health and wellness activities for students
- Contacts for culturally relevant community agencies
- Wellness activities for students with disabilities
- Grief and loss resources in multiple languages
- Information on anti-sex trafficking, addiction, and more
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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 TDSB website to view session dates and themes.
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2024-2025 Special Education and Inclusion Drop-In Sessions
Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to offer drop-in sessions for parents, guardians, and caregivers. These sessions aim to provide 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 the flyer for upcoming dates, times and links.
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Resources for Parents, Guardians and Caregivers
TDSB is excited to share the revamped Resources for Parents, Guardians & Caregivers webpage! Content is now organized by helpful topics like Student Well-Being, Learning, and Engagement, making it easier than ever to find valuable resources. I encourage you to explore this new page and take advantage of the resources available to help you and your children thrive. You can easily access these resources by clicking the “Parents & Caregivers” button on the top bar of the TDSB homepage.
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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. Please note that when schools are closed, there will be no staff (such as principals and teachers) on-site to supervise students.
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 website 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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As winter approaches, many families in our community need warm clothing. That is why the TDSB has once again organized a Winter Outerwear Drive to collect funds for coats, hats, gloves, and boots for students. Since 2021, we have raised over $1.3 million in donations, helping more than 15,424 students in 307 schools. This drive supports our mission to remove barriers to learning and ensure students feel well and are ready to achieve. 100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations benefit TDSB students and 100% of the donation value is eligible for a tax receipt. Find more information and the donation link on the Winter Outerwear Drive page.
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Learn4Life Winter 2025 Registration
This winter, why not join thousands of adults and seniors in discovering new skills and interests with our fantastic general interest courses and senior programs? These amazing opportunities are brought to you by the TDSB Learn4Life Program.
Winter registration is now open, and courses kick off on January 11, 2025. Whether you are looking to dive into a new hobby or sharpen your skills, we have got something for everyone. Our fee-for-service programs are all about lifelong learning, offering a wide range of academic and recreational courses for adults in areas like languages, computers, fitness, wellness, music, and arts. Visit learn4life.ca to learn more and register today for both in-person and online programs. Let's make this winter a season of growth and fun together!
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