Combatting Hate In Our Schools
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 a portal 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.
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 centralizing in the Human Rights Office to ensure for consistency of process.
Please feel free to email me if you want to share your personal experience or require help with reporting any incidents of hate.
In Our Communities
Report any allegations of hate-motivated crimes to police for investigation at 416-808-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. We 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.
Toronto Police provide new online option to report hate-motivated graffiti
Toronto Police Service is launching a new option for the public to provide information to police about hate-motivated graffiti in their neighbourhoods. The web form, available on the Service’s website, provides an additional avenue for the public to alert police to hate-motivated graffiti, so officers can attend, gather evidence and arrange for the hate-motivated graffiti to be removed as quickly as possible. This reporting mechanism will be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Coping During War & Conflict: Video Series and Culturally Responsive Resources
I know our community is going through a period of unprecedented challenges, and we understand that it's crucial to find effective ways to manage our well-being. A video series and related resources have been developed by TDSB staff and expert facilitators to offer coping strategies during war and conflict to support the emotional and mental wellness of students, parents/guardians/caregivers, staff, and the broader community. Visit the Affinity Wellness webpage for videos and resources.
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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:
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Reduce the Spread of Respiratory Viruses
Please remember, as we head into the cooler months and respiratory virus activity increases, I encourage you to review this information from Toronto Public Health about how to prevent the spread of infections in schools and communities.
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Central Student Interest Programs
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Status of Child Care Services (Funding)
This week the Chair of the TDSB sent a public advocacy letter to the Minister of Education regarding our significant funding concerns related to child care services across the city. For more detailed information regarding the Board’s concerns, please review the letter posted on our public webpage.
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High School Open Houses and Information Nights
Please join us between November and January for organized open houses and information sessions aimed at aiding your decision in choosing the right school for your child. These events are tailored to provide information for parents/guardians/caregivers and students. I encourage you to visit our website, where you'll find detailed information on dates and times for the upcoming Open Houses and Information Nights.
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Early French Immersion (Junior Kindergarten Entry) Application Deadline
If your family is interested in the Toronto District School Board's system-wide French Immersion Program, we are pleased to offer an online process to apply for Early French Immersion (which begins in Junior Kindergarten). To apply to the Early French Immersion Program for September 2024, please complete the online applications between November 6 and December 1, 2023. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. For more information, please visit: Early French Immersion or the Application Process.
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Professional Activity (PA) Days
As you know, during the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. Starting this school year, boards of education are now required to publicly share detailed information about PA Days, as outlined in Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 151. Please note, all information and details will be posted to www.tdsb.on.ca/PAdays at least 14 days in advance of the scheduled PA Day. Information for the upcoming PA Day on November 17 will be posted on the PA Day web page on November 3.
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November is Indigenous Education Month
We are proud to celebrate Indigenous Education Month throughout the month of November. Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to 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 to remember to center First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities across the TDSB every day. Please visit the UIEC website for more information.
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Hindu Heritage Month
At the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), we are proud to recognize Hindu Heritage Month during the month of November. This 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, tolerance, and inclusion.This year’s theme is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakum: The World is One Family. Visit the Hindu Heritage webpage for more information.
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Job Opportunity – Come work with the TDSB Trustees
I am happy to share an exiting employment opportunity. We are looking to expand our roster of Shared Services Liaisons (SSLs) at the TDSB. SSLs are casual employees, who provide support to Trustees (and occasionally other TDSB departments) on an as- needed basis. They often assist with the planning and implementation of Ward meetings (both in- person and virtual) or provide additional support to trustees with things like research, newsletter prep, community outreach and more! To learn more, or to apply, click here! Please note, the deadline for applications is Friday, November 17th at 12 noon.
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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.
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Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
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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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