www.tdsb.on.ca/ward8
@shelleylaskin
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Shelley Laskin, Trustee
Toronto District School Board
Ward 8: Eglinton-Lawrence & Toronto-St Paul's
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416-395-8787
Shelley.Laskin@tdsb.on.ca
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Please don't forget to thank your Caretakers as you go back to school Tuesday! They have been busy all long weekend clearing paths to make it as safe as possible! |
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- Toronto Left Out of Provincial Funding for New Schools
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Special Education and Inclusion Guides
- Board Meeting This Week
- Provincial Election 2025
- Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) - 2025 Provincial Election January 27, 2025
- 2025 Ward 11 - Don Valley West Trustee By-Election
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New Policy Consultations - Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students and Learning Opportunity Index including public opportunities
- Community Dialogue: Specifically for Black Parents, Caregivers and Families
- Summer Reach Ahead Program
- TDSB Budget - Quick Facts in Focus
- Joint Virtual Ward Forum March 20, 2025
- New Invitations
- Reporting Hate
- Professional Activity (PA) Day
- 2024-25 School Year Calendar
- Proposed 2025-26 School Year Calendar
- Useful Links
- Worth Repeating...
- Dogs Are Not Allowed on School Property
- Community Safety and Support
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Previous Weekly Updates posted here. |
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Toronto Left out of Provincial Funding for New Schools |
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TDSB News Release Feb 10, 2025
Trustees with the Toronto District School Board are calling on the Province to help fund new schools and renovations in Toronto after a recent $1.3 billion provincial announcement completely omitted projects in Canada’s largest school board.
On average, TDSB’s 579 schools are more than 60 years of age and many require urgent repairs, renovations and/or replacement. The Auditor General recently found that “TDSB school buildings on average are in the worst condition in Ontario,” with the Financial Accountability Office reporting that 84% of buildings are now below a state of good repair.
School boards, including the TDSB, submit up to 5 projects for consideration each year, however none were approved despite the urgent need.
The projects submitted to this year’s Capital Priorities Program were intended to revitalize spaces for students and teachers, from:
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- A new school at 770 Don Mills Road for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.
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Replacing St. Margaret’s Public School for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.
- Replacing Secord Elementary School for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5.
- A new addition at Davisville Junior Public School.
- A standalone school for Indigenous students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.
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In addition to not receiving capital funding, the TDSB continues to face an approximate $4.5 billion maintenance and repair backlog. Despite increased provincial funding, the backlog continues to rise and is compounded by the current moratorium on school closures which has been in place since 2017 which restricts the TDSB’s ability to consolidate schools. As a result, the board spends desperately needed money on older and/or low enrolment schools, while limiting the breadth of programming for students.
Quick Facts
In 2023-24 TDSB received $293.2 million in funding to maintain buildings, while spending exceeded $447.1 million in the same year as the maintenance backlog grew by approx. $70 million
As of January 2025, there were 730 projects actively under construction and another 335 projects in the works.
“As Chair of Canada's largest school board, it is difficult to accept that not a single child in Toronto will benefit from 25,000 new student spaces. While $1.3 billion is being spent on construction across the province, Toronto District School Board was notified that our five submitted school projects would not receive funding. This lack of recognition and commitment is troubling. TDSB students, families, and educators deserve investments in our schools to deliver the best education possible for the future of Ontario.”
- Neethan Shan, Chair, TDSB
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Special Education and Inclusion Guides for Parents/ Guardians/Caregivers |
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The TDSB’s Special Education and Inclusion Department is excited to share their Guides for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers video series!
These videos provide an overview of our Guides to Special Education, designed to help families understand the programs, services, and supports available to students.
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From learning about Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to navigating the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process, these resources are here to support you every step of the way.
We encourage you to explore the full guides on the Special Education and Inclusion website, where you’ll also find\additional Special Education resources for families.
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Guide to Special Education and Inclusion
This guide provides information about programs and services for students with special education needs, including procedures involved in identifying a student as exceptional and in deciding on program placement. -
Guide to The Referral Process
This guide will help you better understand the Referral Process for special education programs and services in the TDSB. Should you require additional information about the process, please contact your child’s teacher or principal. -
Guide to Identification, Placement and Review Committees (IPRCs)
This guide explains the role of and processes involving Identification, Placement and Review Committees (IPRCs), outlines your rights as a parent and describes how your partnership is key to ensuring the appropriate decisions are made for your child. -
Guide to Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
This guide explains what an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is, outlines your rights as a parent and describes how your partnership is key to ensuring the appropriate programming (assessment and instruction) decisions are made for your child. -
Guide to Special Education Program Recommendation Committee (SEPRC)
This guide explains the process used by TDSB to address its duty to accommodate students who have complex physical/medical/safety needs and/or complex disabilities/special education needs. -
Guide to Speech-Language Pathology Services
This guide outlines the role of Speech-Language pathologists (SLPs) in supporting students, detailing the types of services offered, eligibility criteria, and the processes for assessment, intervention, and collaboration with educators and families. -
Guide to Psychological Services
This guide outlines the role of Psychology Services in supporting students, detailing the types of services offered, eligibility criteria, and the processes for assessment, intervention, and collaboration with educators and families. -
Guide to Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Services
This guide outlines the role of Occupational and Physiotherapy Services supporting students, detailing the types of services offered, eligibility criteria, and the processes for assessment, intervention, and collaboration with educators and families.
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- 14.1 Governance and Policy Committee, Report No. 2, January 27, 2025
- 1. P100, Review of Student Interest Programs, Phase 1 and Proposed Options: Admission and Application Requirements and Seating Priorities
- 2. Business Arising: Consultation Process and Academic Performance Data in Review of Student Interest Program
- 3. Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy, Phase 5: New Policy
- 4. P013, Revisions to the Out-of-Area Admissions Policy
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5. PR592, Naming Schools, Teams, and Special Purpose Areas: Critical Review Recommendation
- 14.2 Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Report No. 3, January 30, 2025
- 1. Contract Awards, Facilities
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2. First Quarter Interim Financial Report: 2024-25
- 3. Three-Year Enrolment Projections: 2025-26 to 2027-28
- 4. Business Arising: Response to the Ministry of Education's 2025 Capital Priorities Announcement
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14.3 Program and School Services Committee. Report No. 2, February 5, 2025
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1. Urban Indigenous Community Advisory Committee: Revised Inclusion of Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (TRC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) in the Multi-Year Strategic Plan
- 2. Urban Indigenous Community Advisory Committee: Advocacy for Indigenous Education New-Build Funding
- 3. Early Years Community Advisory Committee: Continuation of Current Model
- 4. School Year Calendar 2025-2026
- 5. Math Achievement Action Plan: Report Two for 2024-2025
- 6. Review and Reinstatement of Wellness Week at R.H. King Academy
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14.4 Planning and Priorities Committee, Report No. 3, February 12, 2025
- 1. Toronto Lands Corporation: Lease and License Approvals
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2. Update: Affirming Jewish Identities and Addressing Antisemitism and the Combatting Hate and Racism Strategy
- 3. Business Arising: Statement re Report Regarding Affirming Jewish Identities and Addressing Antisemitism and the Combatting Hate and Racism Strategy
- 4. Business Arising: Update to the Roadmap to the Combatting Hate and Racism Strategy
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5. Community Use of Schools: Permit Fees and Cost Recovery [Referred Without Recommendation]
- 6. Attendance Boundary Changes for Humberside Collegiate Institute, Runnymede Collegiate Institute and York Memorial Collegiate Institute
- 7. Program Area Review for North Bendale Junior Public School and Tredway Woodsworth Public School
- 8. Secondary Alternative Schools Program Review Interim Report
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9. Internal Review of Special Education Programs and Placements
- 10. Education on International Holocaust Remembrance Day
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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.
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Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) - 2025 Provincial Election January 27, 2025 |
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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:
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2025 Ward 11 - Don Valley West - Trustee By-Election |
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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. at Marc Garneau CI or York Mills CI. 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.
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New Policy Consultations - We'd like to hear from you |
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.
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.
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 in early Apri 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
Learning Opportunities Index (LOI) Public Policy Consultations
TDSB Trustees and Research and Development staff will be hosting four public consultation sessions across the city on the draft Learning Opportunities Index (LOI) Policy. These sessions ensure families, students, and community members have the opportunity to learn about the LOI and how it is used to support schools.
We are committed to creating inclusive and accessible meetings for everyone. If you have specific concerns related to accessibility, or require childcare or interpretation services, please indicate when registering, email research@tdsb.on.ca or call 416-394-7404.
There will be opportunities to ask questions and share feedback on the dates listed below:
Please use the RSVP form to let us know you will be attending. Click here to view the flyer.
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West End LOI Public Consultation Date and Time: Thursday, February 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: In person at 1 Civic Centre Court, Etobicoke, ON M9C 2B3
- East End LOI Public Consultation Date and Time: Thursday, March 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: In person at 140 Borough Drive, Scarborough, ON M5S 2R5
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Downtown LOI Public Consultation Date and Time: Tuesday, March 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: In person at Central Technical School, 725 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2R5
- Virtual LOI Public Consultation Date and Time: Thursday, March 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: Webinar link will be shared on Thursday, March 20
- Hybrid LOI Public Consultation Date and Time: Thursday, April 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Location: Hybrid (in person and virtual) meeting at 5050 Yonge Street, North York, ON M2N 5N8 with virtual link shared on Thursday, April 3
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Community Dialogue: Specifically for Black Parents, Caregivers, and Families |
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On behalf of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, we are excited to invite you to a community dialogue event designed specifically for Black Parents, Caregivers, and Families. This in-person session is a key step in developing a comprehensive Anti-Black Racism Strategy, and your input will play a crucial role in shaping its direction.
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Grade 8 to 9 Reach Ahead Summer Program |
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TDSB is pleased to share important updates regarding the upcoming Summer Reach Ahead Program.
This year, the program will be offered in-person at five locations: ○ Danforth Technical and Collegiate Institute ○ David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute ○ Dr. Norman Bethune Collegiate Institute ○ Western Technical-Commercial School ○ Westview Centennial Secondary School
The TAS1O1 – Exploring Technology course will be available exclusively through Continuing Education and offered only in person. Please note that e-Summer School will not offer any remote Reach Ahead courses this year. For more information, please visit our website.
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TDSB Budget - Quick Facts in Focus |
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JOINT VIRTUAL WARD FORUM - Stop the Hate – Creating Understanding In times of Geopolitical Conflict |
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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.
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Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Offerings - African Heritage/Black History Month - February 2025
Click here to explore upcoming opportunities for students, staff, and community offered by the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement.
Honouring African Heritage Experiences
People of African descent have a rich legacy of cultural practices and traditions across generations. The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, in collaboration with various community educators, is excited to offer diverse learning experiences focused on honouring and affirming African, African-Caribbean, and Black students' identities. These African-centred programming and learning experiences provide opportunities for students, staff, caregivers, and community members. Click here to find the menu for February.
Power of Stories with Itah Sadu
Virtual Student Opportunity (Grades K-8)
February 18 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Click here to register.
Black Space Innovators Canadian Multicultural Inventors Museum
Virtual Student Opportunity (Grades 4-8)
February 26 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Click here to register.
Pre-Kindergarten to Kindergarten Africentric 10th Anniversary Event
Join us at the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement on February 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This collaborative event with the Early Years Department welcomes Black families and families raising Black children to a Pre-Kindergarten to Kindergarten Africentric 10th Anniversary Event. The event features a Caregiver & Keynote Workshop by Dr. Kerry-Ann Escayg along with interactive Africentric learning experiences for Black children 3 to 7 years old. Click here to register.
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| Workshop – Create A Meaningful Connection with Your Child in a Hyper-Connected World – February 25 at 6:30 - FHCI Auditorium - 730 Eglinton St W
Forest Hill CI's School Council is inviting all parents and caregivers and guardians to join Ulrica Jobe on Tuesday, February 25 at 6:30 for a workshop: Create a Meaningful Connection with Your Child in a Hyper-Connected World. This workshop is Part 1 of a 2 part series and will focus on five key elements to consider as a parent or guardian that can directly impact the relationship with your child. Part 2 will focus on how to create meaningful connection when facing our age of technology. Please join us for an evening of learning. Refreshments will be provided. RSVP by completing this form.
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Save the Date! March 6th with Calissa Ngozi - sponsored by Allenby Parents
Worried about your child’s online safety? Parents and students are welcome to join this interactive event with award-winning child mental health expert, Calissa Ngozi.
Date: March 6
Time: 7 pm
Location: Zoom, link to be provided
RSVP: here
Calissa Ngozi is an award-winning inspirational speaker and TV and media guest expert—as seen on The Social, CP24, Global News, Breakfast Television, CHCH, and more.
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EVENT OVERVIEW:
Join Calissa Ngozi for an engaging presentation titled “Be a Digital Defender: Safety & Kindness in the Online World.” This session will explore the critical importance of online safety, media literacy, and recognizing online bullying, including being culturally inclusive. She will share kid-friendly tips and strategies for identifying and combating harmful behaviours and engage participants in interactive scenarios to foster discussion. Additionally, we will delve into the connection between social media and mental health, emphasizing the significance of confidence and a supportive environment in making positive online choices. Together, we will empower our community to create a kinder, safer digital space for everyone. I'm a new paragraph block.
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| 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.
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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).
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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.
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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
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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.
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Professional Activity (PA) Day |
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.
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2024-2025 School Year Calendar |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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| 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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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."
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 for grades 6-12 can be found here.
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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.
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| 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
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Dogs are not Allowed on School Property |
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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.
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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.
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Community Safety & Support |
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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5050 Yonge Street 5th Floor, Communications and Public Affairs
Toronto, Ontario | M2N 5N8 CA
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