October 27, 2024

Please join me and our local Family of School (FOS) Superintendents for a joint Ward Forum Meet & Greet – Cassandra Alviani-Alvarez FOS 6, Jane Phillips-Long (A) FOS 7, John Currie FOS 8 , Jennifer Chan FOS 10, Peter Chang FOS12, Kurt McIntosh FOS13, Nadira Persaud FOS14 & Jack Nigro, Executive Superintendent of Education for LC1.

October 28, 6:30-8:30 at Davisville Public School, 50 Davisville Avenue (one block east of Davisville Subway)

If you are interested in participating, please Register Online (https://forms.gle/74dLeEmX7TbxV18s8) 

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. 

The TDSB is committed to the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (TRC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

Below is a list of significant dates throughout the month of November:

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.

Hindu dharma is one of the oldest living religions which have flourished for over 10,000 years. It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions, teachings and values that are integral to Hindu dharma and practiced by millions around the world today.

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.  

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! 

The theme for Hindu Heritage Month 2024 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).  Hindu dharma recognizes three levels of peace. The first level is inner peace – that in the mind of a person. The second level is peace in our immediate environment: in our family, neighbourhood, school and community. The third level is peace in the world, between nations. When we feel peace within us, the journey towards Vishwa Shanti or World Peace has begun.

During the month of November several Hindu Heritage Month educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Hindu traditions. These offerings include primary students having an opportunity to engage in an author reading and all grade level to participate in various workshops. Students from the TDSB will have the opportunity to learn Chess. This interesting board game originated in India in the early 1700 and continues to challenge participants strategic skills. Please follow us on X for daily messages throughout the month of November: @tdsb_HHM.

Before we head into November, on October 31, Diwali – often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” – will be celebrated by millions of people around the world, including Hindus, Jains and Sikhs. Oil lamps or diyas, candles and other colourful lights will be displayed to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

November is a time of remembrance, reverence and reflection.

Remembrance Week – which takes place from November 4-11 – gives us an opportunity to remember those who have fallen and pay our respects to veterans and soldiers. For more information and resources for students, see the Government of Canada's Remembrance Day and Veteran's Week site.

On November 8, Indigenous Veterans Day will recognize the courage and ultimate sacrifice of First Nation, Inuit and Métis people in military service. Remembrance Day, which takes place on November 11, will mark the armistice that ended the First World War. No matter where you are, we encourage you to observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. Lest we forget.

During the 4th week of November we honour the millions of innocent people who suffered forced starvation and died from hunger during the Holodomor genocide of 1932-1933 in Ukraine. Men, women, and children lost their lives in this famine, victims of the brutal policies and deliberate acts of Stalin's Soviet regime. Holodomor Awareness and Education Week is November 18-22, 2024. Download the Education Pamphlet.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and goes until December 10, Human Rights Day. This campaign started in 1991 to call out and speak up on gender-based violence, and to renew our commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

Throughout this month, we hope you take a moment to learn more about the commemorative, cultural and religious days that are recognized.

Ontario’s celebrations and commemorations

TDSB Days of Significance - January 2023 – December 2024

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

Planning and Priorities Committee - Wednesday, October 30, 2024 @ 4:30 PM, Boardroom, Main Floor, 5050 Yonge Street, Toronto - Agenda

The Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy (LTPAS) provides an approach to program and accommodation planning with a ten-year timeframe that allows for responsiveness and flexibility in a changing environment by including an annual cycle of review. It is a collection of studies to be completed over the next ten years to address program and accommodation needs.

This represents the 11th edition of the LTPAS and is the culmination of a collaborative annual process that reflects the input and perspective of staff and Trustees. Since the LTPAS was first approved in May 2014, 234 program and accommodation studies have been completed. 

The outcomes of these studies, approved by Trustees, have moved the system closer to the objectives set out in the Board-approved guiding principles. School boundaries and grades have been adjusted to balance enrolment and maximize the use of space, new programs have been added to improve equity of access for students, capital funding has been secured to build new schools in overcrowded areas of the city, and finally some schools have been closed or right sized to remove surplus space from the system and to ensure that the Board’s resources are allocated efficiently.

As we look forward to the years ahead, the Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy will ensure that the Board is well positioned to respond to changes in our highly dynamic city, and to address the program and accommodation needs of students in the most efficient way possible. Read here for the complete LTPAS coming to committee Wednesday. Below are the studies for Ward 8:

Date: November 4, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual or In-person (TDSB Board Office, 5050 Yonge St.)

TDSB’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) includes volunteers who advise the TDSB on how to improve special education programs and services. We want your feedback and to learn from your experience.

TDSB SEAC is hosting a Town Hall. This is an opportunity for families who have a child with a disability/special education needs to share their experiences at school.

We will ask you 2 questions:

1. What barriers to learning have you and your child encountered in school?

2. What recommendations do you have to enhance services and experiences for students receiving special education services?

We will use this information to help develop recommendations for the TDSB on how it can better serve these students. The Town Hall is not set up to give you advice on how to navigate TDSB services. Families needing help with this regarding their child’s services should contact their school’s principal and superintendent.

At the Town Hall, you will get up to 5 minutes to share your experiences. If you want to attend in-person or online, please complete this registration form. If instead, you would like to submit a pre-recorded video, your written comments, or even an artistic piece, email it to lianne.dixon@tdsb.on.ca.

At the Town Hall and in any feedback you send in, to respect privacy, please do not use the names of specific staff or schools. SEAC cannot investigate specific problems. We want to learn from your feedback on what system-wide reforms we should recommend to TDSB.

Special Education and Inclusion Website and Resources

In consultation with SEAC special education staff and communications have revamped the website, have built and are building new fact sheets, parent guides and video tutorials, and rewritten FAQs. The parent guides have been translated into several languages and more are coming. A lot of work has been done over the last year and is continuing.

https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Learning-Equity-and-Well-Being/Special-Education-and-Inclusion

https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Learning-Equity-and-Well-Being/Special-Education-and-Inclusion/Parent-Guides-to-Special-Education-and-Inclusion

The 2024-2025 School Council Innovation Grant (SCIG) is now open for applications, with a deadline of December 1, 2024.

Information sessions will be held on the following dates:

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

School Councils may submit one request for support up to $1,500 to support innovative (the development of new ideas, original and creative in thinking) projects/activities that engages parents/caregivers (in-person, virtual and hybrid) and builds School Councils’ parents/caregivers capability around:

For more information, click here. Questions? shadi.mousavizanjani@tdsb.on.ca

To assist you in preparing your grant application, please visit this link.

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.

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

Secondary Central Student Interest Program

Out-of-Area Admissions

Secondary Schools without a Boundary

Central Student Interest Programs website

Preparing for High School Information Webinar Sessions
Below is a summary of the two upcoming webinars. Further details, including the link to register and request an interpreter, will be posted shortly on the TDSB Guidance site and the Central Student Interest Program Website.  

Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transitions: Taking place on October 29, 2024 at 7 p.m., this session will focus on the Top 10 Tips and Considerations in the Transition to High School. This presentation is designed to augment the work already taking place through secondary open houses and at the Grade 8 schools. More information: TDSB Beyond 8 website.

Grade 8 to 9 Transitions Information Webinar – October 29, 2024 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Registration Link: Register for October 29, 2024

Student Interest Programs: The TDSB offers over 50 programs with a particular focus. These programs are for anyone who demonstrates an interest and passion in the particular program area. On October 30, 2024 at 7 p.m., the Student Interest Program Webinar will provide more information about Secondary Schools without a Boundary, local programs, Out-of-Area Admissions and applying to Central Student Interest Programs (CSIP).  Application for CSIP programs opens on November 4, 2024 and closes on November 22 at 4 p.m.  

Student Interest Program Webinar – October 30, 2024 from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Registration Link: Register for October 30, 2024

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 

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.

 SickKids’ Saliva Testing Program offers saliva test kits (i.e., Spit-kits) to symptomatic students and staff to test for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 in select schools across the Toronto area to better understand the infectiousness of children and inform public health guidance. 

The program is a continuation of the Outreach Testing Program that ran during the pandemic, and the TDSB has enrolled in an optional research component that has been added for this school year. SickKids engaged schools that previously expressed interest in continuing the program. Schools were then added based on geographic diversity and previous engagement with the research team and will continue to be added based on interest and program capacity. 

The TDSB Ward 8 schools currently registered include: Allenby Junior Public School and School, Davisville Junior Public School & Spectrum Alternative Senior Public School.

The previous program found that the majority of children were non-contagious the day following the resolution of their symptoms, and informed the decision to shorten the length of time a child had to stay away from school. 

From Toronto Public Health - The updated fall/winter 2024-2025 COVID-19 KP.2 vaccine is available now for eligible individuals who live in Ontario and are six months of age and older and at high risk from COVID-19 or a priority population. Vaccine will be available to anyone 6 months of age and older beginning October 28, 2024.

Vaccines are available at select pharmacies and primary care providers. Find a pharmacy here . COVID-19 vaccines are available by appointment at Toronto Public Health clinics for children 6 months to 4 years of age.

Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines is important to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable people in our community from serious illness, including hospitalization and death.

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. How much protection the vaccine gives depends on a person’s immune system and the match with the virus strains spreading that year.

Children six months of age and older and adults can get the flu vaccine at the same time, before or after a COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine provides some protection even when the match is not exact. Flu vaccines are about 50% effective in preventing the flu in healthy adults. The vaccine also reduces the risk of serious flu complications by 50 per cent.  The flu vaccine cannot make you sick from influenza because it does not contain any live virus. It takes two weeks for your body to develop an immune response from the vaccine.

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.

The TDSB’s Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy asks educators and students to notice, name and interrupt incidents of racism and hate and to work together through student voice, leadership and professional learning to promote peace, justice, and equity. The TDSB expects that all students, staff, and communities will be treated with dignity and respect so that we may learn and work in environments free from discrimination, in accordance with the Human Rights Policy (P031). Hate has no place in our schools.

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 15, 2024 for both elementary and secondary students.

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.

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:

Neuberger Holocaust Education Week 2024

From November 4-10, join the THM to learn, remember, and reflect on the history of the Holocaust together, and to commemorate the anniversary of Kristallnacht.

Programs include:

Grade 6 Ontario Teacher Day - October 28 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Dialogue for Descendants Symposium – November 3 at 10 PM
Opening Night: Final Verdict – November 4 at 7:30 PM
The Humanity of Grief – November 5 at 10 AM
The Spoils – November 6 at 7 PM
Kristallnacht Commemoration: Hasidism and Anti-Jewish Violence in Poland – November 10 at 7 PM

Neuberger Holocaust Education Week (HEW) is one of the THM’s most well-known annual signature public events. Internationally recognized as a best practice in the field, HEW occurs in November to coincide with the commemoration of Kristallnacht (the Night of Broken Glass).

For more than 40 years, HEW has provided high impact programming across the GTA to students, intercultural groups, and the general public. Stay tuned throughout the week to see what’s in store this year.

Take Our Kids to Work Day (TOKTWD)

Take Our Kids to Work Day (TOKTWD) is taking place on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. TOKTWD is an experiential learning opportunity for Grade 9 students across Canada offering them the chance to see the world of work firsthand, explore a variety of careers and sectors, and look at what skills are important to thrive in the world of work.

Grade 9 students will have the opportunity to shadow a parent/guardian or another adult approved by their parent/guardian on November 6. Next week, all grade 9 students will receive a paper copy of this Take Our Kids to Work Day Parent/Guardian Consent Form that should be returned to the period 1 teacher.  Students who are not participating may attend school where they will be offered programming from Students Commission of Canada about careers and the workplace.

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.

French Immersion Application for JK 2025/26

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.

Please find an AODA poster and flyer card with QR Code. 

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. 

Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Webinar Wednesdays  Parents, caregivers and stakeholders of Black students are encouraged to join a discussion on October 30 at 6:30 p.m. about the TDSB’s Cell Phone/ Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy. The session will be led by Claudine Tyrell, Principal of Humberside CI and TDSB Cell Phone Policy Working Group member and supported by Graduation Coaches for Black Students and K-12 Learning Coaches. Register here.  

Register Now! Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference 
You are invited to join us for the Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on Saturday, November 16, 2024. This year’s conference theme is Journey to Joy, Wellness, and Wholeness and will be a day full of presentations and workshops. Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca for more information and to register to attend.  

Youth Climate Action Grants

Funding applications are now open. The application takes 15 minutes to complete and will close November 12, 2024.

The Youth Climate Action Grants provides funding to TDSB and TCDSB student-led projects, activities and events that: educate and engage students, families and/or community members on climate actions; help Toronto achieve its GHG emissions reduction goals by 2030; align with the TransformTO Net Zero Strategy for net-zero emissions by 2040.

Grant funding up to $1,000 is available. This funding program is a partnership between the City and the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board.

Annual EcoSchools Kickoff/OISE Conference Wednesday October 30th, 8am - 3pm @ Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

This EcoSchools conference kicks off a new year of teaching and learning by bringing TDSB educators and staff together to foster Climate Change Education in K-12 classrooms. Keynote speakers, workshop leaders and local organizations will share a range of inspiring ideas, strategies and resources to involve students in climate change learning that is authentic, interdisciplinary, action-oriented and community-driven. Join us to connect with other educators engaged in CCE to exchange ideas, foster community, and discover hopeful pathways for advancing climate action across all levels of education!

Release is provided for one educator per school - register soon as space is limited and filling up quickly! Open this document for the full description of the keynote and workshops available. Register Now!

Free Computer Workshops offered by TDSB Community Services      Essential Skills Upgrading

Please see information on free computer workshops.

Word and Excel workshops are offered in October.

To register, call 416-396-6368 or email us at upgrading@tdsb.on.ca and include your phone number please

Islamic Heritage Month at the Aga Khan

This October, to mark Islamic Heritage Month, we invite you to explore a range of programs designed to bridge the gap between the past and present, fostering a deeper understanding of Muslim culture and its global impact.

For more details, download an overview of our Education offerings, and contact us with any questions.

TDSB Special Education Department Family Sessions
Drop-In Q & A with Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Staff

Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Drop-Ins and 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
November 19, 2024
December 17, 2024
January 21, 2025
February 18, 2025
March 18, 2025
April 15, 2025
May 20, 2025
June 2025

Get the link here Sensory and Motor team parent/guardian/caregiver VOH flyer

TDSB Speech and Language Pathologists in collaboration with Donna Cardoza invite you to Let's Talk, Read, and Write 
Parents/Caregivers of Grade 1 students, Ontario has a new Language Curriculum.  Come and learn how you can help your child develop early reading, writing and talking skills.  Register for ALL 5 Sessions on Tuesdays from 6:30pm-7:30pm - Register here.

Oct 29 - Let's Write
Nov 12 - Let's Keep Learning

Continuing Education Programming

Did you know the TDSB offers Continuing Education Programming in our communities?

Explore learning opportunities available for children, families, adults, and visitors at the TDSB this fall:

International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program, Secondary Credit Night School, Learn4Life - Adult General Interest Programs and Adult ESL.

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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