NEWS

tdsbCARES in Support of Fort McMurray

Schools, classes and clubs across the TDSB have been raising funds for the 80,000 people who have been displaced by wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alberta. Many have donated through the Canadian Red Cross as the federal government will match each dollar donated for Fort McMurray relief efforts until May 31, 2016. Learn more about school fundraising. Find out more about donating through Red Cross. 

By-election Called for Wards 1 and 5

A by-election will be held on July 25, 2016 to fill the Trustee positions in Wards 1 (Etobicoke North) and 5 (York-Centre).

The seat in Ward 1 is vacant as a result of Trustee Michael Ford's resignation earlier this month. Learn more about the by-election and nomination process in Ward 1. To reach the Ward 1 Office, please email Ward1@tdsb.on.ca or call 416-395-8787.

The position in Ward 5 is vacant due to Trustee Howard Kaplan's recent passing in April. Learn more about the by-election and nomination process in Ward 5. To reach the Ward 5 Office, please email Ward5@tdsb.on.ca or call 416-395-8787. 

As noted in last month's newsletter, there will also be a by-election for the Trustee position in Ward 14 (Toronto Centre-Rosedale) as a result of former Trustee Sheila Wards recent passing. The by-election will be held on June 20, 2016 to fill this vacancy. Learn more about the  by-election and candidates in Ward 14.To reach the Ward 14 Office, please email Ward14@tdsb.on.ca or call 416-395-8787.

TDSB Learning Centres Strategy

The TDSB continues to implement its Learning Centres strategy to improve the effectiveness of our schools, make us more responsive to the needs of our communities, and increase student achievement and well-being. The creation of four new learning centres is one of the key elements of this new strategy. Learn more about Learning Centres, their locations and staff responsibilities. 

The TDSB has partnered with SmartSAVER to launch a board-wide campaign to help families access the federal government's  Canada Learning Bond. Through a secure, online system - accessible at www.tdsb.on.ca/SmartSAVER - families can apply for the Canada Learning Bond, open a registered education savings plan (RESP) and access support throughout this process in multiple languages. 

2016 Excellence Awards

On Tuesday, May 3, 2016, the TDSB celebrated the outstanding work of thirteen staff members at the annual Excellence Awards ceremony held at the main office at 5050 Yonge Street. Learn more about this year's recipients and the contributions they are making in their schools and communities.

TDSB Healthy Schools 5k Run/Walk

On Saturday, June 4, 2016 the Health and Physical Education Department is hosting a celebration of healthy and active living. Members of the community are welcome to join students, staff and parents/guardians at 10 a.m. at Downsview Park for the TDSB Healthy Schools 5k Run/Walk.

Please note that you must register to participate and all participants under the age of 13 must be registered by an adult and supervised on the day of the event. Learn more.

BOARD MEETING NOTES

Director Search Committee to be Established

The Board decided that a Director of Education Search Committee will be established to work with the executive search firm - The Phelps Group - to find a permanent Director of Education. The seven-member committee will include the Chair and the Vice Chair along with five other Trustees. Read the Board decision.

Board to Establish Black Student Achievement Advisory Committee

The Board has decided to create a Black Student Achievement Advisory Committee that will reflect the voices of Black students, parents and community members. The committee will serve as a collaborative forum for staff and community members to discuss and recommend long term strategies to close the achievement gap and support student success. Read the Board decision. For more information, read the Establishment of a Black Student Achievement Advisory Committee report.

Professional Development for Trustees

In order to ensure Trustees are fully prepared and knowledgeable in their leadership, policy-making and advocacy roles, the Board voted to create a policy to promote professional development and training opportunities for Board members. Read the Board decision. Learn more about the guiding principles and action plan. 

Board Performance Assessment

As part of the Board's ongoing efforts to promote good governance practices, Trustees have asked for a suite of performance assessment tools. The Governance Review Committee will develop these tools and bring them back to Board for approval. Read the Board decision. Learn more about performance assessment. 

Flag Raising for Autism Awareness Day

Beginning in 2017, the TDSB will add a flag raising ceremony to its events marking Autism Awareness Day. The flag will be raised at the Board's main office at 5050 Yonge Street. Read the Board decision.

To better reflect the histories, languages and traditions of communities from Latin-America, the Board decided that April will be recognized as Latin-America History Month.‎ April is also Hispanic Heritage Month. Read the Board decision.

Improving Playing Fields

The TDSB is developing a plan to improve the maintenance and general use of its playing fields. The plan will be based on fair and equitable funding priorities for playing fields and partnerships with local sports clubs. Read the Board decision.