May 25, 2025 

Please join us for a special evening celebrating the dedication and hard work of our PIAC and FSLAC Reps, School Council members and school volunteers whose contributions have helped shape a positive, supportive, and enriching learning environment for students. This event is sponsored by the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC).

We are very excited to announce students from the Black Student Leadership Course (BSLC) will perform their original works.

If you are interested in participating, please RSVP Here and indicate if you require  childcare. Dinner will be provided!

Friday May 23, 2025

TDSB parents, guardians, and caregivers are invited to complete a Math Learning Resources Survey. Your input will help the TDSB’s Mathematics Department make informed decisions about math resources to support student learning and achievement in partnership with TDSB families.

The survey is confidential and will remain open until May 30, 2025.

Thank you for your participation!

May 23, 2025

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Trustees continue to advocate for fair education funding, asking the province to fully cover the costs of educating Toronto students.
From May 21 to 31, 2025, Trustees are launching a coordinated effort to raise awareness about the urgent need for increased investment in public education. Throughout this period, they will be hosting and attending events in school communities across the city to engage directly with students, families, and community members.

To meet fiduciary responsibilities, tens of millions of dollars have been cut from the TDSB budget in recent years. Trustees understand the need to continue to find efficiencies where possible, but at the same time, gaps continue to grow due to government funding that does not meet student needs.

The Board is currently facing a projected structural deficit of $37.4 million for the 2025–26 school year, driven by factors such as:

• An estimated $1,500 shortfall in per-student provincial funding, amounting to over $300 million annually for the TDSB
• Unfunded increases in statutory benefits and staffing costs (e.g. CPP and EI), amounting to over $43.7 million for the TDSB
• 60,000 student spaces in the TDSB sitting unused without the funding to maintain them or close them due to the provincial moratorium on school closures

To learn more about potential events happening in your area, visit the TDSB Trustees webpage to find your local representative and explore their site.

Quick Facts
• The TDSB is the largest school board in Canada and one of the largest in North America with approximately 239,000 students and 41,000 staff.
• The Education Act requires school boards to pass balanced budgets. Underfunding across the education sector is creating proposed deficit budgets in 42 of the 72 Ontario public boards.

Quotes
“Public education is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play. We are calling on the TDSB community to come together, speak up, and show our collective commitment to the success of every student.”— Neethan Shan, Chair, TDSB

“Each year, we work hard to balance our budget while protecting the programs and services that students rely on. But we begin every year with a structural deficit because of an outdated funding model. We need sustainable funding that reflects the true cost of education in Toronto.” — Dan MacLean, Chair, TDSB Finance, Budget & Enrolment Committee

Per-student funding remains below 2018-19 levels, pushing boards deeper into the red 

May 23, 2025 by: Ricardo Tranjan Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

"School board operating funding accounts for about 75 per cent of education sector funding. The provincial government provides the breakdown for this funding separately, in the Core Education Funding documents (previously known as Grants for Student Needs), which it released today."

"TDSB funding has decreased by $400 per student for the 2025-26 school year compared to what the board received in 2018-19, adjusted for inflation.

The budget gap for the upcoming school year is $127.1 million, compared to what the board would have received had 2018-19 funding kept pace with inflation and enrolment. The cumulative funding gap over the past seven years is $918.7 million."

Please read the whole article here.

At the Special Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee on May 20, recommendations on the Budget were brought to the Board Meeting and approved. They include the following:

Outdoor Education Programming 2025-2026  The Board decided: (a) That the report be received; (b) That the Chair write to the Minister of Education requesting the use of proceeds of disposition to restore the Scarborough Outdoor Education Centre for safe usage; (c) That the Director: i. present a report in 2025 on the progress of restoring the space at the Scarborough Outdoor Education Centre to safe usage;  ii. seek out options to protect and preserve all outdoor education lands and centres and their assets for public education. 

Proposed Options to Balance the 2025-26 Budget  The Board decided: That the report be sent back to staff with the following directions: i. comply with previous board motions re staffing allocations for the 2025-26 budget as the Director is required to implement Board motions; ii. no further cuts to staff positions before the 2025-26 core education funding is released and assessed; iii. continue with summer 2025 aquatics permits in permitted pools; iv. request the CEO, Toronto Lands Corporation, to report back on innovative opportunities to achieve, at a minimum, cost recovery for as many owned pools as possible, through agreements with third parties for any locations that are not required under any agreement with the City of Toronto by the end of May. 

Business Arising: The Importance of Swimming Programs The Board decided: That the Director (a) investigate the possibility of continuing to operate swimming pools in the Toronto District School Board via cost-recovery pool permit fees for the 2025-2026 school year for the 37 pools currently not leased out by the TDSB; (b) explore options for maintaining swim programs for students during school hours; (c) report back before the final budget vote, June 2025. 

Business Arising: Leased Pools  The Board decided: That the Director: (a) present a report providing details on all pools currently permitted and leased, including: i. hours of operation; ii. total cost of caretaking; iii. current lease costs from all the lease holders;  (b) identify the lease holders of the two pools that are for profit, including the terms and conditions of the leases. 

Business Arising: 1:1 Device Programs The Board decided: (a) That the Director present a report: i. on the educational benefits of the 1:1 device program and the impact that reducing or removing the program can potentially have on learning, in time for the June 2025 Board meeting cycle;  ii. on the net gain or loss that the program changes approved last year and whether or not these changes generated any measurable savings; (b) That the Director provide an opinion on the return on investment in terms of student outcomes comparing the Toronto District School Board’s 1:1 device program against investments into other system priorities; (c) That staff to use a shared device program at the school level as an alternative model for analysis purposes, if possible. 

Business Arising: Senior Team  The Board decided: That the Director present a report on how the Senior Team is funded and consider potential cost savings. 

Business Arising: System Savings Into 2025-2026 Budget Process The Board decided: Whereas, Trustees and staff are always interested in finding system savings that make better use of public funding; and Whereas, through the challenging budget constraints, staff have been asked, and then identified potential system savings;  Therefore, be it resolved: That the following identified system savings in the 2025-2026 budget process, be approved: i. alignment of class sizes to collective agreements and Regulations, a projected savings of 7.5 million; ii. new procedures and improved support for employees, a projected savings of 5.0 million; iii. commitment to nurturing local schools, a projected savings of 0.6 million; iv. central budgets, a projected savings of 7.5 million. 

Because of the System Savings Motion that passed at Board Wednesday, the Board is currently facing a projected structural deficit of $37.4 million (prior to analysis of the Core Education Funding).

Remaining Staff Proposed Cuts NOT VOTED ON BY THE BOARD TO DATE:

It is imperative to note that the TDSB Trustees have not agreed to these staff recommendations. 

Staff are basing their reports to date on estimates.

The Ministry recently released the Core Education Funding (Core Ed) and staff are calculating the actual grant revenue to determine any changes required to the estimate.

The June 4 meeting is to recommend an approved Operating Budget.

One of our parents in the Ward, Karina Walsh created a What's App group called TDSB Ward 8 community. Ideally we get to having a Toronto wide group, but let's see what happens. For now, please join https://chat.whatsapp.com/IZwQ0Rn

In addition, some east end parents are working hard to bring lots of attention to this matter and help make the changes our kids deserve. A communication package, including phone scripts, email templates and key messages is available to use - please click here.

Call to action: Lobby your MPP (list of MPPS here) to fund Education fully, including statutory obligations of Employer's CPP & EI contributions and negotiated wages and benefits. Ensure MPPs provide sufficient funding to ensure no program directly affecting students is cut in any way.

Please sign the petition to save the Itinerant Music Program: Music Education Canada (CMEC) launched a petition.

Please see the joint statement on saving pools from Councilor Matlow and me in my earlier updates or online - https://x.com/JoshMatlow/status/1915903055154864633

Please sign the petition to Save Our Pools - https://www.joshmatlow.ca/saveourpools

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

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 – Governance & Policy Committee 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

At it's meeting on May 21, 2025, the TDSB approved the proposed boundary modifications involving Northern SS, Lawrence Park CI, North Toronto CI, York Mills CI, and Leaside HS. Please click here for details.

Affected Addresses  
Meeting Presentation - March 27, 2025  
Frequently Asked Questions 

The Board decided:

At the TDSB we provide a wide range of enriching summer programs for children, youth and adults.

Elementary

Elementary Summer School

Extended Day Program – Summer Program

International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Summer Program

Outdoor Education Summer Camp

Summer Music Camps

Secondary

Credit Courses for e-Summer High School (online)

Continuing Education Secondary Credit Summer Programs

International Youth Summer Program

Special Education and Inclusion

Special Education and Inclusion Summer Program

Adult

Adult ESL Summer Program

Learn4Life General Interest Courses

Printable Course Listing

Open to adults 18 years of age and seniors, the Learn4Life program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for individuals to pursue their interests, expand their knowledge, and engage in lifelong learning with a wide range of courses and activities designed to cater to diverse interests and passions. Learn more.

Available Courses and Register Here

Social Media and Safety: A Parents' Roadmap Monday, May 26 at 6:30 at Westview Centennial SS

An informative evening designed to provide information to parents, caregivers, and guardians about the impacts of social media and strategies can be used to support children and youth.

Limited Space is available. 

Register here.

Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers –This monthly newsletter is designed to support families in navigating the journey of supporting students with special education needs. Each edition features valuable resources, tips, and success stories to empower families and their children.

TDSB Community Services Skills Training - Introduction to Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint - Call 416-396-6368 or email upgrading@tdsb.on.ca

Measles Continues to Spread

Here's what to know:

Measles continues to spread.

Here's what to know.

Check your vaccine records.

You are considered protected from #measles if you got 2 doses of the vaccine.

Know the symptoms.

Find out what to do if you were exposed or get sick.

More info: http://toronto.ca/measles Toronto Public Health

Supporting Your Child’s Well-being: Free webinar series for parents and caregivers focused on substance use, addictive behaviours and youth

School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free, 5-part webinar series designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics related to substance use and addictive behaviours.

This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on:

Each webinar will include time for experts to answer questions sent in advance, plus a Q&A opportunity to ask experts questions during the session. Questions can be entered on the By Your Side learning hub - entries will close 2 weeks prior to each session. For more information, Click Here.

Virtual Urgent Care Kiosk, an in-person space at the Lawrence Allen Center

SickKids started a Virtual Urgent Care (VUC) platform in 2021 (Learn more by clicking here).

After initial community consultation, SickKids have created the Greeter-supported Virtual Urgent Care Kiosk, an in-person space at the Lawrence Allen Center (a local mall located at Lawrence and the Allen Road). This one-year project is a novel, health equity-focused approach to urgent care, which would see SickKids provide an additional way for one of Toronto’s most digitally underserved communities to access our VUC platform.

The initiative launched in late January. SickKids are very excited to bring this novel, health equity-focused resource to the community - we hope this project brings benefits to the local community and learning that will improve care for patients and families.

As staff continue developing the overarching Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy please remember that should an incident of antisemitism or any form of hate or racism occur in our schools, principals have an obligation to report it.

As I repeat in every update, the TDSB collects data through the Bias and Hate (RBH) Portal. An increase in antisemitic incidents is being experienced in our schools as it is in our communities - on my website I have excerpted from all our public reports on the data - TDSB Public Reports with RBH Portal Data 2018-2024. 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. Antisemitism is but one form of hate our students and staff are experiencing. 

From 211 antisemitic incidents in 2022-2023 to 312 antisemitic incidents in 2023-2024 is an increase of 48%.

Incidents of Islamophobia was the only other reported data that rose between 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 - it went from 4% to 4.7% - East Asian racism incidents went from 9% last year to 7.3% this year - Middle Eastern went from 4% last year to 3.3% this year - anti-Black racism went from 61% last year to 59% this year. 

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. 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.

The Board decided:

Whereas, the Toronto District School Board’s Human Rights policy upholds objectives to protect, promote and advance the human rights of all TDSB members; and to meet its positive human rights obligations, including to proactively identify, address, and prevent all forms of discrimination, including individual and systemic discrimination; and  

Whereas, there were 2,155 reported incidents of racism, bias or hate, between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024 reported in the TDSB according to the Human Rights Annual Report, 2023-2024, of which the antisemitic incidents were 14.5% or 312 antisemitic incidents, an increase of 48% incidents over last year; and 

Whereas, the last Update: Affirming Jewish Identities and Addressing Antisemitism and the Combatting Hate and Racism Strategy, presented at the Planning and Priorities Committee meeting on February 12, 2024 did not include any examples of how we are addressing incidents in the RBH portal; and

Whereas, the last update on the Combating Hate and Racism: Student Learning Strategy including some examples of addressing antisemitism was provided in June, 2024; and 

Whereas, this led to the Board directing staff to incorporate “concerns raised by the Jewish community about the significant rise of antisemitism as noted in our own data and City data and the need for increased actions to combat this rise” at its meeting on June 19, 2024; and  

Whereas, the Human Rights Annual Report, 2023-2024 did speak to support and resources for students and staff but not specifically to actions taken by staff to educate against and address antisemitism within our schools;  

Therefore, be it resolved:  

(a) That the Director present an updated report to Board documenting the increased actions to combat the rise of antisemitism in Toronto District School Board schools for the 2025-2026 school year during the September-October cycle of meetings;  

(b) That the Director explore having a dedicated full-time TDSB staff member lead the effort to combat antisemitism to ensure that antisemitism is taken seriously and responded to appropriately in TDSB schools, provide resources and training, liaise with partners and help create a more inclusive and equitable environment for Jewish students, staff and the community as a whole. 

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.

2005 - 2026 School Year Calendar

The Ministry has approved the 2025-26 School Year Calendar!

It is the hope that presenting this early provides students, parents and staff sufficient notice to make plans for the 2025-2026 school year.

Asian Heritage Month May 2025 Since 2007, the TDSB has proudly celebrated Asian Heritage Month, recognizing the rich cultural diversity and contributions of Asian Canadian communities. This year's theme, Asian Canadians Up and Rising, highlights the strength, resilience, and remarkable achievements of Asian Canadians. We invite you to explore various educational opportunities that honor and celebrate these communities. Read the full Asian Heritage Month message to discover exciting events, workshops, and resources designed to inspire and educate our students and staff.

Jewish Heritage Month - May 2025 is a special time for the TDSB to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, political, and cultural contributions of Jewish Canadians.

TDSB's Jewish Heritage Committee has curated a series of impactful, innovative, and inspirational opportunities for students to engage with Jewish heritage and culture.

We encourage you to learn more about these enriching experiences and join us in celebrating the vibrant Jewish community within our schools. Read the full message to learn more.

WongAvery Asia Pacific Peace Museum (APPM) - Run for Peace on June 8

To celebrate the 1st anniversary of the birth of the APPM, we are launching a 5 KM Run/Walk this year that also carries a fundraising goal of $200,000 in support of ALPHA’s continuous education work.

We sincerely invite you to participate/ support the 2025 Run for Peace on June 8. Join the event as an individual participant/ a group or with your family

Join and raise funds as a participant/ group/ family (we will set up a profile for you on our webpage).

Support the participants.

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.

Vaccines - Make Sure You're Up-to-Date

Learn more about where you can get your vaccines, including the flu, COVID-19 and school-based vaccines.

Vaccine preventable diseases are still spreading globally. Vaccines help build and strengthen our immune system, protecting us against diseases.

For more information on timing of recommended vaccinations visit Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule 

In Ontario, the Immunization of School Pupil Act (ISPA) requires all students to be up to date with meningococcal vaccines or have a valid exemption  even if they received a meningococcal vaccine as a child. Visit School Immunization Program (SIP) clinics.

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.

The public is invited to purchase tickets - more information can be found here.  More information on school visits for grades 6-12 can be found here. 

Special Education and Inclusion 2024-25 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.

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.

Dogs Are Not Allowed on School Property and Must be Leased in Public

The TDSB enforces a strict policy regarding dogs on its properties. 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. Call 311 to report dogs off-leash on school property.

If you own a dog, they must be on a leash in public, unless you are at a dogs off-leash area. No excuses! You are responsible for your dog’s behaviour. Learn what responsible dog owners do at http://toronto.ca/LeashYourDog

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.

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.

Share this email:

5050 Yonge Street 5th Floor, Communications and Public Affairs
Toronto, Ontario | M2N 5N8 CA