January 26, 2025 

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.

Full Agenda and Reports for meetings are available here - click on the appropriate meeting https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Agenda-Minutes

View full schedule of meetings for 2024-2025 here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings

Monday, January 27 2025 – Governance & Policy Committee 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

Thursday, January 30 2025 – Finance, Budget & Enrolment Committee 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda (TBC)

The TDSB Student Interest Programs Policy was developed in 2022 to support the Board’s ongoing commitment to improve access to special programs based on student interest, and to support its commitment to offer a range of program opportunities for all learners.

In June 2024, the Board approved a recommendation to move the review of the Student Interest Programs Policy (P100) from the 2026-27 school year into the 2024-25 school year. Staff are bringing forward a Policy Review Work Plan for the Student Interest Programs Policy (P100) at Monday's Governance and Policy Committee Meeting. Staff is seeking input and direction from Trustees regarding the Proposed Options -  Admission/Application Requirements and Seating/Priorities in order to prepare the revised draft policy for public consultation.

Subject to the Governance and Policy Committee and Trustees' input and feedback, the draft Policy will be prepared in accordance with the Policy Review Work Plan and subsequently presented to the Governance and Policy Committee for consideration on April 23, 2025.  Upon completion of public consultations, it is expected that the revised Policy will be presented for consideration at the Governance and Policy Committee in Winter 2026 and subsequently, to the Board for final approval.

Also being discussed a Monday's GPC Meeting is the proposed Personal Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy, developed in response to a resolution of the Board of Trustees on January 31, 2024, building on the direction of the Ministry of Education stated in Policy/Program Memorandum (PPM) No. 128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct.

During the pre-consultation phase from end of May 2024 to end of June 2024, staff engaged with multiple participants and stakeholders to gather feedback to inform Policy content. Staff developed the draft Personal Mobile Devices Use in Schools Policy based on feedback received during the pre-consultation phase and the preliminary provisions and initiated public consultations on October 18, 2024. 

The feedback obtained through consultations, focus groups, reference groups, expert groups, public webinars and feedback submitted through the TDSB website was analyzed and considered in the draft Policy. 

Based on feedback, the policy is proposing that Personal Mobile Devices may be used by students at school for educational (such as, but not limited to, in-class activities, translation services, excursions/fieldtrips, extra-curricular activities, and before/after-school programs), health and medical purposes or to support special education needs only, as directed by and with explicit permission from the Educator or Designated School Staff.

(a) Students in grade 6 and below at a minimum, are required to store their Personal Mobile Devices out of view and powered off or set to silent mode throughout the full Instructional Day, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the Educator or Designated School Staff.

(b) Students in grades 7 to 12 are required to store their Personal Mobile Devices out of view and powered off or set to silent mode during Instructional Time, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the Educator or Designated School Staff.  Students in grades 7-12 may use their Personal Mobile Devices during non-Instructional Times, such as during recess breaks and lunch periods, provided such use does not disrupt school operations and the learning environment or contravene applicable TDSB policies and procedures. 

Please read through the whole proposed policy here. Appreciate your thoughts.

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. 

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 March 24, 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

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.

There are numerous programs with January 31, 2025, application deadlines for the 2025-26 school year.

Please click the links below to learn more:

Kindergarten Registration 2025 

Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) - Deadline for applications: January 31, 2025 at 11:59pm

Elementary Alternative Schools - Deadline January 31, 2025 - Online applications close at 4:00 pm.

Remote Learning

High Performing Athlete Program - Deadline January 31, 2025

Night School 2024-2025 Semester 2 for Secondary Students - Registration Closes January 31, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Elearning

Please click here to access the FAQs - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Going-to-High-School/Beyond-8/FAQ.

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.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day - Monday, January 27, 2025 

In honour of IHRD, the TDSB Jewish Heritage Committee invites you to join TDSB Grade 6-8 students in a live telecast from the Boardroom. Michelle Glied-Goldstream from Carrying Testimony will be in conversation with Shari Schwartz-Maltz. They will also be joined by Dara Solomon, Executive Director of the Toronto Holocaust Museum.

Join the Live Stream from 10:30-11:30- https://www.tdsb.on.ca/stream/LiveWebcast-Holocaust-Remembrance-Day.html

Here is a list of curated resources to learn and build a critical consciousness about Holocaust education and antisemitism: 

Day of Action Against Islamophobia: The Boldest White Author and Illustrator Talk

In honour of the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, the Equity, Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression Department, and Islamic Heritage Month Committee invite grade K-6 classes to a book talk in the day and the community in the evening. 

Join us on Wednesday, January 29 at 12:45 pm for a virtual session available for classrooms and from 6 to 7 p.m. for a virtual session available to Kindergarten to Grade 6 students and their families. 

https://bit.ly/Jan292025DayofAction.

Here is a list of curated resources to learn and build a critical consciousness about Islamophobia: 

Ready. Set. Engage.

Saturday, February 1, 2025 1 - 5 pm
Woburn CI - 2222 Ellesmere Rd

This event brings together School Councils & Principals to collaborate towards enhanced Council relationships for strong & effective Leadership Teams.

Register Here.

What to expect:

Workshops and Hands-On Sessions:  Led by experts, these interactive sessions will allow you to gain valuable insight and have your questions answered.

Panel Discussion:  Hear leaders in education on the challenges and opportunities faced in School Council governance, accountability, communication.

Networking Opportunities:  Meet fellow School Leadership Teams, share experiences, and build connections to support strong and effective relationships within your schools. BONUS: Meet and greet your external support team and learn what your PIAC Rep can do for you.

African Heritage (Black History) Month at the TDSB: Virtual Launch Celebration on February 4, 2025

During the month of February, the Toronto District School Board proudly recognizes African Heritage (Black History) Month. The chosen theme for 2024-2025 is Lift Every Voice. This theme is taken from the first line of the Black National Anthem. 

Lift Every Voice encourages collective strength and unity among the African/Black diaspora. This will be a celebration of vibrant and diverse cultures, experiences, perspectives, contemporary realities, contributions, and achievements.

To kick off African Heritage (Black History) Month in February at the Toronto District School Board, we are excited to extend an invitation to all students, staff and the TDSB community to join us in marking this significant month with performances by Black artists and creators, and noteworthy speakers.

African Heritage Month Virtual Launch Celebration

Tuesday, February 4 I 10 – 11:00 am

Live Stream Link: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/stream/LiveWebcast-African-Heritage-Month.html

Parents/Caregivers are invited to Screen-Wise Families 

This session will help you reflect on the role of technology in your home, guiding you to make intentional decisions that align with your values and goals.

February 6, 2025 at 7:30pm

Cedarvale Community School - 145 Ava Rd

Please RSVP here -https://forms.gle/uxYQ77HCx3YsPn776

On-Call Replacement Roster

There is a new Recruitment platform for applications for the On-Call Replacement Roster.

Click on the "Click here to apply for On-Call Replacement opportunities". If you require assistance with creating a profile please click here. These positions are casual/on-call for short term assignments. You must be available at least 3 days per week. Assignments are in schools... Positions include the following:

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.

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 January 30, 2025 for secondary students.

January 30 - Secondary Professional Learning - Target Audience: All Staff – Secondary Length: Full Day (In-Person) Facilitator(s): School-Based Staff Description: Educators will engage in various professional learning sessions focused on effective strategies to support student learning.

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.

The month of January is recognized by the TDSB as Tamil Heritage Month. This year’s theme for Tamil Heritage Month is:Kinship: 
யாதும் ஊரே யாவரும் கேளிர் // Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir - To us, all towns are one, and all people are our kin.

Toronto has the largest Tamil population outside of the South Asian subcontinent with thousands of TDSB students and staff members who identify as Tamil.The importance of building awareness, creating a strong self and collective identities, and understanding one's own roots and rights are important objectives of the Tamil Heritage Month volunteer planning committee. For further information about Tamil Heritage Month, please follow on twitter to learn interesting facts on Tamil customs and traditions @TDSB_Tamil.

Vaccines

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is hosting community clinics to help students catch-up on their school-based vaccines. Clinics are appointment based and residents are encouraged to book an appointment.

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. The following vaccines are available at School Immunization Program (SIP) clinics:

TPH warns that students could be suspended if they don’t have vaccines required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), starting in spring.TPH is hosting community clinics to help students catch-up on their school-based vaccines. Clinics are appointment based and residents are encouraged to book an appointment.

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.

Winter Clothing Drive - As winter approaches, many members of our community will face the harsh realities of cold weather without adequate clothing. That is why TDSB is organizing a Winter Outerwear Drive to collect funds that will be put towards the purchase of warm coats, hats, gloves, and boots for students. The TDSB Winter Outerwear Drive has raised over $1.3-million in monetary and in-kind donations since 2021. 

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. 

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.

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."

As per the museum's website, this groundbreaking exhibition brought together more than 700 original objects and 400 photographs from over 20 institutions and museums around the world. Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away, is the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the history of Auschwitz and its role in the Holocaust ever presented in North America, and an unparalleled opportunity to confront the singular face of human evil—one that arose not long ago and not far away.

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.

At this time, the ROM is currently offering school visits to this exhibition to high school students only. They are in the process of redesigning the learning experience related to Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. to link more closely to the elementary curriculum, Grades 6-8. This new program for middle school students is scheduled to be available February 4. More information on school visits can be found here. 

Please note resources available to learn and support Holocaust Education can be found below in the invitation to TDSB's event honouring International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27.

Speaker's Idol - Speeches due on January 31, 2025

FSWC’s Speaker’s Idol is an annual public-speaking competition open to Canadian students in grades 6 to 12. Students are asked to reflect on a selected quote by Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal, relate the quote to a human rights issue of their choice, and discuss ways in which they envision countering this issue and creating positive change in our world.
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The first stage of the Speaker's Idol program is a written submission, followed by three rounds of oral presentations.
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If you have any questions about Speaker's Idol 2025, please reach out to education@fswc.ca

Diverse Minds 2025

Calling all high school students, bring your words to life with the power of storytelling. Enter our Diverse Minds Creative Writing Competition for 2025! For more details or to enter the competition, click here: http://diverseminds.ca.

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.

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

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.

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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