December 2021
Requests for Switching Between Learning Models
For the 2021-22 school year, there is one opportunity to switch between in-person and virtual learning. To coordinate switches for February 2022, families/students requesting a change must complete the Switch Form. Families/students who do not wish to make a change do not need to complete a form. Learn more.
The Elementary Switch Form will be open from December 3, 2021 to January 7, 2022.
The Secondary Switch Form will be open from November 29 to December 6, 2021.
Travel Policies
TDSB System Calendar
There are many ways for parents/guardians and school community members to get involved, learn, connect and participate in TDSB activities and events. Check our new system calendar to see what’s going on across the Board.
Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
International Languages: Elementary and African Heritage (ILE-AH)
Adult ESL Program
Adult learners will have an opportunity to improve their English online this fall/winter. A broad range of English as a Second Language classes will be available, from beginner to advanced levels. Learn more by visiting our program website.
Learn4Life Adult General Interest Program
Learn a new skill or take up a hobby in-person or online this winter with courses in art, computers, food, languages, fitness and much more! Registration for our winter 2022 is now open! Visit the Learn4Life website for more information and to browse through the online brochure.
Alexander Brown Acclaimed Chair of the Toronto District School Board
Trustee Alexander Brown was acclaimed Chair of the Toronto District School Board during the annual Organizational Board meeting. Trustee Christopher Mammoliti was also acclaimed as Vice-Chair.
TDSB Unveils $5.9 Million Plan to Support Mental Health and Well-Being
Trustees with the Toronto District School Board have approved a $5.9 million plan to support the mental health and well-being of students amid the ongoing pandemic.
During their Special Board Meeting this evening, Trustees unanimously approved the hiring of an additional 106 staff members following the release of a report earlier this week that highlighted the impact of the pandemic on student mental health and well-being.
Supporting Free Public Transit for High School Students
On behalf of the Toronto District School Board, Chair of the Board Alexander Brown wrote to the Toronto Transit Commission to request the expansion of free TTC rides for high school students as part of the upcoming 5-Year Fare Policy and 10-Year Fare Collection Outlook. Chair Brown also wrote to various levels of government to ask for funding support for the expansion.
Making School Buildings and Sites More Accessible
On behalf of the Toronto District School Board, Chair of the Board Alexander Brown wrote to the Minister of Education to request the allocation of significant and dedicated financial resources to support the accessibility of all existing schools.
COVID-19 Vaccine for 5-11: Message from Toronto Public Health
On Nov. 22, 2021, the TDSB provided a message from Toronto Public Health to all parents/guardians about the recently approved COVID-19 for children aged 5 to 11 years old, including details on how to book vaccine appointments, now available, online or by phone.
TDSB Vaccine Procedure Update
The TDSB continues to implement its COVID-19 vaccination procedure to support the health and safety of students, staff and our school communities. Staff who have not attested their vaccination status and any staff who have disclosed that they were not vaccinated, have now been placed on a non-disciplinary administrative leave without pay. A limited number of staff were provided temporary exemptions to maintain the safety and well-being of students. For more details, please read the full update that was provided to parents/guardians.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6
On December 6, TDSB students and staff mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day coincides with the anniversary of the death of 14 young women who were tragically killed on 6 December, 1989, at l'École Polytechnique in Montreal because of their gender.
On this national day of remembrance, we honour the memory of these women and reflect on the ways that gender violence continues to affect us. For more information, visit Status of Women Canada and participate in their #ActionsMatter campaign. To find out how you can help prevent violence against women visit www.ontario.ca/page/lets-stop-sexual-harassment-violence. Within the TDSB, please contact www.tdsb.on.ca/gbvp for further support or questions on any issues related to gender-based violence.
Winter Weather and Student Transportation
From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices or sites. With approximately 246,000 students in 582 schools, any decision to cancel buses, classes and/or programs or to close sites can have a significant impact on thousands of families across Toronto. This decision is not taken lightly. When schools remain open on days with inclement weather, parents/guardians make the final decision on whether to send their children to school and they can keep children home from school if they so choose.
Traffic Safety Tips for Winter
As winter approaches, we know that severe weather will be part of our daily lives for the next several months. While traffic safety is an important matter all year long, this is a particularly good time to review what we can do to keep students safe.
The need to be aware and alert at all times, on any road, and even in the most routine circumstances is key to traffic safety. This applies to students and drivers alike. Road conditions can be challenging in the winter months. So to those of us who drive, please take extra care on the roads and in parking lots, especially in areas where children might be present. School staff periodically review street and traffic safety with students. Parents can help reinforce these safety messages with children at home. Below are some tips that might be helpful to review.
- Stop, look, and listen for traffic.
- Only cross at corners and crosswalks.
- Make eye contact with drivers.
- Walk on the right side of the crosswalk.
- Wear appropriate footwear to reduce the chances of slipping.
- Never run into the street.
- Obey crossing signals.
- Cross only if clear.
- Walk on sidewalks.
- Where there are no sidewalks, walk as far away from traffic as possible, facing traffic.
The safety of our students is always a top priority. Let's work together to make the winter season safe so we can enjoy all it has to offer
TDSB Update
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Follow the TDSB
Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Share Your Voice About Parent and Community Engagement!
We are reviewing our current Parent and Community Involvement Policy(External link) to help set standards, improve consistency and further develop meaningful approaches to parent and family engagement. We want – and need – to hear from you. Your voice will help develop and draft this policy in a way that is meaningful, relevant and valuable to you, our parent community.
Continuing Education Department Program Updates
Remote Night School - Semester 2: Adults, TDSB and Non TDSB Students
The Toronto District School Board offers night school credit courses to all high school students and adults with current prerequisites. Students may take a new credit, or retake a course previously taken to upgrade a mark. Students cannot enrol in a course if they are taking the course in day school. Parents/Guardians and students must consult with their day school guidance counsellor regarding course selections and pre-requisite courses.
All classes are remote and attendance is mandatory twice a week from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. either on Mon/Wed or Tue/Thur. Students must attend for the full six hours each week. Visit our program page for more information and to register.
Key Dates
• Registration Opens – December 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
• Courses with low enrolment cancelled – January 21, 2022
• Registration Closes - January 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Remote Night School Credit Recovery – Semester 2: TDSB Students
The Toronto District School Board is offering current TDSB students the opportunity to recover one or two credits at night school. Remote Night School Credit Recovery courses are open to current TDSB high school students who have taken the course in the past two years but have not earned the credit.
Students may enroll in two credit recovery courses. One running on Tuesday and the other on Thursday. Visit our program page for more information and to register.
Key Dates
• Registration Opens – December 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
• Courses with low enrolment cancelled – January 21, 2022
• Registration Closes - January 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Specialized Schools and Programs Policy
Public Policy Consultation (November 1 - December 17, 2021)
Live Consultation Webinars
Three live consultation webinars were held via Zoom. Thank you to all who attended and participated.
A recording of the afternoon session held on November 22 can be viewed here: LINK
The Presentation Slides can be viewed here: LINK
Q & A from the sessions will be published shortly.
Online Survey
Share your feedback through our online survey, by December 17, 2021.
Empty Seat Policy
Once again, the TDSB’s Empty Seat Policy (PR504) has been put on hold for the 2021-22 school year to help promote physical distancing on school busses, as well as to help the TSTG and bus operators effectively plan bus routes and seating arrangements in line with the COVID-19 health and safety precautions.