March 2024
Celebrating Good News
I encourage you to read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including:
Student Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
Supporting students and fostering daily positive mental health and well-being in all school communities is a priority at the TDSB. Visit the MHWB website to access mental health toolkits, identity affirming resources, and information about a variety of wellness topics. Whether you need immediate support, or want to learn more about a particular topic, there’s information and support available.
TDSB Budget Update
The budget process is underway at the TDSB and we want to hear from you! Please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/budget for all the latest information, including meeting schedules and recordings of the online Budget Town Halls that took place on February 20 and 21. There is also information available about how to register for a public delegation to address the Finance, Budget, and Enrolment Committee on March 26, 2024.
Excellence Awards 2024 Nominations Now Open!
I am delighted to announce that nominations for the Excellence Awards 2024 are now open. Every year, the TDSB Excellence Awards help share the untold stories of extraordinary staff commitment inside and outside the classroom!
At the board, we want to know about the TDSB staff you know who are supporting the success and wellbeing of our students, as well as our school and work communities in so many different ways. We welcome nominations from anyone – staff, students, parents/guardians/caregivers or community members – so I encourage you to submit nominations by April 5, 2024. For more information and to submit a nomination, please visit the TDSB Excellence Awards website.
Professional Activity (PA) Days Update
As you know, during the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. The upcoming Professional Activity (PA) Day on Monday, April 8 was originally scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024. Due to this rescheduling, please note that Friday, April 19, 2024 will now become a Day 1 on the elementary and secondary calendars.
Learn4Life Adult Community Programs - Spring Registration Now Open!
Did you know the TDSB offers lots of adult programs? Spring 2024 registration is now OPEN for Learn4Life's Adult General Interest Program! 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. Visit Learn4Life’s program page for more information.
National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM): Legacy and Excellence of Black Muslims
I am pleased to share an exciting workshop which offers a historical overview of the excellence, resilience, and resistance of Black Muslim communities globally. The workshop will conclude with practical resources and recommendations to promote the ongoing affirmation and recognition of the achievements and wide-spanning contributions of Black Muslims within our local and global communities. If you are interested in participating in the workshop, please register here.
Webinar Wednesdays at the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
I encourage you to participate in the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement second session of the 2023 - 2024 Webinar Wednesdays series. The aim of this virtual series is to provide space for Black parents and caregivers, and families raising Black children to support their children’s success, academic achievement and overall well-being as they transition from high school.
This session will focus on Pathways to Skilled Trades. Parents, guardians, caregivers and families please join us as we chat with representatives from post-secondary institutions about the application processes and career pathways. Please use this registration link to participate!
Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health in Black Communities with Trey Anthony
The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, TDSB Mental Health and Well-Being, and Teachers Learning and Leading will be hosting a session during Black Mental Health Week 2024 with award-winning playwright, actor, and wellness expert Trey Anthony ‘Da Kink in My Hair’. I invite parents, guardians, caregivers, students (Gr. 7-12) and community members to join Trey as she delves into important topics such as the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities. Please register here.
TDSB Earth Hour 2024
I am happy to share that the TDSB is once again participating in Earth Hour. On Friday, March 22nd at 2:00 PM TDSB schools and offices are asked to go as electricity-free as possible for ONE HOUR. Earth Hour presents a great opportunity to raise awareness focused on energy conservation and climate change. Wherever possible, our schools and offices will turn off all interior lighting except necessary emergency lights, any non-essential electronics and powerbars.
Energy reduction will again be tracked at each TDSB school, with the top 25 Elementary and Secondary schools getting a shout out. Let’s make this year our biggest energy reduction ever! To help maximize your energy reduction, I encourage you to explore the TDSB EcoSchools Earth Hour resources.
Greek Heritage Month at the TDSB
At the TDSB, we are proud to recognize Greek Heritage Month during the month of March. During the month of March, we have several activities that will be shared to mark Greek Heritage Month. This year’s theme is: “Greek Thought and Civilization: From Myth to Logos” ---- «Eλληνική Σκέψη και Πολιτισμός: Από τον Μύθο στον Λόγο». This year’s website includes “Daily Announcements” along with featured focused days with activities.
High Water Levels Brings Increased Risks
We are inching closer to Spring and milder weather. The Toronto and Region Conservation monitors hazardous ice conditions as thaw begins and are reminding everyone to be very careful around all bodies of water. The first hint of warming weather and the promise of spring thaw can bring extreme danger to the shores and surfaces of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, according to Toronto and Region Conservation. As warmer temperatures arrive, stream banks become increasingly slippery and unstable. Lake and river ice weakens, becoming thinner or with higher flows breaking with little or no warning.
During this time, the potential for flooding and ice jamming is high. Higher, faster-flowing water and extreme cold temperatures combine to create increased dangers on or near rivers, streams and ponds for people wishing to enjoy the seasonal changes. I encourage you to speak to your children about staying safe and staying away from stream banks, ponds and lakes.
Steps to Address Your Questions and Concerns
Here at the TDSB, we are always open to hearing your questions and concerns and make every effort to address them as quickly as possible. Your child's classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school's principal, the school superintendent, and me, your Trustee! For more information, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/Contact-Us/Steps-to-Address-Questions-Concerns.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
