www.tdsb.on.ca/ward8
 @shelleylaskin
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Shelley Laskin, Trustee
Toronto District School Board
Ward 8: Eglinton-Lawrence & Toronto-St Paul's
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416-395-8787
Shelley.Laskin@tdsb.on.ca
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- Childrens' Mental Health Week May 5-9, 2025
- TDSB Budget and Inflation - Adjusted Funding - Letter to the Minister of Education
- Myths and Facts
- TDSB's Structural Deficit
- Proposed Options to Balance the 2025-26 Budget
- Save Our Pools
- Budget Development Process
- Committee Meeting this Week - PSSC
- Summer Programs
- Learn4Life Summer Registration Opens May 14
- TDSB Math Achievement Action Plan
- Consultations - We'd Like to Hear From You
- Ward 8 Forum Year End School Council & Volunteer Appreciation - Monday, May 26 - 6:00 - 8:00pm
- New Invitations
- Reporting Incidents of Hate
- 2024-25 School Year Calendar
- Proposed 2025-26 School Year Calendar
- Useful Links
- Worth Repeating...
- Dogs Are Not Allowed on School Property
- Community Safety and Support
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Previous Weekly Updates posted here. |
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Childrens' Mental Health Week - May 5-9, 2025 |
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This week we reflect deeply and act intentionally on what it means to create mentally healthy spaces in our school communities—every day.
This year’s theme, “Unmasking Mental Health”, invites us to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health by centering wellness & positive mental health, as daily practices and prioritizing the voices of students in shaping supportive environments.
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This includes learning to Reach out for help and support within and outside of school including affirming immediate mental health supports.
At the Toronto District School Board, we recognize that student voice is not only powerful, it is necessary. It is embedded throughout our Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) and our Mental Health and Addictions Strategy.
This week is a reminder that supporting mental health is not a one-time event. It is found in the small, everyday actions—making time for a moment of calm, connecting with someone we trust, or reaching out for support when it is needed. Across our system, approximately 2,000 mental health programs are running in schools to meet the emerging needs of school communities. Did you know? 60 schools and over 200 students with Professional Support Services staff and school teams, are currently participating in the Mental Health Student Ambassador Program (MHSA) to co-lead over 400 wellness initiatives.
We also know that affirming students’ identities is a critical part of mental wellness. Access to inclusive and culturally responsive resources allows students to feel seen, valued, and supported. Through the Mental Health Toolkits created by PSS staff, we continue to bridge wellness from the classroom to the home—making care accessible and meaningful.
Let us carry the spirit of this week forward, with compassion, humility, and strength. Let’s continue unmasking mental health by building circles of care around our students, knowing where to go for help, and making mental wellness a shared, daily priority. For more resources, please visit the TDSB Mental Health and Well Being site.
If you have any questions and/or would like more information please email mentalhealthandwellbeing@tdsb.on.ca.
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TDSB Budget and Inflation-Adjusted Funding - Letter to Minister of Education |
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Friday May 02, 2025
Dear Minister Calandra,
We are writing to you on behalf of Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Trustees to address the urgent need for increased education funding for the 2025-26 school year. The TDSB is facing a significant structural deficit, which has been flagged by both your Ministry and the Auditor General.
As Canada’s largest school board, serving approximately 239,000 students across 579 schools, we are committed to providing high-quality education for every student. However, our substantial funding shortfall hinders our ability to meet student and staff needs. We continue to draw attention to an estimated $1,500 shortfall in per student provincial funding when adjusted for inflation.
The TDSB is facing a projected structural deficit of approximately $58 million for the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, as a large, urban school board, we face unique circumstances contributing to this structural deficit, as highlighted in the Auditor General’s 2024 Annual Report. We hope to work together to address these areas to ensure Ministry funding for students is not impacted.
In response to your recent comments regarding the TDSB’s budget challenges, we remain committed to finding further savings and efficiencies as we work through the budget process. However, it is important to note that we have already cut millions of dollars from our budget over recent years in the face of significant financial challenges. These challenges include unfunded increases in statutory benefits, teacher salaries higher than Ministry funding benchmarks, and the provincial moratorium on school closures.
The TDSB will be fully cooperating with the investigation announced by your Ministry and is committed to transparency and accountability in our budget-setting process. We will continue to meet through Finance, Budget and Enrollment Committee and Regular Board meetings as staff present options to balance the budget for Trustee consideration and decision-making.
We urgently request to meet with you at your earliest convenience, so that we can work in partnership to ensure stability, achievement, and well-being for Toronto students.
Together, we can help prioritize public education for the future of our entire province.
Sincerely,
Neethan Shan
Chair, Toronto District School Board
Dan MacLean
Chair, TDSB Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee
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We look forward to the Ministry-appointed financial investigator to validate TDSB's funding concerns, based on facts not fiction. The Minister's comments in the Legislature on May 1st were uninformed, inaccurate, and insulting to the students, parents, and staff we represent.
TDSB urges the new Minister to work with us to understand and address the unique challenges of our large board, as recommended by the Auditor General of Ontario, starting with the facts below:
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MYTH: There are too many senior staff at the TDSB.
FACT: While size matters, so do facts.
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- TDSB was created in 1998 after the Harris Conservative government amalgamated seven school boards
- into one. As Canada’s largest school board, we serve 239,000 students with 41,000 staff.
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TDSB school superintendents oversee about 26 schools each, more than school superintendents at fellow public school boards.
- TDSB employs about 30% less superintendents per school when compared to some fellow Ontario public school boards.
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MYTH: TDSB hasn’t reduced senior staff costs.
FACT: TDSB has reduced senior staff costs.
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Three Superintendent positions were discontinued last year along with the associated administrative support as we continued to look for savings.
- In the last two years, 7 Centrally Assigned Principal positions were eliminated as we attempted to keep cuts away from programs and services for students.
- In previous years, budget deficits were repeatedly balanced by reductions to central staff and senior administration.
- TDSB has also streamlined central administration in recent years, reducing these staff by 90+ positions, resulting in approximately $10 million in annual savings.
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MYTH: The TDSB refuses to address "overspending".
FACT: Spending more in some areas of the budget than funding provided to address student needs is not "overspending".
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Ministry funding for Special Education is detached from reality with the TDSB spending $38.5 million more than it receives to meet the needs of
- A total of 71 of the 72 school boards “overspend” on special education - the underfunding in special education is in excess of $850 million.
- School authorities (e.g. Bloorview) are not included in above numbers but are also struggling with lack of
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Trustees have cut tens of millions from the TDSB budget over recent years and continue to look for savings. Nevertheless, TDSB continues to face financial challenges because of obligations and restrictions imposed by the Province.
- TDSB is on the hook for millions of dollars in increases in statutory benefits like EI and CPP, and teacher and ECE salaries that are higher than Ministry benchmarks because the Province won’t pay for these mandatory
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The TDSB has to maintain and operate older buildings no longer in a state of good repair, with the
- maintenance/renewal backlog growing by $70 million in 2023-24 alone. The total backlog sits at a staggering
- $4.5 Billion
- The Ministry could easily fix this and lift the moratorium on school closures that has been in place since 2017 but refuses to do so and refuses to explain why.
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MYTH: TDSB has thousands more people on the Ontario Sunshine List (public sector employees making $100,000 or more).
FACT: TDSB has 41,000 employees.
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- The Province, as the funder, is a party to centrally negotiated wage increases.
- For 2024, all school boards in the province had more staff - mostly teachers - on the sunshine list. (TDSB had 5000+ more staff on list).
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The significant increase is due largely to the Province having to pay salary adjustments, retroactive back pay to thousands of education workers after losing a court challenge on Bill 124, wage freeze legislation found to be unconstitutional.
- The province itself acknowledges this year’s list is abnormal. Next year, there will be a significant reduction in TDSB employees on this list.
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MYTH: The Minister of Education suggests the TDSB is somehow attacking students, parents and teachers as part of our budget.
FACT: The Education Act requires boards pass balanced budgets.
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Severe underfunding across the school board sector is creating proposed deficit budgets in 42 of 72 boards.
- Ministry funding for Special Education is detached from reality with the TDSB spending $38.5 million more than it receives to meet the needs of students. In total, 71 of 72 boards spend more on special education for their students than the province provides.
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Trustees have maintained pools, outdoor education and Itinerant Music Instructors because we support students, parents and teachers. We’ll continue to fight to maintain these valuable programs and services for our students - it’s what parents expect of us and it’s what students deserve. They should be fully funded by the Ministry - they directly affect student health and well-being.
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MYTH: TDSB is spending $35 million on paid sick leave and doing nothing about it.
FACT: The Ministry is well aware of concerns raised by school boards about the plan design but has refused to address it.
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As a result of the deal the province negotiated, staff can take 11 days at 100% pay and 120 days at 90%
- TDSB has taken action by restructuring its Disability Management department, developing an attendance support program and procedure, focussing on earlier and safe return to work, and other strategies, and is on track to meet its goal in supporting staff.
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MYTH: The Ontario Government has increased investment in education.
FACT: The Ontario Government has not kept up with increased costs of inflation and employment benefits.
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- In fact, when inflation is taken into account, there is an estimated $1,500 shortfall in per-student provincial funding.
- The Financial Accountability Office (FAO) has reported in 2024 that spending on education 2019-2023 decreased from 24% of the provincial budget to 18%. That is a fact.
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In terms of Capital, none of the TDSB’s five capital priority projects received funding from the province this year, despite the need for this investment and despite the fact that we have 12% of the province’s students.
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MYTH: The Minister says he’ll “fix” the board’s finances if he takes it over.
FACT: Trustees are the community’s voice.
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With Trustees pushed aside, parents and students would lose their voice and have no say in the direction of their child’s education.
- The province would be free to make any damaging cuts they want as they would be in total control.
- The threat of takeover is a threat to strong public education, democratic participation, and to our Canadian values.
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The TDSB has a structural deficit - the Province is responsible.
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TDSB's Structural Deficit |
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As confirmed in the latest Board Report, and in the slides above, TDSB has a structural deficit, meaning that the Board spends more than it receives in funding. Some reasons for the structural deficit include the underfunding of statutory benefits and the TDSB teacher salary grid, the inability to close underutilized schools, and the fact that grant revenue has not kept up with the cost of inflation.
The Auditor General acknowledged TDSB's Structural Deficit
In addition during COVID19, the Minister of Education directed school boards to use their reserves - TDSB used $61M of reserves to do what was possible to support the health and safety of students and staff. That money was never reimbursed by the Ministry. That alone is more than the Board's current anticipated budget deficit.
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Proposed Options to Balance the 2025-26 Budget |
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The updated projected deficit for 2025-26 is $58.0 million.
Included the report presented at last Wednesday's FBEC were staff recommendations on how to balance the budget for 2025-26. Thank you to all who delegated to FBEC the day before voicing your concerns on proposed staff options to balance and concerns over other previous cuts.
Staff used the list of unfunded/ underfunded/overspent provided in Appendix A of the March 26, 2025 Special FBEC Structural Deficit Update report areas to identify proposed options to balance.
It includes the following proposed cuts that add up to $59.2M:
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- Pools and School Swim Programming - $12.8M
- Including all Aquatic Instructors
- Itinerant Music programming - $4.0M
- 1:1 student devices - $4.5M
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Alignment of class sizes to collective agreements and regulations - $7.5M
- Outdoor Education - $4.7M
- Continuing Education - $2.3M
- A reduction of 93.0 positions - $11.3M
- New Procedures and Improved Support for Employees - $5M
- A commitment to nurturing local schools - $.6M
- A review and reduction of central department budgets - $7.5M
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It is imperative to note that the TDSB Trustees have not agreed to these staff recommendations.
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In fact, FBEC moved the following recommendation to the Board on May 21, 2025.
Be it resolved that the report be sent back to staff with the following directions:
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- Comply with previous board motions re staffing allocations for the 2025-26 budget as the Director is required to implement Board motions;
- No further cuts to staff positions before 2025-26 core education funding is released and assessed;
- Continue with summer 2025 aquatics permits in permitted pools; and
- 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.
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Ward 8 Parents - Make Your Voices Heard
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.
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There are many staff recommendations that directly affect students, staff and communities. Pools is one of them. Here we are again - Save Our Pools in 2008.
Prior to amalgamation in 1998 when the province took over funding of education, the majority of pools in schools were built cooperatively by the City and the Boards through our tax dollars - most schools with pools also have community centres. Schools were thought of as Community Hubs.
Due to a special arrangement between the TDSB and the City of Toronto, 27 school pools are exclusive to Parks, Forestry and Recreation after 6 p.m. on weekdays, all day on weekends and during summer break. 36 pools are managed by the TDSB Permit Unit. The list of these pools is available here.
The closure of TDSB pools not only directly affects kids, but the many businesses that operate permits in TDSB pools. But even if all pools could be leased, staff propose to cut all school swim programming for all students in our 66 pools.
As noted in our joint statement below, the TDSB through the Toronto Lands Corporation had already begun negotiations with the City. But this is not just up to the City - the Province has a responsibility to fully fund our schools.
Hillcrest and 529 Vaughan Rd are the only schools in the ward with a pool leased by the City. The pool at JPCI is leased by the 3rd party. The other pools in schools in the Ward are at risk - Allenby, Brown, Deer Park, FHCI, Glenview, LPCI, and Winona.
Please sign the petition to Save Our Pools - https://www.joshmatlow.ca/saveourpools
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Budget Development Process 2025-2026 |
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Staff are basing their reports to date on estimates. The Ministry has not yet released the Core Education Funding (Core Ed).
Once the actual Core Ed is received, staff will calculate the actual grant revenue to determine any changes required to the estimate.
The next FBEC meeting will be on May 15, 2025.
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Committee Meeting This Week - PSSC |
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- 5.1 Inner City Community Advisory Committee Report, April 17, 2025
- 5.2 Parent Involvement Advisory Committee Report, January 21, 2025
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6.1 R. H. King Modified Calendar Review
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Learn4Life Summer Registration Opens May 14 |
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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.
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TDSB Math Achievement Action Plan |
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Highlights from the Math Achievement Action Plan
The TDSB’s Math Achievement Action Plan coordinates improvement efforts in mathematics teaching, learning, and achievement across the district.
Please the community newsletter and complete this survey to offer feedback on your access and satisfaction with math resources that have been shared with you.
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Consultations - We'd like to hear from you |
Proposed Boundary Change - NSS, LPCI, NTCI, YMCI, LHS
The TDSB is currently receiving feedback regarding a proposed boundary modifications involving Northern SS, Lawrence Park CI, North Toronto CI, York Mills CI, and Leaside HS. These modifications are to address the four shared attendance boundaries between Northern SS, Lawrence Park CI, York Mills CI, and Leaside HS, and the accommodation pressures at North Toronto CI.The slide deck from last week's public meeting, along with an FAQ document, is posted on the Accommodation Reviews webpage. You may view the recording of the March 27, 2025, public presentation. The best ways to provide feedback are to complete this feedback survey, email me or your local Trustee, or email staff at accommodationreviews@tdsb.on.ca with any questions or concerns.
Next steps. After reviewing comments, TDSB staff will present a report with their recommendations to the Board’s Planning and Priorities Committee on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 4:30 PM, Boardroom, Main Floor, 5050 Yonge Street, Toronto. If you would like to share your thoughts in person with Trustees at the committee meeting or in writing, please contact delegates@tdsb.on.ca by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025. More informaton https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations.
The staff report will be included in the Planning and Priorities Committee agenda and posted online (http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Agenda-Minutes). by May 12, 2024. I will include it in my update.
The Planning and Priorities Committee recommendations regarding the Boundary Change review will be presented to the Board at a meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, where the Board of Trustees will make the final decisions about the schools in the review. None of these changes will be implemented until September 1, 2026.
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Consultations on Anti-Asian Hate
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) invites TDSB students, families and community members who self-identify as part of the Asian diaspora to attend a community consultation this Spring.
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Attendees are encouraged to participate in conversations that explore the various ways the TDSB can nurture, affirm, and support Asian students, families, and community members while also understanding and addressing manifestations of anti-Asian racism.
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Ward 8 Ward Forum Year End School Council & Volunteer Appreciation - Monday, May 26, 2025 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Dinner 6:00 - 7:00 I Program 7:00 – 8:00) at JPCI (640 Lawrence Av W) |
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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!
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| Choral Music Festival - Tuesday, May 6 7:30 pm at Timothy Eaton Church, 230 St Clair Av W
The following school choirs will be showcasing their beautiful choral music skills, with a grand finale being performed by all choirs in an ensemble:
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- Bessborough Drive
- Brown JPS
- Davisville JPS
- Denlow PS
- Faywood PS
- John Ross Robertson JPS
- Maurice Cody JPS
- McMurrich JPS
- Rolph Road PS
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Please join me to support music at the TDSB!
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Celebration of Music, Arts, & Community Panfest Vybz Thursday, May 8, 2025, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Winston Churchill CI
This free community event celebrates Carnival culture through Arts such as costuming, dance, drumming and steel pan music. All are invited to join us to enjoy student and professional performers and a series of fun workshops.
RSVP here
Presented by the TDSB Arts Department in partnership with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
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Graduation Fair for Students with Disabilities/Special Education Needs and Families –Students preparing for graduation and life beyond school are invited to an in-person Graduation Fair on May 14. This event will feature information booths, including Community Support Services and Post-21 Programs, Employment Assistance Agencies, and Academic Institutions & Accessibility Services Offices. Learn more or register online. Walk-ins welcome.
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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.
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TDSB Community Services Skills Training - Introduction to Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint - Call 416-396-6368 or email upgrading@tdsb.on.ca
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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:
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- May 7 - 7-8pm - English; May 13 1-2pm - French Recognizing signs of substance use and addictive behaviours
- May 14 - 12-1pm - English; May 21 12-1pm - French How to talk about substance use at home
- May 22 - 12-1pm Current trends in student substance use in Ontario – What parents/caregiver need to know
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June 4 - 12-1pm Technology overuse and problematic gaming
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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.
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| Campus Ready in Toronto - Event on May 7, 2025
UJA Israel Engagement is proud to host Campus Ready, presented by Makom, an initiative of The Jewish Agency For Israel. This important program offers parents, students, and Jewish professionals practical workshops to help prepare high school students to navigate today’s challenging campus environment.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
5:30 - 8:00 pm
Lipa Green Centre, Tamari Hall
4600 Bathurst St
Registration is required. Please reach out to Jenna Potash at jpotash@ujafed.org.
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Parent/Caregivers IMPACT Symposiums
Calling all parents and caregivers! The City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Response Program and the TDSB Parent/Caregiver & Community Engagement Office invite you to IMPACT – Innovative Methods for Parents/Caregivers Today!. Join us this May for one of three powerful sessions designed to equip you with the knowledge and the tools to support your children. We’ll tackle the most pressing issues facing young people, including: Mental Health & Well- being & Vaping Dependency; Social Media and Cellphone Dependency; Criminality & Prevention and Missing Youth & Community Safety. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect. Register soon as registration is limited.
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Parent/Caregiver and Community Education Workers invite you to Nurturing Positive Mathematical Minds for K to 12
These virtual workshops will provide you with practical strategies to support your child's math learning at home, building confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
For more information, contact Donna Cardoza, TDSB Parent Caregiver and Community Engagement Worker (PCCEW) call or text at 647-403-5821 or email at donna.cardoza@tdsb.on.ca
Tuesday, May 6th
6:30PM to 8:00PM
Register here.
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| Stronger Together - Tuesday, May 6th, during Children's Mental Health Week
The event will take place at Silverthorn from 6-9pm. From 7-9pm, we have guest speaker: Michael Landsberg, who will give a keynote address on his personal experience with depression and anxiety. The topic of suicide and suicidal ideation will also be brought up in parts.
Throughout the evening, we will have representatives on hand from major mental health organizations in Etobicoke and the Toronto area. Parents, staff, etc. are welcome to meet with the various agencies to discuss various resources and how to get help for a loved one.
Register for free tickets here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Reporting Incidents of Hate |
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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 2018-2023. 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. Antisemitism is but one form of hate our students and staff are experiencing.
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.
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2024-2025 School Year Calendar |
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.
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| 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.
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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.
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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.
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Special Education and Inclusion Guides for Parents/ Guardians/Caregivers
From learning about Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to navigating the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process, these resources are here to support you every step of the way.
We encourage you to explore the full guides on the Special Education and Inclusion website, where you’ll also find\additional Special Education resources for families.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Virtual Drop-In Hours: Pathways to Care for Mental Health
Did you know the TDSB offers drop-in hours for educational presentations that provide the knowledge and tools necessary to support the well-being of students at home and in school?
Visit the TDSB website to view session dates and themes.
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| 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
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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.
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Dogs are not Allowed on School Property |
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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.
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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.
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Community Safety & Support |
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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Toronto, Ontario | M2N 5N8 CA
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