April 14, 2025 

To check your registration and update your address, by April 22, 6 p.m. Use the Online Voter Registration Service; or Call 1-800-463-6868 or 1-800-361-8935 (TTY) for assistance.

To update your voter information, including your name: Contact your local Elections Canada office by April 22, 6 p.m. You can also register when you go to vote.

Advance Polls - Vote at your assigned polling station from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on: April 18 - April 21

Based on our advocacy letters from the past three years, TDSB's Chair has sent a letter to the main federal party leaders, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous Education, student nutrition, child care, and support for newcomers. This election presents a crucial moment for us to highlight the needs of our schools and communities, and to push for commitments that will enhance the quality of education across the nation. 

Information from OPSBA - The Canadian School Boards Association, of which OPSBA is a member, has created an education priority resource to assist trustees, school boards, and communities in advocating for the issues that affect public education across the country. Please consider using these resources when attending any local all candidates meetings and/or when candidates knock at the door. While we understand there are many pressing issues facing Canadians, we want support for education issues to continue to be a priority for the incoming government and its decision makers. Resources are available on our website: https://www.opsba.org/opsba_news/federal-election-priorities/.

A list of current candidates can be found here. In the coming days, more information (advance polls and voter requirements) will be available on the Elections Canada website.

Should you have any questions about OPSBA initiatives, please reach out to us. As local leaders, we encourage you to take steps to become aware of your local election details through the Elections Canada website. Voter turnout is an important part of maintaining healthy democracy and we thank you for your role in encouraging civic engagement locally.

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

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 – Regular Board Meeting - Public Session - 7pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda

At this week's Board Meeting, the following motion is being moved -

The Governance and Policy Committee RECOMMENDS:

(a) That the System Priorities Fund as presented in the revised Fundraising policy, proceed with a mandatory contribution process;

(b) That the revisions to policy, P021 Fundraising, as presented in the report, be approved. 

Minority Report (submitted in accordance with Bylaw 5.14.13)

Trustee Laskin disagreed with the decision of the Committee and recommends instead:  That option two, that the System Priorities Fund as presented in the revised Fundraising policy, proceed with a voluntary contribution process. 

The recommendation passed 5-4 at Committee and will now be in front of the whole Board for a vote. Although I asked for a Minority Report, I am concerned it will pass the full Board which makes the Minority Report moot.

I have made it clear that I do not support mandating a percentage of school-based fundraising to a System Priorities Fund. I support the System Priorities Fund and continue to support voluntary contributions by School Council. As I have explained, in my quote in the Globe & Mail article Toronto District School Board to vote on controversial change in fundraising policy, “I just don’t believe parent fundraising should be a board budget line,” she says. “Mandating parent-based school fundraising is not a way to equalize the system. I just don’t believe that to be true. I believe it’s a system responsibility, not a parent responsibility.”

The article in the Toronto Star, ‘Removing the barriers’ or ‘a net loss’? Controversial TDSB fundraising proposal divides parents, also articulates it well.

Parents who are opposed say they support equity, but are angry about a mandate. They say some school councils, made up of parent volunteers, already donate to schools in need. And they call it a tax on dollars they’ve raised through events such as fun fairs, movie nights and pizza lunches for enriching experiences at their kids’ schools, including yard improvements, field trips, art supplies, guest speakers, nutrition programs and in-class workshops. Some worry this will place an administrative burden on parent volunteers, have minimal impact and cost the board up to $150,000 to hire an auditor who’d oversee about $15 million in annual fundraising revenues — a salary that would come from the TDSB budget, which faces a structural deficit of $70.3 million for 2025-26. They’re especially frustrated the proposed change lacks key details such as the percentage that would be implemented and how it would be applied, which has created confusion.

At the TDSB, sharing fundraised money among schools has been floated for decades, but never gained a foothold. In part, that’s because schools with more socio-economically disadvantaged kids get extra money in their budgets and grants that help minimize fundraising disparities — the TDSB ranks schools based on needs to ensure appropriate allocations are made. Also, some councils already address inequities in their schools — they’ll pay for field trips, warm clothing and food for kids who can’t afford it — and some donate to others. (Some parents prefer partnering have and have-not schools, in lieu of mandatory contributions. Regardless of whether contributions remain voluntary or become mandatory, TDSB staff say they’ll do more to promote fundraising options.)

For your information, the Fundraising slide deck presentation from the ward forum  provides much context and report links and the meeting notes with questions and answers are posted on my website here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward8/Ward-8/Trustee-Ward-Forum.

Please know in front of the vote, that I appreciate all the volunteer efforts that parents and caregivers contribute to support their students and their efforts to support others. Again, for me, system equity is a board responsibility and that is why we differentiate school budgets and other grants. This issue is detracting from the important budget conversations happening at the same time. It actually diverts attention from structural funding shortfalls making it seem like its parents/caregivers/community’s responsibility... it does nothing to address systemic underfunding.

The TDSB continues to face budget challenges in meeting the needs of our schools and services. As Trustees, we are steadfast in advocating to the Ontario government for fair funding for public education. Our students deserve better!

The TDSB’s structural operating deficit is $70.3 million, as reported by staff on March 20, 2025. While we are committed to using our resources responsibly, the funding from the provincial government is insufficient to meet the needs of Toronto students. 

To address these financial challenges, the TDSB has developed a two-year plan to balance the budget. Without additional funding, we will need to make some tough decisions to align our resources with the Board’s strategic plan, but we remain committed to equity and the success and well-being of all students.

The intention of the report presented at the last FBEC was to identify these areas as they contribute to the projected structural deficit. The accompanying slide deck is now also posted.

The completely unfunded areas included in the TDSB budget amounts to over $112.6M far surpassing TDSB's current deficit.

In addition, the Ontario government has never reimbursed TDSB for $61M from our reserves (as per their direction) to ensure our schools were as safe as possible during COVID. Since 2023 we have asked them to reimburse pandemic costs.

And as per the Ontario Public School Boards Association, provincial education "funding, when adjusted for inflation, now sits at $11,506.03, a gap of $776.41 per student. This is the lowest level of per pupil funding in more than 10 years. With 1.3 million students in our English public system, this is a significant gap of more than a billion dollars."

In addition, The Auditor General’s 2024 Annual Report, released in December 2024, included a Performance Audit of TDSB. One recommendation stated “We recommend that the TDSB and the Ministry of Education work together to understand whether the TDSB has a structural funding deficit and how the TDSB’s unique circumstances play a role in its financial challenges.” Both the Board and the Ministry identified areas of concern with regard to the structural deficit and committed to working together. TDSB staff has reached out to EDU staff to schedule a meeting and has started these discussions.

The TDSB's Budget Webpage:  TDSB Budget offers detailed information about the Board's financial planning and budget processes. It includes key documents like annual budgets, financial statements, and quick facts to support transparency and community engagement.

The 2024-2025 Financial Facts: Revenue & Expenditure Trends document represents the TDSB’s financial information from 2020-21 to 2024-25. It focuses on the Board’s key expenditure areas and identifies major operating costs and funding gaps. The basis of the data presented in the tables is taken from the Board’s audited financial statements for all years up to 2023-24 and revised budget projections for 2024-25.

The next FBEC Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 (after the consultations). It is expected the Agenda will include an Update on Operations to Balance: 2025-26 and an Update on Ministry funding for 2025-26 (if available).

Budget Town Hall Community Consultations
School boards receive most of their funding from the provincial government. Every spring, the Ministry announces Core Education Funding, which determines the amount of funding school boards will receive for the coming year. Before provincial funding is announced, the TDSB wants to hear from students, staff, and families during the 2025-26 budget process.

TDSB’s Budget Town Hall Community Consultations provide community members with the opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback about the budget. A recording of the first consultation on April 10 has been posted to the TDSB Budget webpage. There are four more opportunities for us to engage with the TDSB community, with the next town hall event taking place on Tuesday, April 15 at Harbord Collegiate Institute. Hope to see you there!  

Visit the TDSB Budget webpage for details on how to attend in person or online, or learn how to delegate to a committee. To ensure enough space is available at the town halls, please register through this form if you plan to attend in person.

TDSB has been reporting and maintaining the Facility Condition Index (FCI) and Renewal Needs Backlog (RNB) data for each school on their respective websites since 2016. 

We have updated the school websites with the latest FCI and RNB data for the year 2025. 

Our Renewal Needs Backlog (RNB) was approximately $4.45 billion as of January 2025. It is important to note:

You can find the information for your school by name or address by visiting our Find Your School page. On each individual school web page you will see a ”Renewal Needs and FCI” link in the navigation menu on the left side of the page. That link will take you directly to the Renewal Needs Backlog (list of school building repairs) and the Facility Condition Index rating.

Learn more about the Renewal Needs Backlog (RNB), and Facility Condition Index (FCI).

The TDSB aims to be responsive to the voices of communities by developing tailored action plans, each based on the pillars of the Anti Hate and Anti Racism Strategy. This approach will allow communities to see themselves in the actions and will require ongoing collaboration and support of families, communities and partner organizations. 

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. These consultations will support the development of a multi-dimensional strategy to affirm the diverse and intersectional Asian identities and address anti-Asian racism within the TDSB. 

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. 

Please note the information on Summer Programs on the website will continue to be updated.

Elementary Programs

Summer School - The Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program offers the opportunity for students to continue learning in the summer. Programs are offered in-person at various locations to students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, from July 2 to July 25, 2025. A remote program is available for students in grades 6 to 8. Registration Information: Program Dates and Hours - Monday, July 2 to Friday, July 25, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Registration is online. To fill out an application, please click on the school registration form link on the website.

Summer Extended Day Program

The Extended Day Summer Program provides fun explorations and learning for children from Kindergarten to Grade 6. Children will develop skills such as collaboration, responsibility, problem-solving, creativity, citizenship, and leadership through interesting activities, and experiences. The Summer Program is delivered by TDSB staff, Designated Early Childhood Educators, and Early Childhood Assistants.
Registration Information: June 30 to August 15. Please see website here. Note: Information on International Languages and African Heritage Language & Culture Program, Outdoor Education Summer Camp and Summer Music & Art Camps will be available shortly.

Secondary Programs

e-Summer School Program - Registration will open on Tuesday, April 15 at 10:00 AM for TDSB students and on Tuesday, April 29 at 10:00 AM for NON-TDSB students. More information can be found here.

• All Grade 9 and 10 online Summer School credit courses will be delivered synchronously through the Continuing Education Remote Summer Program.

• All Grade 11 and 12 online Summer School credit courses will be delivered asynchronously through the e-Summer Program.

• The Grade 8 to 9 Reach Ahead Summer Credit course will be offered only in-person through the Continuing Education Reach Ahead Credit Program.  

Summer School

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Continuing Education Summer School Secondary Programs are open to students in Grades 9 to 12 and adult learners who are enrolled in the Ontario curriculum and working towards their high school diploma. Students can earn a new credit or retake a previously completed course to improve their grades. All students enrolling in summer school, including adult students, are required to have earned the current prerequisites. Students may register for one full-credit course or two half-credit courses (Civics and Careers). These classes are available only in July.The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) reserves the right to cancel classes. All classes are subject to the availability of space, teachers, and sufficient enrollment.

Registration for all Summer Programs will open April 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
Summer School classes will be held from July 2 to July 25, 2025 Monday to Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. These classes are available only in July. More information on how to register available here.

The Grade 8 to 9 Reach Ahead credit course is available only in person.  Students will attend face-to-face classes with a teacher. Reach Ahead Flyer 

Remote Learning All Grade 9 and 10 credit courses will be delivered through synchronous learning. In-Person Learning All Grade 9 to 12 credit courses, students will attend face-to-face classes with a teacher. Summer School In Person Sites/Locations

Special Education and Inclusion Summer 2025 Programs 

Special Education and Inclusion Summer School 
Special Education and Inclusion will once again offer summer school programs from July 2 to 25 for students currently enrolled in Developmental Disability (DD), Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH), and Physical Disability (PD) Intensive Support Programs (ISPs). Principals were asked to share this information flyer with the families of students currently enrolled in these programs. These half-day programs will be held in-person at various locations throughout the TDSB. Students will be supported to develop their independence through programming based on their Individual Education Plans (IEPs) in the areas of functional literacy and numeracy skills, activities of daily living, communication, and social skills. Visit our summer school website for more information. 

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.

Please join us for a special evening celebrating the dedication and hard work of our PIAC and FSLAC Reps, School Council members and 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).

If you are interested in participating, please RSVP Here  and indicate if you require childcare.

Student Vote!

Student Vote is a dynamic experiential learning program designed to cultivate the habits of active and informed citizenship among students. Join thousands of educators across the country bringing democracy to life in their classrooms.

Schools receive ready-to-use learning materials and realistic voting materials to coordinate Student Vote Day.

Register your school today at studentvote.ca/canada

Student Vote is a program of CIVIX. Student Vote Canada is presented in collaboration with Elections Canada.

Learning challenges, neurodiversity, and your child in the classroom - April 24 at 6:30

Please join the J R Wilcox Parent council EDI Committee for a FREE parent information session to learn more about how your child can be supported at school.

Our wonderful speakers will describe what learning struggles look like across childhood, how neurodiversity  can affect learning, and who can help your child succeed at the TDSB.

This information will be provided by Dr. Naddley Desire, CPsych (Pediatric Neuropsychologist, The Hospital for Sick Children) and Erica Denberg, MA (TDSB Special Education Teacher).

This is a hybrid event and we will provide free childcare and snacks. Please register here.

EQAO Webinar for TDSB Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers: Primary and Junior Assessment for Reading, Writing, and Math - April 15
TDSB Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers are invited to register for a live webinar to learn about the Primary (Grade 3) and Junior (Grade 6) Assessment for Reading, Writing, and Math. Participants will learn about the purpose of Ontario’s large-scale assessments. EQAO staff will explain the assessment format, highlight resources to support students, and answer questions from participants. The session is approximately 45 minutes, followed by a live Q&A with EQAO staff.

To register, please complete and submit this form.

Date: April 15, 2025

Time: 6:30PM - 7:30PM
Registration closes on April 10, at 8:00 PM.

Parent/Caregiver and Community Education Workers invite you to their Financial Literacy Series

Acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make responsible financial decisions.

Monday, April 28

Monday, May 5

6:00PM to 7:30PM

Register here.

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, April 15th 

Tuesday, May 6th

6:30PM to 8:00PM

Register here.

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.

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.

The TDSB Pride 2025 T-shirt Design Contest is open to all TDSB students of any age. The deadline for design submissions is April 11 at 11:59 p.m. Sign in to view details.

Pride T-shirt Design Contest 2025

Pride Month 2025 is just around the corner, and the TDSB Pride Planning Committee is excited to announce the T-Shirt Design Contest.

We're seeking unique student-created designs that celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ Pride across the TDSB community.

The winning design will be featured on hundreds of TDSB Pride 2025 T-shirts, proudly worn by all members of the TDSB contingent during the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

City of Toronto Children's Spring Poetry Contest - Due by May 5, 2025

Calling all budding poets. Enter the 's first Children’s City of Toronto's Spring Poetry Contest. Children ages 6 to 14 are invited to write a poem highlighting what they love most about Toronto’s parks. Do you love playing in Toronto’s parks? Write a poem and enter the contest by noon on May 5.

More information can be found here.

Grow for Grub Fundraiser to Support
TDSB Student Nutrition Programs

Grow for Grub is a small group of friends & family, passionate about local urban vegetable gardening, who want to
support student nutrition programs at hundreds of TDSB schools. We believe that children need to eat to get the
energy to learn. We grow our own vegetable seedlings and are giving them away in exchange for donations to the
Toronto Foundation for Student Success (tfss.ca) who oversees 826 Student Nutrition Programs. Please donate by
purchasing our seedling boxes featuring a special variety of seedlings. All proceeds (100%) go to TFSS.
Donations $50 and above may receive a tax receipt.

See this year's featured seedlings in the 2025 Brochure and place your order here.

You will be contacted when orders are ready for pickup in Toronto. Thank you for your support!

Social Media Safety Night for Parents on April 29th, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Regent Park Community Centre, Banquet Hall – 402 Shuter Street, Toronto

Aligned with TDSB’s policies on responsible technology use, including social media and cellphone guidelines, this event aims to equip parents/ caregivers/guardians with strategies to navigate their children's digital engagement. To sign up please click on "Register Here".

This evening will include: Practical strategies for navigating social media risks; Open discussion on online safety; Take-home resources and giveaways; Food and childcare.

Community Consultation for the Latin America Diaspora - April 26

The TDSB wants to hear from you about how to improve the academic achievement of students from the Latin America diaspora.  

Reunión para la comunidad latinoamericana. El TDSB quiere escuchar de ti de cómo mejorar la oportunidades académicas de nuestros estudiantes.

Please see details for this event:
Date: April 26, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: CW Jeffreys Collegiate Institute

Register 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 2018-2023. 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.

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

Regulation 304 requires that there be a minimum of 194 school days between 1 September and 30 June, including a maximum of ten examination days for secondary schools and a maximum of seven Professional Activity (PA) days.  It also establishes the dates for the Winter Break and the Mid-Winter Break. 

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

April is Sikh Heritage Month

Since 2016, the TDSB has proudly recognized Sikh Heritage Month every April, becoming the first school board in Canada to do so. 

The theme for Sikh Heritage Month 2025 is Ekta (Oneness), Solidarity, and Resilience.

Educational offerings for students, staff, and the community are inspired by Guru Nanak's teachings on justice, equality, and community. These principles challenge discrimination, combat bullying, and promote inclusivity.

By celebrating Sikh diversity and shared humanity, we foster dialogue, learning, and collective action. 

The Sikh Heritage Committee is continuing with its podcast series! 

This year, listeners can enjoy new episodes that reflect our current theme of Ekta (Oneness), Solidarity, and Resilience. The complete podcast series can be found here.

We are excited to showcase this TDSB Sikh Heritage Month Committee video that teaches about Sikh identity, the power of unity, community, and cross-racial solidarity. May we continue to celebrate humanity and the oneness of all.

Follow Sikh Heritage Month on Twitter @TDSB_SHM.

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.

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.

Stay Home If You Are Sick

During this respiratory virus season, I encourage you to review tips from Toronto Public Health (TPH) to help prevent the spread of infections in schools and communities.

Stay home if you are sick: If you have symptoms of illness, even if they are mild, stay home and wear a mask for 10 days after symptoms start. Practice good hygiene: Wash or sanitize your hands often, cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, and clean frequently touched surfaces.

Vaccines

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. 

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.

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

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.

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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