NEW THIS MONTH
Learning Opportunities Index (LOI) Public Policy Consultations
As part of the Learning Opportunities Index Policy Review, Trustees and Research and Development staff are hosting five public consultation sessions across the city on the draft Learning Opportunities Index (LOI) Policy. These sessions are an opportunity for families, students, staff, and community members to learn about the LOI and how it is used to support schools. There will be opportunities for attendees to ask questions and share feedback at the meetings below:
Thursday, March 6 - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
In-person meeting at 140 Borough Drive, Scarborough, ON M5S 2R5
Tuesday, March 18 - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
In-person meeting at Central Technical School, 725 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2R5
Thursday, March 20 - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Virtual meeting with link shared on Thursday, March 20
Thursday, April 3 - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Hybrid meeting at 5050 Yonge Street, North York, ON M2N 5N8 with virtual link shared on Thursday, April 3
Greek Heritage Month 2025
The TDSB is proud to recognize Greek Heritage Month every March, which is a significant month for the Hellenic community. The theme for 2025 is Odyssey - A Decade of Celebrating Greek Heritage Month. Several educational activities have been planned to help students, staff, and families mark the occasion. In early April, all TDSB community members are welcome to attend two Greek Heritage Month events, including the Annual Greek Independence Day Parade. Visit the TDSB website to read the full message.
Trustees Call for Provincial Funding for New Toronto Schools
TDSB's 579 schools are, on average, over 60 years old, with many requiring urgent repairs and renovations. In addition to not receiving any Capital Priorities funding, we continue to be challenged by a growing $4.5 billion maintenance and repair backlog. This lack of support results in the Board spending money on older and/or low enrolment schools, while limiting the breadth of programming for students. As Chair Neethan Shan stated, "TDSB students, families, and educators deserve investments in our schools to deliver the best education possible for the future of Ontario."
Addressing the Education Funding Gap from Inflation
Ahead of the provincial election, TDSB Trustees used a news release and letter to Ontario party leaders to address critical funding shortfalls impacting our schools and communities. According to Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, school boards relied on an average of $14,700 per student over the 2018-19 school year when adjusted for inflation. For the 2024-25 school year, boards will have to make do with just $13,200. This sizeable funding gap heightens existing needs and creates new challenges.
We have called on the Government of Ontario to help close the gap by increasing the amount of per student provincial funding by $1,500 when 2025-26 core education funding is announced. Without adequate funding, our ability to offer a well-rounded education is compromised. This current situation is unsustainable and unfair to students, staff, and families. By increasing per student funding to meet inflation-adjusted levels, we can help ensure that every Ontario student has access to the resources they need.
Advocating for Equity, Diversity, and Anti-Racism Teacher Certification
TDSB Trustees are advocating for mandatory equity, diversity, and anti-racism certification for all K-12 teachers in Ontario. This initiative aims to ensure educators are equipped to support racialized students. Data from the TDSB indicates that 80% of reported incidents involve racism, with a significant portion being anti-Black racism. The TDSB is committed to inclusive learning environments, as outlined in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Equity Policy. We propose that the Ministry of Education consult with key stakeholders to develop and implement this certification program. By doing so, we can foster truly inclusive and supportive educational environments for all students and educators across Ontario.
2025-26 Student Trustees Election
On February 26 and 27, thousands of TDSB students from grades 7 to 11 participated in online polls to elect the 2025-26 Student Trustees. With 35 enthusiastic candidates in grades 10 and 11 running for the two positions, students had the opportunity to watch video speeches and make informed choices for their leadership. The Student Trustees will represent the voice of approximately 239,000 TDSB students, attending Board and Committee meetings, and working closely with the Student Senate to promote student voice and engagement across the district.
The TDSB Board of Trustees is excited to welcome Ahnaaf Hassan, a Grade 11 student at R. H. King Academy, and Victor Jiang, a Grade 11 student at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute, as the 2025-26 Student Trustees. You can read the full announcement to learn about their campaigns. Congratulations to all student candidates for their dedication and hard work!
Nominations NOW OPEN for 2025 TDSB Excellence Awards
The 2025 TDSB Excellence Awards are just around the corner! These awards recognize the outstanding efforts of TDSB staff who go above and beyond for students, colleagues, and the broader community. We encourage nominations from students, staff, families, and community members before the deadline on Friday, April 4 at 5 p.m. I look forward to celebrating the dedication and commitment of TDSB’s incredible staff who make our schools and workplaces exceptional spaces to learn, work, and play.
Reminder: Mid-Winter Break
Mark your calendars! The Mid-Winter Break is scheduled for March 10 to 14, 2025. During this week, there will be no classes. We hope everyone enjoys a restful and rejuvenating break.
Help Protect Against Measles Ahead of March Break Travel
Measles continues to circulate in Ontario and around the world, with an outbreak currently occurring in the southwest of the province. In the past year, Ontario reported more than 80 cases of measles, with 10 cases in Toronto. By comparison, 101 measles cases were reported to Ontario public health units from 2014 to 2023. In Toronto, most measles cases are travel-related, including travel around March Break.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) encourages students and families to stay up-to-date with their routine vaccines, including the measles vaccine, before March Break travel. For those staying in town during the Mid-Winter Break, TPH will be hosting vaccine catch-up clinics. These clinics provide a convenient way for students to receive routine vaccines required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), including the measles vaccine. Appointments are available at tphbookings.ca.
FROM LAST MONTH
Register for Kindergarten Today!
Register for English Kindergarten programs today! Children who will be four by December 31, 2025, are eligible to start Junior Kindergarten in September 2025. We cannot wait to welcome these young learners to TDSB schools.
2024-25 Winter Well-Being Guide
The TDSB Mental Health and Well-Being Committee is happy to share the 2024-25 Winter Well-Being Guide. It has tips and resources to help students and families stay healthy and happy during the winter. The guide is available in multiple languages and includes special support for students with disabilities and complex needs. Check it out on the TDSB website and share it to help everyone stay well this winter!
ONGOING REMINDERS
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.
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.
Official Social Media Channels
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! Learn more about Steps to Address Questions and Concerns here.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Visit the TDSB website for a full list of upcoming meetings.
