Trustee Update

October 2024

I invite you to read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including: 

If your family is interested in the Toronto District School Board's Early French Immersion Program (begins in Junior Kindergarten), we are pleased to offer an online process to apply. Applications for September 2025 must be completed online by November 29, 2024. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program must complete an online application for the new student. Visit the Early French Immersion page for more information.

Parents, caregivers and stakeholders of Black students are encouraged to join a discussion on October 30 at 6:30 p.m. about the TDSB’s Cell Phone/ Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy. The session will be led by Claudine Tyrell, Principal of Humberside CI and TDSB Cell Phone Policy Working Group member and supported by Graduation Coaches for Black Students and K-12 Learning Coaches. Register here. 

I am happy to inform you of the YPAR Conference: It Takes a Village: Nurturing and Celebrating Black Youth Identity in K-12 Schools and Community on Saturday, October 26 at Toronto Metropolitan University. The conference will include research presentations that focus on themes such as Black student experiences in K-12 education, transforming student learning and more! Learn more and register here.

You are invited to join us for the Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on Saturday, November 16, 2024. This year’s conference theme is Journey to Joy, Wellness, and Wholeness and will be a day full of presentations and workshops. Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca for more information and to register to attend.

At the TDSB, we proudly recognize Islamic Heritage Month during October. This year’s theme is Sabr and Shukr in Muslim Communities. Several educational opportunities and activities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Islamic traditions and customs. To learn more, visit the Islamic Heritage Month webpage. 

We recognize October as Latin-America History Month at the Toronto District School Board. This year’s theme is Weaving Our Legacies: Returning to Our Collective Path | Enlazar Nuestres Legados: Volver a Nuestre Camino Colectivo. Activities are planned throughout the month of October for students, staff, and community members. Please click here to learn more. 

The TDSB proudly recognizes Somali Heritage Month in October. This year, the theme of Somali Heritage Month is Aqoon la`aani, waa iftiinla’aan - The absence of knowledge is the absence of light. Several educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Somali traditions and customs. To learn more, visit the Somali Heritage Month webpage.

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.

For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.

Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our X, Facebook, and Instagram accounts. 

Threads @Torontodsb