September 2024
Celebrating Good News at the TDSB
I invite you to read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including:
2024-25 School Year Calendar
Welcome to a new school year! It’s hard to believe the summer break has come and gone. For important dates for the 2024-2025 school year, please visit the School Year Calendar for a list of important dates.
Professional Activity (PA) Days
As you may be aware, during the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. On these dates, students remain at home and schools are open for staff to engage in professional learning. As per Ministry requirements, detailed information about planned activities will be posted to the TDSB public website at least 14 days in advance of each scheduled PA Day during the 2024-25 school year. I encourage you to visit the PA Day web page to learn more and check back throughout the school year.
Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools
Beginning on September 1, 2024, the Ministry of Education has provided new direction around cell phone and mobile device use in all Ontario schools. By reducing the distraction of cell phones and mobile devices, together we can create more focused and engaging learning environments for students. Learn more at www.tdsb.on.ca/mobiledeviceuse or contact your child’s school with any questions.
Phased-in Start for Student Transportation
Back to School on the TTC
Managing Heat in Schools and Classrooms
Anaphylaxis - Taking the Necessary Precautions
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can be life threatening. This medical condition can cause a severe reaction to specific foods or other materials and can result in death within minutes. If your child has health problems of any kind, please inform your child's teacher or office staff so that the necessary health protection steps may be taken to ensure everyone's co-operation for a safe learning environment.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
As we enter a new school year, families are encouraged to teach children of all ages the rules of the road. Children under ten should be accompanied by adults or older children when crossing the street, as their judgment and perceptual skills are still immature. By starting to learn the rules of road at a young age, by age ten when a child can act independently, these rules will be second nature. Visit the City’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan webpage to learn more.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day
Monday, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. The TDSB will honour this day and for more background, please visit the Urban Indigenous Education Centre website.
Continuing Education Programming
Did you know the TDSB offers Continuing Education Programming in our communities? Explore learning opportunities available for children, families, adults, and visitors at the TDSB this fall:
Steps to Address Your Questions and Concerns
Here at the TDSB, we are always open to hearing your questions and concerns and make every effort to address them as quickly as possible. Your child's classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school's principal, the school superintendent, and me, your Trustee! For more information, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/Contact-Us/Steps-to-Address-Questions-Concerns.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
Follow the TDSB
Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
