NEWS

Welcome to the 2016-17 School Year

This year, the TDSB is working within a new Learning Centre model to better support student achievement and well-being, while directing more resouces into classrooms. Learn more about Learning Centres.

TDSB, along with other school boards in the Toronto area, faced transportation issues around busing this fall. We continue to work to find a solution for every child and every family. The Board of Trustees has asked for a report to determine what happened and to set new processes for the future. Read the letter to Parents/Guardians of Students Affected by School Bus Disruptions.

To help parents/guardians and students navigate the school year, TDSB has created a webpage with a suite of materials including homework tips, the school year calendar, ways to participate in the school community and more. Learn more at www.tdsb.on.ca/needtoknow.

On behalf of all TDSB staff and the Board of Trustees, we wish every student a year of learning, opportunity and growth.

Avtar Minhas and Alexandra Lulka Elected TDSB Trustees

As a result of two by-elections held on July 25, 2016 Avtar Minhas (left) has been elected as TDSB Trustee for Ward 1, Etobicoke North, and Alexandra Lulka (right) has been elected as TDSB Trustee for Ward 5,York Centre. Both Trustees were sworn in on July 28, 2016. Learn more about the by-election.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Lands and Territories in All TDSB Schools

All TDSB schools now begin their day with an acknowledgement of the Traditional and Ancestral Lands of Aboriginal peoples. It is customary at the TDSB to begin events, gatherings and meetings with an acknowledgment. This practise has now expanded into schools. Read the Board decision (on page 2). Read the Aboriginal Education Centre's report. Learn more.

Join a Conversation About Equity in the TDSB

The TDSB is a leader in supporting equity through innovative programs, inclusive curriculum, professional learning and equity strategies to close achievement, participation and opportunity gaps. Our vision is to create equitable learning environments and to raise expectations for everyone. To do that, we have developed a draft Integrated Equity Framework Action Plan and we want to hear from you.

Please learn more online, take a look at the framework (or the summary version) and share your feedback online or join us at an in-person conversation.

TDSB Maintains Strong Achievement Results in Reading and Writing, Math Needs Improvement

Earlier this month, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released achievement results for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). The TDSB has maintained strong scores in reading and writing and continues to focus on improving student achievement in mathematics. Learn more.

Local Agreement Reached with Secondary Teachers

The TDSB has ratified a local agreement with the Board’s 5,400 permanent secondary teachers who are represented by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF). Ratified local agreements have now been reached with all employee groups. Learn more.

School-by-School List of Needed Repairs Posted Online

Parents and community members now have access to a wealth of data on the condition of the TDSB's schools, including repairs listed on a school-by-school basis. The Board has posted extensive data on its website to align with its commitment to be more open and transparent with parents, students and community members.

In June, the Ministry of Education announced an additional $257 million in funding for school repairs.The additional money means the TDSB will invest a total of $579 million in schools by the end of August 2017. Learn more.

Board Approves Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy
The Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy 2016-2025 has been approved by Trustees. This 10-year strategy provides a flexible and responsive approach to TDSB program and accommodation planning. Read the strategy.

New Paediatric Health Clinic Opens at Chester Le Junior Public School

On July 18, the TDSB and the Hong Fook Connecting Health Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic opened the doors to a new Model Schools Paediatric Health Clinic located at Chester Le Junior Public School. The clinic provides healthcare services to hundreds of students and their siblings (up to Grade 8) from Chester Le JPS and surrounding schools. Learn more.

BOARD MEETING NOTES

TDSB Top Scholars Honoured at Board Meeting 

TDSB's top scholars - Grade 12 graduates with the highest overall averages in the past school year - were celebrated at the August Board meeting.

Three of this year's scholars were able to attend in person - Abtin Ameri from Bloor Collegiate Institute with an average of 99.3%, Nayef Ahmed also from Bloor with an average of 99.3% and Sailesh Nankani from East York Collegiate Institute with an average of 99.7%.

The following students were also recognized - Cindy Ding, from Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute with an average of 99%, Shela Qiu from Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute with an average of 99.3% and Kenneth Wong from East York Collegiate Institute with an average of 99.8%. Congratulations to all!

Board Declares Thistletown Property Surplus to its Needs

On August 24, the TDSB declared its Thistletown Property at 925 Albion Road surplus to its needs and referred the property to the Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) for sale.The goal is to also retain the community services that are currently operating on that site. Discussions with the City of Toronto are ongoing. Read the Board decision on page 1.

February Declared Chinese Heritage Month

Trustees voted to recognize February as Chinese Heritage Month to celebrate the contributions, culture and traditions of those of Chinese heritage. February was chosen as it often coincides with the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Read the Board decision on page 3.