| Trustee Update Zakir Patel • Ward 19: Scarborough - Guildwood
Toronto District School Board
Tel: 416-395-8787 • Cell: 647-643-9404
Zakir.Patel@tdsb.on.ca |  |
 | |
|
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year! This is an exciting time of year for students and parents/guardians/caregivers but also a time with a lot of change and adjustments as we begin new routines, meet new friends and teachers, and settle into a school routine for the year ahead.
To help make the transition into the new school year as smooth as possible, please explore the TDSB website to access the information you need and use the resources available, including:
Feel free to also reach out directly to your child’s school or teacher at any time with questions or to discuss your child’s needs.
To hear more about all the great things happening in TDSB schools throughout the year, please follow along on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Threads.
Have a great year!
| |
2023-24 School Year Calendar
It’s hard to believe the summer break has come and gone! For important dates for the 2023-2024 school year, please visit the School Year Calendar for a list of important dates.
| |
Back to School on the TTC
The TTC is an easy and affordable way for TDSB staff and students to travel to and from school and in the fall, TTC increases service to elementary and secondary schools across the city. Learn about planning your trip, safety tips and more!
| |
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. Although foods such as peanuts, milk, eggs, and sesame seeds are the most common cause of anaphylaxis, insect stings, medicine, or latex can also cause a reaction.
If your child has health problems of any kind, please inform your child's teacher or office staff as soon as possible so that the necessary health protection steps may be taken and to ensure everyone's co-operation for a safe learning environment.
| |
Pedestrian Safety Tips
As we enter a new school year, I want to share a reminder about pedestrian safety tips. I encourage you to teach your children the rules of the road - starting when they're young. Think of it as gradually training your children about safety until all the connections are in place. By the time your child reaches age ten, and can act independently, the road safety rules will be second nature. Children under ten should be accompanied by adults or older children when crossing the street. At this age, their judgment and perceptual skills are still immature, yet they often eagerly try to cross streets on their own in order to demonstrate some independence. Learn more by visiting the City’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan webpage.
| |
TDSB Backpacks & School Supplies Drive
We know that backpacks and school supplies can be expensive and represent a difficult purchase for some students and families. I encourage you to participate in TDSB’s Backpack & School Supplies Drive. The drive will run until the end of September. We are accepting donations of new products, including backpacks (gender neutral coloured with no commercial logos preferred), lunch bags, crayons, calculators, notebooks and basic school supplies. If you are interested in supporting this great cause for TDSB students, please complete an online donation form. For more information contact BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.
| |
Mark Your Calendar: Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference
I encourage you to join us for the Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on October 21 and 22, 2023. This year’s conference is focussed on Joy in the Journey of Learning and will be a weekend full of presentations. Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca for more information.
| |
Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Renewal
The TDSB wants to hear from you! Please consider taking the time to complete the MYSP online survey and share your thoughts about what the TDSB’s priorities should be for 2023-2027. To learn more about how to contribute, please visit: www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal.
| |
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:
| |
The Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative program
2024 Winter/Spring After-School program
This program enhances the link between the police and the neighbourhoods we serve. This initiative gives young people an opportunity to develop job skills while fostering positive partnerships with the Toronto Police Service.
Youth ages 15 to 18 who reside in the city of Toronto are employed through the summer and throughout the year, working alongside police officers and civilian staff in a wide range of roles. The program is not unique to Toronto, as it was created and funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and is now used throughout the province.
Our applications close on September 30th, 2023.
| |
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, September 27, 2023. 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.
| |
|
|
|
|
