Requests for Switching Between Learning Models

All TDSB students completed a Selection Form for in-person or virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year. We communicated that there would be one opportunity to switch between in-person and virtual learning in February 2022.

In order to plan ahead for students to switch between in-person and virtual learning for February 2022, families and students requesting a change must complete the Switch Form. Families and students who do not wish to make a change do not need to complete a form.

While we cannot guarantee that all requests for a switch can be met, it is our goal to accommodate as many as possible based on available programs and space (e.g. French Immersion, Extended French, Specialized Programs, Alternative Schools, other limited circumstances).

Elementary
The Switch Form for elementary students will now be open from December 3 to January 7. Families and students who do not wish to make a change do not need to complete a form. Classes will reflect changes due to switches beginning on February 22, 2022.

Secondary
We are waiting for data from the secondary student check-in survey and the secondary teacher ThoughtExchange to inform plans for Semester 2. Details will be shared with families and students so they can make an informed decision regarding switch requests. Semester 2 classes will reflect changes due to switches beginning on February 3, 2022.

For more information, please visit TDSB website with info and FAQs on switching:
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/School-Year-2021-22/Switch-Form/Elementary-Switch-Form
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/School-Year-2021-22/Switch-Form/Secondary-Switch-Form

COVID-19 Vaccine for 5 - 11 year olds: Message from Toronto Public Health

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for children aged 5-11. Read more in the recent letter from Toronto Public Health how to book an appointment and access resources and information about the vaccine. You can also join one of three Toronto Public Health webinars to hear directly from Dr. Vinita Dubey, TPH Associate Director of Health.

Destreaming Grade 9 Courses for the 2022-23 School Year

The Ministry of Education shared with school boards that beginning September 2022, all Grade 9 subjects will be offered in one stream, including science, English, Canadian geography and French as a second language. The memo provided boards with the course codes and descriptions to be used in course registration processes and materials for the 2022-23 school year.

As part of our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, the TDSB has supported the majority of Grade 9 and 10 students to study academic-level courses for a number of years.

The Ministry also noted it will be releasing an addendum for the Grade 10 math courses to support the transition from de-streamed math to current math courses. At this time, Locally Developed Compulsory Credit course policy remains unchanged.

Operational Updates

As the school year continues, a number of operational updates have been made informed by both Toronto Public Health and consideration by the Operational Guidelines Committee who listens directly to what schools are experiencing and asking about.

Some recent updates include:

Reopening of school pools, supported by specific reopening guidelines to ensure pools provide a safe physical literacy space for students led by the school team including administration, aquatic instructors and teachers.
Now that school routines are established and with the winter months approaching, the responsible use of student lockers is permitted in both elementary and secondary schools. Guidelines around access and avoiding crowding and gathering at lockers and in hallways and other common areas.
Hosting curriculum nights and parent-teacher interviews virtually.
Developing a list of our external partners/agencies who have, as an organization, made the commitment to align with our COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure and has ensured that all staff who are attending TDSB sites are fully vaccinated.
Updating Optional Program and Materials Fee information indicating that schools may charge activity and course fees for curriculum-based and co-curricular activities beyond what is necessary to meet the learning expectations. However, these costs should be kept at a minimum and waived in order to:

- align with the TDSB’s commitments to equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression and Truth and Reconciliation; and

- ensure that all TDSB students experience equity of access to these enhancements to programming

Grade 8 Virtual Open Houses and Information Nights

Grade 8 students and families are invited to attend virtual open houses and information sessions (live or pre-recorded) hosted by high schools beginning in November. These sessions offer important information to help make an informed decision when choosing a high school. To learn more about important program and school information, access the pre-recorded information sessions and see the dates/times for information sessions, please visit the Virtual Open Houses and Information Sessions website at www.tdsb.on.ca/OpenHouses.

Reminder to call school if your child will be late or absent

One measure of keeping our students safe is to ensure we can account for any absences or reasons for being late to school. We would like to remind you that if your child is going to be absent or late for any reason, we ask that you contact the school immediately and report the reason for the absence. If we are not informed about the absence, we will make attempts to contact you through our automated call-out system to determine the reason for the absence.

To find out how this automated system works please visit https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Caring-Safe-Schools/Safe-Arrival-Program

Please let the office know by calling the school if your contact information, including phone number, changes at any time throughout the school year.

Thank you for your continued cooperation to keep your children safe and accounted for.

Keeping Children Safe

Drivers are reminded to do their part to keep children safe near school buses.

Drivers should follow these tips:

Stop and never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing.
Leave space around school buses and avoid blocking school bus loading zones so children can enter and exit safely.
Be prepared to stop for a school bus at any time, not just during school hours.
Always obey the rules of the road and watch for children, especially in school zones.
Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and school crossings.

Parents can also help keep their children safe by reminding them to be aware of their surroundings when they are on or near school buses.

Update on the Toronto Transportation Services Group (TSTG) Governance Review

At the November 3 Planning & Priorities and November 10, 2021 Board meeting, trustees approved the establishment of a separate legal entity framework to manage student transportation services and to replace the current consortium structure between TCDSB and TDSB. On November 11, 2021, the TCDSB staff presented the same recommendation to their Corporate Services, Strategy Planning and Property Committee (in private), and their Committee voted against the recommendation. The TSTG Governance Committee is currently reviewing available options and staff will provide an update at a future Planning & Priorities meeting.

Update on Empty/Courtesy Seats

Empty seats continue to be on hold for the 2021-22 school year. Removing empty seats has allowed for increased physical distancing on school busses, and has allowed for more effective seating plans, with minimal changes and disruptions to routes.

Many boards in Ontario continue to experience driver shortages and with the implementation of vaccination mandates and/or testing requirements throughout Ontario, it is important to mitigate against route cancellation and changes due to potential driver shortages.

It is important to note that requests continue to be examined on a case by case basis for exceptional circumstances, such as safety concerns due to number of bus transfers or other unique accommodation.

Skilled Trades info session

Join me, Mitzie Hunter, Member of Provincial Parliament Scarborough-Guildwood, Paul Ainslie, City of Toronto Councillor Ward 24, Scarborough-Guildwood and Special Guest from construction industry to learn more about opportunities in the trades! Register for the session today!

Link to register: https://bit.ly/3oBg7W4

TDSB System Calendar

There are many ways for parents/guardians and school community members to get involved, learn, connect and participate in TDSB activities and events. Visit this page often and see what's coming up!

TDSB Update

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