December 2023
Welcome to TDSB Connects, an update on news and events from across the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
Celebrating Good News - Read about some of the recent events, initiatives, and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including:
Winter Break Reminder - Schools will be closed for Winter Break from December 25, 2023, to January 5, 2024. The first day back to school after the break is Monday, January 8, 2024.
Winter Weather - From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel student transportation, classes, and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices, or sites. Visit the website to learn about Snow/Cold Weather and the Procedure for Severe Weather.
Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) Application Deadline - For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's system-wide French Immersion Program, we offer an online process to apply for Middle French Immersion (begins in Grade 4). To apply to the Middle French Immersion Program for September 2024, applications must be completed online between January 8 and February 2, 2024. Families with an older sibling currently in a Middle French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. For more information, please visit: Middle French Immersion or the Application Process. Interested families can apply via the Application Link.
Literacy Strategy Consultation - TDSB is developing a Kindergarten to Grade 12 Literacy Strategy that will set the direction, priorities, and goals for learning and teaching literacy over the next three years. We want to hear from you! TDSB parents/guardians/caregivers are invited to share feedback anonymously through the Literacy Strategy Consultation survey. The survey will remain open until Monday, December 18, 2023.
Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application - The TDSB offers a wide range of elementary alternative schools available to students. The application process is managed centrally and includes an online application form. Information about the online application process will be available on the Alternative Schools website on December 11, 2023.
The online application for admission for September 2024 will be open from Monday, January 8, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. to Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Information sessions and/or open houses for students and parents/guardians/caregivers will take place in December 2023 and January 2024. More information is available on the Elementary School Open Houses and Information Nights web page.
Please also consider joining us for one of two Elementary Alternative Schools live webinars on December 12 at 1 p.m. and December 13 at 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.
For questions or additional support, contact the school or EAS.Application@tdsb.on.ca.
TDSB Student Census Results - In Spring 2023, the TDSB conducted its fourth Student Census, which resulted in a response rate of approximately 58% across all grades. The Student Census asks students important questions about school experiences and identities and is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system. View Student Census results on the TDSB website.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline 9-8-8 - On November 30, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC ) through the Canadian Radio and Television Corporation (CRTC) announced a national three digit Mental Health and Suicide Prevention hotline number, 988. Learn More.
Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy 2023-2032 - On November 1, 2023, the Board of Trustees approved the Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy (LTPAS) for 2023-2032. The LTPAS helps the TDSB plan in a city that is always changing. The LTPAS enables the Board to plan studies to balance school enrolments among overcrowded and under-used schools, as well as increase access to programs for all TDSB students. The LTPAS is updated and approved each year. The LTPAS document can be found on the TDSB’s public website.
Review of Legacy Technical and Commercial Boundaries - As part of the Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy, the TDSB aims to address outdated technical and commercial boundaries that exist in certain areas of the city. Originating from the Secondary Program Review, these outdated boundaries were established during a time of academic-vocational streamlining but now hinder equity of access. The Board proposes dissolving these legacy boundaries by September 2025 to provide equal access to all Toronto students.
The affected schools include Central Technical School, Central Toronto Academy, Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute, Northern Secondary School, Victoria Park Collegiate Institute, and Western Technical-Commercial School. The proposed changes would not affect current programs. Public engagement opportunities are scheduled for mid-January 2024 through three virtual meetings. Details will be provided before the winter break.
More information on the Boards’ Secondary Program Review is available at www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Secondary-Program-Review and information about the review of legacy technical and commercial boundaries is available at www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Strategy-Planning/Search-All-Reviews/id/189.
PA Day Information - During the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. Beginning in 2023-24, boards of education are now required to publicly share information at least 14 days in advance, as outlined in Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 151. View information for the upcoming PA Day on December 8.
Multi-Year Strategic Plan Renewal Next Steps – Thank you to everyone in the TDSB community who engaged in the MYSP consultation process to provide feedback and share ideas – we appreciate your time and efforts. Over the course of the extensive consultation process in 2023, input was received from internal and external stakeholders in several formats, including written submissions, via the MYSP online survey, and group discussions. As a next step, information from all engagement opportunities will be considered to identify themes for the renewed MYSP and a final renewed MYSP will be formally presented to the Board of Trustees for approval in 2024. Check www.tdsb.on.ca/mysprenewal for updates as the process continues.
High School Open Houses and Information Nights - To help you make an informed decision when choosing a school, open houses and information sessions for parents/guardians/caregivers and students will be happening between November and January. Visit the website to learn more about our variety of schools, programs and courses and see the dates and times of scheduled Open Houses and Information Nights.
Ministry of Education Information Sheets – The Ministry of Education has created information sheets for parents/guardians to keep you informed about important issues or initiatives and to help support your children reach their full potential:
- Financial Literacy: Interactive online lessons for parents to use with their children which covers the value and use of money, managing personal finances such as budgeting and investing wisely.
- Anti-Bullying: The guide, ‘Bullying: We can all help stop it’ has information about bullying, including cyberbullying, what you can do if your child is being bullied, has witnessed bullying or may be bullying others.
Looking Ahead: New Community Adult Classes in January 2024 - Community Services Unit-operated programs across the GTA are offering new start dates for various classes in January. These free and low-cost services and programs are designed for parents and adults seeking employment, new skills, and better opportunities.
For young adults who are out of school and out of work, the On the Road Construction training program and On the Line Culinary training program will start new sessions on January 1 and 8, respectively. Please note that these programs have very rigorous criteria for enrollment. Learn more about Community Services programs and services here.
Learn4Life Adult Community Programs - Winter 2024 Registration Now Open! Open to adults 18 years of age and seniors, the Learn4Life program offers a unique and valuable opportunity to pursue interests, expand knowledge, and engage in lifelong learning. New courses this term include: Adventures in Photography, Create Your Own Natural Cosmetics, De-Stress and Relax, Pastry Arts for Everyone, Golf Training Program, and Afrobeat Aerobics. Visit Learn4Life’s program page for more information.
Sponsorship- A great way to support fundraising initiatives and build relationships between TDSB and the greater community is through sponsorships. For more information or tips on how to secure a sponsorship, connect with the Business Development office at businessdevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.