January 2025
TDSB Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,
Welcome to TDSB Connects, your 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:
Tamil Heritage Month –The TDSB proudly recognizes Tamil Heritage Month in January. This year’s theme of Kinship (யாதும் ஊரே யாவரும் கேளிர் / Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir) emphasizes the idea that regardless of where we come from, we are all part of a larger family. Throughout the month, various educational opportunities will be offered so students can learn about Tamil history, customs, and traditions. Learn more.
Director’s Annual Report – Take a look back at 2024 and all that TDSB communities have accomplished in the first-ever web-based Director’s Annual Report. Our stories reflect a year of growth, innovation and student success at Canada’s largest school board.
High Performing Athlete Program Application Now Open – The application for elementary and secondary High Performing Athlete Programs is now available online for September 2025 admission. For more information, including eligibility requirements, please visit the High Performing Athlete Program web page. Application deadline is January 31, 2025.
Remote Learning – Requests for Learning for the 2025-26 school year must be submitted during the Out-of-Area Admissions process. The submission deadline is January 31, 2025. Note: Students currently enroled in Learning will automatically be enroled for 2025-26. No action is required unless requesting a change to in-person. Learn more.
Preparing for Exams and Culminating Assignments – In January, secondary students are working on course culminating assignments and preparing for Semester 1 exams. For some tips and resources to help, check out the Exam and Course Culminating Fact Sheet.
2025 Ward 11 By-Election - In November 2024, former Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin was elected to Toronto City Council, leaving the Trustee seat for TDSB Ward 11 (Don Valley West) vacant. In December, TDSB Trustees voted to hold a by-election to fill the vacant seat. Candidate nominations are open until January 17 at 2 p.m. and election day is March 3, 2025. For more information, visit the City of Toronto’s 2025 TDSB Ward 11 By-Election webpage.
Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement - The Black Student Summer Leadership Program applications are due January 10, 2025. In addition, we are offering a variety of learning experiences for students, staff, caregivers and community members. Join us virtually for Equity and Belonging Begins at Home on January 15 at 6:30 p.m. and The ABC’s of Literacy on January 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Student Trustees Election - The 2025 Student Trustees Election will take place on February 26 and 27. Students in grades 10 and 11 are eligible to apply and will be emailed the necessary information in the coming days. Before applications open on January 23, interested candidates are required to attend a virtual Student Trustee Information Session on January 15. Lean more.
TDSB Social Media Channels – Stay in touch and stay informed! We're active across X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Threads. Plus, we're thrilled to have recently joined Blue Sky – another great place to connect with us. Be sure to follow TDSB!
Special Education and Inclusion Transitions Supports Website for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers and Students – We are pleased to share a new Transitions Supports website with information and resources to assist students, families, and educators in navigating transitions for entry to school, from grade to grade, from elementary to secondary, and from secondary to post-secondary (and post-21) pathways. Connect with your child’s teacher or principal for more specific transition information.
SickKids Immunization InfoLine - The SickKids Immunization InfoLine offers information and guidance from a health-care professional about all immunizations during pregnancy and childhood. Through a scheduled phone consult with a specially trained nurse, families can have a one-on-one conversation and ask questions in a secure and non-judgmental environment.
Community Services Update – Learn more about some of the upcoming class start dates in January, including professional workplace communication classes through the Enhanced Language Training program (starts January 10 and 20), LINC’s Citizenship Classes for newcomers (starts January 14), and the Studio500 Hairstylist program (starts January 27). Visit the Community Services website for information about free, accessible community programs and services.
Reminders
Online Applications for 2025-26 School Year – Several online applications for the 2025-26 school year are now open! See below for deadline information and visit the TDSB website for important details.
- English Kindergarten Registration - Online registration is now open! Visit the Kindergarten web page to learn more.
- Out-of-Area Admissions - Elementary deadline is January 31 at 4 p.m. and Secondary deadline is January 24 at 4 p.m. Learn more.
- Secondary Schools Without a Boundary – Application deadline is January 24 at 4 p.m. Learn more.
- Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) – Application deadline for September 2025 entry is January 31 at 11:59 p.m. Learn more.
- Elementary Alternative Schools – Application deadline for September 2025 entry is January 31, 2025, at 4 p.m. Learn More.
Special Education and Inclusion January Parent Engagement Sessions – This month, join us for the following virtual drop-in sessions: Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Services Question and Answer Session on January 21 at 12:30 p.m. and Accessing Special Education Supports Session on January 22 at 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Visit the Parent Engagement Sessions web page for login information and other 2025 sessions.