January 2024
Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers and Students:
Welcome to TDSB Connects, an update on news and events from across the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
Celebrating Good News - Read about recent events, initiatives and good news stories!
Tamil Heritage Month - Tamil Heritage Month is proudly recognized during January at the TDSB. This year, the theme is Our Memories, Our Truths, Our Paths Forward: A Mosaic of Tamil Identity. The theme is a reminder to pause and reflect on our memories and narratives, to consider how they shape us individually, and to look at ways that we can come together to honour and celebrate our individuality while moving forward with our collective humanity in mind.Visit the Tamil Heritage Month webpage to learn more.
Winter Well-Being Guide - The
Winter Well-Being Guide is filled with activities, games, wellness tips, resources and community agencies to support wellness for all students, parents/guardians/caregivers, and school communities. The Guide provides accessible resources and is available in the top 20 TDSB spoken languages.
Preparing for Exams and Culminating Assignments - January is the time of year when secondary students are working on course culminating assignments and preparing for Semester 1 exams. For some tips and resources to help, including access to free 24/7 online tutoring support, check out the Exam and Course Culminating Fact Sheet.
Online Tutoring for TDSB Students - Online, on demand tutoring is available 24/7 for students. Elementary students can access homework help and enrichment opportunities in all subject areas and grades through Brainfuse. View the Brainfuse Poster for more information or contact Brainfuse. Secondary students can access tutoring for all courses and grades through Paper. View the Paper Poster for more information or contact Paper.
Virtual Learning 2024-25 - The TDSB will continue to offer students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 the option of virtual learning in the 2024-25 school year. Please visit the elementary virtual learning and secondary virtual learning web pages for more information. Read the Virtual Learning Q & A for additional details or speak with your Principal.
Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) Application Deadline - For families interested in the system-wide French Immersion Program, we offer an online process to apply for Middle French Immersion (begins in Grade 4). To apply 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.
Out-of-Area Admissions - Online applications for Out-of-Area Admissions now available! Students can access schools outside of the school designated to serve their home address. Acceptance is subject to space availability and transportation is the responsibility of the applicant. Learn more about the Random Selection Priorities and Virtual Learning Q&A. The Elementary application window is from January 8 to 31, 2024 and the Secondary application window is from January 8 to 26, 2024. Note: Current in-person students must apply through Out-of-Area Admissions to switch to Virtual Learning for September 2024.
Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application - The TDSB offers a wide range of elementary alternative schools. The application process is managed centrally and the online application form for September 2024 admission is now open. The deadline to submit an application is Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 4 p.m. For questions or additional support, contact the school directly or EAS.Application@tdsb.on.ca
High Performing Athlete Program Application – The application for the High Performing Athlete Program is now available online for student athletes who wish to apply for admission in February or September 2024. Visit the website to learn more, including eligibility requirements. The application deadline is January 31, 2024.
English Kindergarten Registration Begins in February - TDSB schools provide a rich learning environment for all children to learn and grow. Registration for English Kindergarten programs begins in February. To attend Junior Kindergarten in September, children must turn four-years-old by December 31. To register for Senior Kindergarten, children must be five-years-old by December 31. Visit the Kindergarten Registration page to learn more.
PA Day Information - During the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity Days and beginning in 2023-24, boards of education are required to publicly share information, as outlined in PPM 151. View information for January 19 PA Day.
17th Annual Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) Conference - The 17th Annual PIAC Conference is on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Earl Haig High School. The PIAC Conference is a unique opportunity to deepen understanding of the educational landscape, connect with fellow parents/guardians/caregivers and staff, and contribute to the continued success of our community. More information: www.torontopiac.com/whats-happening/conferences and review our conference flyer.
Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement - The Black Student Summer Leadership Program is accepting applications for the 2024 cohort. Students hired will explore a range of academic, career and wellness activities and participate in Youth Participatory Action Research. Learn more about this 7-week experiential learning opportunity. In addition, the Interac Experiential Learning Program is hosting a virtual information session on January 11. Successful applicants from both programs are paid for their participation. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @tdsb_cebsa.
Information Session for Grade 8 Families: Secondary Alternative Schools Fair - To support Grade 8 students and families, the TDSB has hosted a series of Preparing for High School Information Sessions. The third installment is the Secondary Alternative Schools Fair on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 (via Zoom). Please register and/or request an interpreter for the session and visit the Guidance website to view recordings of all sessions.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) - Through a formal evaluation and accreditation process, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Challenge, students enrolled in secondary schools and Continuing Education programs may have their skills and knowledge evaluated to earn credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. For more information and key dates, visit the PLAR website and attend the information session on Wednesday, January 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Register and view the flyer.
Salat in Secret: Love and Belonging in Community Spaces - The Islamic Heritage Month Committee, in partnership with the Equity, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Department, is offering students (Grades K-8), families, and staff the opportunity to attend the virtual session of Salat in Secret: Love and Belonging in Community Spaces on Monday, January 29, 2024 from 6 to 7 p.m. Sessions commemorate the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. Register now to attend.
Community Screening of Periphery - The Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression Department is collaborating with Periphery, No Silence on Race and the Ontario Jewish Archives to provide TDSB students, staff and community with ongoing learning opportunities. This session focuses on the ethnic diversity within the Jewish community and explores concrete strategies within school communities and classrooms. To register for the event on Monday, January 15 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. please use the Community Registration Link.