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 some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including:
School Year Calendar - The first day of school for the 2023-2024 School Year is Tuesday, September 5, 2023. The School Year Calendar for the upcoming year will be available soon.
June is Pride Month - In June, the TDSB marks Pride Month across all TDSB schools and sites. Pride Month is a time to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and reflect on the important work that must continue to make our schools and workplaces more inclusive, welcoming and affirming for all. Learn more.
National Indigenous History Month - June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate and learn from First Nations, Métis and Inuit people about the diverse cultures, histories, experiences, creations, perspectives, and achievements. Learn More.
Italian Heritage Month - Italian Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of June at the TDSB since May 2012. The Province of Ontario also marks Italian Heritage Month since 2010 because the Italian Heritage Month Act was passed. This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Christie Pits riot that took place in Toronto in August 1933. To commemorate this moment in history, the TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee in collaboration with the Italian Heritage Committee are offering TDSB students a chance to learn about the largest race riot in Canadian history. Learn more. The TDSB community is also invited to a free Christie Pits Riot 90th Anniversary Commemorative Baseball Game featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club on Sunday, June 4, 2023. Learn More.
Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month - Portuguese=Speaking Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of June at the TDSB and has been since 2011. The Province of Ontario passed the Celebration of Portuguese Heritage Act in 2001. This year our theme is Alegria / Joy! The contributions of the Portuguese-speaking community to Canada are significant as they include the arts, sports, music, culinary arts, and many professional contributions to education and medicine. Learn more.
Budget Town Hall Meetings and Delegations - The TDSB is holding two virtual Budget Town Hall meetings to ensure that the TDSB community, including staff, can learn about the 2023-24 budget, ask questions and share feedback. Join us on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 1 p.m. or 7 p.m. Community members can also sign up to delegate at a Special FBEC meeting on Monday, June 12 at 4:30 p.m. The deadline to register is Friday, June 9 at 12 p.m. Learn more about the delegation process and the TDSB’s 2023-24 budget.
Spring Tutoring Update - Tutoring for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 is continuing at-school, in the community, and online. Read the Spring Tutoring Update.
Managing Heat in Schools and Classrooms – As we approach the end of the school year and temperatures are rising, schools and staff take a number of actions to manage the heat and keep schools, classrooms and students as comfortable as possible. Learn More.
Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement - The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement offers a variety of programming for students, staff and families. Join us for our upcoming events including The African Spirit, Race Consciousness, and Self-Actualization of Black Youth on June 7 at 6 p.m. and NCCM: Culturally Responsive Healing – Black Muslims on June 8 at 6 p.m. To learn more, visit our website and follow @tdsb_cebsa on Twitter and Instagram.
Summer International Languages Elementary (ILE) & African Heritage (AH) Program - ILE Summer Program combines language & culture learning with engaging activities like games, songs, dance, storytelling, and writing. No language background knowledge is necessary. Afternoon cultural programs, run by community groups, are also available. AH Summer Program connects students to the contributions, histories, legacies, cultures and traditions of people of African descent through inquiry and experiential learning. Learn more.
Learn4Life – Summer Registration Now Open! - Learn4Life provides a wide variety of general interest courses for adults 18+ and seniors. Courses, offered remotely and in-person, allow learners to take up new hobbies, learn new skills, and meet new friends. Summer courses include: Introduction to Community Interpreting, Bollywood Dance Fitness, and Tennis for True Beginners. For more information and to register, visit www.learn4life.ca.
Summer Language Classes for Newcomer Adults - The following Community Services Unit programs will be offering in-class instruction for newcomer adults this summer.
TDSB Fundraising Policy Review – The TDSB’s Fundraising Policy (P021) outlines expectations and provides direction to TDSB staff and members of school communities when planning and implementing fundraising activities in support of student learning. The Fundraising Policy is currently being reviewed and we are seeking input from the TDSB community. Review the draft Fundraising Policy and complete the online survey or email your feedback to businessdevelopment@tdsb.on.ca before October 10, 2023.
Student Census - All TDSB Student Census Surveys have now been sent to students or families! JK to Grade 3 families and Grade 4 to 8 families (completing the Census at home), please check your email and complete the survey as soon as possible! For more information, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/census and read the Questions and Answers.
Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Renewal: We want to hear from you! Please complete the MYSP online survey and share your thoughts about what the TDSB’s priorities should be for 2023-2027. Learn more about how to contribute at www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal.
TDSB Backpacks & School Supplies Drive - Backpacks and school supplies can be expensive and represent a difficult purchase for some students and families. Our Backpack & School Supplies Drive is BACK ON and 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 interested in supporting, please complete an online donation form. For more information contact BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.
Save the Date: Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference – Join us on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22, 2023 for the in-person and virtual conference: Joy in the Journey of Learning. Learn more at www.parentsaspartners.ca.