March 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!
Greek Heritage Month - The TDSB recognizes Greek Heritage Month during the month of March and several activities will be shared. The theme for this year is: “Greek Thought and Civilization: From Myth to Logos.” Learn more.
Excellence Awards 2024 Nominations Now Open - The TDSB Excellence Awards help share the untold stories of extraordinary staff commitment. We want to know about TDSB staff who are supporting the success and well-being of students, as well as school and work communities in many different ways. We welcome nominations from anyone – staff, students, parents/caregivers or community members – please submit by April 5, 2024.
Student Mental Health and Well-Being Resources - Supporting students and fostering daily positive mental health and well-being in all school communities is a priority at the TDSB. Visit the MHWB website to access mental health toolkits, identity affirming resources, and information about a variety of wellness topics. Whether you need immediate support, or want to learn more about a particular topic, there’s information and support available.
TDSB Acknowledges Black Mental Health Week - Taking place from March 4 to 10, 2024, this important acknowledgment began with Black Mental Health Day which was initially recognized by the City of Toronto, Taibu Community Health Center, CAFCAN, and Strides Toronto in 2020. In 2021, Black Mental Health Day was expanded to a full week. At TDSB, we recognize the global impact Anti-Black racism continues to have on the mental health and well-being of individuals, students, and families of African descent. Learn more and access Black mental health and well-being resources, information, and videos.
TDSB Budget Update - To learn more about the ongoing TDSB budget process, and to watch recordings of the online Budget Town Halls, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/budget. Visit the web page regularly for ongoing updates.
PA Day Update - The upcoming Professional Activity (PA) Day on Monday, April 8 was originally scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024. Due to this rescheduling, please note that Friday, April 19, 2024 will now become a Day 1 on the elementary and secondary calendars.
TDSB Earth Hour 2024 - On Friday, March 22 at 2 p.m. TDSB schools and offices are asked to go as electricity-free as possible for ONE HOUR. Earth Hour presents a great opportunity to raise awareness focused on energy conservation and climate change. Energy reduction will again be tracked at each TDSB school, with the top 25 Elementary and Secondary schools getting a shout out. Let’s make this year our biggest energy reduction ever! Explore TDSB EcoSchools Earth Hour resources.
Pride T-shirt Design Contest - Pride Month is just around the corner, and the TDSB Pride Planning Committee is hosting a t-shirt design contest. The winning design will be featured on hundreds of TDSB Pride 2024 t-shirts, proudly worn by all members of the TDSB contingent during the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30. The contest is open to all ages, and the deadline for submissions is April 10 at 11:59 p.m.
Know Your Worth Scholarship Now Open to TDSB Students - The African Heritage Month Volunteer Planning Committee is pleased to announce that students of African Heritage graduating from a TDSB secondary school can apply for the Know Your Worth Scholarship. The scholarship provides three awards valued at $2,000 each. Learn more.
Policy Consultation - The Employment Equity Policy (P029) is currently being reviewed. The purpose of the draft Policy, re-titled “Positive Organizational Culture and Inclusive Workforce Policy,” is to identify and remove systemic barriers in employment, including hiring, promotion, and retention. The Policy will help TDSB achieve a diverse workforce and create the necessary conditions to support student achievement and well-being. Please share your thoughts, questions and recommendations on the draft Policy through the online survey or by email to TDSBpolicyconsultation@tdsb.on.ca by April 11, 2024.