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:
TDSB to Develop Strategy to Address Islamophobia - On April 26, TDSB Trustees unanimously voted to develop and implement a system-wide comprehensive strategy to address Islamophobia. The creation of this new strategy will further build on the work of the broader TDSB Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy, which addresses all forms of racism, hate and discrimination. Learn more.
Student Census - The TDSB Student Census is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system. Based on opt-out and consent information, all Census surveys have 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 for TDSBStudentCensus@qemailserver.com. For more information, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/census and read the Questions and Answers.
Budget Survey Results – Following a Board of Trustees motion, the TDSB issued a budget survey to all parents/guardians/caregivers to gauge their opinions on the impacts of the pandemic. Completed by nearly 18,000 TDSB parents/guardians/caregivers, survey results showed that 7 in 10 believe the impacts of the pandemic are still being felt by their children, 86% believe that pandemic funding should continue, and 90% believe that the Ministry should fully or partially cover pandemic costs. Learn more about: survey results, budget process and ongoing advocacy.
Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Renewal – Have Your Say: The TDSB is renewing its Multi-Year Strategic Plan and we invite you to get involved and Have Your Say! Please complete the MYSP online survey or if you are a part of a community group or committee that is interested in contributing to the MYSP renewal, the Facilitation Guide is now available online in multiple languages and we encourage you to review the guide, record your discussions and submit input. Learn more at www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal.
Parent Involvement Advisory Committee’s 16th Annual Conference - The Parent Involvement Advisory Committee's (PIAC) annual parent/caregiver conference returns to Earl Haig Secondary School on May 6 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Join us for Ready - Set - Engage: Bridging the Gap Part II. Network with other parents and caregivers, and attend workshops that will provide resources in supporting school council and the well-being and achievement of students. The conference is free and breakfast and lunch are served. Childcare and bus transportation provided. Register at: https://bit.ly/bridgingthegap2023.
Asian Heritage Month – The TDSB is proud to celebrate the numerous achievements of Asian-Canadians during Asian Heritage Month. This year our theme is Joining Our Table: Celebrating Asian Canadians. Learn more.
Jewish Heritage Month – 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.
Conversation Series Presents Dr. Angel Acosta - Join us on Thursday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. for the next conversation series featuring Dr. Angel Acosta, a healing-centered educator who will take us on a journey Towards an Archaeology of Self: Healing & Racial Literacy Development. Please register in advance. You will then receive an email containing information about joining the webinar. For further information, email PCEO@tdsb.on.ca.
Spring Start Dates of Community Services In-Class programs - Spring into action with free skills development classes! New start dates are available in May for our On the Road Construction Program and Studio500 Hairstylist program. Must meet eligibility requirements to register. View the spring start dates.
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 at a number of sites. 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 and register.
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.
Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism - The Student Equity Collective has extended the deadline for students to submit to the TDSB’s Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism initiative to Wednesday, May 10. This initiative is focussed on students from Grade 7 to 12, but a group or class in any grade may submit a two-minute video that addresses what you’ve accomplished to make your school more inclusive for everyone. For more information, check out the Student Equity Collective web page.