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!
Asian Heritage Month - Asian Heritage Month has been proudly recognized at the TDSB during the month of May. This year’s theme is Our Journeys: Thriving Through Struggle and Triumph. The committee has assembled various educational opportunities and resources for our students, staff and TDSB community. Learn More.
Jewish Heritage Month - May is Jewish Heritage Month at the TDSB. This year, the Jewish Heritage Committee is focussing on students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 using the book The Mouse Who Danced the Hora by Pamela Mayer, illustrated by Christine Davenier, to teach our youngest students about diversity and equity through Jewish wedding traditions, and learning to dance the Hora. Learn more.
Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) - The TDSB is proud to launch its MYSP, Inspiring Minds & Shaping Futures: Our Multi-Year Commitment to Student Success (2024-2028), which sets direction and identifies system goals to support the TDSB’s 238,000 students and nearly 600 schools. Learn more.
Budget Update - The 2024-25 budget process continues. As always, please visit the budget website for the latest news and updates. Please also consider participating in a Budget Survey, which closes at noon on Friday, May 3.
Road Safety: Slow Down and Stay Alert - Whether walking, rolling, biking, or driving, staying alert and cautious on the roads is crucial to ensuring everyone's safety. Please review our Road Safety Tips and for those who drive, take extra care on the roads, especially in areas where children might be present, and be sure to look twice for bikes.
Summer Programs - Explore various TDSB summer programs now open for registration! Elementary programs include: Elementary Summer School, International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program, Special Education and Inclusion Summer Program, and Summer Music & Art Camps. Secondary programs include Continuing Education Secondary Credit, e-Summer School Program, and International Youth Summer Program.
Grade 8 Summer Reach Ahead Opportunity - Current Grade 8 students are eligible to register for the e-Summer Full Credit Summer Reach Ahead course (GLD2OE). Successful completion of this course counts towards the Ministry of Education’s mandatory e-Learning credit requirement. Registration for the Reach Ahead course has begun! Learn More.
e-Summer School Registration (Grade 10-12 Credit Courses) - Registration for July and August e-Summer School courses has begun! View the list of course offerings online. To register, students should connect with their home school Guidance Counsellors. Learn More.
NEW Special Education and Inclusion Video Resource – This video resource provides an overview of TDSB’s Guide to Special Education for parents/guardians/caregivers, including information about programs and services. We encourage families to review the complete guide on the TDSB website, along with a number of other parent guides.
Panfest Vybz - Join us on May 9 for Panfest Vybz at Winston Churchill CI, from 6 to 8 p.m. This event celebrates carnival culture through arts such as costuming, dance, drumming and steel pan music. There will be student and professional performers, in addition to hands-on experiences for all ages. Learn More.
Share Your Feedback: Transportation Survey – The Toronto Student Transportation Group is always looking for ways to improve service to schools and families. If your child takes the bus to school, please complete the two surveys: Level of Service – School Bus Operators Survey and Level of Service – Toronto Student Transportation Group.
Community Services Open House at LINC Overlea – Explore TDSB's free and low-cost services and programming for immigrants, newcomers, job seekers, and adults. Join us at the TDSB Community Services Open House at LINC (14 Overlea Blvd.) on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be displays, demonstrations, and panel discussions. Learn more and RSVP.
Apply Now to the Indigenous Student Summer Leadership Program - The Urban Indigenous Education Centre is accepting applications for the Indigenous Student Summer Leadership Program. This paid summer program provides First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students (16 to 20 years of age) with leadership opportunities working with Indigenous mentors. Deadline is June 5, 2024. Learn More.
First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Secondary ID Clinic - The Urban Indigenous Education Centre collaborated with the 519 community centre to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students (16-21 years of age) to access services to receive Ontario identification cards. The Secondary ID Clinic is on Wednesday, May 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn More.
Calling New & Soon To Be Parents! Roots of Empathy Instructor Volunteers Needed - How does it work? You and your baby (2 to 4 months old at the start of the school year), known as a “tiny teacher,” will be matched with a local school and a Roots of Empathy Instructor. The program follows the course of the school year and includes monthly visits. Watch this video to see how you and your baby teach empathy to students. Learn More.