November 2023
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:
Coping During War & Conflict: Video Series and Culturally Responsive Resources - Our community is going through a period of unprecedented challenges, and we understand that it's crucial to find effective ways to manage our well-being. A video series and related resources have been developed by TDSB staff and expert facilitators to offer coping strategies during war and conflict to support the emotional and mental wellness of students, parents/guardians/caregivers, staff, and the broader community. Visit the Affinity Wellness webpage for videos and resources.
November is Indigenous Education Month - Throughout the month, students, staff, and community members honour a number of important days to deepen knowledge, to learn from our shared histories, and to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. It is important to remember to center First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities across the TDSB every day. Visit the UIEC website for more information.
Hindu Heritage Month - The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is proud to recognize Hindu Heritage Month during the month of November. This is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values which promote compassion, tolerance, and inclusion.This year’s theme is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakum: The World is One Family. Visit the Hindu Heritage webpage for more information.
Reduce the Spread of Respiratory Viruses - As we head into the cooler months and respiratory virus activity increases, please review this information from Toronto Public Health about how to prevent the spread of infections in schools and communities.
Central Student Interest Programs – Check out the variety of elementary central student interest programs and secondary central student interest programs offered at the TDSB! The application for these programs opens on November 6, 2023 and closes on November 24, 2023 at 4 p.m. To learn more about each program, review program and application requirements, get dates for upcoming open houses and view webinar recordings, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/csip.
High School Open Houses and Information Nights - To help you make an informed decision when choosing a school, open houses and information sessions for parents/guardians/caregivers and students will be happening between November and January. Visit the website to learn more about our variety of schools, programs and courses and see the dates and times of scheduled Open Houses and Information Nights.
Promoting Respect in TDSB Schools and Buildings – Each and every day, TDSB staff in schools and buildings interact with students, parents, guardians, caregivers, and other community members. As a school board, it is our expectation that staff be treated with kindness, dignity, and respect during all interactions, including in-person, and via phone and email. Harassment or disrespectful behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated. Visit the website to learn more and to view the new TDSB poster series.
Professional Activity (PA) Day Information - During the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. Beginning in 2023-24, boards of education are now required to publicly share information at least 14 days in advance, as outlined in Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 151. Information for the upcoming PA Day on November 17 will be posted on the PA Day web page on November 3.
Early French Immersion (Junior Kindergarten Entry) Application Deadline - For families interested in the TDSB's system-wide French Immersion Program, we offer an online process to apply for Early French Immersion (begins in JK). To apply to the Early French Immersion Program for September 2024, applications must be completed online between November 6 and December 1, 2023. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. Visit the Early French Immersion and Application Process web pages to learn more.