October 2024
TDSB Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,
Welcome to TDSB Connects, your 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:
National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls –Each year on October 4, the Native Women’s Association of Canada holds a Sisters in Spirit Vigil to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and local details are available here. The Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls declared that “the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people is a ‘national tragedy of epic proportion’.” Learn more and access resources.
Islamic Heritage Month – The TDSB recognizes Islamic Heritage Month during October. This year’s theme is Sabr and Shukr in Muslim Communities. Several educational opportunities and activities are being organized for all TDSB students to learn more about Islamic traditions and customs. Learn more.
Latin-America History Month – October is recognized as Latin-America History Month at the Toronto District School Board. This year’s theme is Weaving Our Legacies: Returning to Our Collective Path | Enlazar Nuestres Legados: Volver a Nuestre Camino Colectivo. Activities are planned throughout the month of October for students, staff, and community members. Learn more.
Somali Heritage Month – Somali Heritage Month is celebrated and recognized during October. This year, the theme of Somali Heritage Month is Aqoon la`aani, waa iftiinla’aan - The absence of knowledge is the absence of light. Several educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Somali traditions and customs. Learn more.
Early French Immersion (Junior Kindergarten Entry) Application Opens November 4 – TDSB offers an online process to apply for the Early French Immersion Program (begins in Junior Kindergarten). To apply for September 2025, applications must be completed online by November 29, 2024. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program must complete an online application for the new student. Visit the Early French Immersion page for more information.
Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Webinar Wednesday –Parents, caregivers and stakeholders of Black students are encouraged to join a discussion on October 30 at 6:30 p.m. about the TDSB’s Cell Phone/ Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy. The session will be led by Claudine Tyrell, Principal of Humberside CI and TDSB Cell Phone Policy Working Group member and supported by Graduation Coaches for Black Students and K-12 Learning Coaches. Register here.
Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Conference – Join us for the third annual YPAR Conference: It Takes a Village: Nurturing and Celebrating Black Youth Identity in K-12 Schools and Community on Saturday, October 26 at Toronto Metropolitan University. The conference will include research presentations that focus on themes such as Black student experiences in K-12 education, transforming student learning and more! Learn more and register here.
Register Now! 2024 Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference – Join us on Saturday, November 16, 2024! The 2024 Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference provides an opportunity to highlight innovation and high-impact strategies for partnering, collaborating, and nurturing parents' and caregivers' partnerships and alliances. Visit the website for more information or to register.
Community Services – TDSB’s Community Services Unit welcomes referrals for parents/guardians/caregivers and other adults in the school community who are seeking employment or who are newcomers to Canada. For more information on new sessions, workshops, and how to register, please visit the Community Services website.
Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Representative Participation in Vice Principal Interviews – The TDSB includes a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver representative on Vice-Principal Interview Committees and we’re now recruiting for the next round of interviews. If you would like to volunteer to participate, please complete this Google Form by October 10, 2024.