Week of October 28th, 2024

 Diwali Celebration 

This past Wednesday, our students, staff and school community participated in various Diwali activities. Students learned about Diwali, created arts & crafts, and were able to walk through our front foyer and enjoy the vibrant colours of all the decorations. Rangoli is a popular Diwali tradition-beautiful patterns made using colourful powders and flowers. The Rangoli drawn on our floors in the front foyer of the school was spectacular and allowed us all to immerse ourselves in the vibrancy and joy of this special season. 

We truly appreciate the tireless efforts of our parent community who planned, organized and carried out a range of activities focused on learning more about Diwali. We are grateful for your commitment and dedication to our school and your efforts to truly create an inclusive space of belonging for all members of our school community. From the beautiful artwork displayed in our front foyer to the presentations happening in classes and the delicious Diwali feast prepared for staff, it truly was a day filled with joy, warmth and wonderful memories.

Diwali is one of India's most popular celebrations, known as the "festival of lights." Happy Diwali to all in our school community celebrating the Festival of Light!

Halloween Festivities

This year's Halloween was a success and was packed with spook-tacular activities, boo-tiful costumes, and pumpkin decorating. During our parade, students showed off their costume creativity and had tons of fun! Our pumpkin auction was also a success! Students enjoyed decorating their pumpkins and displaying them for bidding. What a fantastic way to embrace the season’s spirit. Thank you to our families who participated in this event!

Davisville Community Closet

Did you know that Davisville has a community closet where you can get clothing for your children for free? Located in the atrium, across from our main office, the community closet is a great place to pick up a pair of winter boots, a coat or other clothing items for your child(ren). Kids outgrow clothes so quickly that, sometimes, families have items that have barely been used. Our closet is one way that we are able to help our community while reducing textile waste. We will have a table of extra donations set up during parent-educator interview night, so please feel free to browse the selection and take what your family can use.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP SORT AND CLEAN DONATIONS! If you could spare an hour on Wednesday morning to help us sort through donations from last year and/or if you could take a bag of clothing home to wash, please let Mme Samuel know (Teresa.samuel@tdsb.on.ca) . We could also use some volunteers to help set up our community closet table on interview night!

Davisville Jr. Public School & Spectrum Alternative School - Photo Retake Day - Thursday, November 7th , 2024 - 

Photo Retake Day at Davisville Jr. Public School & Spectrum Alternative School is on Thursday, November 7th, 2024 at 9am.

Embedded below is the retake permission slip for you to complete. Those who would like their child to retake their photo can fill out the form and submit it to the onsite photographer on that day.

Retake Permission Form 

If you need any further assistance, please feel free to reach out.

Invitation to John Polanyi Gr. 8 Open House

Dear Spectrum Alternative families,

Please refer to the flyer below detailing information about John Polanyi's Open House on Wednesday November 6th. 

Open House

Grade 8 to 9 Transition

November is the start of the Grade 8 to 9 Transition period. Over the next few months, secondary schools will be hosting Open Houses and Information Nights for current Grade 8 students and their parents/guardians and caregivers. You should be receiving information from our Gr. 8 Guidance teacher, Ms. Pal, however the information and links below will also assist Grade 8 students and families in planning for a smooth transition from Grade 8 to 9:

Open Houses and Information Sessions

TDSB Beyond 8 website

Secondary Central Student Interest Program

Out-of-Area Admissions

Secondary Schools without a Boundary

Central Student Interest Programs website

Preparing for High School Information Webinar Sessions
Below is a summary of the two upcoming webinars. Further details, including the link to register and request an interpreter, will be posted shortly on the TDSB Guidance site and the Central Student Interest Program Website. 

Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application Process Did you know the TDSB offers a wide range of Elementary Alternative Schools available to students? The application process is managed centrally and includes an online application form. Complete information about the central online application process is available on the Elementary Alternative Schools Application and Admissions Process webpage. The online application for admission for September 2025 will be open from Monday, January 6, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. to Friday, January 31, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. We encourage you to take part in information sessions and/or open houses for students and parents/guardians/caregivers in late November 2024 to mid-January 2025. More information is available on the Elementary School Open Houses and Information Nights webpage. TDSB staff is hosting two Elementary Alternative Schools live webinars, including one daytime and one evening session. Registration is required, and a recording of the webinars will be posted on the Elementary Alternative Schools Application and Admissions Process webpage. Register here: Daytime Session - Tuesday, November 26 from 1:00PM to 2:00PM Evening Session - Tuesday, November 26 from 7:00PM to 8:00PM High School Open Houses and Information Night To help you make an informed decision when choosing a school, TDSB schools will host in-person open houses and information sessions for parents/guardians and students between November and January. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. If you have questions about a specific school or open house, please contact the school directly for more information. Note: Please check this page regularly, as secondary schools will continue to post information about open house dates/times. Elementary School Open Houses and Information Nights To locate your designated elementary home school by address, please Find Your School - By Address. Schools that offer Central Student Interest Programs and local programs will host open houses and information sessions for parents/guardians and students between November and February. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools and programs. If you have questions about a specific school, please visit the school’s website or contact the school directly for more information. Note: Please check this page regularly, as elementary schools will continue to post information about open house dates/times.

Indigenous Education Month at the TDSB

Throughout the month of November, 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 that we remember to centre First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities across the TDSB every day.

This month places emphasis on creating opportunities to learn from Indigenous perspectives on treaties, leadership, achievements, resurgence, futurities, and creativity.

The TDSB is committed to the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (TRC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Below is a list of significant dates throughout the month of November:

Treaties Recognition Week - first full week of November, from November 3-9
November 7 is International Inuit Day
November 8 is National Indigenous Veterans Day
November 16 is Louis Riel Day in Ontario

November is Hindu Heritage Month

Hindu dharma is one of the oldest living religions which have flourished for over 10,000 years. It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions, teachings and values that are integral to Hindu dharma and practiced by millions around the world today.

November 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, peace, and inclusion.

The theme for Hindu Heritage Month 2024 is Antah Shanti for Vishwa Shanti. This Sanskrit phrase conveys that to foster World (Vishwa) Peace (Shanti) we need to have Inner (Antah) Peace (Shanti). Hindu dharma recognizes three levels of peace. The first level is inner peace – that in the mind of a person. The second level is peace in our immediate environment: in our family, neighbourhood, school and community. The third level is peace in the world, between nations. When we feel peace within us, the journey towards Vishwa Shanti or World Peace has begun.

During the month of November several Hindu Heritage Month educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Hindu traditions. Please follow us on X for daily messages throughout the month of November: @tdsb_HHM.

November Days of Significance

Source: Trustee, Shelley Laskin's Weekly Updates

November is a time of remembrance, reverence and reflection.

Remembrance Week – which takes place from November 4-11 – gives us an opportunity to remember those who have fallen and pay our respects to veterans and soldiers. For more information and resources for students, see the Government of Canada's Remembrance Day and Veteran's Week site.

On November 8, Indigenous Veterans Day will recognize the courage and ultimate sacrifice of First Nation, Inuit and Métis people in military service. Remembrance Day, which takes place on November 11, will mark the armistice that ended the First World War. No matter where you are, we encourage you to observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. Lest we forget.

During the 4th week of November we honour the millions of innocent people who suffered forced starvation and died from hunger during the Holodomor genocide of 1932-1933 in Ukraine. Men, women, and children lost their lives in this famine, victims of the brutal policies and deliberate acts of Stalin's Soviet regime. Holodomor Awareness and Education Week is November 18-22, 2024. Download the Education Pamphlet.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is an annual international campaign that begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and goes until December 10, Human Rights Day. This campaign started in 1991 to call out and speak up on gender-based violence, and to renew our commitment to ending violence against women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

Throughout this month, we hope you take a moment to learn more about the commemorative, cultural and religious days that are recognized.

2024-2025 School Council Innovation Grant (SCIG)

The 2024-2025 School Council Innovation Grant (SCIG) is now open for applications, with a deadline of December 1, 2024.

Information sessions will be held on the following dates:

Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Wednesday, November 13, 2024

School Councils may submit one request for support up to $1,500 to support innovative (the development of new ideas, original and creative in thinking) projects/activities that engages parents/caregivers (in-person, virtual and hybrid) and builds School Councils’ parents/caregivers capability around:

Civil Discourse/Courageous Conversations
Chronic Absenteeism
Food Sovereignty
Human Rights
Mental Health and Well-Being
Navigating Technology and Artificial Intelligence (For Parents/Caregivers)
Engaging Parents/Caregivers in Early Literacy and Numeracy

For more information, click here. Questions? shadi.mousavizanjani@tdsb.on.ca

To assist you in preparing your grant application, please visit this link.

School Council Professional Learning

Each year the Parent/Caregiver and Community Engagement Office (PCCEO) provides training opportunities for School Councils across the system to support the important work of School Councils. This year's sessions are: School Council 101, School Improvement Plan & School Statement of Needs and Leading Effective Engagement.

Go to the TDSB School Council Workshops page for session details and to register or please refer to the charts below for all upcoming events and log in details. We hope you take advantage of these opportunities.

French Immersion Application for JK 2025/26

The application to the Early French Immersion program will remain an online process and applications must be completed online between November 4 and November 29, 2024.

An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program at the same school are still required to complete an online application for the new student. For more information, please visit: Application Early French Immersion.

Please find an AODA poster and flyer card with QR Code.

At any time, please visit the TDSB French Language Programs webpage to view a video that provides information about the TDSB French Language programs, as well as, the application and placement process in the Early French Immersion and the Middle French Immersion programs. More information about the Early Immersion Program is available in 22 languages, or view the application video.

Register Now! Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference

You are invited to join us for the Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on Saturday, November 16, 2024. This year’s conference theme is Journey to Joy, Wellness, and Wholeness and will be a day full of presentations and workshops. Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca for more information and to register to attend.

TDSB Special Education Department Family Sessions
Drop-In Q & A with Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Staff

Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Drop-Ins and Q & A with Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Staff

- Receive general OT/PT strategies for your child(ren)
-Chat with other parents/caregivers; Ask questions.

If you require translation services or have any questions or concerns, please email:
Learning Centre 1 - Rhanda Craig: rhanda.craig@tdsb.on.ca


November 19, 2024
December 17, 2024
January 21, 2025
February 18, 2025
March 18, 2025
April 15, 2025
May 20, 2025
June 2025

Get the link here Sensory and Motor team parent/guardian/caregiver VOH flyer

TDSB Speech and Language Pathologists in collaboration with Donna Cardoza invite you to Let's Talk, Read, and Write 

Parents/Caregivers of Grade 1 students, Ontario has a new Language Curriculum. Come and learn how you can help your child develop early reading, writing and talking skills. Register for ALL 5 Sessions on Tuesdays from 6:30pm-7:30pm - Register here.


Oct 29 - Let's Write
Nov 12 - Let's Keep Learning


Continuing Education Programming

Did you know the TDSB offers Continuing Education Programming in our communities?

Explore learning opportunities available for children, families, adults, and visitors at the TDSB this fall:

International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program, Secondary Credit Night School, Learn4Life - Adult General Interest Programs and Adult ESL.

Upcoming Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Sessions: Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

The following are the dates for the upcoming parent/caregiver/guardian session offered by the Special Education and Inclusion Department:


November 27 Day (AM) - 10:00 am - 11:30 am Nov. 27, 2024 Registration Link
November 28 Evening (PM) - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Nov. 28, 2024 Registration Link