Week of January 27th, 2025

 

Spectrum Alternative QSA Network

At Spectrum Alternative, we have established a student-led QSA (Queer-Straight Alliance) club, creating a welcoming and inclusive space for 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff within our school. This club, led by students, provides a safe and supportive environment where individuals of diverse genders and sexualities can connect, discuss important issues, and build a sense of community.

Our QSA club plays a vital role in fostering a strong community within our school while offering support to students who may be questioning their identity or facing personal challenges. In addition, our members are committed to educating peers, raising awareness about the impact of homophobia, transphobia, and sexist stereotypes, and promoting ways to challenge these biases.

Here is an excerpt from the students themselves, sharing their voices and experiences with our QSA club:

Hi Davisville and Spectrum communities,

We’re Spectrum's Queer Straight Alliance (QSA)! A QSA is a group of queer people and allies who like to talk, share knowledge, celebrate love and equality and make our communities better places for everyone. We meet every week to plan fun events and workshops for the schools. Lately, we've been hard at work on a special presentation for Davisville for Family Day, and we can't wait to show it to all of you! - Spectrum’s QSA

African Heritage (Black History) Month - February 2025

During the month of February, African Heritage (Black History) Month is recognized across Canada thanks to The Honourable Jean Augustine. The former Member of Parliament introduced the motion in the House of Commons, and it officially took effect in February 1996. The Black History Month Act was also passed in Ontario in 2016.
 

To kick off African Heritage Month, both Spectrum Alternative and Davisville JPS will be hosting a special assembly featuring student performances, African drumming, choral readings, spoken word, and more. This year, our theme is "Lift Every Voice", a phrase that signifies unity, resilience, and the power of collective strength within the Black community. Inspired by the Black National Anthem, it highlights the importance of raising voices to celebrate culture, history, and brilliance while honoring the ongoing journey toward justice and equity.

Moreover, the TDSB is excited to extend an invitation to all students, staff and the TDSB community to join us in marking this important month with performances by Black artists, creators, and noteworthy speakers. Please see below for details.

Please visit the TDSB African Heritage Month web page: https://tdsbweb.tdsb.on.ca/equity/Heritage-History-Months/2024-2025 for the following information below and other updates.

Chinese Heritage Month at the TDSB - February 2025

TDSB's Chinese Heritage Month is proudly recognized in February each year. This year we celebrate the Year of the Snake: Tenacious and Transformative. We hope to encourage our students, staff and the TDSB community to make impactful changes amidst challenges.

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant holidays of Chinese heritage. The date is determined by the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar and the celebration lasts 16 days. This year, the first day begins on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The festivities include family gatherings, decorations, and of course a feast!

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND EQUITABLE OUTCOMES

Learning and engagement sessions continue to be made available for both staff and families, providing valuable opportunities to explore inclusive and anti-ableist practices and implement concrete strategies in the classroom and at home. These sessions are designed to support student achievement and well-being. Please click the link to access the February Learning Sessions being offered.

Parenting for Liberation – In Conversation with Trina Greene Brown

Join the Parent/Caregiver and Community Engagement Office in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement for Parenting for Liberation – In Conversation with Trina Greene Brown. We invite parents and caregivers who identify as Black and/or are raising Black children to engage in a powerful storytelling experience. We will explore ways to amplify Black children’s voices and nurture joyful Black families.

Date: February 5, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Registration link

Winter Well-Being Guide 2024-2025

The Winter Well-Being Guide 2024-2025 is now available. The Guide is prepared by the Mental Health and Well-Being Committee, In collaboration with the Mental Health Leads and the System Leader for Mental Health and PSS. The Winter Well-Being Guide 2024-2025 offers updated, culturally relevant, and responsive resources to support students and parents/caregivers/guardians in fostering mental and physical wellness during the winter months. It also includes specific supports tailored for students with disabilities and complex needs.

To ensure accessibility for our diverse community, the guide has been translated into the top spoken languages within the TDSB. You can access it here: The Winter Well-Being Guide 2024-2025

Week of January 20th, 2025

Combating Hate and Racism: Student Learning Strategy

As part of the TDSB’s "Combating Hate and Racism: Student Learning Strategy," we are committed to fostering an environment where all students, staff and families feel welcome in our school. At the TDSB, harassment, discrimination, and hate have no place in our schools or workplaces.

At our school, we are working hard to create an inclusive, safe, and respectful learning and working environment in order to cultivate a sense of belonging for both students and staff. The "Combating Hate and Racism: Student Learning Strategy" is a multi-faceted approach to addressing hate and racism in schools, with a strong emphasis on classroom learning. This student-centered strategy aims to empower students to effectively identify, respond to, and prevent racism, hate, and discrimination in TDSB spaces. Furthermore, data shows that many incidents of hate, bias, and racism are carried out by students. This underscores the urgent need to educate students on the historical and current roots of hatred, racism, and intolerance.

At Davisville JPS, student leaders, known as Change Makers/Equity Leaders, play a vital role in supporting our Combating Hate and Racism: Student Learning Strategy. Our Change Makers are actively learning how to create safer, more inclusive, and respectful learning environments. They are developing skills to identify bias and implement strategies to interrupt it effectively.

Change Makers raise awareness among their peers, plan impactful events, develop meaningful resources and presentations, and influence classroom learning across our school. Together, with the guidance of staff, they help to co-create a brave space at our school where students feel empowered to speak out against bias and collaborate to foster an inclusive and respectful community.

Dressing Appropriately for Winter Months

In our last school blog, we shared information about the TDSB’s Severe Weather Policy, including how decisions are made regarding indoor versus outdoor recess. Here it is again: TDSB's Procedure for Severe Weather

From time to time, it becomes necessary to hold indoor recess or a shortened recess due to inclement weather, such as rain, extreme cold or heat, or severe icy conditions.

According to TDSB policy:

• When the temperature and/or wind chill reaches -28°C or lower, children will remain indoors due to the risk of frostnip and frostbite.
• When an Extreme Cold Weather Alert is issued, or when the temperature and/or wind chill is between -20°C and -28°C, recess may be shortened to 10 minutes, and lunch recess may be reduced to 20 minutes, depending on local conditions.

As seen in the policy, it is important to note that even on very cold days, students are expected to go outside, although for shorter periods. This highlights the importance of ensuring that children are dressed appropriately for the weather. Warm coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and boots are essential for keeping children safe and comfortable during outdoor activities.

Thank you for your continued cooperation in keeping our students safe and prepared for all weather conditions.

System Related News

TDSB Celebrates Family Literacy Day 2025!

January 27th, 2025, is recognized in Canada as a special day dedicated to family literacy, encouraging families to read, explore, and learn together. Family Literacy Day is organized by ABC Life Literacy Canada and celebrated annually. This year, the theme of Family Literacy Day is “Learn to be Green, Together,” which is an excellent opportunity to combine literacy with learning about sustainability as a family.

Please visit Family Literacy Day to learn more about this important day and access relevant resources. Also, you can visit our TDSB Virtual Library.  Additionally, please note programs being offered in Toronto Public Library locations across the city at Family literacy day: Toronto Public Library.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025

Monday, January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2025. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and honors the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, including 2.5 million children. We also reflect on the survivors and the ongoing impact on their families and the larger community.

Our schools must be spaces where everyone feels they belong, are valued, and can thrive. To commemorate this day, the TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee is offering a webcast for middle school students on January 27th. 

National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia 2025

Wednesday, January 29 is the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, honouring the six lives lost in the 2017 attack at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City. This tragic event forever impacted families, injured many, and deeply affected Muslim communities everywhere.

Our schools must be spaces where everyone feels they belong, are valued, and can thrive. To commemorate this day, the Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression Department, in collaboration with the TDSB’s Islamic Heritage Committee, is offering a virtual interactive storytelling session around the book, The Boldest White: A Story of Hijab and Community by S.K. Ali and Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and illustrated by Hatem Aly. This inspiring picture book explores themes of courage, belonging, and community. 

For Kindergarten to Grade 6 students and their families, there is a virtual session from 6 to 7 pm:

Join us on January 29 

Special Education and Inclusion Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Sessions

Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to offer a variety of drop-in and topic-specific sessions for parents, guardians, and caregivers throughout the 2024-2025 school year. These sessions provide valuable information, resources, and support to help families navigate special education programs and services.

Please see the links below:
Drop-In Sessions-Families
Parent Engagement Sessions-Families

Honouring African Heritage Experiences

People of African descent have a rich legacy of cultural practices and traditions across generations. The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement in collaboration with various community educators is excited to offer diverse learning experiences focused on honouring and affirming African, African-Caribbean and Black students' identities. These African-centred programming and learning experiences provide opportunities for students, staff and caregivers and community members. Please find the menu for January.

Link to calendar

The ABC’s of Literacy

This virtual workshop is focused on the Ontario Literacy Curriculum. The session is an opportunity for Black families and families raising Black students in Grades 1- 8 to deepen their understanding and build their capacity on literacy skills. Practical resources and tools will be shared by educators to support Black children in both school and at home.

Date: January 28, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: virtual (register to receive link)
Registration link: https://bit.ly/abcliteracy25
View flyer here

Week of January 13th, 2025

 

Tea and Talks with Mr. Finkelstein and Mrs. Moftakhar

Our monthly Tea and Talk sessions provide parents/guardians/caregivers an opportunity to connect, share, and learn about various topics driven by parent voice in a relaxed setting with our school administration—all while enjoying tea and treats. Our third Tea and Talk session took place on January 9th, and we thank all those who participated! 

The topic for our last session, as requested by participants, was homework. During our discussion, we explored:

• The TDSB Homework Policy
• The importance of responsive and differentiated homework to meet family and student needs
• The different types of homework that can be assigned
• How to support family wellness and balance student well-being when assigning homework
• Your role as parents in establishing effective homework routines for your child

Our next Tea and Talk session will take place on February 6th, focusing on the topic: How are marks determined for evaluation? Interested parents/guardians should enter through Door 5 and proceed to the library.

We hope you can join us! If you cannot attend this session, please consider marking the upcoming dates in your calendar and joining us for another Tea and Talk later this year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Finkelstein and Mrs. Moftakhar.

We look forward to seeing you at future sessions!

Warm regards,

Davisville Tea and Talk 2024-25.pdf

DanceEd Grade 1-6 Showcase Spectacular!

Dear Families,

On Thursday, January 16, we held our DanceEd Grade 1-6 Showcase Spectacular, and what an incredible event it was! Our Grade 1-6 classes wowed the audience with their impressive dance moves and well-rehearsed routines. Thank you to all the families who were able to join us and cheer on our talented students.

We would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to the DanceEd team for partnering with us to bring this fantastic program to life. Their dedication to training our students in dance routines, while challenging their physicality, musicality, and coordination, was truly remarkable. This showcase was not only a celebration of dance but also a wonderful way to bring joy, build community, foster connections, and nurture student confidence.

A special thank you to Ms. Francesca for initiating this amazing opportunity for our students and staff, and for all her behind-the-scenes work in organizing schedules, coordinating timetables, and ensuring the final showcase was a success.

Thank you again to everyone who made this event memorable. We look forward to more moments like this that bring our school community together!

Snow/Cold Weather Procedures

From time to time it is necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs due to severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices or sites. Please note that when schools are closed, there will be no staff (such as principals and teachers) on-site to supervise students.

Any decision to cancel buses, classes and/or programs or to close sites can have a significant impact on thousands of families across Toronto. This decision is not taken lightly. When schools remain open on days with inclement weather, parents/guardians/caregivers make the final decision on whether to send their children to school and they can keep children home from school if they choose.

TDSB's Procedure for Severe Weather

How does the TDSB make snow day decisions?

A number of factors are considered on days where severe weather is (or could be) an issue. Very early in the morning, a team made up of the Director, Associate Directors, transportation, and communications staff look at various pieces of information including current and forecasted weather conditions and road conditions. Should a cancellation or closure be necessary, information will be posted on the TDSB website and TDSB social media by 6 a.m.

Why are TDSB schools often still open when buses aren’t running?

The TDSB is unique when it comes to student transportation. Unlike other schools boards across the Greater Toronto Area, a vast majority of TDSB students — approximately 93 percent — do not use school buses. That means, if school buses are cancelled, it is still possible for students to get to school by walking or other means. However, if schools are closed, 236,000 students would not be able to go to school and thousands of parents are left to make child care arrangements at a moment’s notice — something we know will not be possible in every case.

Does the school board lose funding when schools are closed due to severe weather?

No. Funding remains at the same level during a severe weather-related closure.

How are school-based child care programs affected by weather decisions?

If there is a decision to close TDSB schools due to severe weather, schools also will be closed to all programs, including child care. The TDSB communicates any decision to close schools to child care partners, who will communicate directly with the families of their programs. Please speak directly with your child care provider if you have any questions about their programs and operations.

How are decisions made for school recess being inside or out?

From time to time, it is necessary to hold indoor recess or a shortened recess due to inclement weather (rain, extreme cold or heat, severe icy conditions). This decision is typically made at the school-level depending on local conditions which can vary widely across the city; however in some cases, a board-wide directive may be issued.

Typically, according to policy, when temperature and/or windchill factor indicates -28C or lower children will remain indoors due to risk of frostnip and frostbite. When an extreme cold weather alert is issued or when temperatures and/or windchill factor indicates –20 to –28C, recesses may be shortened to 10 minutes and lunch recess be 20 minutes depending on local conditions. Children should be monitored closely for signs of frostnip, frostbite or difficulty breathing.

How can school activities be affected by weather?

School activities including sport practices/games and rehearsals may also be cancelled due to severe weather. These decisions are typically made on a school-by-school basis; however in cases where board-wide activities and programs, such as Continuing Education classes, are cancelled, this will be communicated on the TDSB website and social media.

System Related News

Middle French Immersion Program

Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) - Applications to the Middle French Immersion program may be submitted, on behalf students in the English program, the year the child is in Grade 3 for entry in September of Grade 4.

It is entirely an online process. All communications will be sent via the email address provided in the online process. Please check your email regularly, including junk mail and spam folders.

Application process opens: January 6, 2025 in the morning Deadline for applications: January 31, 2025 at 11:59pm

High Performing Athlete Programs 

In order to meet the demands of intense training schedules, these high-performing athlete programs provide more flexible timetables to balance school with out-of-school commitments so that athletes can strive for both academic and athletic excellence. Additionally, special consideration is given to missed class time as a result of competition. There are six sites offering these programs in September 2025. The eligibility criteria have been revised to only include student-athletes who are competing on a provincial or national level, and training for a minimum of 12 hours (elementary) or 15 hours (secondary) per week. The application will open on January 6, 2025 and remain open until January 31, 2025.
Should spaces remain available after that time, the application will re-open later in the Spring for student-athletes who qualify at a later date. Moving forward, the application is intended to remain open for continuous intake, where space is available, to meet the needs of newly eligible student-athletes. For more details about the programs and the link to the online application, visit the High Performing Athlete Program webpage.

Culturally Relevant and Responsive Community Resources

Dear Families, 

The TDSB Mental Health Leads have developed an easy-to-use tool featuring over 1,000 Toronto-based resources in hopes to make the navigation of community resources easier.

These resources are:

-Culturally relevant and responsive
-Organized by themes and locations, including East York, North York, Etobicoke, Toronto, and Scarborough
-Covering services such as youth shelters, food banks, and mental health agencies

We encourage you to explore the Culturally Relevant and Responsive Community Resources.

Week of January 6th, 2025

 Happy 2025!

We hope you all had a wonderful Winter Break with your families. We are excited to welcome our students back to school and look forward to partnering with our families as we embark on this next chapter of the school year.

The start of a new year is a perfect time for students to set fresh goals both academic and personal, to help them optimize their potential and achieve success in 2025. Let’s work together to make this a year of growth and accomplishment!

Trip to Casa Loma

 

On Thursday, December 19, students in Ms. Preketes’, Ms. Armus’, and Ms. Haley’s classes had the exciting opportunity to visit Toronto’s Casa Loma.

During the trip, students enjoyed a variety of engaging performances, including an interactive magic show, a comedy act, vocal performances, and a captivating aerial display. After a lunch break, they explored the beautifully decorated castle, taking in its festive ambiance while learning about the fascinating history of Casa Loma.

It was a memorable experience filled with fun, entertainment, and learning!

Cell Phone Use/Mobile Device Use in Schools

Dear Families,

In September, we shared information about our updated cell phone and personal mobile device policy based on PPM 128. As a refresher, we’d like to highlight some key points to ensure a supportive and focused learning environment for all students.

In TDSB schools, we want to support all students to achieve, belong, and thrive by reducing distractions from cell phones and mobile devices and create more focused learning environments in our schools. The TDSB has revised PR585: Board Code of Conduct to reflect the new Ministry direction around cell phone and mobile device use in all Ontario schools, as per PPM128: The Provincial Code of Conduct and School Boards Codes of Conduct.  

Below is a summary of requirements for cell phone/mobile device use:

• All members of the school community must not use personal mobile devices during instructional time except under the following circumstances: for educational purposes (as directed by an educator), for health and medical purposes, to support special education needs.

• Students in Grades 6 and Below: Students’ personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode throughout the full instructional day, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator under the circumstances outlined above.

• Students in Grades 7 to 12: Personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator under the circumstances outlined above.

The Role of Smartwatches? Please note the policy defines personal mobile devices as any electronic device used to communicate or access the Internet, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watches). Smartwatches, like other personal devices, have become a consistent source of distraction in class.

We kindly ask for your support in reinforcing this policy at home by discussing its importance with your child. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us create an environment that prioritizes learning and minimizes disruptions.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership. If you have any further questions about our cell phone policy, please feel free to contact the school office and speak with either the Principal or Vice Principal.

System Related News

New Transitions Websites for Families

Dear Families,

The TDSB Transition Support website for families is a new resource designed to assist families (and educators) in navigating key transitions throughout a student's educational journey, from Kindergarten to Post-21.These user-friendly platforms offer valuable tools, information, and support tailored to ensure smooth transitions for all students, including those with disabilities and special education needs. Whether transitioning to a new grade, moving to a different school, or preparing for life beyond secondary education, the website provides practical resources and guidance to help educators and families plan effectively and make informed decisions. 

Tamil Heritage Month - January 2025

Source: TDSB site

Tamil Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of January at Toronto District School Board (TDSB) since January 2016. It has also been marked across the province of Ontario since March 2004 with the implementation of the Tamil Heritage Month Act, 2014. Further, Tamil Heritage Month is also formally recognized nationally since January 2016 by the passing of a motion which reads,

That, in the opinion of the House, the government should recognize the contributions that Tamil-Canadians have made to Canadian society, the richness of the Tamil language and culture, and the importance of educating and reflecting upon Tamil heritage for future generations by declaring January, every year, Tamil Heritage Month.

This year, the theme for Tamil Heritage Month is from a quotation by an influential Tamil philosopher named Kaniyan Pungundranar:

Kinship:
யாதும் ஊரே யாவரும் கேளிர் // Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir

To us, all towns are one, and all people are our kin

The theme of kinship and interconnectedness of all people is important to Tamil people. It emphasizes the idea that regardless of where we come from, we are all part of a larger family. This theme encourages us to celebrate diversity and foster unity within communities, highlighting that our differences enrich our shared human experience.

Toronto has the largest Tamil population outside of the South Asian subcontinent with thousands of TDSB students and staff members who identify as Tamil. Throughout the month of January as we recognize Tamil Heritage Month, we encourage you to explore various aspects of kinship—whether through family ties, friendships, or community connections.

To mark Tamil Heritage Month at the TDSB various educational opportunities will be offered to students to further learn about the history, customs, and traditions.

Equity and Belonging Begins at Home with Dr. Andrew B. Campbell (Dr. ABC)

Source: TDSB site

In this session, Dr. Andrew B. Campbell explores how caregivers and community members can disrupt discrimination to promote hope, foster healing and inspire joyful learning. Through stories and tangible strategies, participants will be guided to confront racism and disrupt discrimination to deepen understanding of social justice, diversity, and equity.

Date: January 15, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. (virtual)
Location: virtual (register to receive link)
Registration link: https://bit.ly/CEBSA-ABC