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