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