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