Week of February 24th, 2025

 Tea and Talk Session on March 6th, 2025

Dear Families,

Please note that our next Tea and Talk session will take place on March 6th. The focus of this session will be on bullying and inclusion. During the meeting, we will discuss the board's progressive discipline policy, our school policy on bullying, and the importance of creating inclusive and respectful learning environments for all members of our school community.

You will also learn about the different forms of bullying. Addressing bullying in all its forms is a priority in the TDSB. Our schools should be communities where all students are respected, welcomed, nurtured, engaged, and encouraged. All forms of bullying are taken seriously in the TDSB.

We invite you to join us after your morning drop-off for this session. It will be held in the Boardroom located in the office. Once the presentation is complete, there will be a Q&A session, where families can ask questions or discuss any concerns they may have. This will serve as a great opportunity to learn more about school processes and board procedures.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Ramadan Mubarak!

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. During this month, many Muslims around the world observe fasting, abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset for 29 or 30 consecutive days. Ramadan is a time of reflection, prayer, and community for the Muslim community, and it holds great significance. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening on Friday, February 28, 2025, and end on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

During the month of Ramadan, we will ensure accommodations for our Muslim staff and students to support them in observing Ramadan while at school. To accommodate their needs, a space will be available in Room 310 during lunch for students who wish to use it. Additionally, if any students require a prayer space, they can come to the office, where arrangements will be made.

If you have any questions or need further information about accommodations, please feel free to contact the school office.

Lastly, the TDSB Islamic Heritage Month Committee has developed resources to support our staff as they continue with culturally relevant and responsive pedagogy and programming that affirms Muslim student identities during Ramadan and beyond.

March Learning Session for Staff and Families (Special Education)

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 this link to access the sessions being offered.

Excellence Awards 2025 Nominations Open Tuesday!

Every year, the TDSB Excellence Awards help shine a light on the stories of extraordinary staff commitment, and we are delighted to announce that nominations for the Excellence Awards 2025 will open this Tuesday, February 25. The Excellence Awards align with our shared system priorities and help highlight TDSB staff’s efforts to foster joy, engagement and belonging in our schools, workplaces and communities as a foundation for academic achievement, student success, and service excellence. We want to know who are inspiring students, innovating the curriculum, championing digital transformation, creating inclusive schools and workplaces, and working behind the scenes to support operational excellence.

We welcome nominations from anyone – staff, students, parents/caregivers or community members – please send your nomination submissions through the Excellence Awards website during the nomination period between February 25 and April 4, 2025.

New Policy Consultations - We'd like to hear from you

Source: Shelley Laskin's Weekly Updates

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is committed to open and inclusive policy decision-making and values community input and participation through consultation. Consultation is a two-way communication process between the Board and external participants, including students and their parents/guardians, school councils, advisory committees, community members, different levels of government, service agencies, professional organizations and union partners. The objective of consultation is to gather public input regarding options, alternative courses of action, as well as to identify unintended effects for various participants and to find solutions. 

Learning Opportunities Index Policy Consultation

The Learning Opportunities Index Policy (P067) is currently being reviewed. The revised draft Learning Opportunities Index Policy (P067) (the “Policy”) affirms the TDSB’s commitment to achieve equitable academic opportunities.

This Policy will assist with steering additional resources to schools serving students who face greater challenges and make sure all students have access to educational resources. The revised draft Policy also aims to support student learning experiences through equitable allocation of resources to schools and to provide direction to staff regarding the use of the Learning Opportunities Index (LOI).

Consultation closes in early April 2025. Draft New Policy [docx] Draft New Policy [pdf]

Please provide your input and feedback here. If you have any questions related to the review and consultation of the Policy, please feel free to contact: research@tdsb.on.ca

Learning Opportunities Index (LOI) Public Policy Consultations

TDSB Trustees and Research and Development staff will be hosting four public consultation sessions across the city on the draft Learning Opportunities Index (LOI) Policy. These sessions ensure families, students, and community members have the opportunity to learn about the LOI and how it is used to support schools.

We are committed to creating inclusive and accessible meetings for everyone. If you have specific concerns related to accessibility, or require childcare or interpretation services, please indicate when registering, email research@tdsb.on.ca or call 416-394-7404.

There will be opportunities to ask questions and share feedback on the dates listed below:

Please use the RSVP form to let us know you will be attending. Click here to view the flyer.

School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO)

School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) has launched By Your Side, a new parent/caregiver learning hub that has been designed to meet the needs of Ontario’s families. By Your Side was created by Ontario parents/caregivers and school mental health professionals and includes resources and supports made available in multiple formats—including web content, PDFs, and videos to ensure that families can easily access information and strategies that promote mental health and well-being at home. Key topics include understanding mental health, promoting mental health at home, supporting mental health at school, stress and anxiety management, substance use prevention, navigating digital technology use, and reaching out for help. Our hope is you find these resources helpful. Mental health matters.

Winter Clothing Drive The needs of TDSB families are greater than ever. These items represent a difficult purchase for many families, especially this year. Donate: To make a monetary donation, please click the link below. 100% of the donation value is eligible for a tax receipt. Donate to the Winter Clothing Drive 100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations benefit TDSB students. This year’s Winter Outerwear Drive will run from November to the end of February 2025.