Week of April 21st, 2025

Spectrum's TDSBCreates Field Trip:

On April 24th, Grade 7/8 students from Spectrum went to Meridian Hall to attend TDSB's annual TDSBCreates Showcase. Prior to attending, both of our Spectrum classes spent five sessions each with Canadian musician, Chanel Fyffe, to write and upload original musical numbers using SoundTrap and best of all, their imagination. On the day of the field trip, Spectrum students saw remarkable, electrifying sounds and vivacious artistic performances of Dance, Drama and Spoken Word Poetry from schools across TDSB. TDSBCreates' MC/Spoken Word Poet Extraordinaire Britta B and TDSBCreates Mentor-Panelists shared meaningful feedback to consolidate each act. The field trip was a memorable experience for Spectrum students to remember! In addition to being audience members again, Spectrum students look forward to taking their artistic acts to the stage next spring!

Kids Help Phone

On April 11th, Grade 7/8 students from Spectrum had the opportunity to listen and learn from Counsellor Ani, Kids Help Phone Line Counsellor. She shared her experiences about how brave and vulnerable youth can be when opening up about themselves and their complex lives. Counsellor Ani gave advice to the students about how they can incorporate self care in their everyday lives. At the end of our session, they received relevant resources to extend and enrich their learning.

Highlighting Student Work

One of our ECO Club members created this wonderful slide on the importance of Earth Day and being responsible environmental stewards. We are always proud to highlight student voice and celebrate the hard work of our students. Great job, Dhanyashree! We hope everyone takes away the important message you shared through your slide deck.

Student Earth Day Presentation

STUDENT, STAFF OPPORTUNITIES AND COMMUNITY OFFERING AND INVITATIONS

Asian Heritage Month at the TDSB – May 2025

Asian Heritage Month has been proudly recognized at the Toronto District School Board during the month of May since 2007. This month marks the 20th anniversary of the royal ascent of the Asian Heritage Act, 2005 in the Province of Ontario. It is also recognized across Canada since May 2002 with the declaration to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada.

This year’s theme at the Toronto District School Board is Asian Canadians Up and Rising.

This year’s Asian Heritage Month theme, Asian Canadians Up and Rising, celebrates the strength, resilience, and achievements of Asian Canadian communities. It recognizes individuals and groups who have contributed to shaping Canada’s past and present, while also highlighting emerging voices and future leaders. For students and staff in the TDSB community, this theme serves as an opportunity to explore stories of perseverance and embrace the unique identities that contribute to both the school community and to the diverse Asian diaspora in Canada. By learning about and celebrating these diverse perspectives, schools can promote inclusivity, equity, and a deeper appreciation for Asian Canadians.

The TDSB is the largest and one of the most diverse school boards in Canada. Nearly one-quarter of our students were born outside of Canada and collectively we speak more than 120 languages. According to the 2023 Student Census 46% of TDSB students self-identified as Asian.

During the month of May, the Asian Heritage Month Volunteer Planning committee members are working together to assemble various educational opportunities that include an author reading, learning traditional dance moves, and compiling resources for our students, staff and TDSB community to further learn about the Asian heritage.

All students, staff, and TDSB community members are invited to join us in at our upcoming Asian Heritage Month Virtual Launch Celebration.

Asian Heritage Month Virtual Launch Celebration
Thursday, May 8, 2025
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Zoom Live Stream Link: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/stream/LiveWebcast-Asian-Heritage.html
Follow us on X: @AsianTDSB

Special Education May Learning Sessions for Staff and Families

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 concrete strategies to use 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.

Week of April 14th, 2025

 

Spectrum Science Showcase

Our Grade 7 and 8 students at Spectrum held an impressive STEM Showcase, with Grade 7s presenting their accessible playscapes and Grade 8s unveiling their Rube Goldberg machine projects. The event highlighted incredible talent, critical thinking, and innovation, while also challenging ableist perspectives through inclusive design. Thank you to Ms. Daly, Ms. Pal and Ms. McKenzie for their hard work in planning for this event! 

Early Pick-Ups

It is important that the teachers and staff working with your child are aware of early pick-up arrangements ahead of time. If you know your child is going to be picked up early, please ensure that you call the school office and inform us of any change in your child's regular pick-up procedures.  

JK/SK C (Room 105) AT EVERGREEN BRICK WORKS

On Tuesday, April 15th, the Kindergarten students from Room 105 went to Evergreen Brick Works. They went on a nature walk and saw different wildlife, including red-winged blackbirds, robins, and even a duck eating a fish in the pond. The students also learned about various plants. They had fun participating in a scavenger hunt, looking for pinecones, squirrels, rocks, birds and more. The last activity the students did was an egg hunt, followed by some free play time in the entranceway to Evergreen Brick Works.

ECO CLUB SKITS FOR EARTH MONTH IN THE GYM AT LUNCHTIME/NEW RECYCLING, GARBAGE AND COMPOST POSTERS

Certain members of our Davisville/Spectrum Eco Club participated in a drama presentation in the gym. They did a wonderful job of presenting original skits (which they wrote) to the students while the students had their lunch on Wednesday, April 16th.

The three skits, titled "Recycling" "Littering" and "Compost" had a main message about the importance of taking care of our school by putting waste in the correct bin, and keeping our school clean.

Also, the Eco Club members made new posters for recycling, garbage and compost. These are posted right above the bins in the gym, to help the students with their sorting at lunchtime.

EARTH WEEK AT DAVISVILLE/SPECTRUM: APRIL 22ND-25TH, 2025

This week, we celebrate our planet Earth. On Tuesday, which is Earth Day, we are having a Spirit Day. Students are asked to wear Earth colours: green, brown, or blue, or to wear rainbow colours to school.

Students who are "caught in the act" of helping to keep our school and/or yard clean this week will get a special green leaf to put on our tree posted on the wall on the first floor. We are having a door decorating contest using only recycled or reused materials. Classes are encouraged to decorate their doors, and at the end of the month, the Eco Club members will be the judges to determine the winners. The winning classes in each division will get a popsicle party!

On Friday, April 25th, we will have our 20-minute Earth Day cleanup in the community.

Thank you for your support in helping to take care of our planet!

Latin x/o/a Community Consultation

Attend an upcoming community event on April 26 focused on gathering insights on how to support the academic achievement of students from the Latin America diaspora. Learn more and register here.

Asian Heritage Month at the TDSB - Virtual Launch Celebration

Asian Heritage Month has been proudly recognized at the Toronto District School Board during the month of May since 2007. This month is also celebrated by the Province of Ontario with the royal ascent of the Asian Heritage Act, 2005 and across Canada since May 2002 with the declaration to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada.

This year's theme at the Toronto District School Board is Asian Canadians Up and Rising.

All students, staff and the TDSB community are invited to the Asian Heritage Month Virtual Launch Celebration! This event will feature speakers, student performances and further learning information about this vibrant heritage!

Please join us!
Date: Thursday, May 8th, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Live Stream Link: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/stream/LiveWebcast-Asian-Heritage.html

Parent/Caregivers IMPACT Symposiums

Calling all parents and caregivers! The City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Response Program and the TDSB Parent/Caregiver & Community Engagement Office invite you to IMPACT – Innovative Methods for Parents/Caregivers Today!

Join us this May for one of three powerful sessions designed to equip you with the knowledge and the tools to support your children. We’ll tackle the most pressing issues facing young people, including:

· Mental Health & Well- being & Vaping Dependency
· Social Media and Cellphone Dependency
· Criminality & Prevention
· Missing Youth & Community Safety

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect. Register soon as registration is limited.

Saturday May 10, 2025
10:00 am-5:00 pm
David & Mary Thomson Collegiate-125 Brockley Drive, Toronto ON
https://lu.ma/ej9m7in1?locale=en-CA

Saturday May 24, 2025
10:00 am-5:00 pm
The Learning Enrichment Foundation-116 Industry Street Toronto ON
https://lu.ma/o81k46z4?locale=en-CA

Saturday May 31, 2025
10:00 am-5:00 pm
Rosedale Heights School of the Arts- 711 Bloor St E, Toronto, ON
https://lu.ma/blthvik1

April Learning Sessions for Staff and Families

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.

123’s of Numeracy

Join the Centre of Excellence in collaboration with the Numeracy Department for an engaging virtual session designed specifically for Black parents and caregivers of Black students in Grades K-8. This session will help demystify math by breaking down key concepts from the Ontario Mathematics Curriculum and providing practical strategies to support Black students in a culturally relevant way.

Audience: TDSB Caregivers and Community
Date: April 16, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Registration link
Event flyer

Week of April 7, 2025

Talking about Race and Racism With Children

Talking about race and racism can feel uncomfortable for many adults, and the idea of having these conversations with children might seem overwhelming. But if we are truly committed to creating a fairer and more equitable world where everyone’s rights are respected, we can’t shy away from these important discussions.

Ongoing acts of anti-Black racism and the increase in other forms of hate—such as anti-Asian racism, anti-Indigenous racism, and antisemitism—remind us of the urgency to engage with children in meaningful, age-appropriate dialogue. Although these issues are not new and have deep historical roots, it’s vital that we help children recognize their own biases, understand the many forms of discrimination, and learn how to speak out against injustice.

These conversations shouldn’t only happen in response to major events—they need to be part of the ongoing learning that happens both at school and at home.

To assist families in having these important discussions, the TDSB has created developed TDSB Resource for Families (First Edition). 

Invitation to Toronto's Inaugural Women's Professional Soccer Game

The Davisville Community has been invited to attend Toronto's INAUGURAL Women's Professional Soccer Game at 4pm on Saturday, April 19th, at a discounted price (10% off). Use the code: DAVISVILLE when ordering your tickets (see link below). This is a great opportunity to gather with other Davisville families and witness this historic event together. See the link below for instructions on how to order and more.

AFC Toronto

Here is additional information on the event:

AFC Toronto is a new force in Canadian women's soccer, marking a historic moment for the sport. On April 19th, the club will play its inaugural match at BMO Field, becoming the first professional women’s soccer team in Toronto to compete at this level in Canada. This is not just a game – it’s a milestone for gender equity, as it opens doors for young girls across the country to dream big and see professional women athletes as role models. For the first time, young women in Canada can watch their heroes play on home turf at the highest level, inspiring a new generation of players and fans alike. Join us on this exciting journey as we build the future of women’s soccer in Canada. Be part of the movement – because this is just the beginning!

April Learning Sessions for Staff and Families

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.

Black Girls’ Book Club - Middle School Edition

The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement is offering a Middle School edition of the Black Girls’ Book Club (BGBC). This year, participants will be reading Sparkle by Lakita Wilson, a powerful story that explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and Black girlhood. The BGBC provides a space for students to build community, engage with literature written by Black women, and express their voices through discussion and creative reflection.

Date: April 15 - May 27, 2025
Registration link
Program flyer
Audience: TDSB Students (Gr. 6 - 8)

123’s of Numeracy

Join the Centre of Excellence in collaboration with the Numeracy Department for an engaging virtual session designed specifically for Black parents and caregivers of Black students in Grades K-8. This session will help demystify math by breaking down key concepts from the Ontario Mathematics Curriculum and providing practical strategies to support Black students in a culturally relevant way.

Date: April 16, 2025
Registration link
Event flyer
Audience: TDSB Caregivers and Community

Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression

Community Consultations

The TDSB aims to be responsive to the voices of communities by developing tailored action plans, each based on the pillars of the Anti Hate and Anti Racism Strategy. This Spring, TDSB students, families and community members who self-identify as part of the Asian diaspora are invited to attend a community consultation to support a multi-dimensional strategy that affirms diverse and intersectional Asian identities and addresses anti-Asian racism within the TDSB. Learn more.

Dates: April 15 - May 20, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Audience: TDSB Students, Caregivers and Community

Week of March 31st, 2025

Davisville Badminton Teams

Below is a message from Ms. Francesca and Mr. Hannah — thank you to the both of them for their hard work in preparing students for the tournaments!

Our Davisville Grade 6 and Grade 5 badminton teams competed in their own respective tournaments this week. The Grade 6 team competed at Deer Park School on Monday, March 31st, and were undefeated. They finished 1st and will move on to the Quarter-final round, which will be played by the end of next week. Our Grade 5 team played in our home gym on Tuesday, April 1st, and lost one match, placing them in second place for the day. The Grade 5 team will also be moving on to the playoffs; their Semi-final game will be played by the end of next week as well. Both teams showed incredible perseverance, skill, and team spirit! GO DRAGONS GO!

Flyleaf Decodables 

The portal linked below offers free access to decodable texts designed to support teachers in strengthening the home-school connection and fostering early literacy development. The books are thoughtfully organized by specific reading skills (e.g., CVC words, CCVCC words, digraphs) to help guide targeted reading practice.

If you would like to read these books with your child, just click on a book cover to begin reading. To determine the most appropriate starting point for your child, it is encouraged that you consult your child’s educator. They can suggest texts that align with your child’s current reading achievement and instructional needs. Many of the texts are accompanied by a downloadable homework packet, which may be used by your child’s teacher in class to reinforce classroom learning.

https://portal.flyleafpublishing.com/learners-resources/ 

Sikh Heritage Month at the TDSB: April 2025

Since 2016, the TDSB has proudly recognized Sikh Heritage Month every April, becoming the first school board in Canada to do so. This aligns with the Province of Ontario's Sikh Heritage Month Act in December 2013 and the Government of Canada's recognition on April 30, 2019.

This year's theme for Sikh Heritage Month 2025 is Ekta (Oneness), Solidarity, and Resilience. 

Educational offerings for students, staff, and the community are inspired by Guru Nanak's teachings on justice, equality, and community. These principles challenge discrimination, combat bullying, and promote inclusivity. By celebrating Sikh diversity and shared humanity, we foster dialogue, learning, and collective action.

There is a Q&A with television director and producer Harbinder Singh as he details his professional journey to success.

The Sikh Heritage Committee is continuing with its podcast series! This year, listeners can enjoy new episodes that reflect our current theme of Ekta (Oneness), Solidarity, and Resilience. The complete podcast series can be found here.

Moreover, this TDSB Sikh Heritage Month Committee video teaches about Sikh identity, the power of unity, community, and cross-racial solidarity. May we continue to celebrate humanity and the oneness of all. 

EQAO Webinar for TDSB Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers: Primary and Junior Assessment for Reading, Writing, and Math - April 15

TDSB Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers are invited to register for a live webinar to learn about the Primary (Grade 3) and Junior (Grade 6) Assessment for Reading, Writing, and Math. Participants will learn about the purpose of Ontario’s large-scale assessments. EQAO staff will explain the assessment format, highlight resources to support students, and answer questions from participants. The session is approximately 45 minutes, followed by a live Q&A with EQAO staff. 

To register, please complete and submit this form. 

Date: April 15, 2025
Time: 6:30PM - 7:30PM
Registration closes on April 10, at 8:00 PM.

Summer Programs 

Please note the information on Summer Programs on the website will continue to be updated.

Elementary Programs Summer School - The Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program offers the opportunity for students to continue learning in the summer. Programs are offered in-person at various locations to students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, from July 2 to July 25, 2025. A remote program is available for students in grades 6 to 8.

Registration Information: Program Dates and Hours - Monday, July 2 to Friday, July 25, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Registration is online. To fill out an application, please click on the school registration form link on the website.

Summer Extended Day Program

The Extended Day Summer Program provides fun explorations and learning for children from Kindergarten to Grade 6. Children will develop skills such as collaboration, responsibility, problem-solving, creativity, citizenship, and leadership through interesting activities, and experiences. The Summer Program is delivered by TDSB staff, Designated Early Childhood Educators, and Early Childhood Assistants.

Registration Information: June 30 to August 15. Please see website here.

Math Matters! March 2025: Newsletter from the TDSB Mathematics and Numeracy Department

Happy spring! Here is the March edition of Math Matters!, the newsletter of the TDSB Mathematics and Numeracy Department.

In this edition, you'll find:

o Virtual Parent/Caregiver Engagement Sessions
o The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement: 1 2 3’s of Numeracy
o Nurturing Positive Mathematical Minds

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND EQUITABLE OUTCOMES

April Learning Sessions for Staff and Families

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.