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 instructions attached). Great time to get together with other Davisville families and witness this historic event together. See the attachments for instructions on how to order and more.

AFC Toronto

AFC Toronto is a new force in Canadian women's soccer, marking a historic moment for the sport. On April 19 th, 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.