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.