Trustee Maria Rodrigues

Ward 9, Davenport

5050 Yonge Street, 5th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M2N 5N8

Telephone: 416-397-3069
Email: maria.rodrigues@tdsb.on.ca

Whether you are a student, parent or resident, as your elected representative for the TDSB, it is my role to advocate on your behalf. On the TDSB site, and on this page, you can stay informed on what’s happening at the Board, including policies under review, program updates and discussions around new initiatives to improve student success.

On this site, you can also learn more about ways you can get involved and participate in the education process, like attending Board meetings or checking out other volunteer opportunities. Education is a shared responsibility, and I welcome and encourage your participation in our public school system.
 

Programs at the Toronto District School Board

TDSB celebrates African Heritage Month

This month is a special time to learn about and pay tribute to the many ways in which Black Canadians and people of the African Diaspora have helped shape our society. Our schools will be recognizing the invaluable contributions they have made to our province, country and world. TDSB schools will engage in local initiatives and community events that reflect the history of a people who have experienced countless struggles and triumphs over hundreds of years.

The Equitable Schools team has put together a number of special initiatives this month, including an online interactive calendar, curriculum resource guide, learning labs and demonstration classrooms throughout the month. These workshops are offered to teachers throughout the TDSB and feature cutting-edge instructors, in partnership with the Centre for Urban Schooling at OISE, focused on social justice teaching methods and inclusive education.

“These activities and events will provide our students and staff the opportunity to reflect, celebrate and bring to life the rich legacy of the African Diaspora for our diverse local school community,” says Kurt McIntosh, TDSB Equitable Schools Central Supervising Principal.                                                                                                                            

McIntosh says that by providing Africentric lessons during February, students of African descent are given a sense of pride and self-esteem, some of the “critical ingredients” in a successful learning environment. “Our experience demonstrates that the best outcomes are realized when students of all backgrounds are engaged in positive learning about all heritages within our system,” McIntosh says.

The Equitable Schools website has been updated with African Heritage Month primary/junior and intermediate/senior online calendars, highlights of school initiatives and an African Heritage Resource Guide.

To find out more, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/equity.

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