TDSB Connects

Welcome to TDSB Connects, your update on news and events from across the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).  
 
Celebrating Good News – Read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including: 
 

• Dream Serenade Celebrates 12 Years of Music, Connection and Community 

• Bloor CI Students Carve Pumpkins with Cops 

High School Open Houses – Find what inspires you at the TDSB! To help make informed decisions when choosing a school, learn more about the variety of schools, programs, and courses available. Visit open houses from November to January. Learn more. 

Early French Immersion (JK Entry) Application Process – TDSB offers an online application process for Early French Immersion (begins in Junior Kindergarten). For entry in September 2027, applications must be submitted online between November 2-27, 2026. Families with an older sibling already in Early French Immersion at the same school must submit an application for the new student. Learn more. 
 
Specialized Programs – The TDSB offers a variety of elementary and secondary Specialized Programs focused on the Arts, Math, Science & Technology, Leadership, and International Baccalaureate. Visit upcoming high school open houses to learn more. The application and admission process for Specialized Programs will be open from November 9 to 27, 2026, at 4 p.m. Learn more. 
 
Indigenous Education Month – Indigenous Education Month is an important reminder to centre First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities in classrooms. The Urban Indigenous Education Centre is supporting TDSB classrooms in learning about Treaties Recognition Week (November 2 to 6), International Inuit Day (November 7), Indigenous Veterans Day (November 8), and Métis Week and Louis Riel Day (November 14 to 22). Learn more. 
 
Social Media and Safety – On November 11 at 6 p.m. join a session on keeping children safe in a complex digital world. Together with Toronto Police Service and TDSB partner, Aubrey Noronha (Hello Hope), families will learn about online exploitation, sextortion, AI, harmful digital behaviours, and strategies to support digital safety and well-being. Learn more.  
 
Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter and Parent Engagement Sessions – The November newsletter is now available on the Special Education and Inclusion site and includes updates, tips, and resources to support students with disabilities and special education needs. Also, learn more about upcoming parent and caregiver engagement sessions.  

Developmental Services Community Connect Sessions – All students with developmental disabilities and/or complex needs and families are invited to join us for the following sessions:  

• Virtual Family Session: Introducing Key Developmental Disability Community Agencies: Join us on November 2 or November 16 to learn more about connecting with key developmental sector agencies that can provide programming and support for your child and young adult’s needs. Learn more. 
   
• Resource Fair: Join us on November 14 to meet 30+ agencies from the disability sector to learn more about day programs, community and recreational programs, employment, funding, and more. Learn more.  

Pathways to Postsecondary Education and Skilled Trades – The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement invites you to Pathways to Postsecondary Education and Skilled Trades, a webinar on November 11 to support Black students and their families in learning about diverse pathways beyond high school. Learn more and register. 

Visions Day 2026: A Season of Discovery – The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement in collaboration with Visions of Science, invites Black families and families raising Black children to a free family STEM morning on December 5. While caregivers explore how to support their child's path into STEM, youth (Grades 2 - 8) will become scientists and engineers, making slime and building rubber band racers! Learn more and register. 

Welcome to TDSB Connects, your update on news and events from across the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).  
 
Celebrating Good News – Read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including: 

• TDSB EQAO Results Show Significant Gains in Literacy and Math 

• Canadian Olympian Andre De Grasse Visits Market Lane & DAS Students 

• Hodgson Middle School Celebrates Reopening 

High School Open Houses – Find what inspires you at the TDSB! To help make informed decisions when choosing a school, learn more about the variety of schools, programs, and courses available. Visit open houses from November to January. Learn more. 

Early French Immersion (JK Entry) Application Process – TDSB offers an online application process for Early French Immersion (begins in Junior Kindergarten). For entry in September 2027, applications must be submitted online between November 2-27, 2026. Families with an older sibling already in Early French Immersion at the same school must submit an application for the new student. Learn more. 
 
National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQI+ People – Every year on October 4, the Native Women’s Association of Canada holds a Sisters in Spirit Vigil to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, to support families, and to raise awareness of the systemic violence that continues to affect Indigenous communities.   

Seeking Members for Special Education Advisory Committee (2026-2030) – The TDSB is seeking applications for the Community Member position on the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). SEAC makes recommendations to the board on matters affecting the establishment, development and delivery of special education programs and services for students with disabilities and special education needs. Meetings are held monthly and include the option to attend virtually. To learn more about the role and the application process (Deadline: October 15, 2026), visit the SEAC Membership Information Page. 

Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter and Parent Engagement Sessions – The October newsletter is now available on the Special Education and Inclusion site and includes updates, tips, and resources to support students with disabilities and special education needs. Also, learn more about upcoming parent and caregiver engagement sessions. 
 
Skilled Trades Pathway Night – TDSB Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is partnering with local unions, colleges, and training centres to offer a Skilled Trades Pathway Night on October 28 at 6 p.m. at Central Technical School (725 Bathurst St.). Join activities, pathway presentations, and conversations with colleges, unions, and industry professionals. Learn about apprenticeships, training programs, and rewarding career routes. Learn more and register. 
 
Mental Health & Well-Being Support and Resources – As a new school year begins, we want parents, caregivers, and students to know that support is available. School staff are available to listen, help and connect you with resources when needed. Wishing you and your family a school year filled with connection, joy and well-being! Learn more and access resources. 
 
School Community IT Support – To request technical support for devices such as Chromebooks, and login assistance for services like Brightspace, Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams and School Council Chair accounts, visit the School Community IT Support website. 
 
Kids Vote Weekend – On October 10 and 11, Toronto Elections invites Toronto kids to vote for one of five candidates running for Toronto’s 2027 Tree of the Year. Kids Vote Weekend encourages young people to learn about elections and start their journey to becoming lifelong voters. Learn more. 
 
Cyber Security Awareness Month – Developing digital literacy and cyber safety skills is more vital than ever. October is Cyber Security Awareness month, and we invite you to explore the resources and tip sheets available for students and families in 14 languages. Learn more. 
 
Child Visual Health – Clear vision is important to success in the classroom. It is recommended that all children have an eye exam before entering school and every year afterwards. Annual eye exams for children and youth under the age of 20 are covered by OHIP. Learn more.

TDSB Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers, 
 
Welcome to TDSB Connects, your update on news and events from across the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). 
 
Celebrating Good News – Read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including: 

• TDSB Celebrates 2025-26 Top Scholars 

• From the Classroom to the Hospital: Black Students Explore Future Careers Through Hands-On Learning  

Welcome Message from CEO Camillo Cipriano – Welcome to a new school year! The first days of school are filled with excitement, new beginnings, and opportunities to learn. They are also an important time to build the relationships, routines, and sense of belonging that help students thrive throughout the year. As I begin my first school year as CEO of the TDSB, I am excited to partner with families and our dedicated staff to support every student’s achievement and well-being. Thank you for the trust you place in our schools. We look forward to working alongside you, and I wish all students and families a wonderful school year ahead. 
 
Welcome to the 2026-27 School Year – We’re thrilled to welcome students into TDSB schools beginning on September 8. Explore the TDSB website for the information and resources you need for a smooth transition. View the School Year Calendar here. 
 
Student Transportation Reminder – Toronto Student Transportation Group will phase in transportation. Service begins on September 8 for students with special education needs (excluding the gifted program), Dundas PS, Eastview PS, Island PS, Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School, and Pape Avenue PS. All other eligible students will start on September 10. For updates, sign up for the Transportation Parent Portal. 
 
Start of Year Forms – The Toronto District School Board emailed families directly from [email protected] on August 27 (secondary) and September 1 (elementary) with a link to Start of Year forms for students. Please complete these forms in a timely manner and contact the office at your child’s school with any questions. Thank you. 
 
Continuing Education Night School and Saturday International Languages Credit Program – Registration is now open! Learn more and register.     

e-Learning Day School – Registration for Semester 1 opens on September 9 at 10 a.m. Learn more. 
 
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day – September 30, marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. TDSB will honour this important day by recognizing the history and ongoing legacy of Residential Schools and reaffirming our shared commitment to Truth, Reconciliation, and Indigenous Education. For additional background and resources, visit the Urban Indigenous Education Centre website. 
 
Black Student Summer Leadership Program Magazine – Read about the experiences, achievements, and voices of nearly 200 Black student leaders. Through research, leadership, experiential learning, and community partnerships, the magazine captures a summer of Black youth learning, leading, building, and becoming. Learn more. 
 
Mental Health and Addiction Strategy (2027- 2030) – This strategy provides a coordinated, system-wide approach to strengthening student mental health, well-being and achievement by positioning attendance as a mental health outcome, belonging as a core strategy, and equitable, culturally responsive supports as essential to student success. Learn more. 

Special Education Plan – Learn more about special education programs and services, including how parents can request a referral to an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) for their child. Learn more. 
 
Toronto Public Health Update – Check out a back-to-school information sheet from Toronto Public Health containing tips for a healthy start to the school year. Learn more.  

Stay Connected With Us – To hear more about all the great things happening across our schools throughout the year, follow along on Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.   

Steps to Address Questions and Concerns – We are here to help and address questions and concerns as quickly as possible. In any situation, your child’s classroom teacher is the first point of contact for any issues, followed by the school principal and superintendent. Learn more.