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Welcome to TDSB Connects, your update on news and events from across the Toronto District School Board. 

December 2025

Celebrating Good News – Read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including: 

Specialized Programs Application Now Open – The TDSB offers a variety of elementary and secondary Specialized Programs focused on the Arts, Math, Science & Technology, Leadership and more. The application for Specialized Programs is now open, and the deadline to apply is December 12 at noonLearn more.  
 
English Kindergarten Registration Begins in January – We look forward to welcoming Kindergarten students for the next school year! To attend Junior Kindergarten in September 2026, children must turn four years old by December 31. To attend Senior Kindergarten in September 2026, children must be five years old by December 31. Learn more.   

High School Open Houses and Information Nights – Learn more about our variety of schools, programs, and courses to help make informed decisions when choosing a school. Visit open houses for parents/caregivers and students until January. Learn more. 

2025-2026 PIAC Ward Elections – Eligible voters for the 2025–2026 PIAC Ward Co-Representative Elections who signed up during the nomination period will receive a private ballot by e-mail to vote from December 1 to 5Learn more. 

tdsbCARES: Hurricane Melissa Appeal – The TDSB has launched the tdsbCARES: Hurricane Melissa Appeal. Please consider donating to support the ongoing relief efforts for those impacted across the Caribbean. Learn More. 

Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter & Parent Engagement Sessions – The December edition of the Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter and December engagement sessions for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are now available online. All upcoming sessions can be found on the Parent Engagement Sessions webpage.  

Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement – The Black Student Summer Leadership Program is accepting applications from December 8 to January 9, 2026. Learn more

Continuing Education – Explore Continuing Education programs now open for registration. Programs include International Languages Elementary & African Heritage ProgramSecondary Credit Night School, and Learn4Life - Adult General Interest Programs.   

Registration for January Classes for Adults & Newcomers – Studio500 Hairstylist P/T apprenticeship begins January 25 and Essential Skills Upgrading’s workshop series on January 14. Newcomers looking to continue their professional careers can look forward to Enhanced Language Training start dates in January: January 12 (Health & IT); January 16 (Engineering & Transportation Logistics); and January 26 (Education). Learn more and register. 

GoGuardian Parent App – Those enrolled in the Student Device Program in grades 6-12 can now access this app, allowing parents, guardians and caregivers to manage their children’s internet use outside of school hours. Details on how to get started are here. Learn more.  

Staying Engaged During Winter Break - Winter break is a great time for family and academic engagement, and there are many opportunities to turn everyday moments into fun learning experiences. Whether it's reading a chapter together or counting cookies, explore some suggestions to keep your child academically connected. Learn more.   
 
Mathematics & Numeracy Newsletter – Explore the Fall Newsletter from the Mathematics and Numeracy Department, including information about exciting initiatives underway to support district mathematics improvement, an information session from EQAO, and new resources to support math learning at home. 

Winter Weather & Student Transportation – It is sometimes necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to close schools. If closures are required, information will be posted on the TDSB home page and on TDSB social media by 6 a.m. 

November 2025

Celebrating Good News – Read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including: 

High School Open Houses and Information Nights – Learn more about our variety of schools, programs, and courses to help make informed decisions when choosing a school. Visit open houses for parents/caregivers and students between November and January. Learn more
 
Specialized Programs – The TDSB offers a variety of elementary and secondary Specialized Programs focused on the Arts, Math, Science & Technology, Leadership and more. The application and admission process for Specialized Programs has recently changed and will be open from November 24 to December 12, 2025, at noonLearn more. 
 
Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application Process – The TDSB offers a wide range of Elementary Alternative Schools. The online application process is managed centrally, and information is available on the Application and Admissions webpage. The online application for September 2025 admission will be open from January 5, 2026, to January 30, 2026, at 4 p.m. 
 
Early French Immersion – TDSB offers an online application process for Early French Immersion (begins in Junior Kindergarten). For entry in September 2026, applications must be submitted online between November 3 to 28, 2025. Families with an older sibling already in Early French Immersion at the same school must submit an application for the new student.  Learn more

Indigenous Education Month – November is Indigenous Education Month. This month is an important reminder to centre First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities in classrooms across the TDSB. It is also an opportunity to learn about treaties, Indigenous leadership, achievements, resistance, and brilliance. Learn More. 
 
Hindu Heritage Month – TDSB celebrates Hindu Heritage Month in November. This year’s theme, Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu – May All Be Happy, is a prayer for universal peace and joy. Students have opportunities to explore Hindu traditions through classroom resources and special events, including a celebration at Silver Springs PS and a system-wide poster contest. Learn more

Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement – The Black Girls’ Book Club is back! Students in Grades 9 to12 are invited to register by November 7. Spots are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. A virtual information session will be held on November 5.  Learn more. 

Learn4Life: Winter Registration – Registration for winter courses in the Learn4Life Adult General Interest Program opens on November 12 at 8:30 a.m. Available to adults 18 and older, Learn4Life offers a unique opportunity to pursue interests, expand knowledge, and engage in lifelong learning. Courses start January 10, 2026. Learn more.  

Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter – The November 2025 edition of the Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers is now available on the Special Education and Inclusion site! This monthly newsletter includes important updates, tips, and resources to support students with disabilities and special education needs. Access previous newsletters here
 
Developmental Disabilities Virtual Connect – Join us for sessions on November 17 (9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.) or November 24 (5:30 to 8 p.m.) that focus on supporting families in navigating services for children, youth, or young adults with developmental and/or complex disabilities. Find the link to join in the November flyer and explore future session topics in the Virtual Connect flyer.   

EQAO Parent/Guardian Webinar - Join a live webinar on November 19 at 6 p.m. where EQAO staff will discuss math questions in Ontario’s large-scale assessments in Grades 3, 6 and 9. Staff will show how these questions help assess the skills students learn and will share insights from past assessment results to help parents/guardians support math learning. Learn more and register
 
Level Up! Skilled Trades Career Fairs – Explore the 140+ diverse skilled trades in Ontario through hands-on interactive exhibits, and meet industry professionals, employers and post-secondary partners. Visit the Skilled Trades Career Fair hosted by the Government of Ontario. Several dates and locations are available in November and December. Learn more.  
 
Winter Weather & Student Transportation – It is sometimes necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to close schools. If closures are required, information will be posted on the TDSB home page and on TDSB social media by 6 a.m. 

Toronto Public Health Fall/Winter Update - Healthy students mean healthier communities. Read some simple ideas to help protect your family from illness this season. Keeping children’s vaccinations up to date also helps protect both students and our wider community all year around! TPH offers clinics to make it easy for students to stay protected. Learn more.  
 
Ombudsman Services for Students and Families – The Office of the Ombudsman recently celebrated 50 years, including 10 years of oversight of Ontario school boards. To learn how the Ombudsman can help students and families with school-related issues and concerns, please review the poster or visit the Ombudsman’s school boards page

October 2025

Celebrating Good News  – Read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including: 

Resolving School and Student Concerns  – Parents, guardians, caregivers, and students can continue to ask questions and share concerns with the board while the TDSB is under provincial supervision.  Learn more

National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls  – Each year on October 4, the Native Women’s Association of Canada holds a  Sisters in Spirit Vigil  to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The  Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls  declared that “the violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people is a ‘national tragedy of epic proportion’.”  Learn more.  

Islamic Heritage Month  – TDSB recognizes Islamic Heritage Month in October. This year’s theme,  Rooted in Iman (faith), Rising in Amal (hope) , invites reflection on how faith and purposeful action contribute to positive change. Students have opportunities to explore Islamic history, customs, and contributions through workshops and classroom resources.  Learn more.

Latin-America History Month  – TDSB recognizes Latin-America History Month in October. This year’s theme,  Our Journey Continues, Abriendo Caminos , celebrates the resilience and cultural pride of Latin-America communities. A variety of educational opportunities are available to TDSB students, staff, and community members, including the Latin-America History Month Celebration on October 8 at William Lyon Mackenzie CI.  Learn more

Somali Heritage Month  – TDSB recognizes Somali Heritage Month in October. This year’s theme,  Iskaashato ma kufto – If people support each other, they do not fall , celebrates unity and mutual support. Students have opportunities to enter a poetry contest or attend the Visionary Voices: Career Connections for Students mini-conference for secondary. This year’s poster was created by artist Saada Awaleh, whose work reflects her Somali and Muslim roots.  Learn more

Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference  –We are thrilled to bring back the Parents as Partners Conference - a free, in-person event for all TDSB parents, guardians, and caregivers. 

This year, it’s even easier to join, with two in-person conferences (East and West).  Learn more .

Thinking About Early French Immersion (JK Entry) for Your Child?  – TDSB offers an online application process for Early French Immersion (begins in Junior Kindergarten). For entry in September 2026, applications must be submitted online between  November 3-28, 2025.  Families with an older sibling already in Early French Immersion at the same school must submit an application for the new student.  Learn more

Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter – The October 2025 edition of the Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers is now available on the Special Education and Inclusion site! This monthly newsletter includes important updates, tips, and resources to support students with disabilities and special education needs. Access previous newsletters here

Ministry of Education Parent Resources  – The Ministry of Education and some of its partners have developed resources to support important conversations about school between parents and their children. Check out available resources on the following topics:  The School Bus is Here Volunteer Hours Career Planning Getting Ready for High School , and  Cyber-awareness .

Accelerated Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Info Session  – OYAP opens the door for secondary students to work in apprenticeship occupations through the co-operative education program. Accelerated OYAP is an intensive one-semester program that combines a co-op placement with training at a college or union training centre. Attend a virtual information session on  October 15 at 7 p.m.  Learn more

Community-Based Supports for Students with Special Education Needs  – Students with special education needs, and their families, may be eligible to access community-based programs and services, including but not limited to clinical, financial and intake services and access to Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy.  Learn more .

September 2025

Celebrating Good News – Read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including: 

Minister of Education Letter – Back to School 2025 - As the 2025-26 school year begins, read a message for parents, students, teachers, and staff from the Minister of Education.  

Welcome to the 2025-26 School Year – The start of a new school year is exciting and can also be a time of change as we adjust to new routines. Explore the TDSB website to find the information and resources you need.  

School Year Calendar – We look forward to welcoming all students back into TDSB schools on Tuesday, September 2. View the 2025-26 School Year Calendar online. 

Student Transportation ReminderToronto Student Transportation Group will phase in transportation. Service begins on Tuesday, September 2 for students with special education needs (excluding those in the gifted program). All other eligible students will start on Monday, September 8 , pending driver availability. Sign up for the Transportation Parent Portal for updates. 

Toronto Public Health Tips for a Healthy Start to the School Year - Simple ideas to help students start the school year healthy, safe and ready to learn. Read more.  

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day Tuesday, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. The TDSB will honour this day and for more background, please visit the Urban Indigenous Education Centre website.   

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 Wednesday, September 3 at 10 a.m. Learn more.

Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter - The September 2025 edition of the Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers is now available on the Special Education and Inclusion site! This monthly newsletter includes important updates, tips, and resources to support students with disabilities and special education needs. Access previous newsletters here

PA Day Information – Throughout the school year, school staff participate in Professional Learning (PA) Days. Detailed information about planned activities is posted to the website at least 14 days in advance of each scheduled date. Visit the PA Day web page to learn more

Steps to Address Questions and Concerns – We are here to help and address any 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.

Stay Connected with Us – To hear more about all the great things happening across our schools throughout the year, follow along on  InstagramLinkedInXThreadsFacebook, and  Bluesky.