Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers and Students:
Welcome to TDSB Connects, an update on news and events from across the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
Addressing School Safety - The TDSB is committed to schools that are caring, safe, welcoming and respectful. Student and school safety is an urgent priority for staff, students, families and community members. The TDSB has – and will continue to – invest considerable resources in school safety in addition to programs and opportunities that connect with and engage students. This week, A Collaborative Approach to School and Community Safety: Report 1, was presented to a Special Meeting of the TDSB Planning and Priorities Committee. This report provides an overview of current research trends and data related to Caring and Safe Schools and presents the next phase of an action plan to urgently address issues of school and community violence. Learn More.
Reducing Spread of Respiratory Illness - A reminder of the number of steps that can be taken to help keep children and others safe from an increase in respiratory viruses among children, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza and COVID-19. Please note that Toronto Public Health, together with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, strongly recommends wearing a well-fitted mask in indoor public settings, including in schools and childcares.
Inclement Weather - With the winter comes snow and severe weather! At times, it is necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close TDSB schools, administrative offices or sites. Visit the website to learn about Snow/Cold Weather and the Procedure for Severe Weather.
Students (Grades 6 - 12): Help shape EnVision Conference 2023 - The Envision Conference 2023 Committee is looking for Black, Indigenous, and Racialized TDSB students and their allies from Grades 6-12 who are committed to working in solidarity to help shape this year’s EnVision Conference. Please complete this form to apply as part of the Queer Youth Justice Lab.
Out-of-Area Admissions – TDSB students can attend a school which is designated to serve their residential address and also have the opportunity to access schools outside of their area by applying for Out-of-Area Admissions. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability and program suitability. The online application will open on January 9, 2023. Learn more about Out-of-Area Admissions for elementary and secondary students.
TDSB Alternative Schools – Did you know that the TDSB has a variety of alternative school options for elementary and secondary students? Each alternative school has a distinct identity and focus and are ideal for students seeking an alternative to mainstream education and who want to take an active role in their learning. To learn more about specific programs and schools, please visit the Alternative Schools website.
Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) - The TDSB offers an online process to apply for the Middle French Immersion Program (open to students in Grade 3, not currently enrolled in a French program). Applications must be completed online between January 9 and February 3, 2023. An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants. For more information, visit the Middle French Immersion website and plan to attend an information session in January.
Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) - Supporting Parents as Partners in Education, check out PIAC’s redesigned website at www.torontopiac.com. PIAC welcomes you to share the voice of your ward, to advise the board, support school councils and parents/caregivers with events and resources. View PIAC vacancies and contact your Trustee to join!
TDSB Spring Check-In Survey Results - In June 2022, all parents/guardians and a representative sample of students from Grades 7-12 were invited to participate in a check-in survey to share their school experiences from the 2021-22 school year. Approximately 27,500 parents and 4,137 students completed the survey, which was the fourth to be conducted. In total, we have heard from over 330,000 students and parents/caregivers during the pandemic. Thank you to those who have shared their thoughts. Read the results.
Continuing Education Programming - Explore the learning opportunities available for children, families, adults and visitors: Learn4Life General Interest Winter Program 2023 - Adults 18+ and Seniors, International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program and Continuing Education - Adult ESL Program.
Career Training for Young Adults - Exclusively for young adults who are completely out of school and out of work, Community Services offers free, paid career training programs! The On the Line Culinary Program trains learners for jobs in the food industry and the On the Road Construction Program equips learners for a career in construction. New sessions begin in January.
Youth Climate Action Grants
The NEW deadline to apply is January 31, 2023. With the extension to the end of January, we are still calling all TDSB students! The City of Toronto is providing grants up to $1000 for student groups who want to foster climate action projects in their schools and communities. Student climate action projects can include: workshops, events, swaps, videos, social media campaigns and much more. This grant is a partnership between the City of Toronto and the TDSB. For more information about the grant, visit toronto.ca.