February 2025
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:
African Heritage (Black History) Month 2025 – The TDSB has organized a variety of African Heritage (Black History) Month events to celebrate the rich heritage of the people and nations of Africa and the African Diaspora. The chosen theme for February 2025 is Lift Every Voice. Students, staff, and TDSB community members are invited to a Virtual Launch Celebration on February 4. Learn more.
Chinese Heritage Month 2025 – The TDSB proudly recognizes Chinese Heritage Month in February each year. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant holidays of the Chinese heritage. This year, the first day began on Wednesday, January 29 as we celebrate the Year of the Snake: Tenacious and Transformative. Learn more.
Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement – We provide a menu of offerings for students, staff and families. On February 5 at 6:30 p.m., join us for Parenting for Liberation - In Conversation with Trina Greene Brown, a powerful storytelling experience exploring ways to amplify Black children’s voices and nurture joyful Black families. On February 22 at 10 a.m., celebrate 10 years of Pre-Kindergarten Africentric Programming with us and Dr. Kerry-Ann Escayg at the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. To learn more about our programming, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/cebsa or follow us on Instagram and X @tdsb_cebsa.
Reminder: Family Day 2025 – Mark your calendars for Family Day on Monday, February 17. This is a province-wide statutory holiday and there will be no classes on this date.
2025 Ward 11 By-Election – Residents in TDSB Ward 11 can vote for the TDSB Trustee if you are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old, and a public school supporter. Election day is Monday, March 3. Advance voting takes place February 22 and 23. Eligible voters can also register for Mail-in Voting before February 6. Learn more.
Special Education and Inclusion Monthly Newsletter – The February Newsletter for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers features resources and information to support families, this month including “Tips for Preparing Your Child for Changes and Transitions.”
Upcoming Special Education and Inclusion Engagement Session: Navigating Transitions – This session will focus on the supports and services available for students with special needs and disabilities, both within the TDSB and through external organizations. This session will be offered twice in March: during the daytime and the evening. Learn more and register.
2025 Student Trustees Election – Each year, two Student Trustees are elected to sit on the Board of Trustees. The 2025 TDSB Student Trustees Election takes place on February 26 and 27. Registered candidates in grades 10 and 11 will campaign from February 17 to 25. An online voting link will be shared with all students in grades 7 to 11.
Community Consultations – The TDSB aims to be responsive to the voices of communities by developing tailored action plans, each based on the pillars of the Anti Hate and Anti Racism Strategy. This month, TDSB students, families and community members who self-identify as part of the Muslim diaspora are invited to attend a community consultation to support the development of a multi-dimensional strategy to affirm Muslim identities and address Islamophobia. Learn more.
Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students Policy (P045) Consultation – The TDSB is currently reviewing its Dealing with Abuse and Neglect of Students Policy, which supports the Board’s commitment to educate school communities about their Duty to Report, incidents of suspected, witnessed, and/or disclosed neglect and abuse of children to the Children Aid Societies. To learn more, visit the policy consultations web page and share your thoughts, questions and recommendations on the draft Policy by February 24, 2025.
Learning Opportunities Index Policy (P067) Consultation – The TDSB is currently reviewing its Learning Opportunities Index (LOI) Policy, which affirms the TDSB’s commitment to achieve equitable academic opportunities. To learn more, visit the policy consultations web page and share your thoughts, questions and recommendations on the draft Policy by March 24, 2025.
EQAO Math Webinar – Parents, guardians, and caregivers are invited to join a free, live webinar on Tuesday, February 18 at 6:30 p.m. where EQAO staff will discuss math questions that Ontario students encounter when they participate in Ontario’s large-scale assessments in Grades 3, 6, and 9. Learn more and register.
Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Illness – Please review the message from Toronto Public Health with information about reducing the spread of respiratory infections in schools.