October 15, 2021
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,
Welcome to TDSB Connects, an update on news and events from across the Toronto District School Board.
Parent and Caregivers as Partners Conference – The annual conference is this weekend and registration is open! Join our virtual event on October 16 and 17 to connect with other parents and caregivers, learn from experts and be inspired by our keynote speakers. Learn more.
Updated COVID-19 Screening Tool for Students – Toronto Public Health has made updates to its COVID-19 screening for students/children in childcares and JK to Grade 12 schools. Please use this updated version when conducting your daily screening before coming to school. Learn more.
Voluntary Disclosure of Vaccination Status – To more effectively manage possible COVID-19 cases and outbreaks in schools, Toronto Public Health is now requesting that Toronto school boards begin collecting the voluntary disclosure of vaccination status by students born in 2009 and earlier. This is intended to minimize disruption to the students and support a more efficient dismissal process. Learn more.
Elementary Classroom Reorganization - In the fall of every year, schools review actual student enrolment as compared to initial projections from last year, and reorganize classes where required. We do our best to plan for the new school year, but there are always factors, such as new or departing students, that might affect how classrooms are organized. Learn more about this year’s elementary classroom reorganization process.
Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement - The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement in collaboration with select community partner organizations are facilitating a series of community consultations. Community members and parents of students who self-identify as Black are invited to register for a virtual session. Upcoming dates are October 26 and November 23 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Registrations are currently being accepted for Black Student Leadership courses. Classes are weekly, beginning Saturday, October 23, 2021 to June 18, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students who complete the course will obtain high school credits for CPC301 – Politics in Action: Making Change or HSE401- Equity and Social Justice: From Theory to Practice. This opportunity is for TDSB students in Grades 11 and 12.
For additional information on resources, programs, news and events, please visit the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement website.
French Programs Application Deadline - For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's system-wide French Programs, we offer an online process to apply for Early French Immersion (begins in JK and SK, for September 2022 only) and Middle French Immersion (begins in Grade 4). An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants. The timelines for applying for these programs for September 2022 are:
Early French Immersion: Applications must be completed online between November 1 and November 26, 2021.
Middle French Immersion: Applications must be completed online between January 3 and January 28, 2022.
Visit the TDSB website for more information about French Programs, Virtual Information Sessions or the Application Process.
Student Accident Insurance - The TDSB offers student accident insurance through KidsInsured. Participation is voluntary, and parents/guardians are responsible for deciding whether or not to purchase accident insurance. The insurance provides 24/7 coverage and is not limited to during school hours. Learn more about coverage and plans offered by KidsInsured.
Steps to Address Questions and Concerns - The TDSB makes every effort to address your questions and concerns as quickly as possible. In any situation, your child’s classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school’s principal, the school superintendent and your Trustee.
Free adult classes for computer, math, reading and writing skills - If you or someone you know is interested in improving their computer, math, reading and writing skills to gain more employment opportunities, consider the TDSB Community Services – Essential Skills Upgrading program today! Visit www.upgrademyskills.ca, call 416-396-6905, or email upgrading@tdsb.on.ca to register or to contact Program Coordinator, Carol Visser.
Free English classes with on-site childcare services - New immigrants (protected persons and permanent residents) can take free English instruction classes at TDSB’s Community Services Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. All 12 locations offer free on-site childminding services. See www.linctoronto.ca or email LINC@tdsb.on.ca to register or to contact Program Coordinator, Trent Churchill.
TDSB Update – Sign-up for TDSB Update and stay informed about recent Board decisions and more district-wide news.