October 3 2022

October 3, 2022

 

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers and Students:

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

Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference – Mark your calendars for our annual Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on October 23 and 24! Participate in our new in-person pre-conference sessions across the city at TDSB Outdoor Education sites and City of Toronto Museums. Participate in the virtual conference and attend workshops on a variety of topics including mental health and well-being, learning and connecting. Registration opens soon! Learn more at www.parentsaspartners.ca

 

Stay Connected with your School – The TDSB is offering two new ways to stay connected with your school and the TDSB. Learn about opting in for text messages and using the School Messenger app, which provides a faster and easier way to report absences. Learn more.

 

Celebrating Staff – Three outstanding TDSB teachers have been recognized with the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence and Teaching Excellence in STEM. Congratulations to Sheri Alcordo from Gulfstream PS, Zélia Capitão-Tavares from McMurrich PS and Sarah Torrie from Victoria Park CI! Read more about the winners.

 

Mental Health and Well-Being – In September we launched our “kick start well-being campaign, which prioritized daily well-being in schools and classrooms. Check out our mental health and well-being website for resources, webinars and drop-in times to help support families’ and students’ well-being all year.

 

Central Student Interest Programs – Applications for central student interest programs open in November! Visit our website for elementary and secondary programs to learn about each of the programs, review program and application requirements, get dates for upcoming open houses and webinars and all application timelines.

Early French Immersion (Junior Kindergarten Entry) Application Deadline - For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's system-wide French Immersion Program, we offer an online process to apply for Early French Immersion (begins in JK). An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants. The timeline to apply to the Early French Immersion program for September 2023: Applications must be completed online between October 31 and November 25, 2022.

Visit the TDSB website for more information about Early French Immersion, Virtual & In-Person Information Sessions or the Application Process.

Tips for Taking the TTC – Many students travel by TTC each day to get to school. The TTC has developed some tips and reminders about taking transit.

 

Celebrating Success in the TDSB – Every day, we support students, staff and our school communities across Toronto. Every decision made and action taken is with the intentional focus on ensuring that students have the resources, opportunities and welcoming and respectful learning spaces they need to thrive. Watch our look back on some of our most impactful work over the last several years that is making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

 

Director’s Leadership Report – At the last Board meeting, Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins shared her monthly Leadership Report where she celebrated staff, highlighted STEM learning and spoke about welcoming global delegates back into schools for shared learning. Watch it now.

Heritage Months – In October, we recognize Islamic Heritage Month and Somali Heritage Month.

 

TDSB Update – Sign-up for TDSB Update and stay informed about recent Board decisions and more district-wide news.