Sep 8 2021

  September 8, 2021

Parents/Guardians and Students,

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

Welcome to the New School Year – Watch the welcome video from Chair of the Board Alexander Brown and Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins. 

Update from Toronto Public Health – As you prepare for your child to return to in-person school, read some important information about COVID-19 prevention measures and Toronto Public Health school services for this year, including a just-announced pause on extra-curricular activities, field trips and mixed-cohort high-contact sports for September.

New COVID-19 Screening Tool – Before coming to school each day, all students must conduct an active student health screening self-assessment and then record the information on either the TDSB Student Health Pass (paper) or by using the Daily Health Screening app. Learn more.

COVID-19 Testing – The TDSB is working with three local hospitals to support schools with COVID-19 testing that is non-invasive, faster, easier and promotes equity of access. Learn more about take-home saliva kits that will be available in schools to help ensure efficient and effective testing where necessary and support the continued health and safety of staff and students.

Mandatory Immunization Disclosure for Staff – As directed by the Ministry of Education, all TDSB staff are required to disclose their vaccination status to the TDSB. Staff who are unvaccinated or do not disclose their vaccination status are required to undergo rapid antigen testing twice weekly as a measure to protect schools from the risk of COVID-19. A TDSB Mandatory Vaccine Procedure is also in development. 

Virtual Learning – Elementary and Secondary families can expect to receive an email from their child’s virtual learning teacher before the end of the day on September 8, which will include a link to join class on the first day. For more information about elementary virtual learning classes , visit the Virtual Learning web page. 

Prioritizing Health and Safety – Many health and safety measures continue to be in place to ensure a safe return to school for students and staff. Learn more about the practices and protocols in place in elementary and secondary school.

Daily Checklists – Be sure you’re prepared for school each day with our elementary and secondary checklists to keep you on track.

Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being – The start of a new school year is always filled with anticipation, but this year, we recognize especially the anxiety, fear and uncertainty that comes with returning to learning. Supporting our mental health and well-being is critical.  Access resources and tools to support you, here.

TDSB Statement Re: Afghanistan - As we begin the school year, our hearts and thoughts are with students, families and staff within our TDSB community who are directly impacted by the crisis unfolding in Afghanistan. Read a statement from the TDSB.

Continuing Education

• Remote Secondary Credit Night School – Remote night school credit courses are offered to all high school students and adults with current prerequisites. Students may take a new credit, or retake a course previously taken to upgrade a mark. Online registration closes on October 1.

• Remote Saturday International Languages Credit Program – 22 international language credit courses are available to current high school students. All courses are subject to sufficient enrolment. Online registration closes on October 1.

• International Languages: Elementary and African Heritage (ILE-AH) – This free online program welcomes JK to Grade 8 students to learn a language (except for English and French) for 2.5 hours a week.  Learn more and register online today. 

Adult Only Programs

• Adult ESL Program - Adult learners will have an opportunity to improve their English online with the TDSB this fall.  A broad range of English as a Second Language classes will be available, from beginner to advanced levels. Learn more by visiting our program website. 

• Learn4Life Adult General Interest Program – Learn a new skill or take up a hobby online this fall with courses in art, computers, food, languages, fitness and much more!  Registration is now open with courses beginning September 11, 2021. View our online brochure for more information. 

Parents and Caregivers as Partners Virtual Conference – Save the date for our annual Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on October 16 and 17. Learn strategies to support your child, network with other parents and be inspired by our keynote speakers. Learn more.

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