Trustee Anu Sriskandarajah
Toronto District School Board Updates
New Director of Education
I’m excited to share that Clayton La Touche is the new TDSB Director of Education. He began his career with the TDSB in 1994 before taking on roles at the Ministry of Education and York Region District School Board. Clayton is known for being a collaborative leader who cares deeply about student success and well-being. His appointment follows a thorough four-month search process led by the Trustee Director Search Committee that I had the honour of serving as chair. I want to thank Stacey Zucker for her excellent work as Interim Director during the transitional period.
Ontario Budget Presentation
Our school board was one of the organizations invited to a consultation event to share ideas and suggestions about the 2025 Ontario Budget. The presentation to MPP Zee Hamid, the parliamentary assistant to the minister of finance, has been posted to the TDSB Budget webpage if you’re interested in learning more: tdsb.on.ca
During this presentation, the Board discussed ongoing financial pressures due to an inadequate funding formula. To fully support students and staff, Ontario and TDSB budgets must address the pandemic’s lasting impact on mental health, the need for enhanced cybersecurity, and upgrades to school buildings. Providing the best education for Ontario’s future requires significant investments in students, staff and schools!
African Heritage (Black History) Month
The TDSB organized a variety of events to celebrate the rich heritage of the people and nations of Africa and the African Diaspora last month. This year’s theme was “Lift Every Voice.” The theme was drawn from the first line of the Black National Anthem, and encourages collective strength, unity, diversity and resilience.
Chinese Heritage Month
Last month, the TDSB proudly recognized Chinese Heritage Month. This year, the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, began on Wednesday, January 29. As we welcomed the Year of the Snake, we reflected on its symbolism of tenacity and transformation. Throughout the month, we hosted various activities and events to highlight the rich cultural traditions and contributions of the Chinese community.
TCDSB Trustee Garry Tanuan
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday on March 5. Lent is a time of preparation for Easter when Christians worldwide focus on prayers, fasting, and giving alms. The point of giving something up, of fasting, is to cultivate the inner life. But don’t just give something up. There is immense value in doing something for Lent. It’s the perfect time not only to abandon self-destructive habits, but also to form new life-giving habits, habits that can extend beyond the 40 days of Lent.
Forgiveness is TCDSB March’s virtue of the Month.
March Break Tennis Event
All tennis enthusiasts are welcome to participate and help raise funds for the Angel Foundation for Learning during March Break through the “Beyond the Baseline” event. If you have questions, email Jonathan.Grossi@tcdsb.org.
Dominican Friars’ Youth
Interfaith Video Contest
Win one of three prizes! The contest is open to students in Grades 9-12. The deadline to submit a video is April 15 at 3 p.m. Enter here: https://bit.ly/FriarsVC. Email: interreligious@archtoronto.org or Phone 416-934-3400, ext. 527
FAQs? www.tcdsb.org/page/parents
Contact: Trustee Garry Tanuan 416-512-3408 or 416-222-8282 ext. 2660