TDSB Trustee Anu Sriskandarajah
High School Open Houses
Please join us between November and January for organized open houses and information sessions aimed at aiding your decision in choosing the right school for your child. These events are tailored to provide information for parents/guardians/caregivers and students. Visit our website for more detailed information on dates and times: tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Going-to-High-School/Open-Houses-and-Information-Nights
The Open House for Sir Oliver Mowat CI is on January 11 from 7-9 p.m.
Student Census Update
For the past few months, I have sent reminders for completing the student census. We now have the preliminary results. Conducted in the spring, the TDSB Student Census is a confidential and voluntary survey that asks questions about students’ school experiences and identities. It is conducted every five years and allows school communities to understand what is working, what needs change, and where we need to direct supports. In total, 138,240 TDSB students and parents/guardians/caregivers of Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 participated. A response rate of 58%.
The results show:
- consistent to past Census results, students report high levels of feeling safe at school;
- students report feelings related to mental health and well-being have significantly improved compared to data collected during the pandemic;
- five out of 10 students report having to hide aspects of their identity at school;
- compared to 2016 Census results, students in Grades 4 to 6 report higher levels of school enjoyment while students in Grades 7 to 12 report significantly lower levels of school enjoyment.
Reduce Spread of Respiratory Viruses
As we head into the cooler months and respiratory virus activity increases, I encourage you to review this information from Toronto Public Health about how to prevent the spread of infections in schools and communities. tdsb.on.ca/home/ctl/Details/mid/43823/itemId/188
Coping During War and Conflict
I know our community is going through a period of unprecedented challenges, and we understand that it’s crucial to find effective ways to manage our well-being. A video series and related resources have been developed by TDSB staff and expert facilitators to offer coping strategies during war and conflict to support the emotional and mental wellness of students, parents/guardians/caregivers, staff, and the broader community. Visit the Affinity Wellness webpage for videos and resources: tdsb.on.ca/affinitywellness
TCDSB Trustee Garry Tanuan
We have been quite busy with the start of a new 2023 school year that saw students and staff enjoying the return of momentous events such as Truth and Reconciliation Day, the Terry Fox Run, Thanksgiving Day, and most recently, Remembrance Day commemoration on November 11.
Wishing You a Merry Christmas!
The season of Advent began on November 27 this year. It reminds us about what is truly important: our faith, our family and our friends. May the peace and joy of Christmas bring blessings to you and your loved ones throughout the season and in the New Year to come!
Virtue of the Month: Charity
OCSTA Short Video Contest
The Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) invites students in Grades 4-12 to create a two-minute video highlighting how demonstrating care and respect for others gives witness to our faith. For further guidance in developing this video, we invite students and staff to draw upon the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations – section 1 (d). This section explores how we are called to be discerning believers through thought and action by developing “attitudes and values founded on Catholic Teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good.”
The submission deadline is December 8. The form can be downloaded from: ocsta.on.ca/ocsta/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-submission-form-short-video-contest.pdf
Catholic Register’s Drawing Contest
Students in Grades 1 to 8 are invited to submit original drawings depicting the birth of Jesus for a chance to be featured in the Register’s Christmas edition. Winners will receive a $75 Amazon gift certificate. Submission deadline is December 15 at noon. Read full rules at: catholicregister.org/christmascontest
Friars Student Writing Contest
This contest is open to students aged 13-19 and currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school or equivalent program. First-place winner will receive a Samsung Galaxy S23 phone. Submission deadline is January 15 by 2 p.m. catholicregister.org/writingaward
FAQs and Questions? tcdsb.org/page/parents
Contact: Trustee Garry Tanuan 416-512-3408 or 416-222-8282 ext. 2660.