TDSB Trustee Anu Sriskandarajah
Happy New Year! Hope you all had wonderful, restful holidays filled with family, fun and laughter.
Celebrating Good News
I encourage you to read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including: Founder and Elder of TDSB’s Kâpapâmahchakwêw / Wandering Spirit School receives Order of Ontario tdsb.on.ca/home/ctl/Details/mid/43823/itemId/206
Winter Weather and Transportation
From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices or sites.
When schools remain open on days with inclement weather, parents/guardians/caregivers make the final decision on whether to send their children to school. Should a cancellation or closure be necessary, information will be posted on the TDSB website and TDSB social media by 6 a.m. See tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Detail/docId/242
TDSB Student Census Results
In the spring, the TDSB conducted its fourth Student Census, which resulted in a response rate of approximately 58% across all grades. The Student Census asks students important questions about school experiences and identities and it is an opportunity for students to provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system. Please visit this link to view census results: tdsb.on.ca/research/Research/Parent-and-Student-Census/-2023-Census
Education Ministry Information Sheets
The Ministry of Education has created information sheets to keep parents/guardians/caregivers informed about important issues or initiatives and to help your children reach their full potential:
- Financial Literacy: Interactive online lessons for parents to use with their children, which cover the value and use of money, managing personal finances such as budgeting and investing wisely. tdsb.on.ca/portals/0/Financial_Literacy_Parent_Info_English.pdf
- Anti-Bullying: The guide ‘Bullying: We can all help stop it’ has information about bullying, including cyberbullying, what you can do if your child is being bullied, has witnessed bullying or may be bullying others. tdsb.on.ca/portals/0/Anti-Bullying_Parent_Info_English.pdf
Suicide Prevention Helpline 988
On November 30, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) through the Canadian Radio and Television Corporation (CRTC) announced a national three-digit Mental Health and Suicide Prevention hotline number, 988. Learn more at: tdsb.on.ca/home/ctl/Details/mid/43823/itemId/208
TCDSB Trustee Garry Tanuan
A blessed 2024 New Year to one and all! Our TCDSB schools were abuzz throughout the month of December with the return of in-person Advent masses, Christmas concerts, and presentations! We pray that you and your family had the opportunity to rest and enjoy time with loved ones.
Short Video Contest Finalists
Eighty-six Ontario schools participated in the 2023 OCSTA Student Short Video Contest with the theme “We are Called to Love”. The awesome video submissions from Francis Libermann Catholic High School, Our Lady of Grace, and St. René Goupil made it to the short-list of finalists. Congratulations! We encourage everyone in our Ward 8 community to support and vote for our finalist schools by visiting togetherinfaith.ca/video-contest-voting
FPCBP Scholarship Program 2024
Applications for the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business & Professional (FPCBP) Inc. are now open. Grade 12 students of Portuguese descent can apply. Scholarship amounts range from $1,000 to $4,000. The application deadline is January 13.
African Canadian Heritage Mass and Cultural Exposé
Open to students in Grades 5 to 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 29 at St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy. Schools are encouraged to register by February 9. Light snacks will be provided. Questions? Email: Jodelyn.Huang@tcdsb.org.
2024 Friars Student Writing Contest
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. Read the full rules. Submission deadline is January 15 by 2 p.m.
National Indigenous Scholarship Program
Three awards at $50,000 each are available to Indigenous students who are applying from Canadian high schools for full-time studies at Western University. Apply before the deadline of March 14.
Catholic Parent Involvement Committee
CPIC is a provincially mandated and funded committee of the School Board. The focus of the committee is to support student academic achievement through increased parent involvement. https://www.tcdsb.org/page/catholic-parent-involvement-committee
FAQs and Questions? tcdsb.org/page/parents Contact: Trustee Garry Tanuan 416-512-3408 or 416-222-8282 ext. 2660.