TDSB Trustee Anu Sriskandarajah
Transportation, live webcasts and African Heritage Month
At the Toronto District School Board, busing service may be provided for elementary students (K-5) residing 1.6 km or more from their designated school. TTC tickets may be provided for middle school students (grades 6-8) residing 3.2 km or more from their designated school. The health and safety of students is our top priority, and the Toronto Student Transportation Group, working with school bus operators, has put a number of COVID-19 protocols in place to help ensure the safety of students and drivers. Here are some resources for more information:
• For COVID-19 safety protocols and precautions, visit tdsb.on.ca/Return-to-School/Operations/Transportation.
• For information specific to your child’s transportation, including route number, stop location, times and bus company contact details, visit busplannerweb.torontoschoolbus.org/Subscriptions/Login.aspx. Or you can contact the Toronto Student Transportation Group at 416-394-4287 or transportation@torontoschoolbus.org. For delay notifications, visit busplannerweb.torontoschoolbus.org/Cancellations.aspx.
• Please review the Responsibilities and Safety sections of our website with your child tdsb.on.ca/EarlyYears/Kindergarten/Transportation.
Please note that the TDSB’s Empty Seat Policy has been put on hold for the 2020-21 school year to help promote physical distancing on school buses.
Live Webcast of Meetings
The TDSB is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. Check out tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings for the live webcast of meetings that are broadcast to the public.
African Heritage Month
In February, the TDSB celebrated African Heritage Month. It was an occasion to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of peoples of African descent to Canada and the world. The chosen theme for 2020-2021 was Kujichagulia: Self Determination.
Planned activities included: a launch to kick off African Heritage Month, Know Your Worth Conference: Black Resistance in collaboration with Black Law Students Association of Osgoode Hall Law School for secondary students; and the expansion of the Black Student Alliance. We are especially proud of the establishment of the Know Your Worth Scholarship fund and Black Leadership Council at the TDSB.
TCDSB Trustee Garry Tanuan
February was a busy month
We have much to be grateful for, notwithstanding the challenges, as we’ve made it through the first quarter of 2021. January brought us the start of JK Registration for the 2021-22 school year, a revised Land Acknowledgement, Bell Let’s Talk and mental health awareness.
February was one of the busiest months at the TCDSB. We celebrated African Canadian Heritage Month where we joined Canadians nationwide to honour the legacy of African Canadians, past and present. For a glimpse at one of the many ways the TCDSB celebrated this event, see TCDSB African Heritage Prayer Service 2021 on YouTube.
The students at St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy were treated to a virtual Black History Month Empowerment presentation by Professional Speaker Jeff A. D. Martin on February 17.
The awarding of winners for the Quincentennial Jubilee of Christianity in the Philippines Toronto Art Competition has been set for March 16 at the Catholic Education Centre.Please call the Philippine Consulate General Toronto at 416-355-2782 for details.
Students in grades 7 to 12 are invited to get creative and submit their video reflections. Group or Individual submissions accepted. Deadline: March 5 at 5 p.m.
Six prizes of $5,000 and $1,000. Deadline: March 31 at otip.com/school-sponsorship. Schools can apply for funding for projects including but not limited to:
- Virtual learning initiatives that enhance distanced or at-home learning
- School nutrition programs
- Purchase of musical instruments or band equipment
- New playground equipment
- Environmental initiatives like gardens or tree planting
- Art supplies or programs
Auditions for September admission at SMCS have begun. Visit smcs.on.ca/auditions for information.
For frequently asked questions, School Reopening Action Plan updates and more, visit: tcdsb.org
Questions? Contact: Trustee Garry Tanuan 416-512-3408 or 416-222-8282 ext. 2659 (Constituency Officer: Ida Serpe).