Elementary Deadline: to Switch Between Virtual School and In-Person Learning

As a reminder, 4 p.m. on September 30 is the deadline for elementary students to request a switch between the Virtual School and in-person (in-school) learning. Families who would like to request a switch from the Virtual School to in-person learning must complete the Virtual School Opt-Out online form before the deadline. Learn more about switching between the Virtual School and in-person learning, including upcoming key dates. Please note: For families who do not yet have a teacher assigned or have not yet connected with a teacher in Virtual School, please be assured that the TDSB will proceed with assigning your child a teacher and class as soon as possible, as noted above.

COMING UP...

OCTOBER @ THE TDSB

Hispanic Heritage Month

Ontario is home to more than 400,000 first, second and third generation Canadians of Hispanic origin. As early as 1914, Canadians who originated from the 23 Hispanic countries began immigrating to the province and today the Hispanic community is one of the fastest growing in Ontario. Hispanic-Canadians represent a dynamic community that has made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Province of Ontario.

October is a significant month for the Hispanic community. Each year, during the month of October, peoples of Hispanic origin around the world come together and pay tribute to their shared culture. Celebrations are held around the world, such as Hispanic Day (Dia de la Hispanidad), the Day of the Cultures (Dia de las Culturas), Day of the Race (Dia de la Raza), Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity (Dia del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural), Day of Indigenous Resistance (Dia de la Resistencia

Indigena), and the commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month in North America. In 2014, the City of Toronto joined in this commemoration and officially named October as Hispanic Heritage Month.

By proclaiming the month of October as Hispanic Heritage Month in Ontario, the province recognizes the rich contributions of Hispanic-Canadians to our social, economic, political and multicultural fabric. Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the outstanding achievements and contributions of Hispanic people in the province.

Islamic Heritage Month (City of Toronto)

Muslims have been contributing to all aspect of Ontario’s prosperity and diverse heritage for generations. Islamic history and culture encompasses a broad range of individual and collective experiences, as well as important contributions to literature, math, science, art and history. In 2007 the Government of Canada declared the month of October in each year as Canadian Islamic History Month.

The Province of Ontario recognizes and wishes to affirm the important contributions that Muslims make in Ontario as part of the vibrant social, economic, political and cultural fabric of our province.

Proclaiming a month to be Islamic Heritage Month in Ontario will provide all Ontarians, both today and in future generations, with an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and learn about the rich and longstanding Islamic history in the Province and the diverse roles and contributions of Muslim people in communities across Ontario. This new understanding will in turn help combat anti-Islamic sentiment.

Somali Heritage Month

At the Regular Board meeting held on 22 June 2016, the TDSB Board of Trustees resolved that the month of October, in each year be declared as Somali Heritage Month. The TDSB affirms our commitment to celebrating Somali Heritage Month, and encourages students and staff to take this opportunity to learn about the history, heritage and diversity of the Somali heritage. As well as celebrating, facilitating and encouraging education excellence with Canadian students of Somali descent, Canadians of Somali descent have made and continue to make significant contributions to the City of Toronto, province of Ontario and Canadian society at large. The month of October will provide an opportunity for Somali-heritage communities to share their vibrant culture and traditions with the TDSB communities and the City of Toronto.

Women’s History Month

Women's History Month was proclaimed in Canada in 1992, where its purpose is to give Canadians "an opportunity to learn about the important contributions of women and girls to our society – and to the quality of our lives today". October was chosen to coincide with the celebration of the anniversary on October 18 of the decision of the court case Edwards v. Canada, more commonly known as the Persons Case, in which it was established that Canadian women were eligible to be appointed senators and in general had the same rights as Canadian men with respect to positions of political power.

Board Meeting This Week

The Toronto District School Board is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. Meetings will be broadcasted live to the public. Click here at the start time to view: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings.

Governance and Policy Committee - Wednesday, September 30, 2020 4:30 p.m. Electronic Meeting

• 4. Information Flow Protocol: New Governance Procedure

• 5. P047, Naming of Schools and Special Purpose Areas Review, Phase 2: Status Update

• 6. PR697, Promoting a Positive School Climate: Revised

• 7. Notices of Motion for Consideration

• 7.1 Membership on the Director's Performance Appraisal Committee (Trustees Pilkey and Doyle)

• 7.2 Board Bylaws Amendments (Trustee Li, on behalf of Trustee Story and Trustee Doyle)

Committee of the Whole (Special Meeting) - Thursday, October 1, 2020 4:30 p.m. Electronic Meeting

The purpose of the meeting is to hear delegations regarding the Director of Education Search Criteria.

• 3. Delegations