Important News Updates

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

Friday, July 7, 2023

Thursday, January 24, 2023

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance.  Let us raise awareness about the issues faced the transgender community and honour trans and gender-diverse people.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

November 15, 2022

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Re: Reducing Spread of Respiratory Viruses

As the weather has gotten colder, there has been an increase in respiratory viruses among children including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza and COVID-19. These three viruses have been called a "Triple Threat" because they can cause serious illness, especially to children under five years of age, seniors and people with medical conditions.

Recently, there have been higher than usual hospital admissions among children with one or more of these viruses. Toronto Public Health strongly recommends layers of protection to help keep children and others safe:

• Masking: Wear a well-fitted mask in indoor public settings, including in schools and childcare. Children under 2 and those with medical exemptions are not recommended to wear a mask.

• Vaccinations: Anyone 6 months and older should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including a fall booster for anyone 5 years of age and older and a fall influenza vaccine. Anyone aged 5 and older can safely get their COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine at the same time.

• Stay home if sick: Complete this daily symptom check for your child. Keep your child home, even if symptoms are mild, and until they are feeling better.

• Clean your hands: Use hand sanitizer or wash hands often.

• Clean surfaces: Clean commonly touched surfaces frequently.

Call 811 or speak to your child's healthcare provider if you have questions about your child's health. If your child is sick, you can find information about how to care for them here. We can all take care of our families and school communities by reducing the spread of respiratory viruses. When we reduce the spread we also help ensure that our healthcare system remains able to care for the sick.

Sincerely,

Nicole Welch

Director Child and Youth Response and Chief Nursing Officer

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers and Students,

Last week the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced that they would be on strike, starting on Friday, November 4, until further notice.

For the duration of this strike action, all TDSB schools will be closed for in-person learning for all students. Student supervision and safety are our top priorities and without the important services of nearly 15,000 CUPE employees, we cannot guarantee that our learning environments will remain safe and clean for all students.

Students will be working at home independently (no live classroom instruction) for Monday, November 7th. This work will be provided electronically through BrightSpace, Google classroom, email, etc. 

Students Currently Enrolled in Virtual Learning

All elementary, secondary and adult students currently learning virtually will continue as normal.

Child Care

Third-party child care operators located in TDSB schools will be permitted to remain open on Monday, November 7. More information will be available on Monday.

Authorized Recreations Programs

When schools are closed to students, Authorized Recreation Programs will also be closed.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

When schools are closed to students, both TDSB-operated and third-party operated EarlyON Child and Family Centres will also be closed.

TDSB Extended Day Programs

When schools are closed to students, TDSB-operated Extended Day Programs will also be closed to all families. This child care service is operated by CUPE employees. Parents/guardians/caregivers will be refunded for any closure.

Permits

During this job action, all school and community-use permits are cancelled beginning on Friday, November 4, including weekends, until further notice.

Continuing Education

While schools are closed, all in-person continuing education classes are cancelled. This includes Adult ESL, In-Person Saturday International Languages Secondary Credit Program, Community Programs/Learn4Life, and International Languages Elementary/African Heritage. Remote Night School and remote Saturday International Languages Secondary Credit Program will continue to run.

For ongoing updates and the latest information, please continue to check www.tdsb.on.ca/labour and follow @tdsb on Twitter.

Sincerely,

Colleen Russell-Rawlins

Director of Education

Andrew Gold, Angela Cooke, Audley Salmon, Stacey Zucker

Associate Directors

Friday, November 4, 2022

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers and Students,

Today, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) announced that they would be on strike, starting on Friday, November 4, until further notice unless an agreement is reached with the Government of Ontario.

Starting Friday, and for the duration of this strike action, all TDSB schools will be closed for in-person learning for all students. Student supervision and safety are our top priorities and without the important services of nearly 15,000 CUPE employees, we cannot guarantee that our learning environments will remain safe and clean for all students.

Students will be given work to complete at home independently (no live classroom instruction) for Friday. This work will be provided either electronically (BrightSpace, Google classroom, email, etc.) or via hard copy. Should the job action extend beyond Friday, more information will be shared.

Students Currently Enrolled in Virtual Learning

All elementary, secondary and adult students currently learning virtually will continue as normal.

Child Care

Third-party child care operators located in TDSB schools will be permitted to remain open on Friday, November 4. More information will be provided should the job action continue into next week.

Authorized Recreations Programs

When schools are closed to students, Authorized Recreation Programs will also be closed.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

When schools are closed to students, both TDSB-operated and third-party operated EarlyON Child and Family Centres will also be closed.

TDSB Extended Day Programs

When schools are closed to students, TDSB-operated Extended Day Programs will also be closed to all families. This child care service is operated by CUPE employees. Parents/guardians/caregivers will be refunded for any closure.

Permits

During this job action, all school and community-use permits are cancelled beginning on Friday, November 4, including weekends, until further notice.

Continuing Education

While schools are closed, all in-person continuing education classes are cancelled. This includes Adult ESL, In-Person Saturday International Languages Secondary Credit Program, Community Programs/Learn4Life, and International Languages Elementary/African Heritage. Remote Night School and remote Saturday International Languages Secondary Credit Program will continue to run.

We remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached before Friday. Should the situation change, we will provide families with updates as they become available.

For ongoing updates and the latest information, please continue to check www.tdsb.on.ca/labour and follow @tdsb on Twitter.

Sincerely,

Colleen Russell-Rawlins                   

Director of Education

Andrew Gold

Associate Director

Angela Cooke

Associate Director

Audley Salmon

Associate Director

Stacey Zucker

Associate Director

Friday, September 23, 2022

You a re invited to Western Technical-Commercial School Grade 9 Parent/Guardian Night.

Date: Thursday, September 29, 2022

Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Place: Virtual via Zoom

Please use this form to register and to receive the meeting details.  

Registration will be closed Wednesday, September 28 at 12 PM.

Thank you and we look forward to meeting you virtually.

WTCS Team

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

Message from Trustee Pilkey:

Friday, September 2, 2022

Please find attached two important letters as we welcome everyone back to the 2022-2023 school year.

Principal's Letter

Timetable Change Form

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

GRADE 12 GRADUATES

Schools are now able to take graduation photos.  This year, Graduation photos will take place starting February 7th.  Students are required to book a sitting time directly through the on-line booking site at Brightpics.  The sitting fee is $35 which can be paid on-line or directly to the photographer at the time of your appointment.  All graduation photos will take place in the auditorium between 8:30-3:30 pm.  Along with any coloured packages ordered by families, students will receive the school composite at the end of the school year.

To book an appointment please visit:

www.brightpics.ca/bookyourappointment

Create an account and book an appointment using the Job ID and Grad ID provided below:

JOB ID: M9030 GRAD ID: uFgVa5Ja

See the attached flyer for more information.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Virtual Information Night for Students and Families  Incoming Grade 9s Fall 2022

Topic: Info Night for Incoming Grade 9 ISP Students and Families

Time: Feb 23, 2022 6:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/94568734518?pwd=MTJRZVF4Y2tYWjNWaUdCMlpNeWtNQT09

Meeting ID: 945 6873 4518

Passcode: gifted22 

Please register for the Virtual Gifted Night here: https://forms.gle/KV6y5Xd9pPUVCP319 

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

UPDATE FROM TDSB - MESSAGE FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS/STUDENTS

Good Evening Parents/Guardians and Students,

Thank you for your patience today amid a blizzard that dropped more than 40 cms of snow in some parts of the Greater Toronto Area. I recognize that last night’s last minute change of plans was difficult for many families given the many last minute transitions you’ve endured throughout the pandemic.

This evening, the City of Toronto has declared a major snow storm condition in Toronto in response to the significant snow and is encouraging residents to stay home after this snowfall to allow roads and sidewalks to be cleared properly. 

At the TDSB, we are also faced with a number of concerns:

• Students may not be able to walk to school safely given the road conditions and snow drifts in some neighborhoods. 

• School bus operators say many buses will likely be delayed, experience issues, and in some cases cancellations. 

• While plowing on and around school grounds is underway, it will likely not be complete prior to the start of the school day and schools may or may not be accessible. 

• We know that staff, who live across the GTA, may not be able to make it into school, which would require mixing of classes and cohorts which TPH has asked that we avoid doing except in emergencies as part of the ongoing COVID-19 safety measures. 

• There are 36 TDSB schools that must first have the heavy snow removed from their roofs prior to occupancy, something that could not be done today due to weather and road conditions. Please note that any child care centres located in those schools (listed below) will be closed tomorrow as a result.

With all of this in mind, we have made the decision to close all schools to in-person learning for Tuesday, January 18. Students will not participate in live remote or virtual learning. Where possible, teachers will provide voluntary class work through established online platforms for students who wish to continue their learning. Students may also work on previously-assigned work or spend time reviewing material previously covered.

Please note that child care programs (serving infant, toddler and preschool-aged children) can remain open to families, however families are encouraged to connect directly with the operator to confirm they are open. Before and After-School Programs and Extended Day Programs will be closed. EarlyON programs will be closed to in-person programming, however families can participate in virtual programming.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

Sincerely,

Colleen Russell-Rawlins

Director of Education

https://www.tdsb.on.ca/News/Article-Details/ArtMID/474/ArticleID/1757/Important-Update----City-of-Toronto-Major-Snow-Storm-Condition-

Monday, January 17, 2022

UPDATE FROM TDSB - MESSAGE FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS/STUDENTS

TDSB has closed schools today for in school instruction. Classes will take place through virtual learning. The format of instruction will depend on the teacher's ability to do virtual instruction. 

Friday, January 7, 2022

Final Culminating Tasks

Information subject to change, please contact the teacher for more information.

Grade 9 Courses

Grade 10 Courses

Grade 11 Courses

Grade 12 Courses

Multi-grade Courses (Split Courses)

Co-op

Monday, January 3, 2022

Message from TDSB

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to review the details from yesterday's announcement by the Government of Ontario<https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1001386/ontario-updating-public-health-measures-and-guidance-in-response-to-omicron> about returning to school next week.

As we shared yesterday, the first day of school for students (in-person and virtual) has been delayed and will now be Wednesday, January 5.

While we are still confirming a number of items, here is the latest information we have available at this time:

In-Person Learning: For those already enrolled in in-person learning, classes will generally follow the same schedule/timetable. Given staffing shortages that school boards across Ontario have experienced over recent months, the Ministry of Education has said that school boards should consider implementing rotating days of remote learning to allow the limited number of available occasional teachers to be deployed to a smaller number of schools. We are currently determining if this will be necessary, however no final decision has been made.

Virtual Learning: For those students already enrolled in virtual learning, classes will continue as normal beginning Wednesday, January 5.

Masks: While students can continue to bring their own mask, high-quality three-ply cloth masks will continue to be provided, free of charge, to all students who need them.

COVID-19 Screening Tool: The COVID-19 screening tool that all students and staff complete prior to coming to school/work is being updated with symptoms of Omicron. The TDSB Screening App and paper screening form is currently being updated and we will share this once available.

Enhanced Cohorts: To limit the number of contacts as much as possible, the Ministry of Education is requiring all elementary students to cohort during recess and outdoor breaks.

Bussing: Bussing will continue as usual when classes resume on Wednesday, January 5.

Child Care Centres & Before and After School Programs: Child Care Centres and Before and After School Programs are allowed to open beginning on Monday, January 3, however parents should connect directly with the operator for confirmation.

COVID-19 Testing: The PCR self-collection initiative already running in TDSB schools will continue, with a focus on the most common COVID-19 symptoms. Schools, which have a limited supply of take-home PCR kits available, will provide them only to individual symptomatic elementary and secondary students and education staff experiencing only symptoms most commonly associated with COVID-19.

Rapid Antigen Test Kits: Families are reminded to have students use at least 1-2 remaining Rapid Antigen Tests provided prior to the Winter Break before returning to in-person learning, and to stay home if a student receives a positive test result.

Special Education: Students who learn in Intensive Support Programs (ISPs) and who have been accessing in-person learning prior to the winter break, will also return to school on Wednesday January 5. Bussing for these students will also resume on that day.

Absence Reporting: School boards have been advised to plan for potentially higher than usual student absences in the coming weeks. Parents/Guardians are asked to report their child’s absence, date and length to the school. We will provide more information on this process in the days ahead.

COVID-19 Case Reporting: The Ministry of Education will no longer be collecting COVID-19 case numbers from school boards. The TDSB, which is committed to keeping families as informed as possible, is currently reviewing how reporting and notification may happen moving forward.

Extra-Curricular Activities: School boards have been directed by the Ministry of Education to pause high contact indoor sports and activities. All music activities that involve multiple cohorts will also temporarily be paused and the TDSB will consult with Toronto Public Health for guidance on other activities involving music.

Adult Day Schools & Continuing Education: Adult Day Schools and remote Continuing Education Programs including International Languages – Elementary and African Heritage, Adult ESL and Secondary Remote Night School will resume on Wednesday, January 5.

HEPA Filters: The TDSB currently has more than 16,000 HEPA filters in all occupied learning spaces. This exceeds the standards set by the Ministry of Education in August 2021. Additional units will be utilized to provide even greater coverage.

Letter from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and Minister of Education: Please click here<https://www.tdsb.on.ca/News/Article-Details/ArtMID/474/ArticleID/1744/A-Message-from-the-Minister-of-Education-and-Chief-Medical-Officer-of-Health-to-Ontario%E2%80%99s-Parents> to read a letter from Dr, Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce.

I know that families will have more questions about the days and weeks ahead that may not have been answered here. Please know that we are continuing to meet and plan and will provide more information through system emails such as this one and through our schools.

Sincerely,

Colleen Russell-Rawlins

Director of Education 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Message from TDSB

The TDSB is launching a Student Equity Collective <http://www.tdsb.on.ca/studentequitycollective>, an initiative centred and led by students to address injustices, racism and hate in our school communities. We cannot make meaningful, focused and sustained change without their voices at the table. All voices are important when dealing with issues around racism and hate and students are a critical part of the solution.

The Collective is a new type of leadership opportunity here in the Board and we are excited about its potential. This is an opportunity for students to not only sit at the table, but to design what the table looks like, drive the conversation, and bring ideas, solutions and recommendations forward that address what students want to address.

All students Grade 7 to 11 are invited to apply <http://www.tdsb.on.ca/studentequitycollective>. We’re looking to hear from a variety of diverse voices and identities from all across our system. Students don’t have to have any previous leadership experience,  only have a voice and an interest in sparking change to address injustices and eliminate racism and hate. 

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEW INFORMATION 

Dear Parents/Guardians

We would like to invite you to our Semester 1 virtual Parent Teacher Interviews that will be held at Western Technical-Commercial School on Thursday, November 25th from 2:30-4:30 in the afternoon and 6:00-8:00 in the evening.

Interviews are by appointment only and will need to be booked on-line.  The URL address to access the on-line booking site is https://www.schoolinterviews.ca/code/2t5s5

Once in the site, follow the instructions on the screen to book appointments with your child’s teachers.

Meetings with teachers are limited to approximately 5 minutes.  Please remember to save your booking information to your calendar so that you can access the google meet/zoom link during your scheduled appointment time.  Parents will have the option of booking a phone interview or video conference.  When booking your appointment through the school interview site, you will be asked to include your email address, parent name, your child’s name and a phone number where you can be reached.

The window to book appointments will be open from Wednesday, November 17th to Wednesday, November 24th at 3:00pm. 

Please call the attendance office at 416-393-0500 x20005 if you require help booking an appointment.

If you are unavailable on November 25th or if the teacher you need is fully booked, we encourage you to make an alternate appointment.  You can make alternate arrangements to meet your child’s teacher on another day or through a telephone interview.

SPECIAL SCHEDULE – NOVEMBER 25TH – WEEK 2

Course 3 9:00-10:27

Break 10:27-10:32

Course 4 10:32-12:00

Lunch                                12:00-2:30

Afternoon Interviews 2:30-4:30

Evening Interviews 6:00-8:00

Sincerely

Anthony Vandyke

Thursday, November 11, 2021

WTCS will be hosting a VIRTUAL Post-Secondary Information Evening on Thursday, November 18 at 6:30 pm.

This evening will be focused on:

* Timelines and Important Dates

* The University application process (OUAC)

* The College application process (OCAS)

* Applying to Schools Outside of Ontario

* Scholarship Information

* Applying to OSAP

Webinar link will be emailed to you closer to the event.  

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

2021-22 Student timetables

Dear Parents/Guardians/Students: 

We apologize for the anxiety caused by the delay in timetable distribution.

Unfortunately, the TDSB has not been able to fully resolve this system-wide technical difficulty.

If the issue is resolved by 4pm today, timetables will be sent electronically.  However, if the issue is not resolved, paper copies of the student timetable will be distributed on Sept. 9 when students arrive at school. 

Starting at 8:30 am, grade 9 timetables will be distributed as follows:

Surname  A-L     Door 1 (main entrance)

Surname  M-Z Door 14 (field entrance)

Starting at 9:30am, grades 10, 11 and 12 student timetables will be distributed as follows:

Grade 10          Door 14 (field entrance)

Grade 11          Door 1 (main entrance)

Grade 12          Door 6 (tennis court)

Students will complete the health screening at home prior to coming to school.

Students will show the QR code from the NOW Mobile App prior to entering the building.

Paper copies of the health form will be available at the doors for students who cannot access the NOW Mobile App.

Again, we apologize for this inconvenience, and look forward to having your children back at school.

The WTCS team

Friday, September 3, 2021

Please read the attached letter from our principal!

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We wanted to provide you with an important update on the status of in-person learning for the remainder of the school year. Today, the Government of Ontario announced https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000251/remote-learning-to-continue-across-ontario-for-the-remainder-of-school-year that all school boards in Ontario, including the TDSB, will not return to in-person learning for this school year. Students with special education needs who have complex medical and learning needs and are already receiving in-person supports, will continue to receive these supports.

While we know all families will react differently to this news depending on individual circumstances, this will also be difficult for many students and staff who will not be able to finish the year in-person as they may have hoped. At this point in time, we do not know what may be possible with regard to offering “short, outdoor graduation celebrations” as discussed during today’s government announcement. We have just learned this information today and are now awaiting further information from the province on parameters for outdoor gatherings, along with guidance from Toronto Public Health, prior to making any decision on these events. As soon as more information is available, we will provide another update.

In the days ahead, schools will provide additional information on how families can pick up any remaining personal belongings or drop off books, materials, etc. While you may begin returning TDSB devices to schools anytime after June 14 (some parents/guardians had requested to return devices early), all devices can be kept until the end of the school year or until September if they are required for summer school. Additional information about returning devices can be found here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/News/Article-Details/ArtMID/474/ArticleID/1650/Return-of-Borrowed-Student-Devices.

We know how difficult this school year has been for students, staff and their families — especially with switching between in-person and virtual learning as a result of rising COVID-19 cases — and we want to thank you for your understanding and support. These challenges have impacted all of us differently, but we remain committed to supporting TDSB families in any way we can as we approach the end of the school year and beyond.

Please contact your school directly with any questions.

Thank you. 

Friday, May 28

COVID-19 vaccination opportunity for Western Tech Students and Families

Dear Students

A student and family friendly POP UP COVID-19 Vaccination with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine will be offered at Parkdale Collegiate Institute for select schools. This vaccine has been approved by Health Canada for youth ages 12 and up.

Vaccination is a key to a safe and speedy return to in-person school. All youth will have a chance to discuss vaccination confidentially with a physician or nurse practitioner. All questions and concerns are important and welcome! There will be a 15-30 mins supervised observation period after vaccination for your wellness and safety. We encourage you to come and take advantage of this opportunity.

Priority will be given to students from the following schools:

Parkdale Collegiate Institute, Western Technical Institute, Humberside Collegiate and Ursula Franklin Academy

Details

Dates: Tuesday June 1st, 11am-9pm, Wednesday June 2nd 11am-9pm and Thursday June 3rd 11am-9pm

Eligibility: Families and students aged 12 years old or older on the date of vaccination are eligible.

Location: Parkdale Collegiate Institute, 209 Jameson Avenue Toronto.

Students may attend independently or with their families as appropriate.

Best regards,

Dr Suvendrini Lena MD FRCPC MPH

Medical Lead for Schools WCH

Angela Robertson

Executive Director Parkdale Queen West CHC

Michelle Joseph

Unison Community Health Services

Toronto Public Health COVID-19 vaccine information:

https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-protect-yourself-others/covid-19-vaccines/covid-19-about-the-vaccines/?accordion=covid-19-vaccines-children

Friday, May 7

Dear Parents/Guardians of Students in Grade 10 and Grade 10 Students:

We are writing to inform you about an incident of an antisemitic incident that occurred on Wednesday. During an online presentation, a swastika was posted on the screen. The presenter and staff immediately removed the image and addressed the matter with students. The incident was also reported to administration and we took immediate steps to investigate this act of antisemitism. On behalf of Western Tech CS, we acknowledge and regret the harm this incident caused to staff, students and members of our shared learning environment.

Since the start of the school year, teachers have been engaging in some meaningful class conversations about racism, bias, advocacy as well as the hurt that hateful words/acts can cause.  Every person deserves to feel safe and respected.

We want to be clear that racism and all forms of discrimination, are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our school community or within the TDSB. Students who engage in acts of racism, hate or discrimination can face consequences. 

While our investigation is still underway, we ask for your continued support at home. Please ensure that your child understand the roles and responsibilities set out in our school Code of Conduct and the Online Code of Conduct. Students should not be distributing classroom links or personal information to any other individuals including students in other classes.  To learn more, visit the TDSB website: Protecting and Promoting Human Rights and Addressing Discrimination and Other Inequities.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely, 

Andy Vandyke,

Principal

Wednesday, May 5

Please see attached a letter from  Interim Associate Director Curtis Ennis & Centrally Assigned Principal Karen Murray in regards to The Centre of Excellence for Black Students Achievement.

Click here.

Friday, April 30, 2021

Mental Health Week May 3rd to May 7th .

The link below provides interactive resources for parents, caregivers, and students. Please check it out.

wide variety of resources

On Wednesday, May 5th at school all afternoon classes will be attending Mental Health Presentations accompanied by their teachers beginning at 2:00p.m. and ending 3:00-3:15p.m. Teachers will provide students with the link to log on to the presentations.

At the beginning of the class teachers will take class attendance and inform students expected conduct during the presentation (see attached)

Student Conduct:

The School/Board code of conduct is applicable to all students participating during the presentation.

Students must maintain respectful behaviour towards the presenter and all participants throughout the presentation.

Students must not share the presentation link with any person in the school or outside the school.

Students must attend the presentation for its entire duration. Teacher permission required to leave the presentation in case student has to leave before the presentation ends.

During or after the presentation if a student requires mental/emotional support, student will reach out to teacher via email. Teacher will connect the student with a caring adult.

Message from WTCS Mental Health Team

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This is a very important update about the status of in-person learning at the TDSB. Toronto Public Health (TPH), has just announced that all schools in Toronto, including those at the TDSB, will be closed to in-person learning as of Wednesday, April 7, 2021 and remain closed up to and including Sunday, April 18, 2021. This TPH order is being made under Section 22 of Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

For the remainder of this week, students and staff will move to remote learning and the April Break scheduled for next week will continue as normal. Please note that, unlike the closure in January and February, this applies to all TDSB students in all TDSB schools. School-aged children will not be permitted to attend daycares located inside TDSB schools during the closure, however, pre-school-aged children will continue to be permitted to attend.

While we recognize that you may still have a number of questions, please know that we will share additional information once we receive it. In the meantime, we wanted to ensure you received this initial information as soon as possible. We know that this TPH order will impact our families in a number of different ways but we will do all that we can to support students and staff through this period. Teachers will be connecting with families about next steps on remote learning in the days ahead.

Thank you.

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Dear Students and Parent/Guardians:

Some of you have asked questions and expressed concern regrading the status of student photos, especially for graduates. We are aware of how important this is to students and their families, as it is an important part of the conclusion to students’ high school life, especially in a year significantly disrupted by the pandemic.

Rest assured that we have a tentative schedule in place with a vendor for the end of March and early April, and protocols in place to protect the health of students and staff.

However, we remain under the direction of Toronto Public Health, and until we move into a lower level of lockdown (the tentative date is March 8, but it is, of course, contingent upon infection rates) schools are not allowed to have photographers in schools.

Our sincere hope is that we will be able to provide specifics soon regarding school photos.

WTCS Administrative Team 

February 12, 2021

SPECIAL SCHEDULES FOR FEBRUARY 16 and 17

On Tuesday, February 16th and Wednesday, February 17th, Western Technical Commercial School will be following a special schedule.

Please note: On Tuesday, February 16th classes will start at 10:00am. Students will be admitted to the building starting at 9:45am. On Wednesday, February 17th, school will start at 10:00am. Students will be admitted to the building starting at 9:45am. On February 17th , the synchronous afternoon class will be dismissed at 2:35pm to accommodate a department meeting.

SPECIAL SCHEDULES

TUESDAY, February 16th, Day 1 Schedule

Course 1,Cohort A In Person Learning - 10:00-12:30

Course 1, Cohort B Asynchronous - 10:00-12:30

Course 2, Cohort A & B Live/Virtual Learning - 2:00-3:15

WEDNESDAY, February 17th, Day 2 Schedule

Course 1, Cohort B In Person Learning - 10:00-12:30

Course 1, Cohort A Asynchronous - 10:00-12:30

Course 2, Cohort A & B Live/Virtual Learning - 2:00-2:35 (early dismissal)

February 11, 2021

Good afternoon Parents/Guardians and Students,

We are looking forward to welcoming students back to school when in-person learning resumes on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Further to the message from Toronto Public Health earlier this week, we want to remind you of a few important things we must continue to do to help keep our schools safe and healthy for both students and staff before we come together again.

New TPH Screening Tool for Students

One of the most important things we can do to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our schools, is for students to screen themselves daily for any symptoms of COVID-19 and also follow the circumstances in which they should stay home. Toronto Public Health (TPH) has revised its screening tool for students, effective immediately. The update is that everyone in a household must now complete the updated COVID-19 screening daily.  Both the TDSB Student Health Pass and the TDSB Health App have been updated with this change.

Testing for COVID-19

Toronto Public Health recommends staff, students and their household members who have even one mild symptom of COVID-19 get tested. TPH will continue to recommend asymptomatic testing in schools where necessary and will work with testing partners to coordinate testing in high-risk cohorts. We will provide updates on testing as it becomes available.

Continued Health and Safety Practices

Please remind your child of the continued importance of hand washing, physical distancing and mask wearing, which is required for all staff, visitors and students JK to Grade 12. Toronto Public Health offers guidance on the qualities of a good mask, which includes being made of at least two layers of tightly woven fabric and, if possible, a middle “filter” layer. 

Please remember that parents and students are not to congregate in the school yard, and, outside of school, students should not gather with others, even with those in their cohort.

In our schools, we will continue to promote these strategies as well as continue with our enhanced cleaning practices including twice daily cleaning of high touch surfaces, increasing air flow and improving ventilation including through the use of HEPA filters (in all learning spaces without mechanical ventilation), and opening windows for short periods of time throughout the day to introduce fresh air in classrooms and schools. 

Public Health Nurses will also continue to support schools with responding to COVID-19 and building healthy school communities.

Mental Health and Well-Being

These challenging times are not only hard on our physical health, but also our mental health and well-being. Please join us for a webinar with our TDSB mental health professionals tonight -- Thursday, February 11 at 6:30 p.m. -- to learn practical strategies for coping through COVID and have an opportunity to ask questions and learn with our TDSB community. We hope you’ll join us.

Thank you for your continued support and patience. Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and continue to keep our schools safe so our students can focus on learning.

Jan. 27, 2021

CREDIT RESCUE

Quadmester 2 Credit Rescue Days will be on February 3rd and 4th according to the schedule below.  On Credit Rescue days subject-specific teachers will provide on-line synchronous activities that will allow for students to demonstrate achievement of unmet overall expectations towards the goal of earning their credit.  Credit Rescue opportunities will be made available to students on an individual basis. 

February 3 - Credit Rescue, Day 1 course - 9:00-11:30 & 12:30-3:00

February 4 - Credit Rescue, Day 2 course - 9:00-11:30 & 12:30-3:00

REPORT CARDS

Quadmester 2 reports will be distributed electronically the week of February 15th. 

QUADMESTER 3 TIMETABLES

IT Services will send student timetables via School Messenger beginning February 2, 2021.

TDSB Connects App

Students are also able to access their timetable using the TDSB Connects App. Quad 3 information will be available on February 1. The Connects app is available to all students on both iOS and Android platforms.

TEXTBOOK RETURN

Students can return their textbooks from Quadmesters 1 and/or 2 on February 3, 4 or 5th between the hours of 10:00-12:00; 1:00-2:00 daily.  Students should use Door #14 (field entrance) to drop off their textbooks. 

Jan. 12, 2021

Message from the TDSB:

Good Afternoon Parents/Guardians, 

Today, the Government of Ontario announced new measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the province. As part of today’s announcement, the government has said that all schools in Toronto will remain closed to students and staff until Wednesday, February 10. During the closure period, remote learning will continue, as will in-person supports for students with special education needs who cannot be accommodated through remote learning. 

Our schools will continue to support all families to ensure that learning can continue as best as possible during the closure, although we recognize that everyone is trying their best to balance life, work, childcare, and remote learning, among other things right now. While we believe the continuation of learning is important, the mental health and well-being of our students is just as important. We would encourage parents/guardians to review these important resources that we have compiled that may help support your children during this challenging period. 

We know the current situation is far from ideal for many of our families, but we will continue to support you as best we can during this time. Should you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your child’s school. 

Jan. 3, 2021

New Lockdown Measures

Attached please find communication that was sent to parents/guardians on December 21st from the Toronto District School Board regarding the shift to remote learning for students.

Parents/Guardians Reminder Letter - Translations:

• Arabic - Word Version

• Bengali - Word Version

• Chinese (Simplified) - Word Version

• Chinese (Traditional) - Word Version

• Dari - Word Version

• Farsi - Word Version

• French - Word Version

• Greek - Word Version

• Gujarati - Word Version

• Hindi - Word Version

• Korean - Word Version

• Portuguese - Word Version

• Punjabi - Word Version

• Russian - Word Version

• Somali - Word Version

• Spanish - Word Version

• Tagalog - Word Version

• Tamil - Word Version

• Turkish - Word Version

• Urdu - Word Version

• Vietnamese - Word Version

Nov. 13, 2020

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES

November 17 - Last day for Quadmester 1 

November 18 - CREDIT RESCUE DAYS (no formal in-person classes)

November 19 - CREDIT RESCUE DAYS (no formal in-person classes)

November 20 - PD DAY - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

November 23 - Quadmester 2 Begins.  Monday, November 23rd will be a Day 1.

November 25 - Early Dismissal Schedule

CREDIT RESCUE DAYS

Students with credits at risk will be contacted by their teachers to provide credit rescue opportunities on these days.  These opportunities are VIRTUAL only.  Please connect with your teacher. 

CREDIT RESCUE DAY SCHEDULE

November 18 - morning - Course 1 Cohort A - 9:00-11:30am

November 18 - afternoon - Course 1 Cohort B - 12:30-3:00pm

November 19 - morning - Course 2 Cohort A - 9:00-11:30am

November 19 - afternoon - Course 2 Cohort B - 12:30-3:00pm

QUADMESTER 2 TIMETABLES

Students can look up their quadmester 2 timetables through TDSB School Connects App.  To download the App to your mobile device, go to either Google Play Store or Apple App Store. 

If you don’t have access to TDSB School Connects App through a mobile device, student timetables can be picked up on either Nov. 18th or 19th at Door #14 (field entrance) between 10:00am-2:00pm. 

COVID-19 Information