September 2024
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,
Welcome to TDSB Connects, your update on news and events from across the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
A message from the Director of Education and Acting Chair – Welcome to the 2024-25 school year at the Toronto District School Board! We hope your summer has included opportunities to relax and spend time with your child or children, and perhaps engage in new activities or adventures. As we approach the first day of school on Tuesday, September 3, we are excited to welcome new and returning students into our school communities. Our commitment to your child's academic success, well-being, and belonging remains at the center of everything we do. Here’s to a joyful, inspiring, and special school year ahead for your child(ren) and your family! Read the full message.
Celebrating Good News – Read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including:
· Meet the 2023-24 TDSB Top Scholars!
· Eastview PS Celebrates Grand Opening of New Field of Dreams
· TDSB and Partners Come Together for Annual Backpack and School Supplies Drive
New for September
Welcome Back – To help with a smooth transition to the new school year and ensure students have the support to achieve and thrive, please visit the TDSB website to access a variety of resources and information.
School Year Calendar – The first day of school for the 2024-2025 School Year is Tuesday, September 3, 2024. View the School Year Calendar for all important dates throughout the year.
Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools – Beginning on September 1, 2024, the Ministry of Education has provided new direction around cell phone and mobile device use in all Ontario schools. By reducing the distraction of cell phones and mobile devices, students can be more engaged and focus on learning. Learn more: Cell Phone and Mobile Device Use in Schools.
Phased-in Start for Student Transportation – As a reminder, the TorontoStudent Transportation Group will once again be implementing a phased-in start for the 2024-25 school year. Starting Tuesday, September 3, transportation will begin for students with special education needs (excluding those in the gifted program) who travel to school on minibuses, minivans, taxis and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and select other schools. Bussing for all other eligible students will begin on Monday, September 9, pending driver availability.
Student Transportation Parent Portal – Parents/guardians/caregivers with children who take the bus to school are encouraged to sign up for the Student Transportation Parent Portal to access important information and updates. Note: You must register for the portal with the email address on file at your child’s school. Contact support@torontoschoolbus.org for any issues with the registration process.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day – Monday, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. The TDSB will honour this day and for more background, please visit the Urban Indigenous Education Centre website.
Continuing Education Fall Programs– Register now for all programs, including: International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program, Secondary Credit Night School, Learn4Life - Adult General Interest Programs, Adult ESL.
Professional Activity (PA) Days – During the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. On these dates, students remain at home and schools are open for staff to engage in professional learning. As per Ministry requirements, detailed information about planned activities will be posted to the TDSB public website at least 14 days in advance of each scheduled PA Day during the 2024-25 school year. Visit the PA Day web page to learn more and check back throughout the school year.