Happy New Year, Manhattan Park Families! 

I hope that 2026 brings good health and much happiness for all. I am honoured and privileged to work alongside such a fantastic group of parents/guardians, students, staff, and community members. I look forward to working with everyone this coming year.                           

The TDSB proudly recognizes Tamil Heritage Month each January. This year’s theme is Unity is Strength – Rise One, Rise All: ஒன்றுபட்டால் உண்டு வாழ்வு, inspired by poet Bharathiyar’s call for collective upliftment. The theme reflects the importance of supporting one another to achieve success, leading to happiness and prosperity for all. Since January 2016, the Toronto District School Board proudly recognized Tamil Heritage Month. Toronto has the largest Tamil population outside of the South Asian subcontinent with thousands of TDSB students and staff members who identify as Tamil. By proclaiming the month of January as Tamil Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the valuable contributions that Tamil Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric.  Tamil Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the inspirational role that Tamil Canadians have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario.

Our December Holiday Market was a huge success, with crafts, activities, bake sales, music, and carolling to keep us all busy for the night. Thank you, Parent Council and staff, for coming together to help create memorable experiences for students and families. 

The Winter Mental Health & Well-Being Guide provides practical support, activities, and resources for navigating the winter months. With Winter comes snow and severe weather. At times, it is necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it essential to close TDSB schools, administrative offices or sites. Visit the website to learn about Snow/Cold Weather and the Procedure for Severe Weather: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Severe-Weather/Snow-Cold-Weather. We know that severe weather will be part of our daily lives for the next several months. Please drive carefully around the school, especially during school arrival and dismissal times, and refrain from walking through the parking lot. 

If you would like to support our school as a supply (on-call) Lunchroom Supervisor, please let Ms. Lin know, then apply online: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/jobpostings/apply.html?jobId=PLUFK026203F3VBQBQW6GQWWN-1013&langCode=en_US. This is a paid position from 11:30 to 12:45. If you have experience working with students with Special Needs, please consider also applying to our supply Noon Hour position, which is from 11:15 to 1:15.