Happy May! The weather may finally be taking a turn with 20 degree temperatures today and part of the rest of the week, and blooms are slowly revealing themselves, albeit later than usual this year. The following are some important updates including our Jump Rope for Heart event, as well as information about a change in Norway's timetable for the coming school year toward a Balanced Day model.
Asian Heritage Month
The TDSB has proudly recognized the month of May as Asian Heritage Month since 2007, following official recognition by the Province of Ontario in 2005 and the Government of Canada in 2002.
This year’s TDSB theme is Asian Heritage: Roots, Connections, Innovations. This theme underscores the deep roots that affirm identities, the strong connections shaped through collective cultural pride, and the future innovations that will continue to strengthen communities and create opportunities for Asian Canadians in Canada and around the world.
The TDSB is the largest and one of the most diverse school boards in Canada. Nearly one-quarter of students were born outside of Canada, and collectively, more than 120 languages are spoken across the system. According to the 2023 Student Census, 46 percent of TDSB students self-identified as Asian.
Jewish Heritage Month
Jewish Heritage Month is recognized each May in Ontario following the passage of the Jewish Heritage Month Act in 2012, which acknowledges the important contributions Jewish Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political, and cultural fabric.
At the TDSB, Jewish Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize Jewish history, identity, and culture, and to support learning that promotes understanding, belonging, and respect. This work remains connected to the ongoing commitment to addressing antisemitism and all forms of hate.
** Balanced Day Model for 2026-2027 School Year at Norway **
As we prepare for the next school year, we are excited to share that Norway is a part of a new TDSB pilot project designed to support increased student achievement in literacy and numeracy through a balanced day timetable model. Research supports the benefits of uninterrupted instructional time, including dedicated 100-minute literacy and numeracy blocks. The new model also minimizes transition times from recess and back to class, as well as addresses noted gaps in supervision during outdoor times. Effective September 2026, Norway will implement a new timetable structure, for students in grades 1-6, to provide students with more consistent, focused learning opportunities and to support the best possible outcomes for all learners. Ongoing professional learning will be provided to staff to support the effective implementation and delivery of the new model. Our new timetable structure for the 2026-2027 school year will be as follows:
Information Night about Balanced Day Model
Join us on Thursday, May 14 at 6:00 pm in the school library for a presentation to further explain the Balanced Day model and to answer any questions you may have about it. Childcare will be available. A slidedeck of the presentation will be shared with the school community after the event for those unable to make it to the Information Night.
Jump Rope for Heart
For the next month, Norway is jumping rope for heart health! We are so excited to participate in Jump Rope for Heart—a fundraising program that empowers kids to build healthy habits and understand the importance of giving back. Together, we can make a difference in the fight to beat heart disease and stroke. If you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please do so at Norway's Jump for Heart page:
Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter – May 2026 Edition
The May 2026 edition of the Special Education and Inclusion Newsletter for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers is now available on the Special Education and Inclusion site. This monthly newsletter includes important updates, tips, and resources to support students with disabilities and special education needs, and indeed all students.
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
- May 7 - Dental Screening for JK/SK and Grade 2 students
- May 14 - Information Night and Presentation on the Balanced Day model @ 6:00 pm
- May 18 - Victoria Day - No School
- May 19 - Lice Check
- May 21 - Pizza Lunch #8
- May 21 - Jump Rope for Heart Showcase Day
- May 19-22 - EQAO assessment window for Grade 3 students
- May 26-29 - EQAO assessment window for Grade 6 students
- May 26 - Welcome to Kindergarten @ 5:00 pm
- June 2 - Subway Lunch # 3
- June 5 - PA Day for Assessment and Evaluation
- June 11 - Pizza Lunch #9
- June 12 - Norway Fun Day from 4:00 pm in the school yard
- June 16 - Volunteer Tea
- June 19 - Grade 6 Graduation (afternoon - exact time TBD)
- June 24 - Term Two Reports sent home
- June 25 - Last Day of School