Did You Know?

Did you Know 
 

 

Did you Know 
 
 

 

The Terry Fox Run is an annual non-competitive charity event held in numerous regions around the world in commemoration of Canadian cancer activist Terry Fox, and his Marathon of Hope, and to raise money for cancer research. Congratulations to Mrs. Ostermann, Mr. McAlpine and his leadership class for making our Terry Fox Run on October 1, 2021 a huge success.  Kudos to Mr. McAlpine, Mrs. Yiannoulis, and Ms. Drummond for being good sports for being pied in the space for charity. Please view the slideshow shown below.

 
 

 

September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

The creation of this federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, An Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent.

Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived residential schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.  Congratulations to Mrs. Loukes for her leadership by creating Orange T-shirts for staff and organizing events throughout the day in support of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange T-Shirt day. The objective of this day is to  encourage all Canadians to wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors. (Government of Canada - Heritage Website)

 

ParentTeacherNight

 

Curriculum Night
 

Curriculum Night  - Thursday, October 28, 2021

  • We will be hosting our Curriculum Information Night for parents, and caregivers on Thursday, October 28th.  During this online presentation you will hear from our students and Assistant Curriculum Leaders (Heads of Departments) who will walk you through grade level curriculum, classroom and school expectations and activities that are planned throughout the school year.  This presentation will be held via Zoom starting at 7 pm.  
  • If you were unable to attend our Curriculum night, we have included the presentation here by clicking on this specific link - Curriculum Night Presentation 

 

 

 
Important Resources
 

 

every child matters

Tragic Discovery in British Columbia

In the wake of the tragic discovery of the unmarked graves of 215 Indigenous children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia, the Toronto District School Board deplores the loss of life and mourns alongside Indigenous communities.

Friday’s discovery is further evidence of the genocide perpetrated on Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Substantial work must be done in schools and systems, to face the historical and current realities that continue to harm Indigenous Peoples.

The TDSB flags will remain at half mast, starting today for nine days — one hour for every life lost — in honour of the 215 children.

It is important to acknowledge that words and symbolic gestures are not enough. We must move beyond words and truly commit ourselves to learning and understanding the critical importance of truth, reconciliation and reparation. There cannot be reconciliation without truth.

In line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, the TDSB will continue its commitment to dismantling anti-Indigenous racism and discriminatory practices and policies against Indigenous Peoples.

For more information and resources, please visit the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

Alexander Brown, Chair

Karen Falconer, Director of Education

 

 

 

Important Resources

 

Statement: Hate-Based Attack in London, ON (Updated Community Resources)

We are horrified and deeply saddened by the hate-based attack on a Muslim family in London, Ontario that led to the tragic deaths of four people and left another with serious injuries on Sunday evening. Our hearts go out to their friends, family and all those who knew them following this hateful and cowardly act.

As we grieve with their loved ones and the whole Muslim community, we know that this attack may lead to students, staff and their families feeling unsafe and vulnerable. Please know that we are here to support you and that the Toronto District School Board is committed to confronting and interrupting Islamophobia and all forms of racism, hate, and discrimination. While Islamophobia is a reality for many families within our communities, it has no place in the TDSB and should not be tolerated anywhere.

TDSB Professional Support Services staff have prepared the following information that may be helpful for parents whose children are experiencing difficulties and a range of reactions and emotions. As always, should families require additional supports, Social Work support is available and can be accessed by reaching out to their teachers and principals. For staff that may be in need of support, we encourage them to reach out to colleagues or contact the Employee Assistance Program.

Alternatively, families and staff may wish to connect with the following community resources:

555 Burnhamthorpe Road, Unit 209
Etobicoke, ON M9C 2Y3
(416) 231-7746

Naseeha Youth Helpline-Mental Health: 1 (866) 627-3342

https://naseeha.org/

Alexander Brown, Chair

Karen Falconer, Interim Director of Education

 

 
International Women's Day
 

  • Please join us for the virtual International Women's Day Assembly on March 8 at 11:15 a.m.  featuring Stacey McKenzie, a Canadian model, runway modelling coach, motivational speaker, and television personality.

  • The  theme for this assembly is "Women Breaking Down Barriers". Let's make International Women's Day your day to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Today is Bell Let’s Talk Day – a day when people across the country speak up, and do their part to break down the stigma around mental health.
 

  • On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell will donate more towards mental health initiatives in Canada by contributing 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk​, social media video view and use of our Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. Join in on Thursday, January 28 to help create positive change.