CHECK IT OUT!!
February 2025 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 6
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IMPORTANT DATES:
ELEMENTARY PD DAYS:
September 27, 2024: Professional Development
October 11, 2024: Professional Development November 15, 2024: Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 29, 2024: Professional Development January 17, 2025: Professional Development
February 14, 2025: Parent-Teacher Conferences
June 6, 2025: Professional Development
SECONDARY PD DAYS:
October 11, 2024 - Professional Development November 15, 2024 - Professional Development
November 29, 2024 - Professional Development
January 30, 2025 - Professional Development February 14, 2025 - Professional Development
June 26, 2025 - Professional Development
June 27, 2025 - Professional Development
SCHOOL YEAR HOLIDAYS
(as per Ministry of Education)
Labour Day: September 2, 2024
Thanksgiving: October 14, 2024
Winter Break: December 23, 2024 – January 3, 2025
Family Day: February 17, 2025
Mid-Winter Break: March 10-14, 2025
Good Friday: April 18, 2025
Easter Monday: April 21, 2025
Victoria Day: May 19, 2025
February HIGHLIGHTS
Special Education and Inclusion Drop-in Sessions for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers
Learn more about navigating special education services, resources and supports, ask questions, and connect with other families. Calendar of Drop-In Sessions for the 2024-2025 School Year
Blind/Low Vision
Toward Independence is a newsletter which primarily contains contributions by TDSB and TCDSB students with visual impairment.
The theme of this issue is Respect and Responsibility. The accessible version is found here.
Deaf/Hard of Hearing
The Sounding Board Newsletter is published twice a year to feature contributions by students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Please find the winter 2025 edition of Sounding Board here.
Inclusive Education Month
February is Inclusive Education Month.
The purpose of National Inclusive Education Month is:
● to highlight inclusive education – to define what it is and how the development of inclusive schools and inclusive school practices helps provide quality education to an increasingly diverse student population, including students with an intellectual disability.
● to provide educators, students and parents an opportunity to share ideas on strategies to enhance inclusion and successful school experiences for every child.
● to acknowledge and recognize the commitment and effort of teachers, administrators, students, and families who contribute to successful inclusion of students in schools and classrooms throughout Canada.
February is National Inclusive Education Month, which promotes and raises awareness about inclusive education. Please access the following links, below, for more information, learning, and resources.
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February 2025 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 6
Resources
White Cane Week, happening this year from February 2 - 8, 2025 in Canada, serves as a platform for fostering awareness and deepening understanding of the lived experiences of those living with vision loss. The white cane is not only a navigation and identification tool, but also represents independence. Serving as an indispensable mobility aid, the white cane empowers individuals who are blind, deafblind, or with low vision to navigate their surroundings safely and autonomously.
Within the TDSB, a small yet significant group of students rely on white canes for navigation. Through meticulous instruction from Orientation and Mobility Specialists, these students become more confident and independent every day.
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TDSB Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Services
TDSB Speech Language Pathology (SLP) Services prioritizes the early detection and prevention of speech and language challenges. Annually, they produce monthly Kindergarten calendars packed with activities designed to enhance oral language and literacy skills at home.
Download your February Calendar here or ask you child’s Kindergarten teacher to send you a copy today!
Visit the TDSB Speech and Language site for valuable information and resources
February 2025 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 6
Resources
TDSB Occupational and Physical Therapy (OT/PT) Services
Check out our OT/PT winter newsletter for suggestions on winter activities in home - also on our OT/PT public homepage!
2025 Summer Camp/Program Information
The TDSB OT/PT website home page has now released our annual 2025 accessible summer camp/program information handout. This resource includes a list of adapted and inclusive summer camp/programs available in and around the GTA and some information on possible summer activity funding sources for families.
It is important to take care of ourselves in order to be present and provide support for our children and others. This includes meeting our essential physiological and biological needs such as sleeping, exercising, and eating well. It also includes adopting strategies for navigating everyday stressors, both mental and physical, such as listening to music, deep breathing, ergonomic practices, connecting with others, and many other strategies for the well-being of our minds and our bodies. Our “Just Breathe” handout shares how to make this a fun activity for all. Check our our Mental Health website page for more info.
Secondary Transitions
The College Vocational Program (A101) at George Brown College is a program designed for neurodiverse learners ( who live with a mild intellectual disability, autism, and/or learning difference) and are interested in finding employment. Program activities help students to develop a variety of job-readiness skills and support individual career exploration to help find appropriate and meaningful employment.
Students interested in applying for the CVP for Fall 2025, should register for an information session here.
February 2025 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 6
Resources
Tips for Preparing Your Child for Changes and Transitions
Supporting Skill Development at Home: Strategies for Consistency and Success
Use Visual Supports: Create visual schedules and reminders to help the child understand daily routines and what to expect.
Practice in Different Places: Encourage the child to practice skills in various situations at home, during family activities or playdates.
Set Consistent Routines: Keep home routines similar to school routines so the child can apply what they learn in familiar settings.
Social Stories: Use simple stories that explain social situations, helping the child understand how to behave in different contexts.
Give Positive Feedback: Praise child when they use their skills at home to motivate them to keep practicing.
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Upcoming Virtual Drop-In Hours
Available to staff, parents, guardians, and caregivers.
These virtual sessions are designed to provide valuable information and offer an opportunity for questions and answers regarding services that support students with special needs and disabilities, as well as guidance on how to access these services.
THE DATES, TIMES, AND ACCESS LINKS FOR THE SESSIONS ARE LISTED BELOW. ALL SESSIONS WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY FROM 12:00 P.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
MARCH 26, 2025 TEAMS LINK
MAY 7, 2025 TEAMS LINK
NEW Transitions Website
The TDSB Transition Support website for families is a new resource designed to assist families in navigating key transitions throughout a student's educational journey, from Kindergarten to Post-21.These user-friendly platforms offer valuable tools, information, and support tailored to ensure smooth transitions for all students, including those with disabilities and special education needs.
February 2025 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 6
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Resources
February 2025 | VOL 1 | ISSUE 6
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Resources