News and Announcements
International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Today, we recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day commemorating the tragedy of the Holocaust as we remember the millions of Jews, and many others, who were murdered during the Second World War. This important commemoration highlights the importance of genocide education if we are to equip ourselves to build inclusive communities were all are welcomed.
Jan 28-Feb 8: Grad Photo Day!
Grad Photo Day will take place from Friday January 28th to Tuesday February 8th. All Photo Sessions will take place in the cafeteria. Virtual students will have the opportunity to book sessions during the same block of dates with time slots beginning after 3:15pm.
Graduates are encouraged to book their session as soon as possible. For more information please visit the following link:
Jan 18th: TDSB Schools Closed
A Message from TDSB:
Good Evening Parents/Guardians and Students,
Thank you for your patience today amid a blizzard that dropped more than 40 cms of snow in some parts of the Greater Toronto Area. I recognize that last night’s last minute change of plans was difficult for many families given the many last minute transitions you’ve endured throughout the pandemic.
This evening, the City of Toronto has declared a major snow storm condition in Toronto in response to the significant snow and is encouraging residents to stay home after this snowfall to allow roads and sidewalks to be cleared properly.
At the TDSB, we are also faced with a number of concerns:
- Students may not be able to walk to school safely given the road conditions and snow drifts in some neighborhoods.
- School bus operators say many buses will likely be delayed, experience issues, and in some cases cancellations.
- While plowing on and around school grounds is underway, it will likely not be complete prior to the start of the school day and schools may or may not be accessible.
- We know that staff, who live across the GTA, may not be able to make it into school, which would require mixing of classes and cohorts which TPH has asked that we avoid doing except in emergencies as part of the ongoing COVID-19 safety measures.
- There are 36 TDSB schools that must first have the heavy snow removed from their roofs prior to occupancy, something that could not be done today due to weather and road conditions. Please note that any child care centres located in those schools (listed below) will be closed tomorrow as a result.
With all of this in mind, we have made the decision to close all schools to in-person learning for Tuesday, January 18. Students will not participate in live remote or virtual learning. Where possible, teachers will provide voluntary class work through established online platforms for students who wish to continue their learning. Students may also work on previously-assigned work or spend time reviewing material previously covered.
Please note that child care programs (serving infant, toddler and preschool-aged children) can remain open to families, however families are encouraged to connect directly with the operator to confirm they are open. Before and After-School Programs and Extended Day Programs will be closed. EarlyON programs will be closed to in-person programming, however families can participate in virtual programming.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Colleen Russell-Rawlins
Director of Education
- Beaumonde Heights JMS
- Briarcrest JS
- Chester ES
- Clinton St. Jr. PS
- Cottingham JPS
- Deer Park J& SPS
- Ellesmere-Statton PS
- Etobicoke CI
- George Vanier SS
- Grenoble PS
- Guildwood JPS
- Humbercrest PS
- Kew Beach JPS
- Malvern CI
- Martingrove CI
- 1Military Trail PS
- Milne Valley MS
- Park Lane PS
- Perth Avenue JPS
- Rene Gordon Health and Wellness Academy
- Scarlett Heights Enterprise Academy
- Shirley Street JPS
- Three Valleys PS
- Wandering Spirit School
- Warden Ave /Taylor Creek PS
- Western Tech CS
- Westmount JS
- Wexford CS for the Arts
- Woburn CI
- Woodbine MS
- Brookview MS
- Emery MS
- George S Henry Academy
- Northview Heights SS
- Parkdale CI
- Westview Centennial SS
Jan 17th: TDSB Snow Day Alert:
Good Morning Mackenzie Family,
Today, Monday January 17 all students registered for in person learning were scheduled to return. With the decision to close schools in the TDSB because of the snowstorm, in person learning will resume tomorrow, Tuesday January 18. All students will continue to learn remotely today as they have been for the last two weeks. Please visit the following link for more information.
We look forward to greeting the Mackenzie community in-person on the 18th!
Wed. Jan 12: Credit Rescue Day Schedule
The Credit Rescue Day that was originally scheduled for Wednesday January 5 has been moved to Wednesday January 12. Due to Covid Protocols, the Credit Rescue Day format will now be virtual (via Zoom or Google Meet). The schedule will remain the same as provided in this link, Credit Rescue Day Schedule – January 12, 2022.
Return to Remote Learning Schedule
Hello Mackenzie Community. As communicated centrally, remote learning will commence on Wednesday January 5 at 9:00 am. All students are expected to sign into their virtual platform for attendance at 9:00 am for your morning classes and 12:15 pm for your afternoon classes on a regular start day. Please visit the following link for more information:
Return to Remote Learning 2022
Jan 6-14: Grad Photo Day!
Grad Photo Day is running from January 6 -14th. All sessions will take place in the cafeteria. Virtual students will have an opportunity to reserve times from 3:30-4:00pm. All grade 12 students must book their appointment online. Please visit the following link for more information:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SgcQIdM6jYVr92ozVET_iGe0aUeoXSGi/view?usp=sharing
Secondary Switch Form
A message from TDSB:
To: All Parents/Caregivers of Secondary students
As you know, all TDSB students selected either in-person or virtual learning for the
2021-22 school year. At the time of selection, we communicated that there would be
one opportunity to switch between in-person and virtual learning in February 2022.
In order to plan ahead for students to switch between in-person and virtual learning
for Semester 2 in February 2022, parents/caregivers and students requesting a
change must complete a Switch Form between November 29 and December 6,
2021. Students who do not wish to make a change do not need to complete a form.
If you are considering a switch, please speak with your child before submitting a
Switch Form. We expect that parents/guardians with shared decision-making
responsibilities will come to an agreement before completing the form.
We recognize that we are asking for this decision well in advance of February and
thank you for your understanding, as this process takes time to complete. While we
cannot guarantee that all switch requests will be met, it is our goal to accommodate
as many as possible based on available programs and space (e.g. French Immersion,
Extended French, Specialized Programs, Alternative Schools, other limited circumstances). Students who switch learning models will begin attending Semester 2 classes on February 3, 2022.
For more information, please visit:
TDSB Continuing Education Programs
Online International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Programs
International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program is an enriching learning experience for students in grades K-8 to learn a new language and discover other cultures. Open to all TDSB and non-TDSB students, programs are currently offered online and there is no language background necessary. Activities will be focused on building student’s skills in oral communication, reading and writing.
Registration is ongoing and can be done online by visiting the program website.
Online Adult ESL Program
Did you know that you can enroll in ESL classes for free* with the TDSB anytime during the school year? (*free for eligible learners)
Improve your English online with a variety of classes that fit within your busy schedule including part-time and full-time classes, evenings and weekends! There are several different classes being offered online with the TDSB, including:
- Reading and Writing
- Listening and speaking
- Pronunciation
- Conversational Skills – Improve your communication skills with your child’s school teachers, professionals, or government offices
- IELTS/TOEFL preparation and other specialty classes
For more information about our classes and how to register, visit our website and view our online brochure.
Learn4Life General Interest and Seniors Daytime Classes – Winter 2022 Registration Opens November 24, 2021
Turn your winter blues into watercolour hues with our Learn4Life General Interest and Seniors Daytime classes. From art, fitness and food, to languages, business and dance, we have both online and in-person classes to learn a new skill or take up an interesting hobby.
A few of the courses running this winter include:
- HIIT Hiking
- Online Art Meditation
- Online Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Online Crochet and Knitting
- Ballroom and Latin Dancing
- Online Zumba
- Online Asian Cuisine
- Online Arabic Beginner
- Online Guitar Beginner
New this year and for the first time, Learn4Life will be offering a course called Indigenous Awareness and Practices – Online. This online course will highlight the history, teachings, practices and issues facing Indigenous People’s and communities.
Our online brochure is now live on our website, and registration is set to open November 24, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit our Learn4Life website.
For more information on Continuing Education, please contact Centrally Assigned Principal Norbert Costa.
For further information on Continuing Education, Secondary Alternative Schools, International Students, Educational Partnerships, Delegations and Heritage Months, please contact System Superintendent Peter Chang.
Nov 22: Specialized Schools & Programs Policy
Specialized Schools and Programs Policy
TDSB wants to hear your voice to help shape this draft policy into something meaningful and relevant. Please review the draft Specialized Schools and Programs Policy and for reference, you may wish to review the current Optional Attendance Policy.
Live Consultation Webinars
You’re invited join our online consultations to learn more, ask questions and share your feedback. Please note that participants must pre-register using the links below:
Thursday, November 18 @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Monday, November 22 @ 1:00 – 3:00 pm
– Pre-Registration link
Monday, November 22 @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm
– Pre-Registration link
- If you are unable to pre-register or require assistance, please call the Secondary Program and Admission office at (416) 395-3626