| Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center | Equity & Diversity Workshops and Tour for Humanity | Canada, often described as a diverse cultural mosaic, is not free from hatred and intolerance. Through these sessions, racism, antisemitism, and prejudice are examined, as well as how these issues impact students and school communities. A variety of workshops are available for Grades 4 – 12, including: lessons & legacy of the Holocaust; roots of hate & intolerance; world heroes; genocide and the power of action; understanding digital citizenship and digital hate; media literacy, propaganda and WWII; and, student leadership development to promote respect and affect real, inclusive change through exploring their own diversity story. Serving: Grades 4 - 12 |
| Environfocus Inc. | EnvironFocus Knowledge Transfer | Industry professionals speak to students in Grades 4-12 on ways to successfully implement sustainability projects in their local community while meeting United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. With extensive business experience in Nigeria and North America, staff provides insight into sustainable actions and development; designing, developing and/or implementing sustainability projects; and meeting United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These sessions enhance the learning for those students who are currently working on a sustainability action project or are looking to hear from professionals in the industry. Sessions may also touch on careers in green/environment industries, advice on how to succeed in the field and women in science. Suitable: Grades 4-12
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| Engineers of Tomorrow | Engineer-in-Residence (EIR) | A real life engineer is matched with a classroom for the whole school year. The goal of the program is to bring the engineering experience into the classroom. Engineer facilitators share personal stories and experiences, facilitate hands-on STEM activities, share information about engineering professions and pathways to get there. Engineers and teachers work to customize and map the program which enhances, math, science and experiential learning activities/curriculum. Suitable: Kindergarten; grades 1-12
Requests for engineers to support SHSM and SPE training may be available. |
| Canadian Parents for French - Ontario | Engaging Parents & Supporting FSL | Programming supports are provided to students, parents, families and educators to enhance French as a second language (FSL) learning. Informative workshops, socio-cultural performances and events are available as scheduled. Programming is offered in French and English, with Bilingual facilitators. Serving: all grades, FSL/French Immersion |
| Ontario Schools Cricket Association | Energize, Excite, Empower: Play Cricket Pathway | These cricket sessions engage students in a modified version of the game for grades 3-12. Each student receives an opportunity to bat, bowl and field. Through modified rules, students enhance movement skills, hand-eye co-ordination and team play while participating in drills, activities and games. Professional learning sessions are available for staff. Facilitators have certification in community level cricket coaching. Suitable: Grades 3-12; staff |
| Sam Demma Enterprises Inc. | Empty Your Backpack | Motivational keynote assembly to increase student well-being, hope and kindness and equip students with tools to being the process of defining who they are and want to become. Everyone has a giant invisible backpack strapped to their shoulders. In these backpacks, students carry the thoughts and opinions that other people place on them that may negatively impact them. Message encourages students to openly talk about their feelings and emotions and equips them with wellness tools. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Wen-Do Women's Self-Defence Corporation | Empowerment and Self-Defence | Workshop focuses on safety and empowerment, preparing students to defend themselves both mentally and physically, and giving them the confidence to deal with the range of types of aggression they are most likely to encounter in real life for girls or those who identify as girls. Through a feminist, anti-oppression lens, workshops cover the fundamentals of women's self-defence verbally and with the body, importance of using our voice, the element of surprise and awareness and avoidance. Some techniques may be alternated for those with physical limitations or disabilities. In addition, discussions occur about healthy relationships, healthy body image and strategies for safety. Suitable:Gr. 5-12 |
| Sparx Studio Acting Inc. | Empowered Acting | Sparx Studio Empowered Acting expands upon dramatic arts, health, language and social-emotional learning objectives and integrates it within popular and fun acting activities. Students learn anti-bullying, personal safety skills, positive communication and appreciation and teamwork through acting. A variety of tableu/scenarios are provided for students to play and experiment with the scene, see different perspectives and practice responses all within a structured and play-based learning environment. Specific learning goals are achieved in consultation with the teacher and the curriculum focus. Suitable: Gr K-8.
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| Jakes House for Autistic Children | Employment Skills Readiness Program | At select school sites, this special education experiential learning program provides tools, job readiness skills and supports in achieving employment goals for referred students with intellectual/learning disabilities who require extra support as they transition from school to work. In-school weekly employment preparation workshops are provided on a variety of topics: work readiness plan, customer service, resume preparation, and tailored to individuals and their career goals. Referred students increase transferable and core work skills while better understanding their own goals and overcoming challenges as they move closer to being job ready and employment success. Customizable for students and their needs. Suitable: Grades 11-12; 18+
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| Harmony Movement | Educator's Equity Workshop | Professional learning workshops deepen understanding of equity and anti-racism principles and incorporate equitable and anti-racist approaches to enhance positive learning experiences of students. Participants build skills and application of culturally responsive relevant pedagogy and universal design for learning principles in teaching. Topics include: Understanding intersectionality, lived experience and challenging biases, having courageous conversations and responding to inequities using school-based scenarios, reviewing curriculum, lesson plans and assessments to better integrate student voice, reflecting on shifts, and growing your classroom anti-racism and equity practice. Sessions support School Improvement Planning. Suitable: Staff |
| Mohawk College | Education Assistant / Educational Support Field Placements | Field placements within TDSB sites provide post-secondary students in Educational Assistant / Educational Support programs who are considering a career in their specialized area, an opportunity to gain direct experience in understanding the learning strategies employed in classrooms when working with students with diverse learning needs; to develop practical knowledge and skills; to work with and support students with special education needs in their learning environments; to provide (supervised) support to students with diverse and special education needs in school settings. Field placement students collaborate with TDSB staff to enhance their understanding of curriculum; to plan and implement activities for students; and to foster positive relationships with students, staff and parents. These placements satisfy post-secondary course requirements for field placement experience. |
| Human Rights Legal Support Centre | Educating Youth About Workplace Sexual Harassment | Presentations educate students in Grades 9-12 about workplace sexual harassment; assertiveness strategies that they can use in response to sexual violence at work; and, their legal rights as employees in workplaces. Through role playing and activities, students learn consent law, power dynamics, establishing boundaries, effective tips & strategies. Topics include: A Matter of Consent: Understanding Consent and the Law (including in a digital world); Standing Up to Sexual Harassment: Strategies and Rights. |
| Orfe | Eco-Art Program | Workshops and mural projects deliver eco-art education through the learning of experiential, experimental, and hands-on techniques. Students learn the process of recycling materials to be repurposed and used to complete theme-based art projects. Tasked to create both 2D and 3D works of art, students will further enhance their problem-solving, experimenting, perseverance, and critical thinking skills, and also learn and improve their understanding of concepts like social and environmental responsibility, sustainability, as well as environmental awareness through their engagement in a creative approach to social change. Creating eco-friendly projects in the classroom by using recycled materials. Suitable: All students |
| The Earth Rangers Foundation | Earth Rangers Assembly | The Earth Rangers Assembly offers an engaging and interactive presentation bringing concepts of science and biodiversity from the real world into the classroom, in person and via video-conferencing. Using live Animal Ambassadors including reptiles, mammals and birds to connect with students, students develop empathy for wildlife and are encouraged to support the protection of animals and their habitats. Threatened Canadian species, the importance of protecting the environment and adopting more sustainable behaviours are highlighted. Earth Rangers provides information on how to make a difference through tangible activities and conservation projects for students to complete at home at www.earthrangers.org/bring-back-the-wild-curriculum-resources. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8
Notes with partner: the staff PD is an online course which is considered a learning resource. Central depts have reviewed and found to be beneficial but local school decision. If they are actually doing PD in classroom then we'll need to revise description. |
| George Brown College | Early Childhood Studies Field Placements | Early Childhood Studies Field Placements provide post-secondary students who are considering a career within early childhood education an opportunity to gain direct experience in understanding the learning strategies employed in classrooms. These placements satisfy college course requirements for field placement students to collaborate with TDSB teaching staff to enhance their understanding of curriculum; to plan and implement activities for TDSB students; to foster positive relationships with children, staff, parents, and families, and to provide resources to assist TDSB students to successfully transition through the early grades. |
| Humber College Institute | Early Childhood Studies Field Placements | Early Childhood Studies Field Placements provide post-secondary students who are considering a career within early childhood education an opportunity to gain direct experience in understanding the learning strategies employed in classrooms. These placements satisfy college course requirements for field placement students to collaborate with TDSB teaching staff to enhance their understanding of curriculum; to plan and implement activities for TDSB students; to foster positive relationships with children, staff, parents, and families, and to provide resources to assist TDSB students to successfully transition through the early grades. |
| Toronto Metropolitan University | Early Childhood Studies Field Placements | Early Childhood Studies Field Placements provide post-secondary students who are considering a career within early childhood education an opportunity to gain direct experience in understanding the learning strategies employed in classrooms. These placements satisfy college course requirements for field placement students to collaborate with TDSB teaching staff to enhance their understanding of curriculum; to plan and implement activities for TDSB students; to foster positive relationships with children, staff, parents, and families, and to provide resources to assist TDSB students to successfully transition through the early grades. |
| Y.S.Israel | E.G.O. Spoken Word | A spoken word workshop series exploring elements of written and performance poetry as a creative practice. Participants will learn different writing techniques for self-reflection; the art of storytelling; and performance-based poetry as tools for building self-confidence, self-efficacy, and interpersonal skills. This workshop series is perfect for educators looking to enhance their English / literature curriculum, as well as increase overall student engagement. For students in grades 6 - 8, emphasis will be placed on building self-identity and self-confidence through spoken word. While grades 9-12 will focus more on self-advocacy and social justice. Suitable: Grades 6-12 |
| Stefano Mancuso | Drumming Workshops | Professional ethnomusicologist provides enhanced world percussion workshops focusing on rhythm, song and movement from various countries. These workshops not only provides drumming technique, rhythms and repertoire but an appreciation in music in general. Students have a hands-on opportunity to explore self-expression and creativity through composition and performances. Students experience singing, drumming, and movement, as well as discover an array of languages (Portuguese, Spanish, Ga, and Malinke to name a few). In addition, geography and history will be discussed as it relates to the music explored. Serving: Grades 9-12
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| Living Rhythm | Drumming to Well Being | Interactive rhythm-based workshops explore drumming to increase mental health and well being for students, staff and school communities. Using drums, their own bodies, and other objects from home, participants of all abilities, disabilities, special needs, and differentiated learning are engaged. Participants learn mindfulness strategies and techniques through sound, pulse, rhythm, and visualization. They enhance their communication skills through active listening and cooperation with peers. These sound and rhythm workshops are customized for each audience. They can include: The Beat of Now: Drumming & Rhythm for Mental Health & Well Being; Community Beats: Building Community Spirit Through Drumming & Rhythm; Together in Rhythm: Team Building and Leadership. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff, Parents/Caregivers |
| Sugu World Inc. | Drone Design & Build | Students design, build, and develop drones in this program that integrates computer engineering technology with an up-to-date and relevant approach to robotics, electronics, and programming. Facilitated by aerospace engineers, mechanical engineers, airline pilots, and certified drone pilots, students engage both creatively and technically in the design, assembly, and implementation and programming of drones for takeoff and flight. Students will also examine how to successfully integrate drone technology into our current world, with a view of how these technologies can benefit humanity. Students receive a drone after program completion. Suitable: Grades 9-12.
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| Hockey Hall Of Fame | Diversity in Hockey Program | Virtual presentations spotlight the stories of athletes, the history of sport and the present-day headlines for students to examine, understand and champion diversity. Presentation pays homage to athletes who confronted discrimination but through their perseverance and courage, ultimately enriched the landscape of hockey and championed inclusivity. Presentation highlights pioneers who paved the way for hockey players of different ethnicity (including Black, Indigenous, Asian), gender, sexual orientation and physical abilities. Session is augmented through photographs, videos, artifacts and first-person accounts. Suitable: Grades: 7-12 |
| Michael Bourada, Encore Entertainment | Disappearing Daily: The Virtual Anti-Bullying Magic Show | Michael weaves magic into a show dealing with bullying and strategies we can use to make it ‘disappear’. Topics in this presentation include how to identify a bully, recognizing different types of bullying, the emotional damage we can cause someone by bullying, and what we can all do to prevent it. This anti-bullying presentation reinforces W.I.T.S. strategies and how we can Walkaway, Ignore, Talk it out, Seek help. Michael helps students know how and when to use their W.I.T.S. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 |
| CMV Social Media Inc. | Digital Intelligence | Presentations delivered virtually or in-person for students, teachers, or parents on how to utilize their social apps and platforms and build their online reputations via principles of digital citizenship. Students learn how to incorporate impeccable character, integrity, kindness and gratitude into their social apps and online experience. This presentation uses relevant, real-world examples, strategies and solutions to guide participants on safe and purposeful digital use. Tools and tips are shared on how to communicate effectively through social media platforms, and how to minimize online risks while creating a meaningful online presence for today and into the future. Serving: Grades 5 - 12 |
| Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) | Digital DASH/Jump-Starting Digital Careers (JDC) | Students participate in exploratory learning activities to enhance digital competencies that will open pathways towards digital careers. Activities recreate authentic scenarios to engage students to practise their critical thinking in order to solve a problem while thinking of the consequences of the solution. A variety of workshops provide knowledge on the areas of information and communications technology (ICT), cyber arts, and business skills. Students also have an opportunity to meet industry experts, gain practical industry knowledge and learn about current and emerging STEM careers and pathways in ICT. Professional learning is available for staff. Suitable: Grades 6-12; staff |
| Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation | Diabetes and Sir Frederick Banting | Virtual presentation raises diabetes awareness, reduce risk of youth developing Type 2 diabetes, and discuss Banting and the discovery of Insulin - Canada's gift to the world. Facilitated by SFBLF staff, teachers can pick from four sessions: 1. Understanding Diabetes and Prevention Basics; 2. Living with Diabetes and the Impact (including coping at school); 3. Discovery of Insulin and the Lasting Impact; 4. About Banting and the History. Each hour presentation includes a multi-media tutorial, interactive questions and opportunity for question and answer. Follow-up team-based activities continue the learning after the presentation. Serving: Grades 5-12. |
| Alzheimer Society of Toronto | Dementia Specific Education | Alzheimer's Society offers dementia training to those who wish to receive foundational knowledge in working with older adults in their careers in various settings. Three programs are: U-First!®, Gentle Persuasive Approaches, and Dementia Foundations. Students will have a greater understanding and knowledge of dementia and be able to provide meaningful support to those living with dementia. Program ranges from half to full day. These programs are for adult students wishing to complete their Personal Support Worker (PSW) certification. Suitable: Learners 18+
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| More Than Words Books Inc. | David Bouchard Presentations | Sessions by renowned Metis author, David Bouchard, inspire, educate and animate the power of reading and stories. David facilitates Canada's Truth & Reconciliation, Calls to Action. Through First Nations stories and Native flutes, poetry and writing, this champion of reading and literacy; and advocate for youth teaches and inspires students, educators and parents. In April 2009, David was named as a Member of the Order of Canada. In Oshawa, in 2012, the David Bouchard Public School opened its doors. In 2017, David was honoured with an Honorary Doctoral of Law degree by Queen's University. |
| dancED Inc. | Dancing Toward Confidence, Creativity and Self-expression | These workshops provide students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 with an exciting platform to experience dance in an approachable way, regardless of ability or experience. Through creative exploration, movement fundamentals, exciting choreography and a live performance to conclude the program, dancED's team of highly trained professional dance artists empower students to unleash their creative potential. Through a unique and dynamic creative process, students will develop personal skills, build a sense of community and discover an appreciation for the performing arts. |
| Damon45 | Damon45 | Damon Edwards, bi-racial professional athlete, talks about equity, empathy and diversity and facilitates a discussion on what youth can do to navigate, initiate and take part in conversations regarding race. Students will receive practical tools on how to start the conversation, how to speak up and how to help others feel included. In the presentation, Damon shares his personal story as well as stories of other professional Black athletes who overcame hardships and racism and succeeded in making an impact on their sport. Goal of the presentation is to enhance students' understanding of the meaningful influence they can have in sports, school community and society. Serving: Grades 6-12 |
| University of Toronto | Dalla Lana School of Public Health: Pathways to Public Health | In collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, this program supports Black-identifying students in grades 9-12 with their pursuit of careers and opportunities in public health and health systems. This 10-week program explores pathways into fields of health and health systems (i.e. Clinical Epidemiology, Health Economics, Social Epidemiology, Bioethics and Health Informatics etc.). Students develop life skills along with a deeper understanding of public health concepts and receive ongoing mentorship and support from Black professionals. Sessions also offer students a deeper understanding of health equity and social determinants of health and health policy. Further networking opportunities and engagement with faculty members may be available. |
| University of Toronto | Dalla Lana School of Public Health: Outreach and Access Program | The program addresses the representation gap in public health leadership and the health system by providing mentorship, access to networks and further support to Gr. 10-12 students from underserved communities. Delivered by faculty members and current students, the program aims to raise awareness of non-clinical, less known, but highly influential careers in healthcare. Students learn fundamental disciplines and themes of public health, hear from diverse professionals and receive life skills training for their post-secondary pathway. Suitable: Grades 10-12
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| Dairy Farmers of Ontario | Dairy Education | This presentation, in-person or virtual, provides students an opportunity to discover a variety of aspects to the dairy industry. Delivered by a trained dairy educator, the presentation uses songs, experiments, hands-on props, games, Power Point activities and videos. Three topics are available including Dairy Farming – all things about the farm and how cows produce milk; Dairy Goodness - health benefits and nutrition of milk; and Processing - milk is processed into milk and other food products. Presentation materials are available in English and French. Suitable: Kindergarten - Grade 8. |
| SMILE Canada - Support Services | Culturally Responsive Disability Support Workshop | Presentation and workshops raise awareness on the intersectional needs of racialized families with children and youth with disabilities for the school community. It provides an overview on the intersections of xenophobia, racism, Islamophobia, and ableism, while speaking about the importance of incorporating culturally responsive support within all models of service delivery. Sessions generate conversation, use case studies, share examples and experiences and increase participants' understanding of how they can contribute to the journey towards a more accessible and inclusive society. Topics such as language, assumption and bias, ableism, intersectionality are covered in this workshop. Suitable: All grades; staff; parents/caregivers |
| Luana Shirt | Cultural Teachings | Luana Shirt is a Plains Cree/Anishinaabe Indigenous Knowledge Educator and Artist. Through interactive teaching circles, she brings focus and better understanding of Anishinaabe cultural teachings that are centered around the Indigenous world views of traditional roles of women and men, rites of passage of girls and boys, 7 stages of life, 7 grandfathers story and teachings, understanding of water, traditional use of medicines and 13 moon grandmother teachings. Indigenous arts workshops include songs, games and interactive teaching circles. Professional learning available to teachers. |
| Dance 'N' Culture Inc. | Cultural Dance Workshops | Dance workshops either introduce or further explore a variety of cultural dances, history and culture. Dance styles offered include Bollywood, Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Chinese Folk, West African, Soca, Afrobeats and Colombian Folk. Workshop touches on brief history and present day context, geography, traditions, basic movements, songs, and dance expressions (hand gestures, foot patterns, facial expressions). Basic introduction introduces foundational movement and concepts while the workshop series allows students to create, learn choreography, and perform to the school community. Workshops may be used to celebrate a history/heritage month. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12
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| Central Toronto Youth Services | CTYS RITES (Middle School) Program | A 12-week evidence-based program that supports and empowers Black students with an understanding of themselves, their cultures, and the varying issues that impact their mental health. R.I.T.E.S. stands for Resilience, Identity, Transformation, Empowerment and Self-Determination. Students build their identity, practical skills of leadership, conflict transformation, resilience, self-care and problem solving, in a positive and healthy environment. Sessions utilize individual, group activities, discussion, video/music/storytelling that is culturally responsive and empowering. The program aims to foster pride, increase self-esteem and instill hope for the future. Referrals will be made by TDSB PSS staff or school staff. Suitable: Referred Grades 7-8 students |
| Crossroads Theatre | Crossroads Productions | Crossroads Theatre's Production, The Assembly, is an interactive theatre-meets-board-game experience about environmental sustainability, teamwork and decision-making. During every 75-minute performance, the student audience forms “the assembly” and are invited to work together to critically assess their city’s current and future needs. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate, deepen their understanding and explore shared citizenship. Suitable: Grades 6-8. |
| Mario Rigby | Crossing Africa: Overcoming An Impossible Journey | Canadian adventure explorer, Mario Rigby, shares his story of how he trekked across 12,000 km across Africa by foot and kayak using his three pillars of success: vision, preparation, action. He conquered what was considered an impossible feat and his continued work as an Adventure Explorer, achieving his dream. Students hear advice on how to overcome challenges and fears to discover their own passion. The presentation highlights Mario's journey, interactions with various African ethnic groups, and the bio-diversity of the various environments in his trek. Serving: Kindergarten - Grades 12 |
| Laura Beglin | Creativity, Confidence, Artistry Through Dance | In these dance workshops, students build leadership skills as they create their own choreography and creative composition. Each session typically concentrates on one dance style or tradition, providing instruction in technique and dance history. Styles available include jazz, ballet, hip hop, disco, modern, musical theatre, country line dance, Western-style folk dance, and creative movement. With elementary students the instructor focuses on body and spatial awareness, form and style, and physical conditioning. With secondary students the instructor places greater emphasis on proper dance technique and history. All workshops seek to provide new and diverse perspectives to teachers and students in the classroom. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff |
| Kaeja d'Dance | Creative Movement and Dance Film | Professional trained dancers provide dance and movement workshops that touch on fundamental concepts of dance – body, space, time, relationship, and energy – to get all students active and engaged in the creative process. Sessions are delivered in person or virtually. We offer workshops in Dance Improvisation (intuitive movement in response to text, images and soundscapes), Express Dance (creating dances using natural movement vocabulary), Kaeja Elevations (partner work that allows students to soar safely through the air), and Dance Film (choreographing, directing, and editing short dance pieces for the screen). Professional learning for teachers is also available. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| Jessica Dubeau | Creative Dance Solutions | Dance enrichment workshops provide choreography in historically black influenced dance genres such as: Hip Hop, Jazz, African, Caribbean (Soca, Dancehall), Contemporary, Musical Theatre, and Disco styles. In a safe, inclusive and encouraging environment, students learn the characteristics of each style through choreographic sequences and fundamental dance and sport movements built into exercises, routines, and rhythmic drills that provide athletic building components that are unique to dance. At the end of a workshop series, students will perform a choreographed routine that was created during the unit. Each type of sessions promotes cultural acceptance, Black awareness and enrichment as well as diversification and anti-racism through practiced mediums and techniques. Serving: Grades K - 12
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| Nia Centre for The Arts Incorporated | Creative Connect | Sessions available for Kindergarten - Grade 12. In elementary schools, workshops are designed to expand knowledge around artistic traditions from across the Afro Diaspora. Guided by professional artists, students will engage in a hands-on learning experience, creating and exploring traditional arts. In secondary schools, workshops support Black, African, Caribbean and Afro Diasporic students who have found their purpose in art by providing post-secondary and employment pathways, career exploration and mentorship opportunities. Established professional artists who work in the creative arts guide students to identify pathway connections, build career networks, and the skills needed to stay motivated to succeed. Professionals also provide career advice, support and mentorship opportunities. SHSM & SPE opportunities are available.
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| VIBE ARTS | Creative Classrooms | Children and youth from schools in neighbourhood improvement areas engage in high-quality, tailor-made, hands-on arts workshops conducted by professional artists. Students of all levels of ability create works of art through mediums such as dance, drama, dub poetry, environmental art, visual and integrated arts, murals, video and filmmaking, and photography, while also learning to reflect their cultural heritage and personal identity into their works. Suitable: select schools
Professional learning is also available, leading teachers through a series of hands-on experiences which include art appreciation, studio techniques, and lesson planning, as well as sharing and discussing effective strategies for integrating arts into core curriculum areas.
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| Trinity Theatre Toronto | Creating Communities We Want | Referred students become peer leaders in conflict mediation techniques through workshops that engage them in a variety of art and drama-based activities. Trained student peer leaders facilitate workshops, talking circles and presentations with other students in their school, improving both their communication and conflict resolution skills alongside the development of their leadership capabilities. Handling Conflict peer mediation training through the arts, sessions refine students' skills in understanding emotions like anger through active listening and empathy, as well as open and closed questioning. Sessions for staff include resource: Making Connections, a substance abuse toolkit for students. Serving: Grades 7 - 12. |
| James Mandarino | Courage to Dream | Jay Mandarino shares his life story of overcoming obstacles, achieving success, and giving back to the community in this free inspirational assembly. Students hear a positive message to not let any obstacles stop them from achieving their dreams. Jay Mandarino talks about business and entrepreneurship, confidence and self-esteem and how to live with a learning disability such as dyslexia and ADHD and the life challenges these diagnoses often present. His message empowers students to strive for success in the face of adversity, through the real life examples of lived experience. Presentation is followed by a question and answer period. Serving: Grades 5 - 12 |
| Naseeha Youth Helpline | Countering Anti-Muslim Racism | Workshops counter anti-Muslim racism and Islamophobia to promote students' sense of well-being. Through activities, workshops and question & answer sessions, students build confidence and joy with their identities and culture. Three workshops are available: Did You Know? talks about the achievements of Muslims around the world; More Than Just Shawarma discusses identity in a safe and engaging space and Not Even Water? breaks down stereotypes, myths and bias while exploring identity and understanding. Planning with teachers to ensure workshops meet curriculum needs of staff and classrooms. Professional learning and parent/caregiver sessions also available. Suitable: Grades 6-12; staff; parents/caregivers |
| Kids Help Phone/Jeunesse J'Ecoute | Counsellor in the Classroom/Intervenant·e dans la classe | Presentation that helps to break down any preconceptions and stigma around Kids Help Phone while promoting discussion of mental health and well-being in students. The counsellor provides an overview of Kids Help Phone, services offered, discuss why it is hard to reach out for help, and provide some common questions and concerns that young people have when seeking help. The class has an opportunity to engage with the counsellor by asking any questions they discussed in the preparation activity. Teachers receive a resource package to support the learning as well as optional extension activities to expand their learning. Sessions may be offered in French. Suitable: Grades 4-12
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| Real Talk Learning Experiences | Content is King | Having a sound understanding of how social media works, both on the front-end and the back-end, allows young people and parents/guardians to employ best practices and make good decisions about utilizing the medium. The Digital Age has affected the way many industries do business. The marketing industry has changed from outbound methods that cast a broad net to an undefined target audience, to inbound tactics to attract a desired customer to products and services. Content marketing by way of videos, written content and podcasts, in conjunction with social media marketing and search engine marketing has become a standard in contemporary marketing. Topics in these student and parent workshops include - Content is King, Media Literacy & Technology, Let's Take a Selfie: Social Media and You. Serving: Grades 7-12, Parents/Caregivers |
| Toronto Biennial of Art | Contemporary Indigenous Arts Programming | Available during the Biennial season, Sept 21 - Dec 01, 2024, these half-day sessions focus on amplifying Indigenous Allyship and Artists of Colour. The Toronto Biennial of Art (TBA) connects learners with locally and internationally-based artists' projects and provides an opportunity to learn through decolonizing practices that showcase multiple histories and the many forms of 'knowing.' These learning opportunities for students from pre-Kindergarten to grade 12 will deepen their social, geopolitical and peacemaking understandings in the contexts of the city of Tkaronto/Toronto and surrounding areas. TBA's Mobile Arts Curriculum learning tools, developed by Biennial artists and available for free year-round, centre decolonization through the arts and the multiple voices of Indigenous and counter-archival histories. Students will engage in practices, techniques and approaches in art-making. Staff professional development is also available.
Suitable for: K-12. |
| Taking IT Global Youth Association | Connected North | Educators, staff and students at the TDSB Urban Indigenous Education Centre are supported in the use of collaborative technology and virtual visits from Connected North lead staff, Waukomaun Pawis, or designate. Through collaborative project based learning, unique content and connections are developed for schools in the north and in the south to access cultural exchange opportunities and curriculum enhancement. Urban Indigenous students and staff connect through visiting partners and online video-conferencing with Indigenous school communities in remote locations, providing them access to expertise that might otherwise have been very difficult to acquire. Serving: Grades 1-12, Staff |
| X Movement Inc. | Connected Movement | Connected Movement provides full-day workshops and events that integrate physical, emotional and social literacy to the school community. These include: Australian cultural and sports explores cricket, aussie football and netball; ‘X-ME Experience’ incorporates fitness alongside breathing exercises; ‘X-Other’ forges friendships and healthy relationships; ‘X-World’ utilizes play to work collectively together; ‘Extravaganza’ utilizes creative moment, mindful movement and expressive movement to allow students to celebrate themselves. Suitable: all grades; staff; parents/caregivers
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| Joseph "Joze" Piranian | Confronting Adversity, One Word at a Time | As a lifelong stutterer, Joze shares his story of transformation in this inspirational keynote as a way for students to learn how to face their fears and embrace what makes them unique. Students learn resilience, courage, persistence, and coping skills and enhance their capacities for empathy, inclusion, self-expression, and self-acceptance. In sharing his story, Joze provides the tools to overcome life's obstacles alongside the wisdom that allows us to see them as opportunities for personal betterment; that our fears and insecurities cease to control us when we choose to act in spite of them. Keynote can be presented in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic. Serving: all grades, staff and parents |
| Lumenus Community Services | Community-based Treatment and Support Services | Services offer a continuum of support to select students, their families and care providers. Supports include accessible services that can take place in the home, school, or community and for students whose school or home placement is at risk of breakdown due to mental health and other issues. Lumenus staff work one-one-one with referred students and/or with key adults in the students' lives, to support their optimal functioning based on goals from the students' treatment plans. Lumenus staff connect students and key adults to needed community resources. In particular, the program provides strategies to address difficulties in social, emotional, behavioural, communication, cognitive, learning and/or developmental domains of functioning. Services can include observation and assessment in the home; support and training for parents, teachers and other school staff as needed; and individual student program planning for the classroom and at home, service coordination, and transition support from treatment into classroom setting. Lumenus staff work in collaboration with TDSB Professional Support Services staff in order to facilitate a coordinated service for referred students (any grade).
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| George Brown College | Community Worker Field Placements | This program provides field placement opportunities for students in the second year of the Community Worker program. Field placements within TDSB sites provide post-secondary students who are considering a career in their specialized area, an opportunity to gain direct experience in understanding the learning strategies employed in the Board, schools, and classrooms. Field placement students collaborate with TDSB staff to enhance their understanding of curriculum; plan and implement activities and foster positive relationships with parents/caregivers, students, and staff These placements satisfy post-secondary course requirements for field placement experience. |
| The Concerned Kids Charity of Toronto | Communicating Through Puppetry to Create Safe School Communities | The Concerned Kids educates children about important social issues like bullying, mental health, celebrating differences, self-esteem, cyber safety, cyberbullying, respect, and inclusion through the uniquely engaging art of puppetry. Our cast of diverse puppets educates students in Kindergarten-Grade 5 about making kinder choices using our TCK ‘heart’ values of humility, empathy, allyship, respect, and trust to create safer school communities for all. Each presentation is followed by a question and answer session to allow students to ask questions about the issues raised, and solidify the learning objectives of the performance. Suitable: Kindergarten Grades 6 |
| Common Compass Pro-Social Programs | Common Compass | Workshops and training promote belonging, inclusion, social-emotional well-being and positive mental health. They empower students to show empathy as they interact with their peers in their school and beyond. They seek to enhance students’ self identity and self esteem; strengthen connectedness and positive school climate; and, support assertive communication. It promotes social inclusion, and positive decision-making. Students learn strategies to manage their mental health and well-being, social emotional learning; understanding their emotions, developing coping skills, improving emotional expression and communication skills; and, developing leadership skills. Iidentity-affirming practices are utilized to support student needs. Professional Learning and Parent sessions available to provide further supports to the entire school community. Suitable: Kindergarten; Grades 1- 12; Professional Learning for staff; Parents/Caregivers
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| Corp of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall | Collaborations | Collaborations pairs mainstage artists with your classroom to help students compose an original song. Artists like Royal Wood, The Good Lovelies, and Elise LeGrow visit your classroom with a teaching artist to teach your students more about songwriting, taking the students through their process to create an original composition together.
This experience is tailored and varies by grade level.
K-3 – Learn about the basics of rhythm and melody while making a song. We’ll use body percussion or items in your room to create the rhythm, and write a chorus plus one to two verses collaboratively.
Gr. 4-8 – Explore elements such as pitch, dynamics, and harmony through the songwriting process with your visiting artists.
Gr. 9-12 – Collaborations in Secondary Schools will not only teach students about the artist’s individual process, but allow space for a masterclass element where students may demonstrate their own personal songwriting and receive feedback from the artist.
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| Toronto Wildlife Centre | Co-existing with Wildlife | Through discussions and activities designed to encourage critical thinking and broaden student learning, our grade-based programs explore a variety of curriculum connections. Facilitators discuss myths and truths surrounding urban wildlife, raise awareness of the urban ecosystem and promote understanding and compassion towards wildlife. The one-hour long program examines environmental issues that affect wildlife and provides action-based solutions to empower students to take action to help. Students learn about sick, injured and orphaned wild patients at our centre, and will have the opportunity to meet a wild ambassador – options include a species-at-risk snapping turtle, groundhog, pigeon, or garter snake. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 |
| RAK Education | Chris James' Stage Combat | Secondary students can engage in stage combat workshops within a safe and structured drama class environment. With experience in TV and film, Chris James, a Black-identifying actor, guides students in simulated combat by focusing on the goals of stage combat, safety within this skill set, repeated choreography through knaps, and focused tutorials of each kind of move and fall in order to prepare for student fight-scene performances . Following their performances, students will engage in self evaluation and reflections on their progress. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Centennial College | Child and Youth Care (CYC) Field Placements | This program provides field placement opportunities for students in Child and Youth Care post-secondary programs. Field placements within TDSB sites provide post-secondary students who are considering a career in their specialized area, an opportunity to gain direct experience in understanding the learning strategies employed in classrooms. Field placement students collaborate with TDSB staff to enhance their understanding of curriculum; to plan and implement activities for students; and to foster positive relationships with students, staff and parents. These placements satisfy post-secondary course requirements for field placement experience.
Child and Youth Care field placement students may support TDSB students at any of the following activities: workshops; presentations; life skills development projects, campaigns and/or resources development.
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| George Brown College | Child and Youth Care (CYC) Field Placements | This program provides field placement opportunities for students in Child and Youth Care post-secondary programs. Field placements within TDSB sites provide post-secondary students who are considering a career in their specialized area, an opportunity to gain direct experience in understanding the learning strategies employed in classrooms. Field placement students collaborate with TDSB staff to enhance their understanding of curriculum; to plan and implement activities for students; and to foster positive relationships with students, staff and parents. These placements satisfy post-secondary course requirements for field placement experience.
Child and Youth Care field placement students may support TDSB students at any of the following activities: workshops; presentations; life skills development projects, campaigns and/or resources development.
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| Seneca College | Child and Youth Care (CYC) Field Placements | This program provides field placement opportunities for students in Child and Youth Care post-secondary programs. Field placements within TDSB sites provide post-secondary students who are considering a career in their specialized area, an opportunity to gain direct experience in understanding the learning strategies employed in classrooms. Field placement students collaborate with TDSB staff to enhance their understanding of curriculum; to plan and implement activities for students; and to foster positive relationships with students, staff and parents. These placements satisfy post-secondary course requirements for field placement experience.
Child and Youth Care field placement students may support TDSB students at any of the following activities: workshops; presentations; life skills development projects, campaigns and/or resources development.
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| Sheridan College | Child and Youth Care (CYC) Field Placements | This program provides field placement opportunities for students in Child and Youth Care post-secondary programs. Field placements within TDSB sites provide post-secondary students who are considering a career in their specialized area, an opportunity to gain direct experience in understanding the learning strategies employed in classrooms. Field placement students collaborate with TDSB staff to enhance their understanding of curriculum; to plan and implement activities for students; and to foster positive relationships with students, staff and parents. These placements satisfy post-secondary course requirements for field placement experience.
Child and Youth Care field placement students may support TDSB students at any of the following activities: workshops; presentations; life skills development projects, campaigns and/or resources development.
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| Association Echec et Mathematiques | Chess 'n Math Association Schools Program | Learning to play chess in French or English, helps students develop mathematical, logistical and analytical skills. It improves their concentration and memory. It bolsters their self-esteem and their ability to collaborate and interact with others. Programming is offered as singular, introductory sessions; or as a series of sessions for students who then take part in the culminating event of a chess tournament. Using games, exercises and worksheets students learn the rules of the game, how to solve problems, work in teams, and use critical thinking skills including decision-making and judgement. Students learn to think ahead and anticipate the moves of their opponents by developing their logic and reasoning skills. Serving: Grades 1 - 8 |
| Chef Education Inc. | Chef à l’École | Creating French-inspired recipes from scratch, students practise French speaking skills in these hands-on cooking or video-conferencing workshops. Students follow step-by-step instructions in preparing a delicious food and learn the tools and ingredients to make it or watch as a French Chef provides instructions and creates a delicious recipe. This enriching experience comes alive with French facilitators sharing cultural stories and music through songs and playing les cuillères (traditional French musical instrument). Facilitators provide recipes, tools, ingredients and portable oven (if applicable). Workshop culminates in a Q&A with a French Chef. Workshops are suitable for students in core, extended and French immersion Gr. 1-12 |
| University of Waterloo | CEMC Math and Computer Science Workshops | Facilitators from the Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC) meet in person or virtually with students to develop their problem-solving skills and highlight the importance of mathematics and computer science in the real world. Topics include special math topics, real world applications and careers. Students discuss how mathematics is used to solve real-world problems and the various professions that utilize it. In addition, presenter provides insight into the careers and education pathways associated with the diverse careers. Suited for students in grades 7 to 12. |
| Dori Ekstein | Carrying on the Legacy: Sharing My Parent's Testimonies | As a descendant of Holocaust survivors, Dori Ekstein shares her father's and mother's oral testimonies and teaches students about the lessons of the Holocaust and the dangers of hate. Students can connect to the past, reflect on the present to help them build a better future. This presentation covers a variety of themes and important elements of the Holocaust while helping students understand the consequences of hatred, racism, prejudice, antisemitism, genocide and stereotyping in any society. This interactive session includes powerpoint presentation, maps, documents, photos, video clips and oral testimony. Professional Support Staff may be present for this workshop. Planning occurs prior to delivery to ensure conditions are set for student well-being. Suitable: Grades 6-12 |
| Carrying Holocaust Testimony from Generation to Generation | Carrying Holocaust Testimony Presentation | Centring first-hand personal testimonies of Holocaust Survivors to students through the voices of their descendants, video footage of the survivor sharing important elements of their history, and photographs, these presentations provide opportunities for students to engage deeply with the history, learn the lessons of the Holocaust and the personal messages of Holocaust survivors. The presentations are typically 45 minutes followed by a 15-minute question and answer period. The program aligns well history, social studies, language arts and equity education. Suitable: Grades 6-12. |
| TruDYNASTY Carnival Dolls Ltd. | Carnival Costume Making | Demonstrations and workshops offer students an opportunity to learn Carnival costume making from Black artist/designer Thea Jackson. Sessions start with the history of Caribbean Carnival, how costumes are developed and showcases present day costume designs from around the world. Workshops offer a hands-on opportunity for each student to create their own costume piece (tiara) and to keep their creation. Students get a glimpse of behind-the-scenes work, learn how costumes are made and hear from a professional designer about how the Arts and Culture can be a viable career. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Festival Management Committee | Carnival Arts and Literature | These workshops celebrate Caribbean culture and diversity by shining a light on Carnival history and Carnival arts to all students. Through hands-on sessions, students learn about the history, artistry and craftsmanship of costume-making and Mas costumes. Various professional artists share their expertise and their role in Carnival Arts from conception to implementation (including music making, costume design, construction, band leading). The program also highlights the contributions of individuals from the Caribbean community. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12
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| Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging Foundation | Careers in Long-Term Care | In-person or virtual presentations by professional staff in the long-term care sector provide information on long-term care and the variety of careers available in the sector to secondary students. Presentation addresses and tackles real day challenges to the industry. Staff from long-term care homes may be available alongside partner staff to provide first-hand information about their roles and experiences. Presentation provides career profiles, person-centred vocabulary, videos, resources followed by a question and answer period. The partner is affiliated with the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation (OCLRI).
SPE (Sector Partner Experience) may be available. |
| Nikki Ray Media Agency Inc. | Career Opportunities in Film and TV | Presented by diverse professionals in the field, this session shares information on the film and television industry and non-traditional career paths that connect with their skill set and passion. Students will learn about the various roles of a production team and the roles in front and behind the camera and how they build to tell the story. Professionals who are BIPOC share their experiences and career pathways to get to where they are and ways to advance into such careers. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| ICON Talent Partners | Career Development Program Speakers Series | Facilitated by BIPOC business leaders, these presentations provide insight and knowledge on careers and career paths to bridge the gap between under-represented communities and corporate opportunities. Topics include various career paths including law, venture capital, business, banking, startups, technology. Each one hour session includes a presentation by each industry expert, their career journey and how they arrived to their respective field and job, followed by question and answer. Suitable: Gr. 9-12
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| Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre | CanTYD Programs for Tamil Youth | Programming and services for Tamil Canadian secondary students fosters student leadership and student engagement opportunities, as well as providing connections for students and their families to culturally specific Tamil resources in the community. Weekly programming of presentations and workshops use the arts, group discussion, and recreation activities to engage students in topics and issues of their choosing. CANTYD staff are also available during instructional time, as requested by TDSB staff and students to provide particular equity supports.
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| The Starfish Environmental Society | Can You Hear The Eco?: Environmental Solutions Workshops | The workshop uses a guided inquiry-based learning approach to help students develop new solutions to age-appropriate real-world environmental challenges. Students will be presented with a challenge faced by our local community, distill their ideas, and prioritize their solutions. They will work together in small groups to create and refine a presentation to the larger class. Facilitators will help students explore the different threads within the interconnected tapestry of our social, economic, and political worlds. The workshop can be adapted to all levels, K-12 and may be offered in French. |
| Gallery 44 | CameraReach Residencies | CameraReach is a 5-day arts residency program delivered by professional photographers working with middle school classes. Over the course of 5 half-day sessions per class, students learn a variety of skills including technical functions of a camera, elements of photography, narrative building through image-making and how to download and edit photographs to create a finalized art piece. These workshops are incorporated into the school curriculum and aim to engage students in the world of digital photography, providing them with valuable technical and conceptual skills. The program is organized sequentially, to build cumulative skills and develop visual literacy through hands-on learning, dialogue and production. Artist instructors work with students to explore an annual theme which results in an exhibition of the students' artwork at a professional gallery. |
| Zakera B | Calligraphy/Art Workshops | Muslim facilitator, Zakera Bulbulia, shares the aesthetic and creativity of Arabic calligraphy combatting Islamophobia through awareness and education of Muslim identities. Sessions begin with a reading of "In My Mosque" to provide context of where one might see Arabic calligraphy in today's world. Students hear the origins, learn about the Arabic alphabet and then begin to practise the basic strokes. Students receive a copy of their name in Arabic calligraphy to close the session. Suitable: Kindergarten - Gr. 12 |
| Curtis Carmichael | Butterflies in the Trenches | Keynotes and motivational assemblies encourage students to find their passion and purpose. Sessions provide practical strategies for students to feel prepared and motivated to succeed in school, life, and prepare for the future. Curtis shares his personal story of a young Black man who breaks the cycle of poverty and how he refused to give up because of the deep love for his community. The focus of his strategies are grounded in community service, leadership, entrepreneurship, STEM education, financial literacy, equity, anti-racism, and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. Suitable: Grades 4-12; staff |
| Alair Homes | Building Together | These 2 hour sessions delivered by a variety of professionals aims to introduce students to careers in construction as an expansive field and industry. This program will show students various roles that exist (i.e. supply chain, management, leadership, entrepreneurship, finance, HR, plus all of the hands-on trades), moving towards building new understandings of construction and who belongs within the industry. These sessions will move through icebreakers, building of a product, and deepening understandings of construction. Suitable: Grades 6-8 |
| Scarborough Women's Centre | Building Strong Futures | Interactive workshops engage students identifying as female in Grades 7-12, in Scarborough schools. A support network is built, through discussion, life skills development, and information that enhances their confidence to make positive life choices, plan for their futures, become independent, and navigate the challenges that arise in the lives of young women on their pathways to adulthood. Topics include, but are not limited to: Building Self-Esteem and Confidence, Body Image, Healthy Relationships, Conflict Resolution, Future Planning, Self-Care Practices, and Personal, Educational and Career Goal Setting. Workshops for all-gender audiences are also available. Women's and Gender Issues are raised and analysed from an intersectional perspective. Grades 7-12.
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| David Lowe | Bucket Drumming | This interactive hands-on workshop delivered by Black professional drummer, David Lowe enhances listening and teamwork skills. Participants learn basic drumming skills, including grip and proper striking technique, rhythm reading, composition, rhythmic dictation and effective practice techniques. Progressive skills are built upon through fun rhythm challenges, as groups and individually. Sessions are also effective for those with varying degrees of disabilities or special needs. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 |
| Centennial College | BST, DSW, SSW Field Placements | This program provides field placement opportunities for post-secondary students in the Behavioural Sciences, Developmental Services, & Social Services Worker with TDSB Special Education staff and educator teams. Field placements within TDSB sites provide post-secondary students who are considering a career with youth, including youth with special needs, an opportunity to gain direct experience in understanding the learning strategies employed in classrooms. Field placement students collaborate with the TDSB staff to facilitate TDSB students' developmental skills for everyday life; support the promotion and maintenance of health and well-being in classrooms; and, provide resources to assist TDSB students to successfully transition after high school.
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| George Brown College | BST, DSW, SSW Field Placements | This program provides field placement opportunities for post-secondary students in the Behavioural Sciences, Developmental Services, & Social Services Worker with TDSB Special Education staff and educator teams. Field placements within TDSB sites provide post-secondary students who are considering a career with youth, including youth with special needs, an opportunity to gain direct experience in understanding the learning strategies employed in classrooms. Field placement students collaborate with the TDSB staff to facilitate TDSB students' developmental skills for everyday life; support the promotion and maintenance of health and well-being in classrooms; and, provide resources to assist TDSB students to successfully transition after high school.
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| Chess Institute of Canada | Bringing Chess to Life | Workshops introduce the game of chess - and a variety of chess-related activities and challenges - to the whole class. Students demonstrate remarkably high levels of engagement and focus, communication of complex logic, and performance of sophisticated calculations in the chess context. Curriculum-specific math skills are enhanced through these joyful experiences with logic and design, which provide a basis for later confidence in pursuing STEM careers. Chess workshops also include discussion of the inner game, opening opportunities for self-reflection and providing tools and perspectives to help students become more successful at taking on challenges, dealing with setbacks and losses, solving problems, and building healthy relationships. |
| Diversified Youth Initiative | Bring The Beat Back | This entrepreneurial program focuses on the Art of Creating Music by teaching the fundamentals of production, song writing/arrangement, sampling and instrument layering to re-engage and re-energize students from equity-deserving communities in LC1. Using our grassroots holistic approach, our Black mentors will engage, develop and support students in-person or virtually by enhancing their creativity, innovation and ingenuity. Students will benefit through a series of educational sessions to increase their business, branding, marketing, money management and performance capabilities. Sessions culminate with a project completed by students and presented to school community. Community engagement initiatives may occur for the entire school community (i.e. parents/caregivers). Suitable: Grades 9-12
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| Young Yogis Toronto | Breathe-Stretch-Rest-Repeat | Workshops bring yoga, mindfulness and meditation to staff and students, following a pattern proven to yield powerful results, both mentally and physically, in a wide range of students with varying abilities and needs. Each class begins with a body-smart safety check, followed by a mini-meditation, active practice and ends with a closing relaxation / guided meditation. A play-based approach is used for Primary and Junior students. Middle and Senior school students enjoy classes focusing on positive visualization using a variety of mindful themes. These curated accessible programs are inclusive and very effective in helping students learn positive coping mechanisms, for our fast-paced world, in a safe, noncompetitive and nurturing environment. We have experience with both MID and DD students. These adaptive programs are very effective in meeting their unique needs and abilities one breath at a time. Suitable: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| OneChild Network & Support Inc. | Break the Chains | Presentations introduce the complexities of the sexual exploitation of children (SEC). They enhance understanding of strategies to prevent sex trafficking and to increase early intervention supports. Sessions introduce the topics of human, sex, and child trafficking; and, the root causes of sexual exploitation of children such as gender inequity. They outline the signs of child sex trafficking, how to ask for help, how to identify children who need help, how to access community resources. The focus of these presentations is to give tangible ways so every one (students, staff, parents/caregivers) can take action in their schools and communities. (TDSB Professional Support Services’ staff must be in attendance for these presentations that are available for middle and secondary school communities.) |
| Brave Education Inc. | BRAVE | BRAVE goes class-by-class in schools, inspiring resilience through social and emotional skills. Through a small group approach, scenario-led learning, and participant centered lens, these sessions go past general messaging to provide students with practical, in-the-moment strategies. Workshops include: Setting Healthy Boundaries, Bullying, Conflict, and Relationships, Bystander, and Building Emotional Regulation. Referred students in Gr. K-12. |
| Blank Canvases | Blank Canvases | The program offers students specialized visual arts workshops on the history of local Toronto artists alongside Artist Educators. The program uses the inspiration of local Toronto artists to engage students. Art workshop offerings include painting portraits, painting landscapes, collage, sculpture, environment focused projects, up-cycling projects, urban graffiti art, arctic animals and multicultural mixed media projects. Afterwards, students are led through an art workshop inspired by the technique of the artist culminating in students creating their own unique art pieces. In addition, Artist Educators are available to plan and design a mural project to showcase the artwork of the students. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| Real Talk Learning Experiences | Black History - A Canadian Perspective | Sessions delivered in person or through video-conferencing focus on the experiences of African people in Canada to share the rarely discussed history of the African diaspora in Canada. Presentations, altered by grade level, covers a number of interesting topics, including the success of African interpreters working with early Europeans, interactions of Black Canadians in community building, the escape of African people from the southern United States and their experiences in Canada. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12 |
| CultureLink Settlement and Community Services | Bike to School | The program offers educational activities and resources that enable the entire school community to discover the personal, social and ecological benefits of cycling for transportation. Activities include assemblies, classroom workshops, seminars, and on-bike training in the schoolyard. Topics include helmet fit, safety checks on bicycles, the Highway Traffic Act, awareness of other road users, the City of Toronto Cycling Map, and the basic physical skills of bicycling. Many activities align with Bike to School Week, beginning the last Monday of May annually. Sessions for elementary audiences: Ready to Ride: Fun and Safe Cycling; “ABC” Bike Safety Check; Bike Rodeo; Walk and Roll Rodeo. Sessions for secondary school audiences: Ready to Ride: Fun and Safe Cycling; “ABC” Bike Safety Check; Riding Skills I & II. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| Biodun Sam Ashaolu | Beyond The Court | Sam Ashaolu shares, in these 1-hour presentations, his remarkable story of overcoming adversity to remind students to push through adversity, build strong character, and believe in themselves. Sam describes challenge after challenge including experiencing poverty, gun violence, and losing scholarships as well as his many successes along the way including full scholarships, professional sport, earning degrees, and the belief in himself that helped him overcome the odds. Suitable: Grades 6-12.
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| Believe Initiative Inc. | Believe Initiative Inc. | This program engages and inspires students to adopt a mindset of resiliency, self belief and learning through challenges in order to be successful through presentations. Believe initiative founder Sarah Wells, an Olympic hurdler, is no stranger to overcoming obstacles as she shares stories of her success in her sport in the Olympic Games and how she dealt with heartbreaking defeat and unforeseen challenges. This equipped Sarah with the knowledge and tools on how to build and foster resilience. Schools may choose from just a keynote or the full program which includes keynote and follow-up workshops on various leadership traits culminating in an interdisciplinary project where students apply their learning to develop and implement their own belief passion project. Suitable: Grades 4-12 |
| S-Quire Media Group | Behind the Lens | This interactive digital media workshop series instructs African/Caribbean/Black (ACB) students from grades 7-12 the fundamentals of photography and videography to create a reflective social media campaign that speaks their truth. Students engage in dialogue to encourage critical thinking around messaging in traditional and new media that shape the way ACB communities are depicted, and identify strategies that can be utilized to incorporate more positive representational images on popular social media platforms. Delivered by a Black media professional, this culturally responsive media program aims to provide a safe space for students to share their authentic experiences and highlight how vital collective school and community support is to their aspirational growth. The 6 part workshop series finishes with students sharing their own edited student creations. |
| Roland Bibeau | Beebo Music: French Music Concerts | The interactive French and bilingual language music concerts give students the motivation and confidence to sing along to French-language songs. Students learn traditional and contemporary French songs and they lyrics are projected onto a wall or screen to help students sing along. Performances focus on music as a learning tool, and demonstrate how music can be used in teaching students a second language. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 8; French Immersion and FSL classes |
| Audrey Gabay | Bee Connectionzzz | Play-based workshop using storytelling, drama exercises, games, bee equipment, videos and visual aids to convey information about bees in our ecosystem. The aim is to create a fun experience so students develop a curiosity and fascination for all things bees and pollinators. The workshop explores the bee life cycle, social structures and diversity of bees (social honeybee, solitary bees, natives bees), habitat destruction and regeneration. In addition, the facilitator will talk about bees as a keystone species, review their importance in our ecosystem, and the interdependence among bees, plants pollination and animals, the reasons for their decline and how we can help. Suitable: Grades 1-4 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto | BBBST Mentoring Programs | Children and youth living in challenging circumstances face multiple barriers and may experience distress, depression, or not achieving their full potential for student success. These long-standing individual and/or group Mentoring Programs allow referred children and youth, to benefit from the power of mentoring while remaining in the safe and familiar environment of their own school. BBBST mentors provide weekly sessions that improve students’ connection to their school community, improved academic performance, improved attendance and higher educational attainment. BBBST Program Coordinator monitors each individualized match as well as group programming led by mentors. Serving: All Grades, students referred by TDSB PSS staff and/or students already on BBBST roster. |
| Quantum Sports And Learning Association | Ballmatics | This unique physical education and mathematics programming mixes sports and math skills. Each session provides warm-up, math lesson/drill, basketball skill development and math activity to reinforce the math lesson. Singular sessions or series, provide an academic enrichment program that develops students’ self-efficacy and self-confidence in math through basketball. Program was developed and is facilitated by certified instructors and athletic specialists. When scheduled as a series of sessions, the programming provides progressive development of students' proficiency in math exercises and physical development. Suitable: Grades 4-12 |
| Moving EDGEucation Inc. | Bachelors, Masters, Ph.Ds in EDGEucation! | Health and well-being, movement based learning, dance and healthy school climate sessions for school communities. Bachelors: A highly engaging, inclusive community building experience where the whole self is engaged (the physical, cognitive, social/emotional) moving to multiple music styles. Students create a positive community environment by unifying together on the same movement, then expressing and exploring their own individuality. Masters: Interactive movement sessions with a “numeracy” or “literacy” focus, plus a Professional Learning Session for staff to build the capacity of teachers to integrate movement into lessons. Ph.Ds: Continue the learning through interactive movement sessions with multiple subject areas, and an extended Professional Learning Session to integrate movement into multiple subjects throughout the day. Parent engagement sessions build community, and provide an experiential opportunity for families to become informed about movement & learning while being active at the same time. Serving: Kindergarten to Grade 12, Staff, Parents/Caregivers |
