| 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 |
| Dance to Live | Hispanic Dance & Culture / Danza y Cultura Hispana | Workshops enhance the learning of Spanish language and culture by providing opportunities for engagement in Latin and Spanish dance and music. In-person or virtual sessions offer students a chance to learn and practice Spanish language, communication skills, cultural exploration as well as physical movement and literacy. Dance forms introduced include Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha, Cumbia and Flamenco. Elementary students are introduced to Latin rhythms, clapping and dance movements culminating in a short dance choreography. Secondary students enhance their listening and communication skills with peers while learning more complicated dance steps and routines facilitated either in Spanish, English, or French. Fitness dance programs are available. |
| dancED Movement Project | 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. |
| DAREarts Foundation Inc | Thrive Youth: Cultivating Wellness & Leadership Through The Arts | This program allows elementary students in grades 4-8 to build and practice their core leadership skills while exploring a variety of art forms with facilitators and artist-educators. In these in-person or virtual sessions, through exploring and creating with the arts, students develop their own unique voice, share and connect with their peers and build confidence and their capacity to be change makers. Each daily lesson builds on the previous over the course of each week or two, depending on the program. Learner activity kits containing all supplies needed for participation each session are provided. This program is most suitable for those students who wouldn't normally be exposed to arts programming. |
| 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 |
| Debbie Deer Productions | Virtual Technology and Production Workshop | Virtual Technology and production workshop immerses secondary students in using virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality (collectively known as XR) and the careers that lies in it. Black-identifying industry professionals lead sessions about virtual film production, augmented and mixed reality technology and how it is used to tell their own stories through film production. Facilitators share exciting new careers in film and VR industry. Students have opportunity to learn software such as AR and apply it themselves by making their own augmented reality filter and experience a VR demo with headset. Suitable: Grades 9-12
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| Diana Nazareth | Project Kids & Cameras | An innovative program that teaches photography as a catalyst for self-expression, critical thinking, and creative and visual literacy. Students learn the concepts of composition, perspective, timing, and elements of design to successfully tell their narrative through photography. Students have an opportunity to work hands-on with camera and through creative photography assignments. Once assignments are completed, students discuss the photos to develop their observation, discussion and reflection skills. Workshop series are available for those schools that wish to create and curate a photo exhibit. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 8; Professional learning for staff |
| Digital Human Library Inc. | Digital Human Library | Through a vast network of Canadian teachers, industry leaders, business professionals, and community organizations, Digital Human Library creates opportunities for K-12 teachers and students to engage in community-connected experiential learning by offering: thousands of curriculum-based, interactive 1:1 video-conferences; hundreds of engaging live streamed educational programs delivered by subject matter experts around the world; and a large educational collection of virtual tours and virtual reality on the web. Details are found at www.digitalhumanlibrary.com |
| Digital Moment | Code and Create | Workshops provide hands-on learning, centred around computational thinking and block-based coding, delivered in-person or through video-conferencing. With a variety of workshop topics to choose from, including Scratch, micro:bit and Artificial Intelligence, sessions lay the foundation for participants to continue building digital skills for creative learning. Coding content is scoped to curriculum and grade from elementary to high school and is delivered in French or English. KCJ supports social and emotional learning (SEL) and autism-inclusivity. Serving: Grades 4 - 8 ; Professional learning sessions get educators excited about code, computational thinking, artificial intelligence, and digital citizenship. Educators learn key concepts and practices and leave with valuable resources and lesson plans to take into the classroom. |
| Divine Mvita | The Art of Becoming | This one-hour presentation highlights the importance of the authentic self and channelling one’s unique gifts to contribute to the world. Born in Africa, Divine Mvita, shares her story of success by voiding the opinions and expectations of society and thriving through finding her unique self and embracing who she is. Presentation provides useful resources, tips and tools in the art of becoming the best version of self. Students hear the importance of who they are, being able to identify their passions and highlight the tools they already have to offer to the world. Serving: Grades 6-12 |
| Djennie Laguerre | Words in Movement: Dance, Theater, Storytelling | An interactive dance and storytelling workshop in French or English, to enable students to create their own story. The storytelling workshop uses drama, music, song, dance, word games to enhance students’ communication skills and theatre skills. The dance workshop uses Afro-Caribbean beats and music to enable the students to not only learn about francophone Afro-Caribbean culture but also learn to create a brand new choreography. The workshops series culminates in a class performance. Serving: Grades 1 - 8 |
| Doane Uschool | Ukulele In the Classroom | This enrichment program uses the versatility of the ukulele to enhance music literacy skills for students in grades 3-12. Professional musicians/instructors use the Ukulele in the Classroom pedagogy which strengthen students musical understanding, social skills, and enjoyment. Sessions focus on introduction to ukulele, playing ukulele, improvisation, playing in an ensemble and performance. Students will enhance the following skills: improvisation, ear training, note recognition (both on the page and on the instrument), harmony and rhythm through chording and finally through repertoire which uses all of these elements and performing.
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| 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 |
| DramaWay | Inclusive Arts Programming | Creative arts workshops, in person or through video-conferencing, incorporate arts-based mediums and performance-based activities for students of all abilities, to enhance their social and life skills. Through theatre activities, drama games and skits/performances, students not only develop their artistic skills but also self-confidence, teamwork and communication skills. A variety of mediums may be chosen including theatre, film, dance, visual art and singing. Facilitators support students in exploring their voice and self-expression in a variety of both verbal and non verbal, ambulatory or non-ambulatory techniques. Serving: Students in all grades with Special Needs |
| Dwayne Morgan | Amplifying Student Voice | In his youth, Dwayne Morgan found his voice, and has used it to carve out a life filled with unique experiences. In these motivational sessions, he shares the blueprint for creating a life built around our passions, based in love for self and others. Fused with spoken word poetry, Morgan weaves an inspirational and attainable story; challenges new thinking related to students' use of social media; and evokes engagement in students' sense of self and ability to develop their creative writing skills as an expression of their own voice and their own story. Sessions include spoken word performance and an introduction to poetry slams, with a passion for encouraging Black Student Achievement. Serving: Grades 4 - 12 |
| EcoSpark Environmental Organization | School Watch and Changing Currents | Integrated teacher training and student sessions actively engage in citizen science practices to understand and address climate change, water quality, pollination and bird monitoring, and land use planning. EcoSpark facilitators, through in-person or by video conferencing, lead hypothesis driven research and data collection workshops for students and teachers on their school grounds. Students learn to use scientific protocols to monitor and assess the health of local terrestrial and aquatic environments and then contribute their findings to relevant citizen science projects; shared with scientists around the world. These inquiry-based workshops explore water systems, insect, bird and plant dynamics, and taxonomic identification systems. Students learn to assess the environmental health of streams and school grounds and to analyze data and plan stewardship actions to increase local biodiversity and environmental health. |
| Edouard Labonte | AmiEdouArt | French and bilingual musical presentation and workshops showcase original songs to enhance the learning of French through a cultural and fun learning experience. Edouard sings, plays the bass guitar, percussion instruments and is accompanied by synthesizer. Presentations include: Chantons avec Edouard, Encompagnie d'Edouard and Reflexion. Students enhance their listening and interaction skills, discuss themes and rehearse song choruses using oral French dialogue. Serving: Grades 1 - 8, FSL/French Immersion |
| Education Arts Canada | Set the Stage for Learning_Musical Adventures | Interactive and participatory musical theatre productions for young audiences addressing various learning strands including math, science, literacy, drama, physical fitness and mental health. They are delivered through one hour musical adventures either in-person or via videoconferencing. Using stories, songs, music and movement, students engage actively with characters and make them part of the theatre experience - often so much fun, students don't realize they are learning at the same time. Comprehensive resource materials for educators turn the performance as a time of inspiration into an ongoing opportunity for discovery and growth. Specific productions are found at www.educationarts.ca Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 8 |
| Edz Gyamfi | DANCE EDZ-UCATION | These workshops instruct students on the significance of dance street styles - Dancehall, Hip Hop and Afrobeats and their respective history, culture, roots and evolution so students learn dance vocabulary and create their own works. Workshops are open to various dance levels and provides foundational work or more advanced choreography for performance development. Sessions focus on skills and drills, grooves, dance vocabulary, rhythm and tempo changes. In all sessions, students get immersed into the culture through the skills development and dance experience. Suitable: Grades 5-12 |
| Elisa Birnbaum | SEE Change Magazine_History of Social Change Workshops | These distinctive workshops develop students' appreciation for Canada’s unique struggles for social justice and the rights and freedoms we enjoy, while sharpening their literacy and storytelling skills. Leveraging the History of Social Change Multimedia Project (digital stories and e-book documenting social movements and key players), sponsored by Heritage Canada, and other online sources, these workshops will demonstrate how our lives were transformed by social movements and their key players. The facilitator (a veteran journalist) will provide a lesson in journalism before leading the class through an interactive activity. By the end of the workshop, students have honed their literacy and verbal and written communication skills, developed their capacity for advocacy and gained a deeper grasp of social issues in Canadian history and their impact on present day. Serving: Grades 5 - 12 |
| Elisabeth Pearson | Food, Nutrition and Mental Health | Students, staff or parent participants learn how to choose foods that optimize brain and gut health, which promotes better mental health, including a significantly lower risk of anxiety and depression. Participants learn how the extensive use of social media promotes poor body image, which leads to poor mental health and an unhealthy relationship with food. Participants learn how the widespread availability and advertising of ultra-processed foods impacts food choice and well-being. Serving: Grades 1 - 12 |
| EMG Education Company | African Canadian History Theatre | EMG Education offers original 45-minute theatrical productions on Canadian Stories with a focus on African Canadian Change Makers who have shaped the fabric of this nation. Using multimedia , the performance weaves contemporary issues and reinforces messages of diversity, inclusion and that one person can make a difference, all within the context of Canadian history. Students will also enjoy an interactive game show to enhance their learning. Virtual shows available. Serving: Grades 9 - 12
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| Emily Day | Modern Day Yoga: Mind, Body, Soul | Students receive powerful lessons in mindfulness, meditation and yoga. Gaining skills in self regulation and emotional control, students will gain access to self awareness and body awareness through these sessions. Learning to support their mental health, find control over chronic stressors, while accessing the skills required to build their resilience. Sessions are dedicated to empowering youth through breath, movement and mindfulness. These sessions are fun, inclusive and accessible for all bodies using modern and traditional methods to support students over all physical and mental health, and wellbeing. Serving: Grades 9 - 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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| Environics Analytics Group Ltd. | Geodemographic Data Workshop | In this workshop, secondary students learn practical applications in the field of geography through exposure to real-world case studies that mirror client projects. Students are presented with one of three possible cases where they will examine, identify and analyze the business problem using the maps and geodemographic data reports provided. Through a collaborative team effort, students work together to devise a solution that exercises their data literacy, geographic interpretation and presentation skills. At the end of the workshop, students present their proposed solution and have a client-ready presentation deck. |
| Envision Sports & Entertainment Inc. | Finding Tenths with Paralympic Medalist Marissa Papaconstantinou | This motivational assembly with Paralympic Medalist, Canadian record holder, and TDSB alumni, Marissa Papaconstantinou, highlights uncovering key habits, mindsets, and skills that push you to find and improve yourself. Marissa breaks down each phase of a sprint as it relates to key moments that have allowed her to succeed on the world stage and to help her find her 'tenth'. Themes include resiliency, embracing obstacles, finding confidence from within. The assembly ends with a question and answer period where the audience can engage with Marissa. A follow-up session, a couple months later, allows students to check-in with Marissa and share their progress since her presentation.
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| Epilepsy Toronto | Teaching Awareness Through Puppetry | Teaching Awareness through Puppetry is an educational awareness program that uses engaging, life size puppets to teach students about understanding differences in themselves and others. Workshop topics include: Friendship Strategies (how to be a good friend and inclusion), Celebrating Differences (understanding differences and different abilities) and Mental Wellness (identifying feelings and emotions and tools for self care). Each workshop includes a puppet performance and an inquiry based Q&A discussion where students talk and share what they learned and saw. Teachers receive follow up activities to use in their classrooms, to reinforce student learning. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 6 |
| Errol Lee | Errol Lee Caring Concerts | Errol captivates and motivates all learners effectively communicating that each person has unique, inherent value. His motivational programs are specifically designed to teach, nurture, and model positive character traits. All concerts are multi-sensory and use music, movement, media and visual communication strategies to give audiences an experience where students will dance and be inspired to care for others and the environment. All presentations teach kindness, self-confidence, self-esteem and character building catered to each age and stage. Program delivery has been modified for online platforms. These programs are great for character education, anti-bullying, anti-racism, Black History and Pink Shirt Day. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| Exacto Systems Inc. | Proliteracy.ca: Financing a Post-Secondary Education | Workshops delivered in person or through video-conferencing, provide innovative ways to plan finances for a post-secondary education. Topics include introduction to fundamental financial concepts, personal loan versus student loans, grants and scholarships, and strategies to reduce debt and manage finances responsibly. Students will have an opportunity to explore their desired career path and see the cost estimates and funding options available using the website proliteracy.ca. Serving: Grades 10 - 12 ; Parents/Caregivers
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| Extend-A-Family | Friendship Circles | Friendship Circles build relationships between students with disabilities, who are in a regular class placement and their classmates through engaging activities that encourage social connections. Available in elementary and secondary schools. Groups of children are intentionally brought together to get to know each other and to build a welcoming and inclusive school community for all students. Circles provide an opportunity for the person with a disability to participate in conversations, games, parties and social encounters. Circles are led by an Extend-A-Family Coordinator who facilitates group sessions and encourages groups to plan time and activities together, and to explore the concept of friendship both within and outside of school. |
| Extra Ed Inc. | Jeu d'échecs académique/Academic Chess | These workshops cover the elements of chess play, with a focus on the aspects of the game that apply mathematical skills such as measuring, patterning, numeracy, and probability. Dynamic lessons are presented through storytelling, individual challenges, small group work, and games between students. Using a range of materials such as large interactive display boards, giant chess boards, tournament sized boards and activity sheets, workshops accommodate different learners of all ages and abilities. Workshop is available in French and English. Serving: Grades 1-8 |
| Extra Ed Inc. | Money Managers / Gestionnaires Monétaires | Highly dynamic programming in person or through video-conferencing uses hands-on activities, interactive games, inquiry-based discussion, and a wildly popular "net worth" tournament to provide students with concrete experiences and real-world applications in the facts and feelings around money. Financial concepts and money issues are presented from a diverse viewpoint by engaging and experienced instructors who are able to adapt the program to reflect the needs of different ages, learning styles and community concerns. Subjects covered include savings and debt, interest, credit cards, credit scores, student loans, payday loans, chequing and savings accounts, and registered accounts (RRSP, RESP, TFSA). Program materials support specific outcome achievement in Financial Literacy and other strands of the math curriculum, have cross-curricular connections, and provide opportunities for Social Emotional Learning. Delivered in French or English. Serving: Grades 4 - 12 |
| Facing History and Ourselves | Facing History: Professional Learning Opportunities | Interactive workshops better equip educators, schools and systems with mindsets, knowledge and skills to shape thoughtful, equitable, just and academically challenging environments for student learning. Professional learning sessions are customized and tailor-made for system support, whole school, and department or subject specific audiences. Professional development offerings focus on: fostering community, social and emotional wellbeing in classrooms; building intentional spaces and providing tools to facilitate difficult conversations (about current events and difficult histories); understanding the historical roots of antisemitism, and of anti-Indigenous racism and other forms of bigotry and hatred; facilitating staff development for anti-racist, equitable, just teaching, and decolonial practice (planned and run in partnership with Indigenous educators). Curriculum-based professional work enhances Civics Social Studies, Humanities, English and Indigenous subject teachers with culturally responsive and relevant pedagogical training, and academically rigorous learning resources to empower students as active and engaged learners, citizens and community leaders. |
| Fashion Takes Action | My Clothes My World | Workshops for Grades 4 - 12, in English and French, virtually or in-person, and SHSM students, explore the social and environmental impacts of the global fashion industry with students, while empowering the to build a more resilient and sustainable future. Sessions include: 1. Greenwashing & Transparency: students will become equipped with the tools to identify greenwashing and learn about the certifications that support sustainable fashion; 2. 7Rs of Fashion: students learn about the circular economy, and how they can be part of the solution by using the 7Rs of Circular Fashion; 3. Human Rights & Labour: students explore the human rights issues throughout the global supply chain; 4. Life Cycle of a T-shirt: students explore the environmental footprint of making a t-shirt, from raw materials to end of life.
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| Fithop Fitness & Entertainment | FIT HOP | Students' Physical Literacy is enhanced with these workshops that fuse music, spoken word poetry and movement to provide an interactive dance-based fitness program. Students are engaged in individual and group exercises that teach kinesthetic awareness (personal space), mindfulness through breathing and proper postural alignment in exercise. Program uses rhythm and rhyme, song and spoken word poetry to aid students in remembering the dance sequence. At the end of the workshop, students will have an opportunity to showcase their learning in a dance circle. Professional learning workshops are available. FIT HOP is an acronym for functional integrative training and health optimization program. |
| Flashpoint Training Inc. | Fusion Training Experience | This career exploration program enables students to gain transferable skills and knowledge in a variety of economic sectors. Flashpoint provides pre-employment training, innovation exercises and reach ahead opportunities with dynamic industry partners. Sessions consist of interactive training to deepen knowledge and skills required in each sector and industry speaker presentations on their work and careers in the field. Students are granted SPE and SHSM certificates upon completion of their certification training. For a full list of industry sectors and skill sets offered, see www.flashpointtraining.com. Serving: Grades 11, 12 |
| Flemingdon Health Centre, HATP | Pediatric Health Initiative Clinic | Clinics in elementary and secondary schools address the issue of students in inner city communities who come to school with undiagnosed and untreated health concerns that prevent them from learning. Its objective is to provide students with access to a medical clinic, on site, in schools. Medical practitioners, (including but not exclusive to: nurse practitioners, physicians, pediatricians, community health workers) consult with students (and, if elementary school age, with their families) on a variety of medical, behavioural and developmental and school-related concerns. Services may include, and are not limited to: 1. Medical - providing diagnoses, prescribing medications, health counselling and referrals to other medical specialists, or dietician. 2. Behavioural and Developmental - providing diagnoses, prescribing medications, related mental health counselling, referrals to specialist and/or community agencies. 3. Clinical services will be provided on a referral basis from parents/guardians; TDSB Professional Support Services; local Principals from schools surrounding school in which clinic site is hosted. Services are customized and implemented as required based on presenting issues Clinic practitioners are also available to meet with designated School Support Teams in schools, when needed, as mutually scheduled. Administration of clinic appointments is facilitated by clinic staff. |
| FoodShare Toronto | Community Food Programs | FoodShare’s award winning Community Food Programs work with TDSB staff, parents/caregivers and students in all grades, to provide good food education in schools with hands on activities, growing projects, workshops, professional learning sessions, presentations and events. Participants learn about composting, innovative food gardens, nutrition, cooking, local and global food systems, food skills, budgeting, food justice and more. FoodShare’s philosophy on food literacy education is that every interaction with food should be a positive one. We strive to excite, equip & educate students and teachers on food topics that are interesting, curriculum linked and relevant. Updated menu of workshops is available at: foodshare.net
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| FoodShare Toronto | School Grown | FoodShare Toronto’s School Grown program uses market gardens located at selected schools and on TDSB sites to enhance student’s learning about food systems, urban agriculture, and food justice. The program provides experiential learning opportunities, enhanced curriculum connections, career awareness and mentorship, and school food program enhancements for students at School Grown sites. Students are engaged in outdoor experiential learning in the market garden throughout the growing season, and teachers are supported in professional development and skill building opportunities through garden activities. More information on programming can be found at: https://foodshare.net/program/schoolgrown/ |
| FOOT IQ Programme Educatif & Activities Sportives | Football en français | Through soccer as a learning tool, students practise French language skills. This workshop series provides an opportunity for students to not only gain confidence in speaking French but also enhance decision-making, team building, keeping a healthy, active lifestyle. French-speaking coaches share learning strategies on and off the field. Suitable: Grades 6-12; French Immersion; FLS
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| Forever Yoga | Mindful Movement | Sessions led by a certified Yoga Therapist combine a science-based exploration of the body, mind and the self to support and enhance physical, mental, emotional and social health. Mindful Movement serves to help students, teachers and the community to improve self-awareness, reduce stress and improve mindfulness. This is achieved by teaching participants how to integrate movement with breath to strengthen, align and balance the body, focus the mind and pacify the nervous system. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12; staff; parents/caregivers
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| Francis Atta | Francis Inspires | In this motivational presentation, Ghanaian-born Francis Atta shares his lived experience of overcoming significant barriers and flipping his life around. Once homeless, failing in school and in trouble with the law, he went on to post-secondary studies and graduated with honours. Presentation also emphasizes the importance of education, power of sport and finding motivation to do more. Students gain skills to help them overcome challenges in life and strive for success. Serving: Grades 7-12 |
| 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 |
| Full Circle - Art Therapy Centre | Artful Wellbeing | Sessions are designed to support the mental health well-being of students, staff, and parents/caregivers, through expressive arts and mindfulness. Delivered by professional art therapists who are also registered psychotherapists, workshops help participants externalize and organize their thoughts and feelings through art; thoughts and feeling that may otherwise be difficult to articulate. Sessions address common psychosocial struggles through creative ways. They address mental health topics such as self-care practice, stress relief, relationships & boundaries, and managing expectations. These workshops enhance communication and self-expression, self-discovery and problem-solving. They encourage the development of healthy coping strategies in working through life’s difficulties and strengthening inner resiliency. Serving: referred students, Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| Fusion Artz Café | Art Clay Ceramic Metamorphosis | Project-based learning approach using art, clay or ceramics to enhance science, social studies and language subjects for students in Grades 1 - 8. Themes include Animal Life Cycles, Solar System, Habitats & Communities, Body Systems. Whilst working on their art project, students are encouraged to think critically and develop their art-making skills. In these in-person or virtual sessions, students learn different art processes of using clay including clay techniques, painting and glazing. Students sketch, form and mould their project and facilitators take the projects to be fired and returned the following week for students to paint and finish. Through this creative process, students learn to interpret, organize, and apply newly learned information in a creative and engaging way.
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| Fusion Jeunesse / Youth Fusion | ICT Gaming Design | Through Youth Fusion sessions with post-secondary mentors and industry specialists, secondary students develop real-world employable skills in a variety of ICT sectors. Information, Communications & Technology (ICT) learning is enhanced through learning how to design and its practical applications. Students form teams and go through the entire process of developing, testing and marketing a video game. They receive training in numerous disciplines such as graphic design, level design, coding, and software development from industry leaders, contributing to a rich learning experience for all participants. This program is tailor-made for young people, who in addition to being exposed to careers options in the video game industry, also learn soft skills like teamwork and creative problem solving. Serving: Grades 9 - 12 |
| Future Design School Inc. | Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship and Leadership | The Future Design School programs offer a variety of experiential learning opportunities for students from K-12 that leverages their knowledge supporting them to apply it in meaningful and relevant real-world settings. These sessions are hands-on and practical, inspiring students to engage deeply through choice and voice. Programs are available in-person and online in the areas of Entrepreneurship, Design Thinking, App Design, STEM, Leadership, Career Exploration, Project Management, Environmental Science and Equity & Inclusion. SPE and SHSM certifications are available. |
| Gail Valentine Consulting and Marketing | Film School In A Box | Full day interactive workshop for students to enhance their media literacy. In person or virtual sessions are delivered by professional filmmakers, providing students with the opportunity to create stop motion, claymation, short films or digital arts. Choose from four workshops: Short Filmmaking, Stop Motion Animation, Claymation and Digital Pranks. Students learn about the filming process from storyboard, script, music, filming and post-production; the people and roles; while enhancing their critical thinking and media literacy skills. Secondary students use FInal Cut Pro and engage in higher level critical thinking and story development to be used in conjunction with their unit of inquiry. |
| Gallery 44 | CameraReach | CameraReach is a workshop series by a professional photographer for middle school students. Students learn various skills: the basic elements of photography, developing narrative and visual literacy through hands-on learning, dialogue, prompts and production. The engaging, participatory, experiential workshops promote creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and community building. Sessions are developed to engage students to apply and layer these skills in their own ongoing exploration as young creatives. Students discover and hone individual creative expression through photography while working with an artist instructor to explore an annual theme resulting in an opportunity to showcase their artwork in a professional gallery. |
| 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. |
| Generation Chos3n | Generation Chosen | Institutions (family, school, work) are often plagued with harmful power structures that favour those with privilege and sideline those without. This program demystifies and engages in meaningful discussions to enable youth to view themselves as unique entities capable of reshaping their understanding of themselves, in relation to those around them. The emotional intelligence workshops focus on illuminating those insecurities and combating them with practical alternatives that can be applied to realistic situations each participant will be faced with. Six key virtues that is the basis of the program and that contribute to the emotional and well-being of youth are: Perspective, Courage, Humility, Integrity, Boldness and Vision. Sessions are culturally relevant and build critical consciousness in students who self-identify as Black/from marginalized communities. |
| George Brown College | Career Development Practitioner Field Placements | This program provides field placement opportunities for students in the Career Development Practitioner Program at George Brown College. 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 the provision of community employment services. Field placement students collaborate with TDSB staff to enhance their understanding of the various processes and skills utilized in the provision of employment services to the community. These placements satisfy post-secondary course requirements for field placement experience. |
| 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. |
| Get REAL Movement Inc. | Building Bridges through Inclusion, Acceptance, and Diversity | Get REAL is a Canadian non-profit focused on combating 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination and bullying in schools. Presenters from Get REAL facilitate interactive workshops with students that build on the power of personal stories. Participants hear from relatable 2SLGBTQ+ speakers who have grown from their diverse life experiences and journeys to find confidence in their identities. Participants then have an opportunity to share reflections through a guided, anonymous exercise. Presentations highlight human connections and shared emotions, 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination, unlearning harmful language, and focus on the impact students have on one another through small acts of kindness. Serving: Grades 5 - 12 |
| Global Sunrise Productions Inc. | A Gen Z's Guide to Taking Civic Action | Presented by the young filmmaker and founder of The Global Sunrise Project, Kasha Sequoia Slavner, this screening of the film, The Sunrise Storyteller, shares her experiences and travels and what it means to be a global citizen while discussing the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's). The film is paired with an accompanying workshop, "A Gen-Z’s Guide to Creating Social Change". Students gain a greater understanding of the UN SDG's and how to take action on the issues they care about using the social change formula and action planning worksheets to create their own unique individual action plan. |
| Good Beautiful Morning Consultancy | Our Tapestry is our Masterpiece | African Canadian artist/writer, Mello Ayo, takes the audience on a journey of the history of the African diaspora, a tapestry running from Africa across the Atlantic sea to where we stand today. This presentation highlights history and contributions of people of African ancestry, the human experience including the struggles and joys and especially the hope for the future. Mello takes a multidisciplinary approach – performance art, storytelling, original spoken word and poetry and music to inspire and share the power of resilience. Suitable for secondary students. |
| Greater Toronto Hockey League ( GTHL ) | Try Hockey | This program introduces the sport of hockey through the game of floorball to students in grades 2-6 who have previously been unable to play the sport. Certified coaches deliver the program in the school gymnasium where small groups practice basics of stick-handling, passing and shooting. Students will participate actively and engage in a variety of movement competencies, and demonstrate an understanding of the value of regular physical activity in their daily lives. With follow-up communication, coaches provide further support to maximize sustainability and teacher resources are made available including access to floorball lesson plans. Following the in-school portion, students/families are invited to the local arena to try hockey on the ice. |
| Green Communities Association | School Traffic Safety | The School Traffic Safety program provides assistance to select schools that are experiencing traffic congestion and traffic safety concerns on and around their school site. Select schools work with a facilitator who investigates and responds to traffic related concerns and provide traffic safety support. The program offers workable solutions to identified safety concerns and schools receive a comprehensive School Action Plan, Routes to School map and other strategies and tools to provide students and families with information about safe routes and active transportation options.
The School Traffic Safety program applies a comprehensive approach to traffic safety management. By engaging a wide-range of stakeholders that include the school board, municipal transportation planners and engineers, public health, police, parents, students and school staff, workable solutions are found. The program supports TDSB’s Charter for Active, Safe and Sustainable Transportation and Implementation Plan. |
| Green Thumbs Growing Kids | Urban Trees From Seed | Students plant and nurture urban-tolerant native species of trees, from seed that they collect or is collected locally from mature trees. Delivery in-person or by video-conferencing, this project enhances student learning in citizen science, biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Facilitated by an Indigenous garden educator who provides knowledge on a variety of native tree species including one with the Anishnaabemowin name, Giidaga biizhou aatig, also known as the Kentucky Coffee Tree. Younger students plant the tree from seed and older students pot the seedlings, take care and plant the seedling in a forever home. |
| GreenBNG Inc. | Fundamentals of Solar Energy | Delivered by a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists, this hands-on workshop explores solar technologies including solar thermal and solar photovoltaic (PV) basics. The discussion starts with how energy is created and then moves to renewable energy sources. Workshop provides information on the science of solar energy, complex methods of solar energy, different energy conversions, tools to measure output and the future of solar technology. Students actively observe and participate in small group experiments. The session culminates with a hands-on demonstration of an off-grid PV set-up. Fundamental concepts such as integrated science, environment, fight against climate change will be covered during the sessions. Speakers also provide information on green careers and industry knowledge. Suitable: Grades 4-12
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| Greenpeace Canada | Virtual Greenspeakers | Free virtual presentations enhance student knowledge and motivation on critical environmental topics such as climate change/crisis, the Arctic, boreal and rain forests, biodiversity, plastics, economic development/environmental impact, and personal environmental awareness/engagement. Thought provoking and interactive, the presentations engage on both an intellectual and emotional level so that the students brainstorm ideas for practical, and actionable solutions. Serving: Grades 3 - 12 |
| H.U.S.T.L.E Inc. | The Great Canadian Hustle | Workshops use the medicine wheel to guide Indigenous youth in creating a healthy lifestyle in select schools. Facilitated by an Indigenous facilitator, students increase their physical and mental wellness and develop good life skills. Sessions and topics include physical activity, training on gym equipment, healthy eating and goal-setting using Indigenous traditions and knowledge. Each session includes a physical movement/exercise with or without equipment, yoga/meditation and sharing circle/affirmations. Suitable: grades 6-12 |
| Hamilton-Wentworth Green Venture | Vermicomposting Workshop | This wiggly worm workshop allows students to observe a vermicomposting habitat and see how worms recycle food waste to produce valuable compost. Learn how composting relates to food waste, discuss why food waste is an important environmental issue, and learn the science of composting. Sessions may focus on setting up a vermicomposting bin from scratch or how to care and troubleshoot vermicomposting bins. All materials will be provided by the facilitator for hands-on learning experience. In addition, follow-up activity guide and supplementary lessons are provided to further the learning beyond the workshop. Suitable: All grades |
| Hands on Exotics Inc. | Amazing Living World of Birds | This highly interactive presentation takes students on an avian tour around the world using a variety of species of birds. By being presented with multiple species of birds up close and personal, students hold, pet, feed and observe the animals' behaviours and traits. Trained facilitators guide students through the inquiry process to come to conclusions themselves about diet and habitat by examining the different beak shapes, toe formations, feathers, colours and size. In addition, students learn about native species of birds including every day good habits they can follow to be good neighbours to our wildlife, how to help with backyard conservation as well as discuss the consequences of being responsible agents to our natural resources. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| 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 |
| Harmony Movement | SHSM Anti-Oppression and Allyship Workshop | SHSM certification is available to grade 11 and 12 students who wish to enhance their equity learning and its application in their industry focus/workplace. This interactive half-day workshop engages in group discussion, self-reflection through reflection guides and knowledge sharing. Program content includes: Introduction to the concepts of intersectionality, stereotypes, and bias; forms of discrimination including overt, covert and micro-aggressions; going beyond 'diversity' in the workplace; what is allyship and how to be a good ally; moving from allyship to solidarity; and confronting discrimination in the workplace and engaging in courageous conversations. SPE certification may be available. Suitable: Grades 11-12 |
| Heart of a Man (HOAM) Ltd. | Welcome Wellness | Overcome, elevate, inspire. Donovan is a motivational speaker who inspires others by sharing his story of mental health and wellness. He speaks of his battle with depression and educates on effective communication, vulnerability and resilience. Interactive discussion provides an inspirational message on Black mental health for young men and youth audiences. Integrating stories, statistics, and spoken word, students are engaged and provided with effective strategies for fostering wellness, coping, and reaching out to supports and community resources. The presentation inspires students in defining one’s own struggles, overcoming them with passion and ultimately finding one’s purpose in life. Serving: Grades 9 - 12
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| Hello Hope Canada Inc. | Hello Hope | Aubrey Noronha offers two presentations, in-person or virtual, to instill hope and better equip students, staff and parents to make their school and community a safe one. "Battling Loneliness & Isolation Before, During, and After COVID19" for the school community provides strategies to tackle stress and anxiety during and after a pandemic as well a sbuilt ongoing psychological/mental health. This presentation provides scientific connections between social media, empathy and the health benefits of face-to-face interactions and practical tips on how to create stronger bonds with family, friends and community. The second presentation, "Colour Blind? Why Being "Not Racist" Is Not Enough" provides a student-friendly primer on bias, evolution of the word racism and offers practical steps for going from "not racist" to "anti-racist".
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| Higher Love | E.Y.E. (Elevating Youth Everywhere) Yoga | In this 8 week program, Black female yoga instructor, Vonnette Forde, offers a practical program for students to learn mindfulness tools to help reduce anxiety and stress. Sessions may be offered in-person or virtually. Using meditation, yoga postures and movement, soft music, vision boarding and gratitude journaling, students develop skills that improve their physical and mental health. Sessions highlight the interconnection between the mind and the body, so students can build on their body awareness and positive mindset. Suitable: Grades 6-12; Staff; Parents/Caregivers |
| Holland Bloorview Hospital | Communication and Writing Aids Service | The Communication and Writing Aids Service (CWAS) program includes an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) service and a Writing Aids (WA) service. AAC provides consultative support to children in the classroom and at home when their speech does not meet their face-to-face communication needs. WA provides technological support (laptop and specialized software) to children who use natural speech as their primary means of communication, but are unable, due to a physical disability, to write with pen and paper functionally. Students who use AAC may also need a WA. Holland Bloorview CWA staff collaborate with the TDSB School Support Team (SST), including the Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational and/or Physical Therapist, Principal, and teacher to determine an appropriate AAC and/or WA system and to facilitate the mutually agreed upon system into the classroom. |
| Hong Fook Mental Health Association | Wraparound: Making Healthy Choices | Led by Hong Fook Youth Program Worker, the CHOICES program, serving East Asian and international students from grades 7 – 12 helps youth to create new social connections and strengthen peer to peer relationships. Through games, group work and discussion, youths are able to develop strategies with a focus on different life skills, including communication, healthy relationships, stress management, wellness, decision-making, and goal-setting. The Youth Outreach Worker is available to provide individualized programs to meet participants' needs as well as be available for presentations with school communities to increase all students' understanding of mental health, available resources, and the local school community's engagement in issues of equity and social inclusion.
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| Hot Planet Cool Athletes Canada | Protect Our Planet | Canadian professional athletes and Olympians inspire secondary students to be climate leaders in their schools, communities and beyond in these in-person or virtual presentations. Presenters share first-hand accounts of how climate change affects their sport. This multi-media presentation covers a wide variety of topics relating to climate change including an overview of climate science, its causes and effects, climate impacts across Canada, policy goals, and actionable solutions every student can participate in. Students have an opportunity to ask presenters questions at the end. Resources are available to engage students on how to take action personally and throughout their school and community.
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| Human Moves Inc. | Accessible Mini Ping Pong | Program is suitable for all grades and abilities. It provides specially designed tables, racquets and ping pong pickup tools, targets and containers of different size. Students learn ball movements, direction control, deflection, bounce control, catching and targeting. Progression moves to racquet and ball timing. As students get more advanced, students learn rally challenges with others, 50 rally challenge, forehand/backhand rally switching providing foundation skills. All participants are given achievable motivational challenges according to their abilities. The design of equipment is wheelchair friendly and can accommodate a wide spectrum of disabilities including movement disorders and cognitive challenges. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12
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| 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. |
| Humber 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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| Humber College | DSW SSW Field Placements | This program provides field placement opportunities for post-secondary students in the Behavioural Sciences and Social Services Worker programs, 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. |
| Hélène Nicole Richard | Quand je serai grand | Helene Nicole offers a one-hour performance in French to encourage students to appreciate the French language and culture. Quand je serai grand (When I Grow Up) explores the topic of what it takes to grow up kind, create productive relationships and embrace differences. Six songs guide students in creating their self-portrait, adding layers with each song to showcase their uniqueness. Students learn how to embrace what they cannot change and proactively participate in becoming the best version of themselves while supporting others. The program simplifies complex concepts such as love, self-esteem, kindness, open-mindedness, accountability, and responsibility to self and others. Suitable for French Immersion classes. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12 |
| I Challenge Diabetes | Diabetes Education | A program that destigmatizes those living with diabetes and provides knowledge and supports to those students living with the disease for the entire school community. Presentation and workshops dispel myths while educating the audience on what it means to live with Type 1 Diabetes including what steps are taken to manage the disease, testing and taking insulin, self care, and use of technology to help those involved succeed. Workshops offer the basics on diabetes including how to use Glucagon to understanding Ministry's PPM 161. Parent workshops are available to provide strategies on how to support students living with diabetes to achieve school success. Serving: Grades 1 - 12 |
| Ian Keteku | Uncover Your Hidden Voice | Facilitated by a National Slam Champion and World Poetry Slam Champion, these workshops introduce students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, to the spoken word form. Sessions encourage students to engage with language in new, personal, and imaginative ways. Writing skills and tools for creative expression are enhanced in grade specific abilities. Students learn the literary tools and techniques used to effectively communicate messages and emotions. Workshops culminate with students performing their own unique spoken word piece to their class. |
| Imagine Yoga and Wellness Inc. | Accessible & Adaptable Yoga | Workshops, in person or virtual delivery, use yoga and mindfulness activities for students to build on body awareness, self-regulation and mobility, especially for diverse learners with exceptionalities. Students learn and practise techniques to help with movement, breathing, well-being and connection between the mind and body. Activities and exercises are adapted to be inclusive including exceptional individuals (special needs) and are based on the needs of the students (no matter shape, size, ability and strength) ensuring practise is safe for every participant. Program is suitable for Intensive Support Programs (ISPs). |
| IndigenEd | IndigenEd | Led by Veronica Johnny, these assemblies and workshops focus on personal healing and growth and help participants tune into their intuition and artistic gifts. Two-Spirit musician and knowledge keeper, Veronica Johnny shares traditional teachings and drum songs on solo hand drum for students to have a better understanding of Indigenous teachings, music and perspectives. Veronica shares traditional Indigenous percussive techniques, the origin of songs, protocols, and cultural context while leading songs. These workshops provide a safe space for expression and music-making. Veronica can also offer learning about 4 sacred medicines, healing, eco-art, and intuitive art. Suitable: All students; staff |
| 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 |
| Inna Gertsberg | Draw Me A Monster | This visual arts workshop focuses on developing students' creativity through drawing imaginary characters based on their classmates’ descriptions. This workshop, in-person or virtual delivery, utilizes individual, pair/group work, discussion and sharing of experiences and culminates in a presentation to the class. Presentation of favourite monsters in pop culture eases fears of monsters. Students work in pairs to identify the main characteristics of a monster and draw interpretation of each other's descriptions. The workshop culminates in each author reading the description while the illustrator reveals the drawing to the class. Art is then presented to each author; everyone makes art and receives art. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 8 |
| Inspiration Republic | Virtual YOU, Me, US | African Canadian history virtual presentation takes a look at historical African Canadian figures who have made substantial contributions in the black community and Canadian culture, while facing racism and oppression. Presentation explores the setbacks and challenges of Harry Jerome, Viola Desmond, Elijah McCoy but also to showcase their resiliency, innovative spirit and problem-solving skills while inspiring students to see themselves as problem-solvers and innovators. Using media, real life stories and an interactive game show, the presentation highlights the history beyond the colour barrier. Suitable but not limited to Black History Month. |
| International Student Exchange - Ontario | Reciprocal Student Exchanges | Reciprocal, individualized, international student exchanges, for students in grades 10 & 11, focuses on language learning, cultural understanding, appreciation and acceptance of others, self-awareness and lasting personal contacts. TDSB promotes the opportunity, while all arrangements are made directly between interested students' families and the reciprocal exchange agency. Ministry of Education guidelines for reciprocal student exchanges are followed as per the Ministry of Education document ‘Enrolment Register Instructions for Elementary and Secondary Schools’. Students apply in one school year and both components of the reciprocal exchange take place during the next school year. TDSB students host a visiting student in the fall and then travel overseas in the following spring. Visiting students stay with and attend school with the host student. All exchange agency registration documents, including parent/guardian permissions to participate in all school activities as per procedures of the host family's school board, are provided to TDSB Schools by host families when registering the visiting student as a guest at the school. Students from each country remain on the registry of their home school. Host schools Guidance and teaching staff comment on the attendance, effort and participation of the visiting student and provide the visiting student with a copy of this report before they return home. |
| Intuit Canada ULC | Virtual Intuit Education Program | In collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, this virtual program identifies and addresses barriers Black students, families and communities have with regards to financial literacy, digital equity and design thinking for innovative community-based change. These sessions offer secondary students a chance to learn from industry professionals in technology; develop entrepreneurship skills through authentic business experiences; develop financial habits using real-world simulations; and participate in social entrepreneurship challenges, using Design Thinking methodologies, to solve a real-world challenge in their community. Through these rich experiential learning opportunities (workshops, conferences, exhibitions, competitions) students obtain the skills for career readiness. Professional learning is also available. |
| IRIS | Robots Build and Learn | Enable students to be active and creative digital learners by using LEGO bricks and digital tools to solve problems and collaborate with each other. These workshops facilitated by Institute of Robotics & Intelligent Systems staff encourage a playful learning environment where students build and program a variety of fun LEGO models. IRIS Canada offers the following workshops for different grade levels (in collaboration with teachers): Grades 1-3 LEGO WEDO, Grades 4-8 LEGO EV3, Grades 6-8 Arduino/Python/C++. In the early grades, students develop an understanding of basic design and work with easy to use platforms which bridge to more complex systems. In the middle grades, students enhance their understanding of coding while constructing programs and robots. The higher grades allow students to design projects with challenging levels of complexity and enhance their programming skills. Serving: Grades 1 - 8 |
| Isaac Akrong | African Dance Ensemble (ADE): Dance, Drumming, Music, and Stories | The cultural history, meaning and context of African music and dance comes alive in these presentations and workshops to the school community. The group performs a number of pieces from their repertoire which spans the continent of Africa, specialization in West Africa. The performance incorporates rich and vibrant costumes, beads, masks, and instruments such as a variety of types of drums, xylophone, shaker, bell and flute. Workshop series and residencies are available for those classes that wish to develop and perform a polished performance piece. All instruments are provided and facilitator demonstrates the song, rhythm and dance so each student has the opportunity to participate in playing, dancing and singing. Delivered in-person or virtual. |
| Itah Sadu | Stories For Our Time | Highly theatrical and always inspirational, Itah Sadu uses oral tradition and storytelling to share contemporary and traditional stories and folklore from across the African and Caribbean Diaspora. Stories convey history, relationships with the world, social justice themes, give meaning to complex issues and conversations, and is a simple form of individual and group engagement in these in-person or by video-conferencing sessions. Facilitator introduces Canadian and international Black and Caribbean game changers while engaging students in call and response, question and answer, and movement. The art form of storytelling speaks to language arts, student voice, communication, inclusion and identity and culture.
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| 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 |
| Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife | Roots and Shoots _ Professional Learning | Professional Learning Sessions for staff include an overview and discussion on the Jane Goodall Institutes Roots & Shoots youth sustainability program and their focus on climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental inequity. Orienting staff in their ability to guide students of all ages through a 4-step program: STEP 1: Who or What Inspires You? STEP 2: Map Out Your Community STEP 3: Plan An Action Project STEP 4: Reflect on Your Achievements and Celebrate Your Impact! Examples of projects from across Canada will also be shared. |
| Jane/Finch Community and Family Centre | Green Change | This free program enhances ecological literacy through a park design project for elementary schools, in-person or virtually. Students learn design components of a public space as well as equitable, ecological and sustainable models to address community need. Students identify problems in their local park using a design-thinking process and facilitators guide students to take concrete steps to address the issues and work to a solution. Program entails exploring and documenting the space (photography and sketching), creating surveys for class participation, sketching a prototype of their impact project, and presentation of the impact project to the school community. To help schools build capacity following project completion, facilitators support teachers to expand or modify the program in the second year and have regular check-ins. Serving: Grades 3 - 6 |
| Janice Pomer | Dance the Moving World | Explore dance and create choreography inspired by movement patterns in Nature. Elementary students deepen their movement skills as they interpret aspects of water, earth, plants, animals, the sky and outer space through collaborative explorations and group choreography. Secondary students are introduced to nature-inspired choreographic structures designed to challenge their technical and creative skills. Professional learning sessions provide elementary teachers with the tools to facilitate dynamic movement programs that connect their students with each other, their community, the environment and other areas of the curriculum. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12; Staff |
| Jeff A.D. Martin | You Are Worth It | Empowerment assembly and leadership workshops targeted to building up and fostering character development among students. Presentation reinforces the following three points: turning your adversities into your advantages, believing in yourself, the power of self-affirmation. Jeff. A.D. Martin grew up in an underserved neighbourhood within Toronto, facing many disadvantages and can relate to the various struggles that students continue to face today. He shares his own personal stories, which includes loss through violence and also from his fifteen years in law enforcement within various detective roles. Workshops help students to step through their fears and build important life skills to find their life's passion. Suitable: Grades 4-12 |
| Jessica Tudos | Every Student Thrives | A motivational and interactive presentation from Canadian Olympic gymnast, Jessica Tudos, who inspires students to appreciate the possibilities they have to lead healthy, creative and active lives. By sharing personal stories, life lessons, memorabilia, as well as answering probing questions, Jessica empowers students to tackle life’s challenges and opportunities with more understanding, resilience, and confidence. Modeling a life approach that embraces accepting who you are, staying the course despite the pressure to conform, and prioritizing your health and wellness, are at the heart of Jessica’s message to students. Suitable: Grades K-4
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| Job Talks Inc. | The Skilled Trades and YOU | In this interactive virtual presentation, Dr. Jon Callegher helps students see how different careers in the skilled trades and construction industry can address a variety of personal and work-related interests. He introduces the concept of “balanced intelligence” as a defining quality of tradespeople. He explains 5 Reasons To Try An Apprenticeship in high school, including: 1) Get Work Experience, 2) Work With Your Hands, 3) Have Teacher Support, 4) Learn How to Run a Business, and 5) Earn While You Learn. This session helps to change mindsets toward the trades among students, educators and parents. Suitable: Grades 7-11, staff; parents/caregivers |
| 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 |
| Junglesport Inc. | Adventure Learning | A multi-day program with a series of one hour sessions offered each day. Students take part in wall climbing and vertical challenges, the Gorilla Gym individual swinging challenge, Ascending Lines, and challenges such as the Commando Course, Cable Ride and Obstacle Courses. Students are separated into groups by their age and complete age-appropriate activities. The initiative offers programs that engage students of all ages and abilities in climbing and ropes course activities in school gyms. Junglesport's staff supervises the activities. Suitable: Grades 1-12 |
| Just BGRAPHIC Inc. | Just BGraphic Arts | Using art as a means to engage students, these sessions infuse learning in themes of critical thinking and social awareness through a wide range of artistic disciplines; including visual arts, digital arts, performing arts and leadership. Students have the opportunity to dive into screen printing, music production, dance, public speaking, sound design, animation and vocals. Combining this with a culminating performance, project or activity diversifies the art experience; and encourages students to see themselves as more than artists, but also as innovators and creative leaders! Serving: Grades 1 - 12 |
| 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 |
