| 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. |
| Silvija Vukadinovic | From Yoga Mat to Peaceful Classroom | From Yoga Mat to Peaceful Classroom introduces yoga, breathing and mindfulness techniques. The program can be adapted for students, staff, parents, at multiple levels and all age groups. It can be delivered online, in a space that accommodates mats, as well as in a traditional classroom with students standing or sitting at their desks. Through mindful movement, relaxation exercises and meditation, participants develop social-emotional and life skills that enhance their health and well-being. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12; Staff; Parens/Caregivers |
| Never Too Short Productions | Film In A Day | Full day hands-on workshop offers the opportunity for students to explore all aspects of filmmaking including script writing, exploration of equipment and techniques required to create a film. This comprehensive workshop emphasizes four key components to consider when making a film: storytelling, writing, presentation and use of equipment. The facilitator also discusses the editing process, and software that accompanies it. The goal of the workshop is not only for students to create a short film, but also to provide them with a solid understanding of the film industry's practices, standards and careers. Suitable: Grades 5-12 |
| Green Thumbs Growing Kids | School Food Gardens for Learning | Gardens provide food growing and environmental education programs at select elementary schools. The fruits and vegetables produced are used in the schools’ nutrition programs and classroom cooking. Gardens are designed along ecological principles, incorporating trees, shrubs and perennials along with annual food plants. Curriculum links include science, social studies, language, math and art. Suitable for Grades K - 8. |
| 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 |
| Tata Consultancy Services Canada Inc. | goIT virtual | goIT is an innovative, experiential and immersive program for students and staff to learn about TDSB’s Global Competencies and Tata’s Five Forces. Elementary and secondary teachers will create curricular based Global Competency learning experiences and collaborate with TCS employees to bring real world digital knowledge, expertise and practical 'real-work' experience into TDSB classrooms to help teachers and students make globally competency connections. Various initiatives, reflective of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, have participants investigate the world, recognize perspectives, communicate ideas and take action. Sessions are led by TCS Associates as Mentors, including student alumni of goIT who have graduated or are those in secondary grades coaching junior grades in their activities. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff |
| Lance Cumberbatch | Shake, Rattle and Roll to West African Drumming | Grounded in Africentric perspectives, these workshops introduce the cultural and community significance of West African traditional drumming and music to elementary students. Black musician and artist, Lance Cumberbatch, shares with students the many sounds, rhythms of West African traditions as well as the history and culture of West Africa, its people and evolution of the music. Sessions provide an opportunity for students to express themselves through movement and participate in creative music-making. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 |
| Alpha Rhythm Roots | African Musical Journey | Guinean music, dance, traditions and culture are explored in these African drum circle and dance sessions. Presentations discuss the Guinean percussion orchestra, manufacturing and origins of instruments and history alongside live demonstrations of the instruments played in Western Africa. Performances bring history alive through full traditional outfits, drumming and dancing to the entire school. Workshops provide students the opportunity to participate in collective drumming and dance that develop teamwork, memorization, hand coordination and creativity. Students learn a full orchestra rhythm and/or choreographed dance routine. All sessions are available in English and French, year-round, and professional learning may be available to staff. Suitable: All students; staff; parents/caregivers |
| Brosseau Consulting | SHSM Negotiation and Business | Half or full-day sessions provide students in grades 11 and 12 SHSM certification in Negotiation, Customer Service and Business Etiquette. Through mock negotiations students participate in teams under fictitious circumstances and actively practise key strategies to successfully negotiate, communicate and interact with others. Students learn how to use these skills at all levels and in a variety of contexts including today's modern world. As an experienced educator and negotiator, Jeff helps students develop transferable skills to serve them in their future work and careers. SPE may be available. Suitable: Grades 11-12 |
| 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 |
| Life Is Athletic | Life Is Athletic | Health advocate, Ted Temertzoglou, leads evidence-based sessions for staff and students infused with physical literacy strategies, inclusive physical fitness, and a refreshed blueprint for implementing Health & Physical Education in a cross-curricular approach. Students develop enhanced understanding of health and physical literacy while teachers build their confidence in delivering health & physical education in the classroom. In addition, Ted provides information on the latest research, global perspective on health, physical education, career opportunities and future careers in health & physical education. Suitable: Grades 9-12; staff
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| Accelerate Auto Canada | Breaking Down Barriers in Careers in Automotive Industry | Hear from Black industry professionals who provide interactive presentations on the exciting career opportunities in the automotive industry while breaking down perceptions and stereotypes associated in the industry for Grades 6-12 students. In these in-person or virtual presentations, students learn different pathways available in the industry, various jobs and career opportunities and how to access employment and co-op placements. Students will also hear from industry professionals who share their own journey and path to success. SPE and SHSM certifications are available. |
| 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 |
| Youth Stars Foundation | Jouer En Santé | Highly active and engaging sessions provide an enrichment experience in French by bringing French facilitators to schools in-person. They guide students through a special event of sport play and physical activity. Students learn French through fitness drills, skills, hip hop cardio-training circuit, sports games, obstacle courses and team building challenges; as well as activities that inspire nutrition and healthy living habits. Music is a backdrop, furthering student engagement in fitness activities, language comprehension and the immersion for a day experience. Programming is fun, active and engaging way for students to learn and practise French! Suitable: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| Black Veterinary Association of Canada | Introduction to Veterinary Medicine | In collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, this program creates experiential learning opportunities for Black students in grades 10-12 to learn about opportunities that exist in veterinary medicine and inspire them to join the profession. The program seeks to educate Black students on the various aspects of veterinary medicine including what veterinarians do, diverse career opportunities within the profession, requirements to apply to veterinary colleges/post-secondary pathways. As well, professionals provide further supports and mentorship to those interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. Presentation on veterinary profession is available to students in grades 7-12. |
| Black Aviation Professionals Network | BAPN Inspire Higher | In collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, this program creates experiential learning opportunities for Black students to learn about the aviation and aerospace industry and its range of careers and to imagine a future for themselves without limits. In these in-person or virtual sessions, students make connections within the aviation industry, expand their professional network and receive mentorship from Black industry professionals. The program has three parts: BAPN Career Presentations, BAPN Altitude - mentorship program for select Black students, and A Day in Aviation - experiential learning & SPE & SHSM opportunities. |
| 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. |
| ADVANCE, Canada's Black Music Business Collective | Music Industry Discovery Program | In collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, this virtual program explores career pathways and student engagement opportunities in the music industry for select Black students in grades 11 and 12. Facilitated by professional Black industry professionals in various roles, this program provokes thought, encourages critical thinking, builds transferable skills and allows students to envision what they may accomplish in their future careers. Students learn about the various careers especially those jobs and sectors that are not often explored in a traditional education setting, expand their professional network, receive mentorship from Black industry professionals and participate in experiential learning. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| RPDY Foundation | Creative Art and Play Programs | In selected LC4 schools, students experiencing social and emotional difficulties are referred by Professional Support Services, to support them through the provision of these specialized opportunities for creative expression. These art and play therapy programs assist students with self-exploration and understanding. Using imagery, colour and shapes; thoughts and feelings can be expressed that may be otherwise difficult for children to articulate. Various art materials and activities are available, including: sand trays, clay projects, puppets, storytelling, music, dance and movement, drama, and various art materials. Serving: Select students, Kindergarten - Grade 8 |
| 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 |
| York University | Unity in Diversity | In these immersive arts workshops, students will deepen their critical thinking, literacy, creative and collaborative skills around themes of identity, community and multiculturalism to produce an art project or initiative. Asian Canadian artist facilitators will develop students’ literary and artistic tools to explore and develop content in expressing their vision around a theme. Workshops may include literary writing, music composition, visual art and photography/videography. Students will create an artistic work at the end of the workshop and facilitators will collect and create a collaborative piece of art (if applicable). Workshops are also suitable for Asian Heritage Month. Suitable: Grades 1-12 |
| Allycia Uccello | Murals | In these visual arts workshops, students are inspired, guided and empowered in crafting art through drawing, painting, murals and installations. The initiative encompasses a comprehensive approach, commencing with insightful discussions and meticulous planning. Through illustrative examples and open dialogues, students collaboratively brainstorm and ideate. The collaborative spirit continues into the execution phase, where hands-on demonstrations of drawing techniques, painting methods, composition principles, and colour theory come to life. The culmination involves the actual execution where students are fully engaged in creating their art. The final phase of review and reflection solidifies their learning, celebrating their artistic achievements. Full day sessions have 60 students cycle through the day. Kindergarten; Grades 1-8
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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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Mary Sanders | Next Step to Reinvention | In this motivational presentation, Mary Sanders shares her personal journey of reinvention to inspire students to follow their dreams and define their own success. From Olympian to Cirque du Soleil artist to entertainment executive, Mary uses the end of one profession to launch into another using the Three "R's": Reason, Reinvent and Right. Presentation offers tips and positive messages and inspires students, especially girls, to embrace change and soar. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12.
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| Literal Change | Orton-Gillingham Based and Structured Literacy Professional Learning | In this professional learning session, staff are exposed to the multi-sensory and direct teaching strategies found within the Orton-Gillingham remedial literacy approach. Half or full day interactive workshop introduces Orton-Gillingham based-learning approaches, terminology, learning exceptionalities and targeted teaching strategies that address phonological awareness, syllabication, morphology, spelling and writing. Facilitators provide teaching examples and assessment tools to help teachers identify gaps in knowledge and translate the results into teaching objectives and lesson plans.
Literacy Specialist course offers a more in-depth understanding of Orton-Gillingham based-learning approaches which includes research, terminology, assessment, organization of learning and application for learners. |
| 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. |
| 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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| Music For Every Child | Special Needs Music Therapy Program | In-person music therapy sessions help students in DD/ISP classes to build their communication, listening and social skills through music-making at select schools. Guided by a certified music therapist, students have an opportunity to experiment with percussion instruments, participate in group drum circles and call and response exercises, pass rhythms to peers and participate in drum solos. Each activity is conducted by the facilitator to build a sense of success and achievement from the previous week and encourage students to freely express themselves through music. Sessions also enhance connections with peers and builds on teamwork. |
| Afiwi Groove School | African Dance and Drum Program | In-person or virtual performances and workshops instill an appreciation for self-expression and self-discovery through African-Caribbean dance and drumming to elementary students. Afiwi comes from the Jamaican Patois dialect which loosely means “for us; for everyone.” Workshops include introduction to djembe drumming, West African/Afro Beats Dance (African Hip Hop), and Afro-Fitness. Dance and drum workshops are led by dynamic and talented performers with lived experience and expertise in the cultures of Africa and the places it has influenced. Artists are dedicated to sharing and celebrating the unique contributions of African-rooted cultures. Through rhythmic beats and movements, children are connected to another world full of sensory experiences that awaken their imagination. Performances are available but not limited to Black History Month.
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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. |
| Wadoka Community Enhancement Network | MILD | Integrated programming for students with disabilities to enhance their well-being through physical activity and learning based on the martial arts. Through creating an ‘integrated learning environment’ students with Special needs are able to digest information with ease and learn challenging ‘moves’ from both their peers and the Sensei who individuates the teaching and learning in performances of “moves”. As research demonstrates, this physical activity develops students’ self- awareness (“Know” your self); taking responsibility for their actions (“Own” your self); and, whether verbally or non-verbally, communicate their feelings about the experience (“Project” your self). In addition to the other benefits, “… evidence has also shown that physical activity [involving children with disabilities] has a direct influence in self-determination”. |
| Parks and Recreation Ontario | HIGH FIVE - Train the Trainer | Intensive training program for SHSM (SPE) students, staff, adult learners, or parents - Adults or Youth who work with children ages 4 - 12 years old in recreation programming. HIGH FIVE® training provides participants with nationally recognized certification that will assist them in working with children's programs in the sport and recreation industry. Based on extensive research on the characteristics of quality programs, trainers will be proficient in leading programs with a mindful attention to five principles that ensure positive experiences in recreation and leisure settings for children. |
| Stolen From Africa/Volé D'Afrique | Stolen From Africa | Interactive assembly and arts-based workshops that promote social justice and builds cross cultural understanding for racialized and marginalized students. Facilitators discuss themes of Black Diaspora history, identity, relationships, resilience and self-advocacy. Students explore self-identity, reflect on impact on their community, and share their stories with peers through working on an arts, music, digital/social media projects. Professional learning is available for staff to explore barriers and challenges that Black and diverse youth face and share strategies on how to teach culturally-responsive lessons to engage diverse learners. Workshops are also offered in French. Serving: Grades 4 - 12 |
| Pawsitively Pets for Kids Inc. | Pawsitively Pets for Early Years | Interactive in-person or virtual presentations explore the world of animals, science and nature for early years to Grade 3 students. Using inquiry-based learning, session includes learning about animal physical characteristics and attributes, how to handle the animals, their habitats and survival in the environment and the world around them. Animals consists of an assortment of rescued pets including mammals, reptiles, non-flight birds and marsupials. In-person sessions include an opportunity for students to pet the animals guided by the trained facilitator followed by a question and answer period. |
| Rodrigo Chavez | CASSAVA Latin Rhythms | Interactive percussion workshops focused on Latin American rhythms and songs. Students form a circle and play different instruments provided for the session by the partner. Through these sessions, students learn about the history and geography of these fun rhythms as well as the cultures from Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Trinidad and Brazil. This is a “hands-on experience” that covers rhythms such as Salsa, Cha-Cha, Calypso, Cumbia, Conga, Merengue and Samba. In playing this type of music students acquire a more profound understanding of the music while developing their own capacity. This workshop will have students moving and having an energetic experience which will inspire them to think of music in a different way! Programming is offered in French or English. Serving: Grades 4 - 12.
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| Shakespearience Performing Arts | The Shakespearience Experience | Interactive workshops in-person and through video-conferencing empower students by developing character, confidence communication and other essential soft skills through creatively and collaboratively overcoming the challenges they often associate with Shakespeare's language. Students are assisted by some of Canada’s most celebrated and talented professional actors. These professionals demonstrate in a unique and innovative way how an artist’s approach to the texts, combined with a little persistence, imagination and hard work, can unlock and demystify material many young people find so difficult. Professional learning sessions are also available for this programming that has been hailed as "outstanding," "epic," "transforming," "engaging" and "something that exceeded all of my expectations." Serving: Grades 4-12 |
| TRCA | TRCA In-Class Visits | Interactive workshops led by certified instructors bring nature programming to all students. Using hands-on exploration, activities and games, sessions enhance students’ understanding of natural environments and ecosystems and students' own roles in conservation efforts. Three programs are offered with a variety of workshops to choose from for all ages. 1. Watershed on Wheels (WOW) workshops examine the importance of our waterways, rivers and aquatic ecosystems as well as how climate change issues are affecting these important resources and explore ways on how students can minimize their environmental footprint; available free of charge. 2. Native Plants Program (NPP) offers native plant seeds to grow in the classroom and students learn all about wildlife-supporting plants that reflect our natural heritage and environment; available free of charge. 3. Beyond the Park workshops offer environmental and nature-themed topics such as bird species, wetland habitats, local urban wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems, to teach students how to be good stewards. Online bookings can be made here: https://trca.ca/learning/teachers-schools/. |
| CANVAS Arts Action Programs | 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion and Consent Workshops | Interactive, arts-based workshops on 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion, consent, and gender equity engage an anti-oppression framework to support students in creating safer, more inclusive communities. Four series are available: “Speak Out” enhances students’ understanding about LGBTQ2S+ identities, how to be an ally, and ways to challenge homophobic and transphobic bullying. “The C-Word” : prepares students for real-life social situations; equipped with tools to enact consent, develop consensual relationships, recognize sexual pressures, challenge social expectations, and support survivors of assault. “RelateABILITY” : for students with developmental disabilities, this series engages arts-based education and role play to educate on consent, communication, and creating safe, positive relationships. Serving: Grades 6-12; Professional Learning for staff |
| Just Aissi | Gumboots Workshops | Introduce students to a unique and engaging dance where the body becomes a musical instrument through the use of rubber boots. The gumboots dance originated in South Africa and was developed by miners using rhythm and dance in concert with percussive stomping to communicate and express ideas as well as themselves. Students learn the history and cultural development of the style, learn basic steps and choreography, and have the opportunity to collaborate in the creation of a routine. Workshops are offered in both French and English. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 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 |
| 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 |
| Charles Hong | Korean Drumming, Dance and Music | Korean drumming and dance program led by a Dora Award-winning composer, Charles Hong. Playing different Korean drums, students are introduced to drumming technique, rhythm, and teamwork and ensemble skills. Students enhance their performance while gaining a rich knowledge of Korean history, music and culture. Exploration of traditional dance choreography as well as compositional activities may take place in workshop series. Professional development available to staff. Suitable: Grades 1-8
These workshops are an enhancement to TDSB Community Music Program for those schools that wish to further enhance their learning beyond the 9 week classroom visits.
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| Rita Dagenais | Treaty Making in Canada | Lawyer's perspective on treaty making. Treaties have been signed since 1701 and are still being negotiated today. Every treaty tells a story. The presentation focuses on WHY treaties were signed, with an emphasis on the perspectives of the Indigenous signatories. These sessions provide a brief overview of the history of treaty making, beginning with the Peace and Friendship Treaties signed during the Seven Years War. But I focus primarily on the land cession treaties whereby Indigenous nations surrendered ownership (aboriginal title) of their lands to the Crown. The government wanted to acquire Indians lands to allow for the building of railways, resource development and settlement. I explore the issue of why Indigenous people would sign these treaties. The only way to answer this question is to understand the circumstances faced by Indigenous groups just prior to signing these treaties (disappearance of the buffalo, starvation, epidemics). Focus is on 2 treaties: Treaty 6 signed by the Cree in 1876 and Treaty 7 signed the following year by the Blackfoot. Serving: Grades 9-12 |
| 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 |
| Canada’s National Ballet School | NBS Sharing Dance Kids | Led by Canada’s National Ballet School’s (NBS) Community Dance Specialists, free dance workshops provide creative movement activities using elements of dance as a foundation for students in Grades 1 - 6. Sessions may be delivered in-person or virtually. Using the elements of dance as a foundation, students are given the chance to explore new ways of moving, collaborate with peers (in a safe way), develop fundamental movement skills and create movement sequences which communicate thoughts, ideas and emotions. Emphasizing individual creativity and personal reflection, students are encouraged to look inward and draw from their own personal experiences, to develop their own movement vocabulary. |
| Level. Changing Lives Through Law / Égaliser. Changeons des vies par le droit | Indigenous Youth Outreach Program | Led by Indigenous justice sector professionals, this program provides culturally-relevant content about Indigenous legal systems. With its focus on building relationships, sessions provide students with a positive experience learning about the justice system. This program is rooted in building trust, acknowledging colonial legacies, honouring Indigenous practices and customs, and promoting a two-way knowledge exchange between Indigenous facilitators and Indigenous youth. Topics include learning about Indigenous legal system, systemic racism and oppression in the justice system, criminal justice, mock trials, and restorative justice. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Up4 The Challenge | STEM Design Experience | Led by professional women in science and engineering, these workshops use STEM for social impact through human-centred design. Students use a hands-on, Design Thinking process to imagine and prototype solutions to real-world issues in their communities while enhancing their appreciation of how STEM supports social outcomes. Schools can choose from a panel discussion, half-day session or a workshop series where facilitators work with students, while providing professional learning to teachers, to develop a solution to a community-based problem. By focusing on diversity, creativity, and experiential learning with community organizations/community members, the program enables youth to design more innovative and sustainable solutions to complex challenges. Professional learning opportunities available. Serving: Grades 7-12, Staff |
| Story Planet | Young Writers | Led by professional writers and artists, Story Planet workshops provide students the opportunity to develop their skills in creative expression and literacy through story creation across a variety of media, including writing, illustration, and digital media. Fun, interactive programs immerse students in the creative process as they work in groups and independently to write and share stories. Most programs result in a printed book or e-book of their work. Students can also work towards content for our podcast including creating songs, stories, poems, and interviews. A bi-annual anthology of selected work from students can be published according to the themes of each book. Serving: Grades 1 - 8; Professional Learning for Staff
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| The National Ballet of Canada | YOU Dance | Led by teaching artists from The National Ballet of Canada, this program introduces students to the theatrical art of ballet and consists of two offerings, in-theatre performances with workshop (Grades 4-7) and in-school performance (Grades 1-6). The in-theatre performances feature five specially selected pieces danced by the National Ballet’s apprentices and accompanied by a pianist. Also included is an in-school workshop 45 minutes in length where students actively engage in movement techniques to develop their creative expression, learn a variety of dance styles, and repertoire while providing a learning experience for the teacher. The second offering is in-school performances named YOU Dance In-School Performances demystify the professional ballet world through a short performance with the National Ballet's apprentices, accompanied by a pianist, a host and a behind-the-scenes crew. Through an interactive discussion, students learn about The National Ballet of Canada, pointe shoes, partnering, ballet mime, and theatrical makeup. Students not only hear from artists who discuss their roles/jobs but also learn what it takes to produce a ballet. Limited availability.
The YOU dance performance is live streamed once a year to any school. |
| 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 |
| Lindsay Kretschmer | Indigenous Awareness and Inclusion | Lindsay (Swooping Hawk) Kretschmer, as a Mohawk born and raised in Toronto, brings Indigenous awareness on key contemporary issues of our time as it relates largely to greater Indigenous inclusion. From these sessions, participants gain understanding of who they are and why they matter from both historic, contemporary and cultural contexts. Topics may include: Indigenous histories, community wellbeing, wampum, Indigenous storytelling, cultural safety and societal structures. Professional learning sessions may be customized for staff and parents/caregivers. Suitable: Grades 3-12; staff; parents/caregivers
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| Making Art Making Change | Exploring Memory, Identity and Place | MAMC delivers culturally-relevant arts-based workshops dedicated to exploring each students’ authentic voice using mixed media as a means of creative exploration and communication. Through the exploration of the themes of Memory, Identity, and Place, MAMC Artists collaborate with teachers to identify a specific focus for the projects and deliver a workshop series of 4 sessions that develop these ideas. Experimentation with different materials and art media is integral to the creative process. Students are stimulated to explore their own vision and imagination to create and present artwork that may be combined into a collaborative installation. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff |
| Marc Tardif | Présentations et ateliers de spectacles de magie | Marc Tardif, le magicien, offers presentations and workshops showcasing French culture and language as well as encouragement to keep on learning French. In-person or virtual sessions, en Français, celebrate French culture and language, French traditions, French immersion, geography and history and significant French people. Marc uses magic, illusions, and humour in this interactive Francophone experience for all students in core, extended and French immersion classes. Workshops enable students to develop communication, presentation and French speaking skills. Learning resources are available to support the learning in the classroom. |
| Rumberos | Cuban-Brazilian Drumming and Dance | Master Rumbero Joaquín Núñez Hidalgo leads performances and workshops on Cuban/Brazilian drumming, music and dance. Students learn cultural history, relationship between music, dance, costume and other forms of Latin arts. Practical demonstration of how the music is executed using traditional instruments are first shown followed by an exploration of the traditional instruments by students. Facilitator brings all instruments for full classroom participation. Students enhance their performance and ensemble skills while gaining a rich knowledge of Cuban/Brazilian music and culture. Traditional dance steps and choreography are explored in the dance workshops.
These workshops are an enhancement to TDSB Global Music Program for those schools that wish to further enhance their learning beyond the 8 week classroom visits. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff
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| Never Gallery Ready | Re:Framing Culture Re:Claiming Voice | Media and visual literacy-focused workshops explore culture as reflected in art, news, history, and advertising. These workshops address the politics of individuals’ relationship with images, objects, sound and site, and ask students to critically analyze ubiquitous messages and dominant cultural narratives. Students create works of collage, learn “culture jamming” techniques, perform sound plays/stories, create site-specific installations/awareness campaigns that address community issues, and ‘zines (themed booklets). A 5-day workshop series is also available. Suitable: Grades 4-12
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| Patrick DeCoste | Metis Mapping, Visual Art Workshop | Metis Mapping is a workshop inspired by my ancestors, the early Metis in Canada, who were active in the fur trade and needed map-making skills to survive and navigate the land and waterways. The workshop is a cross-curricular activity infusing visual arts with Indigenous perspectives, social studies, geography, and history, while building cross-cultural community awareness with reflection on individual identity. In the workshop, students will create a type of self-portrait-map or selfie-map. Instead of a photo of a face, a selfie-map is a representation of an individual’s life. The goal is not so much about cartography or skill-sets but rather to have fun while reflecting upon identity and the land. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| 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 |
| Miinikaan Innovation and Design | Indigenous Teaching Gardens | Miinikaan means "the seed" in Ojibwe. Led by Indigenous facilitators, this program allows schools to create customized garden spaces that share First Nations/Indigenous culture, local ecology, healthy food, herbs and biodiversity. Designs include perennial and annual native food plants for people and pollinators, herbs and flowers that are healing for communities and the urban ecosystem. Students increase their knowledge and understanding about Indigenous ecological knowledge and practices, plant species and their Indigenous names as well as Indigenous history, culture, perspectives, contributions and ways of knowing. Finally, students learn to be good stewards of the land through the different experiential activities that include preparation, planting and transplanting of native seeds and taking care of the plants. Suitability: Select Schools (all grades) |
| Dreampics Pixel Art | Rubik's Art Workshop and Mathemagic Show/Atelier Rubik's Pixel Art et spectacle Mathemagic | Mikael Taieb, leads two presentations in French that showcase mathematics as being fun, magical and artistic. Schools can choose two Rubik's cube 45 minute presentations: Rubik's Art Workshop or Mathemagic Show. Presentations are a mix of the power of the brain, mathematics, numbers, magic, comedy, mime, clowning and of course Rubik's cubes sprinkled with student participation. Additional pixel art workshop is available for students to learn unique techniques and make their own art creation using rubik's cubes. Mikael will share his career path and how mathematics can be used in artistic fields. Suitable: All grades especially French Immersion classes
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| Rhythm Works | Rhythm Works BOOM | Motivational assemblies and workshops promote leadership, confidence and team-building through interactive drumming sessions. Troy Sexton and Sheldon de Souza emphasizes skills in presentation, team-building, leadership, music, creating positive habits and especially the power of believing in oneself. Students, by rotating in groups, all get a chance to participate, and learn skills that can benefit not only in this drumming group but in the classroom and in life. Suitable: Grades 6-12 |
| Northstarr Entertainment Inc. | Stay Driven | Motivational assemblies and/or classroom workshops from Rapper Duane "D.O." Gibson combine Hip Hop performances with life lessons. Presentation themes include: Canadian Black History - D.O. presents about Black History through a Canadian perspective talking about Viola Desmond and black history in Nova Scotia as well as the Underground railroad and Josiah Henson in Chatham, Ontario ; HOLLA – Help, Outlet, Lead, Leave, Assert. D.O. discusses several strategies to combat bullying focusing on building self-esteem, standing up to bullies and finding an outlet. In The Zone - D.O. will bond with students as he shares his personal stories through freestyle rap. The program focuses on the personal power gained through reading, creative writing and speech. And, M.A.D. Skills (Media And Decisions) - D.O. will teach your students to make positive choices when it comes to the media. The program focuses on making informed decisions on music and TV choices as well as presenting strategies to combat cyber bullying. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12
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| MASC | Multicultural Arts for Schools and Communities (MASC) Online Program | Multicultural Arts for Schools and Communities, also known as MASC, represents a group of 40+ professional artists/artist groups from diverse backgrounds who deliver arts workshops, performances, and residencies for K-12 students virtually in both English and French. Disciplines include: dance, drama, literary arts, media arts, music, visual arts. Programming enhances students' creative process, deepen cultural awareness and give vivid demonstration of Canada's diversity. Performances are accompanied by a live Q&A with professional artists that bring high-quality performances and engaging interaction into classrooms. MASC's roster of artists for the current year can be viewed at www.masconline.ca. |
| Wali Shah | Be True to Your Voice | Muslim South Asian poet, Wali Shah, shows students how powerful the art of spoken word can be and how it can be a tool for self-expression and well-being. He uses his personal narrative to speak on diversity, racism and barriers and how through spoken word poetry he’s found ways to cope. Motivational assembly/performance engages students through different musical and poetic messages interspersed with storytelling. Workshops for Grades 6-12 students provides writing and orality as mediums of self-expression and allows students to experiment with art form to express their ideas and feelings to create a polished creative writing piece. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12
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| Humber College Institute | Humber Nursing Field Placements | Nursing Field Placements and their Faculty Advisors collaborate with TDSB Educator Teams (kindergarten to grade two), to develop learning activities that enhance the curriculum and the interested elementary schools' health promotion project or school-wide activities. A member of the faculty from Humber School of Health Sciences is available in the school to supervise the nursing field placement students. |
| Alter Eden | Minogin Gitigaanis Society- Akiwi Kikinonowinan | Outdoor and virtual experiences involving ceremony and reconciliation, connecting to land, water and plants across the seasons as seen from an Anishinaabe perspective. Traditional knowledge and language passed down from generations of Anishinaabe living on the land forms the basis of the program designed for all students. Indigenous youth peer leaders guide the program’s half-day workshops to be relevant and interesting for all ages. Each workshop is customized to the school’s location within Tkaronto and the grade of students participating. Workshop titles: Taking Nibi's Temperature, Ojibwe Wood Cookies, Orange Flower Memorial, Seed Paper Making, Building a Bee House; Bee Education; Indigenous Learning for School Staff. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12; Staff
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| Stand Up for Student Well Being | Laugh More, Worry Less | Participants learn about stand-up, improv and meme comedy using an innovative, activity-based program to teach literacy skills through a lens of resilience and well-being. Comedian coaches support participants with a curriculum to develop comedy routines, writing for performing for their peers. Several activities are completed in a single workshop, or in a series of sessions. These include introducing writing prompts for students to create jokes/stories and workshop their ideas into comedy performances. Students build their confidence in public speaking and creative writing skills by shaping their own stories while channeling healthy humour in a positive way. Serving: Grades 5 - 12, Staff |
| Regent Park Community Health Centre | Pathways to Education | Pathways to Education promotes student achievement by supporting secondary school students in selected TDSB Learning Networks to graduate, through mentoring; academic supports; financial supports (bus fare); opportunities for social and community engagement; and, career/post secondary awareness. These integrated supports also offer students financial support through a scholarship toward the cost of applications and tuition for post-secondary education.
Pathways Staff and Program Facilitators work with each registered Pathways student. Pathways Staff liaise with local schools to support each student’s needs and achievements. If those students move to different schools, the staff assigned to that student follows that student. This may result in the more than one Pathways delivery agency serving the same school. Serving: Select students, Grades 9-12 |
| Rexdale Community Health Centre | Pathways to Education | Pathways to Education promotes student achievement by supporting secondary school students in selected TDSB Learning Networks to graduate, through mentoring; academic supports; financial supports (bus fare); opportunities for social and community engagement; and, career/post secondary awareness. These integrated supports also offer students financial support through a scholarship toward the cost of applications and tuition for post-secondary education.
Pathways Staff and Program Facilitators work with each registered Pathways student. Pathways Staff liaise with local schools to support each student’s needs and achievements. If those students move to different schools, the staff assigned to that student follows that student. This may result in the more than one Pathways delivery agency serving the same school. Serving: Select students, Grades 9-12 |
| Unison Health and Community Services | Pathways to Education | Pathways to Education promotes student achievement by supporting secondary school students in selected TDSB Learning Networks to graduate, through mentoring; academic supports; financial supports (bus fare); opportunities for social and community engagement; and, career/post secondary awareness. These integrated supports also offer students financial support through a scholarship toward the cost of applications and tuition for post-secondary education.
Pathways Staff and Program Facilitators work with each registered Pathways student. Pathways Staff liaise with local schools to support each student’s needs and achievements. If those students move to different schools, the staff assigned to that student follows that student. This may result in the more than one Pathways delivery agency serving the same school. Serving: Select students, Grades 9-12 |
| YouthLink | Pathways to Education | Pathways to Education promotes student achievement by supporting secondary school students in selected TDSB Learning Networks to graduate, through mentoring; academic supports; financial supports (bus fare); opportunities for social and community engagement; and, career/post secondary awareness. These integrated supports also offer students financial support through a scholarship toward the cost of applications and tuition for post-secondary education.
Pathways Staff and Program Facilitators work with each registered Pathways student. Pathways Staff liaise with local schools to support each student’s needs and achievements. If those students move to different schools, the staff assigned to that student follows that student. This may result in the more than one Pathways delivery agency serving the same school. Serving: Select students, Grades 9-12 |
| Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre | PEP Talk (Prevention Education Program) | PEP Talk programs are primary prevention programs aimed at helping children and youth develop healthy relationship skills and to reduce their vulnerability to abuse and violence. Three programs have been created to address navigating relationships across the development spectrum: Primary (Kindergarten - Grade 3) and Junior (Grades 4 – 6) are evidence-based programs consisting of six modules each: 1) Self-esteem, 2) Communication, 3) Making Choices, 4) Friendship & Social Support, 5) Touch, and 6) Getting Help. Each theme overlaps and builds on the next one to comprehensively address healthy-relationship building and getting help. Intermediate (Grades 7 & 8) is an evidence-informed program that consists of 11 modules: 1) Self-esteem, 2) Communication, 3) Getting Help & Barriers, 4) Building Friendships, 5) Gender Stereotypes, 6) Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships, 7) Abuse & Violence, 8) Consent, 9) Legal Rights & Responsibilities, 10) Making Choices, and 11) Summary & Self-Care.
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| Operation Springboard | Positive Experiences for Re-engaging in Academic and Life Skills (PERALS) | PERALS uses a 'resiliency model' that focuses on providing supports that help to re-engage youth who have faced complex challenges. The program offers program assessment, student assessment, student attendance criteria, academic and life skill supports. The program utilizes a collaborative referral/intake process that includes, when possible, the student and family, Caring and Safe Schools staff, partner agency staff, Academic and Life Skill development staff, staff from the sending school and other personnel as required on a case-by-case basis. For referred students, there is access to community programs and services as needed to support those youth who are experiencing complex challenges. Serving: Referred students, Grades 7-12 |
| Strides Toronto Support Services | Positive Experiences for Re-engaging in Academic and Life Skills (PERALS) | PERALS uses a 'resiliency model' that focuses on providing supports that help to re-engage youth who have faced complex challenges. The program offers program assessment, student assessment, student attendance criteria, academic and life skill supports. The program utilizes a collaborative referral/intake process that includes, when possible, the student and family, Caring and Safe Schools staff, partner agency staff, Academic and Life Skill development staff, staff from the sending school and other personnel as required on a case-by-case basis. For referred students, there is access to community programs and services as needed to support those youth who are experiencing complex challenges. Serving: Referred students, Grades 7-12 |
| Soul Drums Ltd. | Soul P.O.P. | Percussion Optimizes Potential (P.O.P.) enhances music and life skills through drumming. Sessions include drum circles in small or large class formats and offered in person or virtually. This hands-on workshop provides students an opportunity to enhance their drumming skills with an emphasis on communication, team building, positive risk taking and leadership skills. Activities include musical games, song chants and performing music using a variety of percussion instruments. Professional learning opportunities are available to staff who wish to enhance skills as a drum circle facilitator. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff |
| Clearview School of Arts and Culture Inc | Clearview Chinese Arts | Performances and workshops delivered in-person or through video-conferencing increase students' understanding of Chinese art, dance, culture and heritage include Lion Dance and other traditional Chinese dancing; as well as calligraphy. They are wonderful special events suitable for schools' celebrating Asian Heritage month, or the Chinese New Year. Chinese culture sessions offer an overview of history, tradition and features of Chinese festivals, such as Chinese New Year, Dragon-boat Festival, Moon Festival, Lantern Festival etc. We can also customize for schools if they are interested in an ancient Chinese historical figure or a certain period of Chinese history. Chinese dance sessions highlight traditional Chinese dance and how it is related with the character building of a student in the process of learning it. Participants will also get a chance to experience and practice the postures of traditional Chinese dance. In the Lion Dance presentation, performers present a lion dance with their outfits and instruments to give the audience a thrilling experience of tasting a lion dance and the percussion accompanying it. Chinese calligraphy sessions involve participants in the practice of writing with brush and ink to enhance the ability to focus and being calm and patient while understanding the lifestyle of ancient Chinese scholars. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12
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| Sunshine Therapy Dogs | Therapy Dogs | Pet therapy sessions, with small groups of select students referred by TDSB Professional Support Services, reduce students’ stress and anxiety by providing physical and emotional support in school communities that have experienced a traumatic event or crisis. Trained therapy dogs are accompanied by their certified handlers who guide each interaction. Suitable: referred students Kindergarten-grade 12; staff |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Women's Brain Health Initiative | Brainable | Presentation demonstrates the types of lifestyle choices which enable life-long healthy brain activity for students in Grades 5-8. Information promotes healthy lifestyle factors that contribute to strong brain health such as physical exercise, food, mental activity, managing stress, social interactions and ongoing learning. Presentation also touches on substance abuse, brain injuries and brain-aging diseases and its affect on the brain. Presentation is offered in English and French. |
| Toronto Community Benefits Network | Career Pathways Into Construction | Presentation encourages, supports and mentors students in under-represented populations to learn how to progress along the apprenticeship pathway and ultimately gain employment in the construction/trades. Secondary students receive labour market information, gain tools and supports to navigate and complete an apprenticeship program, learn about construction projects and employment opportunities and connect with a broader network of trades professionals and mentors. Students also learn about specialized pre-apprenticeship and mentorship programs for women in trades, Black and racialized youth, newcomers and Indigenous people. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Zahra Brown Consulting | Accommodation Matters | Presentation for students with disabilities to learn self-advocacy tools to access accommodation as they transition into post-secondary pathways. Sessions focus on legal and practical tips such as understanding rights and responsibilities, how to advocate for yourself, duty to accommodate and strategies for success. Presentation shares how to find solutions that support each student’s individual needs. Suitable: Grades 9-12; staff; parents/caregivers
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| YMCA of Greater Toronto | Youth Opioid Awareness Program | Presentation on opioids, use and its effects to the school community. Topics covered include introduction to opioids, addiction and opioid use disorder, how to help someone with an addiction, naloxone, and toxic drugs. Students hear about the stigma and learn how to implement changes to reduce stigma in society. The presentation also addresses protective factors and coping mechanisms that will minimize the risk of developing a substance use disorder and ways to get help. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| One Piece a Day | Plastic Pollution and Litter Cleanup Education | Presentation on the problem of litter and single-use plastics and the effects it has on the environment and what students can do to make a change. Students learn about the problem of plastics around the world and in the Great Pacific garbage patch, the root causes of these problems, the effects it has on water infrastructure and biodiversity, and their role in being part of the solution. Facilitators discuss local actions and the different ways students can reduce plastics including picking up one piece of trash a day. |
| 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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| SAVIS of Halton | Consent, Bodily Integrity and Health Relationships | Presentations address consent in romantic, social, and sexual contexts for secondary students. Topics include how to navigate social relationships - what is consent, how to ask for consent, how to say no and how to accept hearing no; what makes a healthy relationship, what to look for in relationships and how to navigate different relationships as young people. Consent in relation to sexual violence is also outlined to address the unfortunate prevalence of sexual violence in our communities. Presentations are delivered with time for discussion and reflection by students throughout the session. Grades 9-12 |
| University of Toronto | Transplant and Organ Donation Presentation | Presentations by medical professionals and transplant recipients are available for secondary school science, health & Physical Education, and Civics classes to educate students about the science, the success, civic engagement and medical careers in the field of organ and tissue transplantation; and, the importance of organ and tissue donation. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Forests Ontario Forets de L'Ontario | Forestry in the Classroom | Presentations connect students with their environment and potential futures in forestry. Student enquiry is at the focus of the presentations that cover the following themes: tree identification and urban forests, tree biology, invasive species, forest management and forest careers. Facilitators bring the outdoors into the classroom through powerpoint presentations, samples and images to illustrate important concepts. Natural resource professionals lead career presentations to share education and diverse career pathways from seek forecasting and management to research on the long-term effects of climate change. Suitable: Grades 4-12
Presentation may be offered in French. |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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.) |
| PDEXCO Ltd. | Internet Safety Presentation | Presentations on social media, social networking, cyber security, cyber bullying and online safety to help students in Grades 4-12 make better decisions online and how to use technology responsibly and safely. In these in-person or virtual sessions relevant to all students, Paul Davis provides a message that is informative, factual and nonjudgmental while providing solutions/alternatives for students to enjoy the positive aspects that technology has to offer. Topics covered include: online safety, social media (after they turn 13 years of age), privacy, image sharing, smartphones, passwords, reputation, accountability, cyberbullying (and speaking out), importance of relationship between child/caregivers and being a leader. Parent presentations are also available to inform parents about boundaries and how to reinforce responsible technology use.
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| Covenant House Toronto | Youth Homelessness Awareness and Prevention | Presentations raise awareness about youth homelessness and prevention; youth leadership and social responsibility on the issue; resources and community supports. Two presentations are available for student audiences: "Before You Run" covers a broad range of issues and circumstances that lead youth to the street. It discusses how the experiences of family breakdown, abuse, mental health, bullying, drugs, exploitation and stress can act as contributing factors to youth homelessness. "Reality Check" de-glamourizes street life and discusses the struggle homeless youth face; how they’re driven to steal, sell drugs or worse. Presentations also have students participate in an activity that highlights the hardship youth face while trying to live independently, without family support, education or career; and what their school community can do to engage with community supports. Serving: Grades 6 - 12 |
| Sunnybrook Academic Family Health Team | Health Roadshow: Ask a Family Doctor | Presentations related to mental and physical health may include topics of sexual health, anxiety, sleep, depression, substance abuse, bullying, aggression/anger, body image, nutrition as well as coping skills and stress reduction techniques. Students learn strategies to improve their personal well-being. Interactive methods such as games and small group activities are used followed by an anonymous question and answer sessions. Family Medicine Residents work with Learning Centre 1 secondary schools: Leaside High School and Marc Garneau Collegiate staff (i.e. Guidance, Physical Education or Professional Support staff) to identify topics and review presentations. Serving: Grades 9-12 |
| 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 |
| 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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| Angela Turone | Vocal Jazz Talk and Performance | Professional jazz performing artist mentors students on their vocal jazz skills as both individual performers and in a choral setting. Ideally suited for students with some vocal experience. Artist mentor further enhances understanding of jazz repertoire, technique and performance skills and provides relevant information on the professional jazz industry. Students explore concepts of jazz harmony and improvisation to deepen their understanding of repertoire, jazz genre and style. In addition, students workshop advanced jazz repertoire in a choral setting to develop choral skills. Serving: Grades 9 - 12 |
