| The Hospital for Sick Children | Empower TM Reading | Professional learning sessions and TDSB staff pairings with Mentors from the Hospital for Sick Children Empower Reading provide fulsome professional orientation, training and support to TDSB staff in an ongoing way. In order to transform young struggling readers into capable readers and confident learners, Empower Reading includes:• balanced and flexible teaching approaches and methodologies, to ensure individual learning preferences and cognitive strengths are optimized • explicit teaching of skills and knowledge that are necessary for decoding and comprehension of different types of English text • programs delivered at different paces, so that both individual student and group needs can be achieved • emphasis on consolidation, to help learners clarify and address any gaps, and promote mastery • dialogue structure for learning that provides the seeds for later self-talk, self-monitoring, and strategy evaluation skills • modelling: students are apprentices to an expert reader - initially the teacher, later students take turns as experts • retraining unproductive attitudes and beliefs about failure and success. |
| Learning for a Sustainable Future | Professional Learning for a Sustainable Future | Professional learning sessions are available in transformative, ecological education through inquiry and other strategies in support of a more sustainable future. Topics Include • Authentic Inquiry • Finding Curriculum in Nature • Student Engagement and Empowerment through Community Projects • Climate Change • Using Film-making to Enhance Authentic Inquiry and Project-based Learning • Transformative Practices for School Administrators. For combined staff and student audiences, one hour workshops to jump-start classroom "action projects" are available. Topics for these sessions include: Getting started with your climate change project. Electricity Conservation & YOU: Performing an energy audit; No Idling at School: Organizing a campaign to reduce emissions; Food for Thought: Growing local food to reduce food miles; Action Projects: How To Get started with climate change project. Serving: Staff |
| 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. |
| Outdoor Learning Strategies | Professional Learning in Outdoor Learning | Professional learning sessions provide supports to the school community to build sustainable outdoor learning programs and practices. Topics include introduction to outdoor learning (benefits, pedagogy), benefits of outdoor learning and unstructured play, learning risky play, and supervising and supporting outdoor learning and play. Linda Naccarato helps staff to meet the school need and develop strategies and action plan to improve outdoor learning with the entire school community. Program is suitable for those schools with existing outdoor learning programs and those that are thinking of getting started with or without green spaces. Suitable: elementary staff; parents/caregivers
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| Harmony Movement | Educator's Equity Workshop | Professional learning workshops deepen understanding of equity and anti-racism principles and incorporate equitable and anti-racist approaches to enhance positive learning experiences of students. Participants build skills and application of culturally responsive relevant pedagogy and universal design for learning principles in teaching. Topics include: Understanding intersectionality, lived experience and challenging biases, having courageous conversations and responding to inequities using school-based scenarios, reviewing curriculum, lesson plans and assessments to better integrate student voice, reflecting on shifts, and growing your classroom anti-racism and equity practice. Sessions support School Improvement Planning. Suitable: Staff |
| ESP Extraordinary Steel Pannist | Steel Drum Demonstration | Professional musician, Earl La Pierre Jr. takes students on a musical journey by sharing the cultural and historical significance of steel pan through his steel pan performances. This assembly incorporates dance and movement bringing everyone to their feet. Session delves into the rich history of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago and connects how Carnival is celebrated locally in Toronto. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12 |
| Tim Francom | Fundamentals in Percussion | Professional percussionist provides mentorship, music industry knowledge and specialized percussion skills to students. Musician shares knowledge of percussion instruments, notation and performance practises aiding in skill development, proper technique, sound production and music literacy. Sessions can be offered as workshops, clinics and/or coaching for large and small group ensembles ie. band/orchestra percussion section and percussion ensembles.
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| Applefun Puppetry | Puppetry Workshops | Professional puppeteer, Mike Harding, leads elementary students through the process of making puppets and creating an original performance of their own creation. This workshop series includes puppet making, story development, practice and presentation. Students learn various puppeteering techniques. Younger students will be guided by their teacher regarding themes and scripts. Older students use their own voice and creativity to develop their unique stories for script and storytelling. Taking inspiration from what is around them, students use supplies that are readily available to make the puppets. Students enhance their language development, social and listening skills, and their self-confidence through creating, handling and performing with their puppets. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 6 |
| Roseneath Theatre | Roseneath Theatre Touring Productions | Professional theatre performances and tailor-made workshops, delivered virtually or in-person, support arts curriculum connections and social justice themes for young audiences. Roseneath Theatre produces 3-5 performances per year that feature a particular theme and focus, written by recognized playwrights from across Canada. A study guide comprises each performance, providing classroom activities, resources, as well as pre and post-show questions. Following each performance, a question and answer session with the cast explores current topics and issues to critically analyze the concepts brought forth, building connections that relate to well-being and our relationship with ourselves and with others. Productions for the current year can be found at www.roseneath.ca. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| The Learning Enrichment Foundation | The MINA Project: Inspiring Futures | Program helps racialized, underserved students in Grades 6-12 bridge the gap between education and employment by gaining experience, building a network and developing skills required in the workplace. In-person or virtual sessions led by under-represented (BIPOC) industry professionals inspire students to make connections between education and employment and to see careers without limits. Program includes career panel where speakers share their career stories and workshops to develop soft skills and employability skills. Students receive mentorship from industry professionals and learn new career opportunities. |
| Youth Culture Inc. | Career Development Essentials | Program provides opportunity for secondary students to learn about various industries and career paths and the skills necessary to further their careers and goals. Students gain exposure to new career opportunities, industry networking sessions, and skills development in these in-person or virtual sessions. Workshops include: Ace the Interview; Resume Writing; Adapting to Working Remotely; LInkedIn Strategies for Youth; Talking to Industry. As well, students have an opportunity to meet with professionals in the following industries: Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics, STEM Careers, Business and Finance and Future Technology. Program suitable for marginalized and underserved students. |
| John Hupfield | Powwow Education at Kapapamahchakwew - Wandering Spirit School | Program shares Powwow and their significance about cultural teachings, stories, and ways of knowing through an embodied learning at Kapapamahchakwew –
Wandering Spirit School and Urban Indigenous Education Centre. Students learn different styles of Powwow dance (fancy shawl, traditional, jingle, grass, woodland, fancy
bustle, chicken), different types of regalia and powwow teachings. Additional sessions offered include regalia making and beadwork, especially the research, design and
sewing of the regalia. Through dance and movement, oral stories, regalia and beadwork projects, students have a better understanding of Indigenous teachings. Sessions are
inclusive to male/masculine, female/femme and two-spirit students. Suitable: All students |
| Shane Philips | Mindfulness and Yoga for Kids | Program uses the foundational tools of breathwork, mindfulness and mindful movement to increase students' sense of well-being. Using his experience as a yoga instructor, vocal coach, professional singer, dancer as well as a martial arts instructor, Shane uses different techniques to engage with elementary students. Each session begins with warm down, breathing exercise, sounding exercise, mindful walking, yoga and breath and a mindful meditation. The exercises are always adapted to the needs of students/class in consultation with the teacher. Suitable: Kindergarten; Grades 1-8 |
| Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre | CanTYD Programs for Tamil Youth | Programming and services for Tamil Canadian secondary students fosters student leadership and student engagement opportunities, as well as providing connections for students and their families to culturally specific Tamil resources in the community. Weekly programming of presentations and workshops use the arts, group discussion, and recreation activities to engage students in topics and issues of their choosing. CANTYD staff are also available during instructional time, as requested by TDSB staff and students to provide particular equity supports.
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| Youth Wellness Network | Youth Wellness Leaders | Programming in a school begins with an assembly, and then follows-up with workshop sessions for selected student leaders or classes in grades 5-12. Students’ mental health and well-being is enhanced through learning and sharing in a six module training that includes deepening students' understanding of mindfulness, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, conscious choice making, leadership, taking action: goal-setting. Each session focuses on developing daily practices and strategies that can boost self-esteem and confidence as well-being leaders. With sessions on How to Become Your Own Best Friend, and The Power of Your Choice, student wellness leaders gain knowledge and skills on how to create and sustain a culture of wellness in their school. Professional learning presentations, and parent workshops are also available for staff teams or parent councils. Suitable: Grades 5-12; staff; parents |
| Junior Achievement of Central Ontario | Financial Literacy, Work Readiness and Entrepreneurship Programs | Programming inspires youth to make informed, educated and knowledgeable, financial decisions; to be innovative in generating business ideas and starting their own companies; and, to discover career possibilities and pathways. Led by JACO trained volunteers from the business community, workshops include More than Money; Be Entrepreneurial Junior ; Dollars with Sense; Economics for Success, Personal Finance and several others. Serving: Grades 3 - 12 |
| York University, Osgoode Hall Law School | Raising the Black Bar | Programming is designed for Black secondary students to increase understanding and access to legal education and pathways to various careers in law. Sessions are facilitated by Osgoode Hall Law School administrators, Osgoode's Black Law Students' Association, and Black Osgoode alumni. Facilitators will share their knowledge of the barriers to accessing legal education and the legal profession and how these can be overcome as well as the following topics: how to apply to law school; how to be successful in law school; how to identify legal academic area(s) of interest; networking in a professional environment. Targeted sessions on diverse legal career opportunities will also be offered. Students will have the opportunity to participate in interactive and experiential learning and may include mock trials and tours of courts and law firms/organizations. Finally, students will be connected with Black law student mentors. Suitable: Grades 9-12 |
| Urban Rez Solutions Inc. | Prep in Your Step | Programming provides empowering social emotional intelligence skills, personal development, and invigorating financial literacy and entrepreneurship discussion for grades 7-12 students who are living high risk lifestyles. Students learn problem solving skills via the 5A's (assessment, awareness, acceptance, action and accountability) and navigational principles through the 7 C's (conscious choice, change, curiosity, courage, challenge, commitment and communication). Highlighting resiliency and excellence within a culturally competent framework, Black male facilitators with lived experience lead sessions that assist referred students to learn actionable steps to take toward attainable career goals, newfound prosocial behaviours and interpersonal skills. Sessions include pop culture-based activities, interactive dialogue, role plays, videos, guest speakers, writing and team-building exercises. |
| Canadian Parents for French - Ontario | Engaging Parents & Supporting FSL | Programming supports are provided to students, parents, families and educators to enhance French as a second language (FSL) learning. Informative workshops, socio-cultural performances and events are available as scheduled. Programming is offered in French and English, with Bilingual facilitators. Serving: all grades, FSL/French Immersion |
| One Voice One Team Youth Leadership Organization | SWOLE Program | Programs empower students to develop leadership skills through their passions and becoming positive agents in their community. Themes covered are leadership, self-esteem, resiliency, peer mediation, relationship building and giving back. Students also learn practical strategies on identifying and developing clear action plans to achieve their goals. A variety of programs, in-person or virtual, are offered to suit the student audience include: S.W.O.L.E. (self-respect, work hard, overcome adversity, lead by example and excellence), Man Up, Dymond Girls, Leaders of Our Time for Black secondary students, Get Yo' Life, and History Makers. Assembly or workshop, students develop their leadership skills through a variety of activities that include self-reflection exercises, discussion, physical activities and mentor storytelling. Serving: Grades 4-12 |
| Ontario Tennis Association | Progressive Schools Tennis | Progressive Schools Tennis provides professional learning sessions, and in-class workshops that introduce students and staff to “Progressive Floor Tennis”, using a small mobile net, sponge balls and graduated length junior racquets with follow up visits by tennis coaches. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff |
| 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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| Prologue to the Performing Arts | Prologue Programming | Prologue represents and promotes a select group of professional artists and companies to provide live performing arts workshops and performances in music, dance, drama, theatre, puppetry, opera and storytelling. Programming may be offered in French, and professional learning sessions are available for staff. Students explore creative expression and cross-cultural connections which are meaningful in their lives through different arts disciplines. Indigenous artists are also available as part of Prologue initiatives. Teachers receive study guides and resource materials accompanying performances. Prologue current offerings and artists can be viewed at http://www.prologue.org Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| TMG Macmanus Canada Inc. | Publicis Groupe Canada: This Is The Job | Publicis Groupe Canada's advertising professionals offer a panel talk and insight into the many and varied roles that the advertising industry offers. Tailored for grades 7-12, this presentation provides an opportunity for students to engage with the panel who share their success story, pathway, career journey as well as barriers encountered and advice on how to overcome them. Sessions aim to increase the engagement of youth belonging to communities that face systemic barriers and are underrepresented in this field. Speakers touch on varied careers that advertising offers such as creative, account management, data, human resources, media and more. A question and answer period follows the presentation, allowing students to interact with the speakers. Suitable: Grades 7-12 |
| METRAC | Respect in Action Youth Violence Prevention (ReAct) | ReAct is a peer-education program in existence since 2001, for youth ages 13 -25, to build leadership skills and knowledge of healthy, equal, non-violent relationships. Program activities are informed by Popular Education, Facilitated Inquiry techniques; Human Rights Education, Cooperative Learning; and Feminist, Environmental studies. Facilitators work with students, to increase understanding of violence, while creating safe spaces for sharing experiences and inspiring peers to take action in addressing violence in their lives and communities. ReAct workshops and presentations cover topics related to: Healthy Equal Relationships, Anti-Black Racism, Cyber Violence, Consent, Intersectionality and Identity, Gender and Self-esteem. After-School programs on Healthy Relationships are offered for 1 to 2 years. All workshops, presentations and programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each school/class. Serving: Grades 6-12, Staff |
| 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. |
| Trinity Theatre Toronto | Creating Communities We Want | Referred students become peer leaders in conflict mediation techniques through workshops that engage them in a variety of art and drama-based activities. Trained student peer leaders facilitate workshops, talking circles and presentations with other students in their school, improving both their communication and conflict resolution skills alongside the development of their leadership capabilities. Handling Conflict peer mediation training through the arts, sessions refine students' skills in understanding emotions like anger through active listening and empathy, as well as open and closed questioning. Sessions for staff include resource: Making Connections, a substance abuse toolkit for students. Serving: Grades 7 - 12. |
| CAMH | Game Changers for Mental Health | Research-based, youth co-developed presentations on mental health and self-care delivered by youth to help students learn about mental health and how they can look after themselves. Youth ambassadors with lived experience with mental health challenges share their personal mental health stories and provide tips on maintaining mental wellness and how to reach out for support when needed. Schools may also request CAMH staff to present around specific topics such as depression, addiction, drugs and alcohol and mental health 101. Additional resources are shared to provide strategies and tools to increase well-being in students.TDSB PSS staff are informed of presentations and can provide support as necessary. Suitable: Gr. 7-12 |
| Rick Hansen Foundation | Rick Hansen Foundation Virtual Presentations | Rick Hansen Ambassadors helps create meaningful dialogue about disability, accessibility and inclusion by providing free presentations. Trained speakers are a diverse group of people with mobility, vision and hearing disabilities that share their inspirational stories with students. Professional learning sessions are also available on building disability awareness, inclusion and citizenship skills in classrooms. Educators receive access to ready-made resources and practical activities they can take into the classrooms immediately. Resources support provincial educational priorities while meeting school communities' social responsibility and inclusion goals: see www.rickhansen.com/schools. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff
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| Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre | Relationship Skills Violence Prevention (RSVP) | RSVP provides Professional Learning sessions to enhance staff support for young women who have experienced, or who are considered at risk of experiencing, violence in a personal relationship. The program is intended to prevent victimization and to assist youth to develop the skills needed to form and maintain healthy relationships. This psycho-educational Professional Learning session also builds the knowledge and expertise of caring adults in "Trauma-Informed Schools". |
| Project XGuard | Self-Defence | Safety workshops educate students in grades 4-12 on situational awareness and self-defence techniques to deal with a variety of types of aggression. 4 week workshop series provide students with verbal, physical manuevres to ensure student safety in a non-combative way. Students have opportunity to practice techniques in controlled and supervised setting. |
| Catholic Cross Cultural Services | Settlement Education Partnership Toronto SEPT | SEPT offers settlement services to newly arrived families and secondary school students in schools’ satellite and reception centres. Settlement Workers deliver individual/family services, or group programs that help participants understand and successfully transition into the education system; and accelerate the settlement process. SEPT also delivers two programs in the summer for newly arrived students and families, some of whom are enrolled in TDSB summer school courses. These programs include: Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program for secondary students; and, Welcome Information for Newcomer (WIN) program for middle school students and families. Serving: Referred students, Grades 6-12, Parents/Caregivers |
| Centre for Immigrant & Community Services | Settlement Education Partnership Toronto SEPT | SEPT offers settlement services to newly arrived families and secondary school students in schools’ satellite and reception centres. Settlement Workers deliver individual/family services, or group programs that help participants understand and successfully transition into the education system; and accelerate the settlement process. SEPT also delivers two programs in the summer for newly arrived students and families, some of whom are enrolled in TDSB summer school courses. These programs include: Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program for secondary students; and, Welcome Information for Newcomer (WIN) program for middle school students and families. Serving: Referred students, Grades 6-12, Parents/Caregivers |
| CultureLink Settlement and Community Services | Settlement Education Partnership Toronto SEPT | SEPT offers settlement services to newly arrived families and secondary school students in schools’ satellite and reception centres. Settlement Workers deliver individual/family services, or group programs that help participants understand and successfully transition into the education system; and accelerate the settlement process. SEPT also delivers two programs in the summer for newly arrived students and families, some of whom are enrolled in TDSB summer school courses. These programs include: Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program for secondary students; and, Welcome Information for Newcomer (WIN) program for middle school students and families. Serving: Referred students, Grades 6-12, Parents/Caregivers |
| North York Community House | Settlement Education Partnership Toronto SEPT | SEPT offers settlement services to newly arrived families and secondary school students in schools’ satellite and reception centres. Settlement Workers deliver individual/family services, or group programs that help participants understand and successfully transition into the education system; and accelerate the settlement process. SEPT also delivers two programs in the summer for newly arrived students and families, some of whom are enrolled in TDSB summer school courses. These programs include: Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program for secondary students; and, Welcome Information for Newcomer (WIN) program for middle school students and families. Serving: Referred students, Grades 6-12, Parents/Caregivers |
| TNO - The Neighbourhood Organization | Settlement Education Partnership Toronto SEPT | SEPT offers settlement services to newly arrived families and secondary school students in schools’ satellite and reception centres. Settlement Workers deliver individual/family services, or group programs that help participants understand and successfully transition into the education system; and accelerate the settlement process. SEPT also delivers two programs in the summer for newly arrived students and families, some of whom are enrolled in TDSB summer school courses. These programs include: Newcomer Orientation Week (NOW) program for secondary students; and, Welcome Information for Newcomer (WIN) program for middle school students and families. Serving: Referred students, Grades 6-12, Parents/Caregivers |
| 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 |
| Peacebuilders International (Canada) | Restorative Schools | Sessions assist school communities to address disproportionality by restorative practices as a means of preventing and resolving conflict. Adopting a “whole-school” approach, restorative processes build school community founded on respect and trust; and, strengthened relationships. Each person takes responsibility for their choices and actions. Peacebuilders assists to repair situations quickly and honestly; and, support reintegration into schools after an incident. Peacebuilders provides workshops on peer leadership, conflict resolution, and creating a restorative culture; as well as ongoing direct programming in select schools, through referral with individual students, classrooms, and/or clubs. Serving: Grades 4-12; Professional Learning for Staff |
| Nia Centre for The Arts Incorporated | Creative Connect | Sessions available for Kindergarten - Grade 12. In elementary schools, workshops are designed to expand knowledge around artistic traditions from across the Afro Diaspora. Guided by professional artists, students will engage in a hands-on learning experience, creating and exploring traditional arts. In secondary schools, workshops support Black, African, Caribbean and Afro Diasporic students who have found their purpose in art by providing post-secondary and employment pathways, career exploration and mentorship opportunities. Established professional artists who work in the creative arts guide students to identify pathway connections, build career networks, and the skills needed to stay motivated to succeed. Professionals also provide career advice, support and mentorship opportunities. SHSM & SPE opportunities are available.
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| More Than Words Books Inc. | David Bouchard Presentations | Sessions by renowned Metis author, David Bouchard, inspire, educate and animate the power of reading and stories. David facilitates Canada's Truth & Reconciliation, Calls to Action. Through First Nations stories and Native flutes, poetry and writing, this champion of reading and literacy; and advocate for youth teaches and inspires students, educators and parents. In April 2009, David was named as a Member of the Order of Canada. In Oshawa, in 2012, the David Bouchard Public School opened its doors. In 2017, David was honoured with an Honorary Doctoral of Law degree by Queen's University. |
| Real Talk Learning Experiences | Black History - A Canadian Perspective | Sessions delivered in person or through video-conferencing focus on the experiences of African people in Canada to share the rarely discussed history of the African diaspora in Canada. Presentations, altered by grade level, covers a number of interesting topics, including the success of African interpreters working with early Europeans, interactions of Black Canadians in community building, the escape of African people from the southern United States and their experiences in Canada. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12 |
| Learning for a Sustainable Future | Empowering Our Children to Change the World | Sessions explore all types of sustainability issues and what young people can do about them to make real, positive change and make our world a greener, happier and healthier place! These special sessions are designed to 'jump-start' classroom "environmental action projects". Topics for these sessions include: Getting started with your climate change project. Electricity Conservation & YOU: Performing an energy audit; No Idling at School: Organizing a campaign to reduce emissions; Food for Thought: Growing local food to reduce food miles; Action Projects: How to get started with your climate change project. Serving: Grades 3-12 |
| Behaviour Matters Inc. | Cool Tools for Mental Health | Sessions help students develop social skills alongside other aspects of social-emotional development, such as emotional regulation, healthy self-esteem, leadership, confidence, positive body language, active listening, cooperation, problem-solving, positive coping/self-talk, assertive communication, and developing a growth mindset in an interactive and fun manner. Workshops include Connections (Social Skills & Relationships); Control (Emotional Awareness & Regulation); Cheerfulness (Self-Esteem & Perspectives); Stress and Moods (Mental Health); and, a Growth Mindset (Self-Confidence & Regulation). Workshops for parents and educators focus on Positive Parenting; Behaviour Management; Social-Emotional Development; and, Anxiety Management.
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| Steve Anderson | Inspire, Motivate and Build Leadership and Resiliency Skills | Sessions inspire, motivate and help develop leadership and resiliency skills for students to achieve success despite challenges and setbacks. Steve Anderson details the complexities of growing up in the Jane and Finch community, being the first Black lawyer hired by the TTC, and the first racialized person to be elected as Shelburne deputy mayor. Students will learn key lessons about overcoming setbacks, making the right choices, the power of mentorship and selecting the right friends. Sessions may be especially helpful for BIPOC students who are often overlooked and made to feel they cannot achieve success at the highest levels and also to change the narrative for Black students. Suitable: All grades |
| Across U-Hub | SHARP Student Leadership Development | SHARP programming uses peer and adult mentors to engage secondary students in regular conversation and expressions of Self-awareness; Hope; Appreciation of cultures; Resilience and Peer networking (SHARP). Anti-Asian Racism and experiences of 'Asian hates' is addressed, along with community-building, self-efficacy, communication skills, and various other student leadership and peer support skills. Students develop their potential through self-exploring tools, examining their historical and cultural roots, discovering their strengths, making connections to their past and present selves, to visualize their future in practical ways. Bold personal goals are set through deepening their understanding of race, personality, ability and ethnicity. Within this self-exploration journey, they are not alone, but are accompanied with a group of peers and mentors. Serving: Grades 9 - 12, referred students of East Asian descent, Newcomers, ESL/ELL learners |
| Live Your Legacy Academy Inc. | Live Your Legacy | Shaun Boothe is an award winning hip hop artist, TEDx speaker and creator of ‘The Unauthorized Biography Series’: a critically acclaimed musical project that celebrates the world’s greatest cultural icons through biographical rap songs – Repackaging History, including Black History, through Hip Hop; capturing the legacy of influential iconic figures in documentary-style music videos. His highly entertaining Live Your Legacy virtual assemblies use his bio videos to embark on a performance / motivational speaking journey that raises issues of identity, diversity, equity, character, media, life skills, and the importance of living a legacy. Themes raised include leadership, success strategies, overcoming fears and challenges, transitioning, the power of acknowledgement, and redefining masculinity. The aim is to present an experience that works on many levels and, most importantly, does not exclude the growing group of disengaged youth in the school system today.
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| 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 |
| Alyssian Entertainment Corporation | Exploring Métis Culture | Si l'heur chi la chwiiziin Michif! It's time for a Michif kitchen party! Piihtikway - Come in! Niimiyitoohk - Let's dance together with Alyssa Katrine. Explore Métis culture in both French and English, with some basic Western Michif. Weaving storytelling, songs, live fiddle, dance and more. Students are connected to Métis identity, culture and history through interactive activities. Topics range from fur trade and voyageur history, songs and artefacts (sash, beadwork, cuisine); Red River rebellion and Louis Riel history; history of Métis in Ontario, host a Métis kitchen party: live music, Red River jigging, spoons and clogging; learn Voyageur Songs in English and French. Choice of performance or workshops. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| The Umbrella Effect Inc. | The Umbrella Project | Similar to an umbrella protecting us from the rain, a collection of well-being skills can protect us from times of calm and stress. This workshop, delivered in-person or through video-conferencing, enhances a collection of skills that form emotional well-being: empathy, gratitude, self-compassion, purpose, resiliency and developing a growth mindset. Through lessons, videos, group discussion, personal reflection and observation of the world around them, students learn real life applications of each skill and gain deeper insight into why these skills are essential. Workshops may be offered in French and parent presentations are available. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff, Parents/Caregivers |
| Social Circus Circle | Social Circus Arts Skills Workshops | Social Circus workshops build students' emotional, social and communication skills in a unique way. Offered in-person, these sessions expose students to the circus arts that can include theatre games, tricks, clowning, character work, flexibility and physical conditioning, yoga, dance, juggling, partner balancing, object manipulation/balancing, and more, based on students' interests. Students enhance their physical literacy skills such as strength, coordination, body awareness, hand eye coordination, using left and right sides of body, balance and stabilizers. Professional circus artists guide participants through various activities -in an adaptive, progression based style - emphasizing the importance of communication skills in these sessions; emotional and physical safety when trying new and creative movements; self-awareness and trust when working on new skills; a sense of belonging and team-building through various exercises and when designing an optional circus arts performance opportunity. |
| Community Builders | Friends and Allies Youth Leadership | Sparking courage, building skills and fostering caring, Community Builders develops youth leadership through symposia and workshops on social inclusion, conflict resolution, and peer support listening with select elementary schools. Participants learn concepts of community circle, anti-oppression, ally-ship and conflict resolution, to promote a positive school environment and create a community response to anti-bullying and exclusion. They explore issues including racism, sexism and other oppressions. Following the symposia, leadership teams are supported as they prepare to deliver programs ranging from Friends and Allies Assemblies to action-research initiatives. Professional learning sessions, cross-generational dialogues and parent workshops are also provided. Serving: Grades 5 - 8; staff; parents/caregivers
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| Rapier Wit Inc. | Stage Combat Training | Stage combat workshops use fight choreography to bring the text alive in drama, theatre and English studies. Workshops provide students an overview of safety considerations, physical acting training that embodies dramatic intention, and storytelling though the illusion of unarmed violence. Through partner work, students have an opportunity to practise the exercises and work on short scenes. Schools may choose to tailor the workshop to a specific text or school production.
Notes with partner: not from place of violence (trauma-informed). Check-in to ensure they are following this. They need to create emotional not just physical safety. |
| Child Development Institute | Start Right Social Skills | Start Right Social Skills is a prevention program for children in kindergarten who are having difficulty adjusting to the everyday requirements of regular classrooms. Sessions focus on coaching, empowering and supporting children to learn, practice and model appropriate social skills through small group interaction. Group Activities include child role plays; puppet role plays; crafts; puppet shows; social skill games; activity books/journals; stories and reading. Skills emphasized in the program are; attention and focus building; listening to others; following directions; responding to peers and adults; expressing ideas, feelings and needs; problem-solving. |
| Lightning Spark Books | Indigenous Storytelling Workshops | Storyteller Pamela Devonshire offers a series of workshops that share Indigenous culture through storytelling and hands-on workshops. Pamela shares stories about her family lineage (as a descendent of Chief Deserontyon), history to our local community here in what is now Ontario and about the land we're on. Three stories are available: Where the Lightning Has Struck (true story about Mohawk Chief and Captain John Deserontyon), Wishing Tree (respecting nature) and Lake on the Mountain (love). Each workshop provides a teaching with a hands-on arts and crafts activity that ties to each theme. Suitable: All grades |
| B Current Performing Arts Co. | Reclaiming Black Canadian History | Storytelling is used as a tool for expression and resilience in this workshop series for racialized youth. Students research a Black Canadian historical figure, share their story using movement, voice and text and work to create a short performance. Led by Black and Brown professional artists, students learn theatre skills such as viewpoints, tableau, and laban movement that focus on storytelling through the body. Students play with bringing their chosen image to life while building on teamwork and collaboration to create the final ensemble piece. Suitable: Grades 7-8 |
| Street Safe Self Defence Training Co | Self-Defence and Personal Safety Training | Strategies to avoid violence that address the physical, psychological and emotional elements of self-defence are learned by grades 7-12 students through these workshops. Students learn awareness, prevention and mindset skills, how to recognize social and anti-social violence and avoid it, and basic physical skills of self- defence designed to be effective for all. While no one skill is guaranteed to protect students from harm, this workshop series is designed to provide tips, skills and knowledge that can dramatically increase their abilities to stay safe. Included are defenses against the most frequent attacks in an easy to understand manner with practical, active drills; the mindset to get home to their family, and methods to strengthen their chance of survival if faced with conflict, confrontation, bullying or harassment. Mock attacks are completed at the end of training to allow students to test their skills. Suitable: Grades 7-12
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| Canadian Children's Opera Company | OPERAtion KIDS | Students create and perform their own opera over ten sessions in this guided virtual program only. During the workshops, students are introduced to many aspects of creating an opera including: story development, writing lyrics, singing and healthy vocal techniques, introduction to acting, prop-making and costume creation, rehearsing, and performance strategies and techniques. Students use their creative voice by inventing an original story and collaboratively writing lyrics for each song with instructor support. Students then learn to sing and act out their own roles culminating in a performance of their original 5-10 minute opera. This program is suitable for those classes that have no musical experience. Although the outline of the program stays consistent, each opera is tailored to meet the needs of individual classes. Grades 6-8 |
| Plan International Canada Inc. | Gender Equality Workshops | Students develop their understanding of barriers young people around the world, especially girls, face in accessing their rights, and learn about programs and initiatives that break down these barriers. Issues are examined in non-binary, inclusive frameworks. Gender inequality unfortunately remains prevalent around the world- despite the many strides that have been made. The Speakers Bureau is a network of young people from around Canada who attend monthly workshops, to develop public speaking skills and gain a deeper understanding of how gender equality intersects with global issues. Serving: Grades 4-12 |
| New Tradition Music | Afro-Indigenous Colombian Drumming | Students engage in highly interactive workshops and performance to promote cross-cultural understanding of Afro-Indigenous Colombian music. Facilitators demonstrate rhythms and sounds using a variety of different percussion instruments, narrate the history of the traditional musical style Música de Gaita and share how the music has evolved into present day. Workshops with Ruben “Beny” Esguerra develop students’ drumming technique, sound development, communication skills and work on repertoire as an ensemble. Performances by New Tradition Music ensemble demonstrate the evolution of the traditional styles of Latin American music into today’s musical context including fusing elements of Hip Hop urban culture, beat boxing, body percussion, break dancing and spoken word. For a more enriching experience, workshops and culminating performance can be scheduled on the same day. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| Lorena Santin-Andrade | Textile Art and Design | Students experiment and explore with textile art and creative design in these highly engaging workshops which give a glimpse of the textile industry's multidisciplinary design process. Through sketching, marker illustration, photography, Photoshop, and sewing, students learn the textile process by creating their own designs to have digitally printed and sewn by them into sustainable and usable keepsake textile products. Facilitated by an artist in the textile, fashion, and design industries, these workshops ignite the creative sparks that give students a voice to express what cannot be said with words. Suitable: Grades 1-12 |
| Tisha Nelson Consulting Group | Nurturing Black-Affirming Schooling Experiences | Students explore ideas around identity, race, racism and stereotypes to increase their competencies for anti-racist actions. Through in-person or virtual delivery, students learn the tools and mindset toward equity and social justice. Topics include how to hold brave conversations, unpacking and understanding the impact of power and privilege, honoring each person’s lived experience. Using drama activities, reflective conversation, whole and small group discussions and activities, students engage the skills they are currently learning within a social justice context. The learning may be applied for success in school or in other aspects of their lives. Staff professional learning and parent presentations are provided to build on the school action plan and continue relationship building within the school community.
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| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Trevor Brown | Professional Learning Mathematics Seminars | Teachers enhance and further develop their knowledge and skills in mathematics to support student success in mathematics. An experienced facilitator, Trevor Brown, provides effective teaching strategies, sound pedagogy and practical classroom strategies to promote student success in math. Teachers learn ethnomathematics to support individual learners, how to design effective lesson plans, and differentiated assessments. Suitable: Staff; parents/caregivers |
| Victim Services Toronto | T.E.A.R.™ in a Digital World | Teens Ending Abusive Relationships (T.E.A.R.™) workshop equips youth with the tools, knowledge and resources to navigate the digital world and make informed healthy relationship choices both online and in person. T.E.A.R.™ in a Digital World’s goal is to empower youth to create positive change in their own lives and their community. Topics include: Intimate partner violence; Cyberviolence including: cyberbullying, cyberstalking, cyber sexual harassment, sextortion, luring; Online rights; Dating rights; Consent; Creating a positive digital footprint; Digital leadership; Digital citizenship; Online safety tips; Healthy intimate relationships and friendships; Warning signs of unhealthy and potentially abusive relationships'; Where and how to get help. Suitable: Grades 7 - 12 students; and parents/caregivers
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| Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre | Child Victim Witness Support Program | The Child Victim Witness Support program helps prepare children and youth to testify in criminal court. BOOST CYAC staff meets with students at their school in order to explain what they can expect during the court proceedings and helps students understand more fully the criminal justice system. Serving: all students through referral |
| 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. |
| The Concerned Kids Charity of Toronto | Communicating Through Puppetry to Create Safe School Communities | The Concerned Kids educates children about important social issues like bullying, mental health, celebrating differences, self-esteem, cyber safety, cyberbullying, respect, and inclusion through the uniquely engaging art of puppetry. Our cast of diverse puppets educates students in Kindergarten-Grade 5 about making kinder choices using our TCK ‘heart’ values of humility, empathy, allyship, respect, and trust to create safer school communities for all. Each presentation is followed by a question and answer session to allow students to ask questions about the issues raised, and solidify the learning objectives of the performance. Suitable: Kindergarten Grades 6 |
| The Earth Rangers Foundation | Earth Rangers Assembly | The Earth Rangers Assembly offers an engaging and interactive presentation bringing concepts of science and biodiversity from the real world into the classroom, in person and via video-conferencing. Using live Animal Ambassadors including reptiles, mammals and birds to connect with students, students develop empathy for wildlife and are encouraged to support the protection of animals and their habitats. Threatened Canadian species, the importance of protecting the environment and adopting more sustainable behaviours are highlighted. Earth Rangers provides information on how to make a difference through tangible activities and conservation projects for students to complete at home at www.earthrangers.org/bring-back-the-wild-curriculum-resources. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8
Notes with partner: the staff PD is an online course which is considered a learning resource. Central depts have reviewed and found to be beneficial but local school decision. If they are actually doing PD in classroom then we'll need to revise description. |
| Think Don't Shoot Inc. | It Starts Within | The entertaining and engaging presentation from Leo Barbe shares real life experiences through which students are exposed to strategies for managing the psychological, physiological and sociological effects of violence and bullying. Through story and interactive dialogue, students witness how to become community leaders; how to communicate effectively; how to take ownership of their decisions; and, to control their emotions in order to improve their emotional intelligence and resiliency. Serving: Grades 7-12 |
| 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. |
| South Riverdale Community Health Centre | South Riverdale Health Clinic_CALC | The health clinic provides quality clinical and social programs and services to adult students at City Adult Learning Centre. In consultation with staff and students, low-threshold access to clinical and care coordination is available, and engages students and community partners in the development of appropriate programming with the vision to improve the lives of students facing barriers to their physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being. Core services being provided to CALC include: A weekly drop in clinic led by a Nurse Practitioner (1 day), case management by a Client Care Coordinator (2.5 days), and annual flu clinics and TB screening. Group sessions which are delivered alongside CALC staff include: Sexual health in collaboration with Biology classes, strategies in self-care such as how to eat healthy on a budget, positive parenting, and housing support in partnership with housing/settlement workers. |
| Roland Bibeau | Beebo Music: French Music Concerts | The interactive French and bilingual language music concerts give students the motivation and confidence to sing along to French-language songs. Students learn traditional and contemporary French songs and they lyrics are projected onto a wall or screen to help students sing along. Performances focus on music as a learning tool, and demonstrate how music can be used in teaching students a second language. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 8; French Immersion and FSL classes |
| 4th & 1 Event Services | Love Music Initiative | The Love Music Initiative specializes in utilizing the 4 elements of drum, dance, spoken word and djing to provide a culturally responsive, safe space for youth to develop a positive connection to self, peers and their community. As an multi-disciplinary, alternative arts program that utilizes Hip Hop culture, contemporary music and popular culture as a tool for learning, students participate in interactive and inspiring programming focused on civic engagement, history and student engagement. LMI programming is dedicated to dismantling anti-Black racism and utilizing anti-oppressive practices for engagement; students in our program are encouraged to celebrate their culture and identity while developing appreciation for the diversity surrounding them. Specialized programming available for Black History Month and staff training / professional learning. Serving: Grades 1 - 12 |
| The Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund | Legacy School Artist Ambassadors Program | The program brings Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists into schools to inspire student leadership and forward the journey of reconciliation in school communities. Artists share their art, music and stories through workshops and/or performances and engage students in learning and conversations about reconciliation. Schools hosting Artist Ambassadors are also encouraged to have students share their own stories, art, and reconciliACTIONs with their guests. The program reflects arts, music, and role models in the classroom to connect with students about the power of the arts to create social change.
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| Think 2wice International | Think 2wice | The program facilitates workshops and motivational speaking topics that aim to prevent or respond to youth violence, gang involvement and criminal activity. Guest speakers with lived experience of gang involvement and the criminal justice system engages youth to take up positive leadership roles in their schools and communities and to create violence free schools, communities, and lives. Through music, theatre, film, story sharing and testimonials, students work through topics on violence, mindset, consequences, coping strategies, and community supports. Workshops may be tailored based on audience and their impact from violence. Professional learning may be available. Suitable: Grades 7-12; staff |
| Rock Solid Productions Inc. | Rocks and Rings | The program features a variety of drills, relays and team building activities that introduce students to the sport of curling and wheelchair curling with a focus on fun. Unique indoor floor curling equipment is provided and placed in the gym offering an off-ice experience and physical activity. Students will take a seat and experience wheelchair curling as part of the program. Sessions include various drills, relays and team-building activities. It is an inclusive program that allows students of all ages and abilities to compete and play with each other while fostering awareness about sport/parasport, diversity and inclusion. Serving: Grades 1-8 |
| Youth Challenge International | Innovate MY Future | The program fosters student engagement and skill-building in the areas of environment and climate action. Facilitators take students through a series of workshops including, climate science and social equity, anti-oppressive human-centered design, project management, team-building and leadership skills, community engagement using empathy tools, and impact measurement and reporting. In addition, students undertake research about the climate and social equity issues that are most relevant to their community, co-design a climate action project and launch their project to demonstrate a youth-led climate solution. Schools may co-plan program to meet curriculum needs. Suitable: Grades 6-12; staff
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| Future Design School Inc. | Future Design Professional Learning | The program offers professional learning opportunities to TDSB educators and staff (teachers, administrators, board level staff, coaches, social workers, psychologists, etc.) providing them with mindset, tools and techniques for developing students' future ready skills and competencies. The program uses a blended learning model of both online and in ¬person delivery, or fully online through video conferencing. Sessions include: Introduction to Design Thinking; Hack your Curriculum; Assessment for Innovation; Planning Interdisciplinary Projects; Designing Inquiry and Assessment for Remote, Blended and Hybrid Learning. Programming can be customized to meet local and contextually specific needs. Suitable: Staff |
| Blank Canvases | Blank Canvases | The program offers students specialized visual arts workshops on the history of local Toronto artists alongside Artist Educators. The program uses the inspiration of local Toronto artists to engage students. Art workshop offerings include painting portraits, painting landscapes, collage, sculpture, environment focused projects, up-cycling projects, urban graffiti art, arctic animals and multicultural mixed media projects. Afterwards, students are led through an art workshop inspired by the technique of the artist culminating in students creating their own unique art pieces. In addition, Artist Educators are available to plan and design a mural project to showcase the artwork of the students. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| Canadian Film in the Schools | Indigenous Film Programme | The program showcases films made by Canadian filmmakers, including Indigenous filmmakers and professionals in the film industry. Films are shown with engaging Q & A discussions following the screenings that have students engage with local filmmakers, representatives from local film festivals, subject matter experts, TV personalities, and screenwriters. The post-screening discussion enhances students' critical thinking and analytical skills on the issues raised through the films (such as stereotypes, cultural differences, racism, and Canadian history) Suitable: Grades 9 - 12 |
| Studio 180 Theatre | Studio 180 IN CLASS | The program uses drama to create a brave space for effective dialogue and self-discovery. Workshops delivered in person or via video-conferencing, offer in-depth, immersive experiences that mine the unique power of the theatre to humanize social and political issues and cultivate open dialogues and artistic expression. Artist educators work with students to encourage them to think critically, explore multiple viewpoints, promote empathy and inspire creativity through proposition exercises, hot seating and improvisation. Workshops may be based on Studio 180’s current production, works in development, or may be theme-based and explore topics including identity, community, family and personal responsibility. Serving: Grades 9-12 |
| TAIBU Community Health Centre | The PLUG Project | The project focuses on violence prevention and developing conflict mediation skills for student success, especially for Black and/or marginalized youth. Through workshops, students learn how to resolve conflict in a variety of scenarios, develop techniques that de-escalate a situation, work on anger management, and develop strategies for better communication. Parent workshops are available to better support their child. Suitable: Grades 7-12; Parents/caregivers |
| Agincourt Community Services Association | RACKS and The Community Healing Project | The Resilience, Accountability, Community, Knowledge and Success (RACKS) program supports young people who are involved or at risk of being involved in the criminal justice system, or having violent interactions with peers/communities. It supports youth in a holistic approach, working with schools and community services. Mentors engage with youth as individualized support, in hopes of decreasing their risk of harm and greater victimization, enabling them to focus on positive connections with essential services.
The Community Healing Project supports the development of mental health literacy and resiliency to trauma of youth who have been exposed to and affected by community violence. It is a community-based project that focuses on, building the capacity of youth to act as peer supports to one another in understanding mental health, accessing mental health services and counselling.
Agincourt Youth Outreach Workers work with youth ages 12 to 21 and their family with support; referrals; and liaison supports between schools and the agencies that offer the relevant services and students who are in need of community services.
Serving: Grades 7 - 12 students living in Scarborough, referred by Caring & Safe Schools, Professional Support Services, or local schools' Principals or Guidance Counsellors. |
| Child Development Institute | Shelter School Liaison Program | The School Liaison Program (SLP) is a trauma-informed, school-based program that supports children ages 4 to 16 who are experiencing homelessness and living in shelters. The SLP Worker works with children, caregivers and shelter and school staff to help children make a smooth transition to their new school.
The SLP Worker meets with the child and their caregiver to orient them to the school and support safety planning, when necessary. They are also available at the school to support the child’s social-emotional development by providing social skills support and further individual support related to emotion regulation, self-compassion and the development of stress management strategies. Short-term follow-up services are available to children at their new school once they move out of the shelter. Cultural interpretation is provided as needed. |
| Drums Et Al | African Drumming, Dance, and Storytelling | The themes of leadership, character development and connection with those around us are explored in these interactive African drumming, dance and storytelling presentation and workshops. African philosophy – Ubuntu – an understanding of ourselves in relation with the world are underpinned in the presentations which are brought to life using songs, music, chants, drumming and story-telling. Workshops provide opportunities for students to further enhance the following skills: hand-drumming technique, West-African dance fundamentals, listening, reflecting and responding, and creating and performing. Presentations are suitable for Black History Month and professional development in drumming may be available. |
| The Starfish Environmental Society | Can You Hear The Eco?: Environmental Solutions Workshops | The workshop uses a guided inquiry-based learning approach to help students develop new solutions to age-appropriate real-world environmental challenges. Students will be presented with a challenge faced by our local community, distill their ideas, and prioritize their solutions. They will work together in small groups to create and refine a presentation to the larger class. Facilitators will help students explore the different threads within the interconnected tapestry of our social, economic, and political worlds. The workshop can be adapted to all levels, K-12 and may be offered in French. |
| Kick Start Arts Society | Kick Start Arts Workshops | The workshops engage students to create multi-disciplinary arts projects and initiatives. Skilled artist-educators bring the arts to life and work with students to deepen their critical thinking, literacy, creative and collaborative skills and build a stronger sense of community. Workshops are crafted to nurture the development of The Arts expectations (drama, dance, music, media, visual art, literary arts) found in the curriculum, while creating an opportunity for fun and meaningful arts immersion. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12; Professional learning sessions available for staff interested in arts-based learning. |
| Theatre Direct | In the Centre of it All | Theatre workshops whereby students explore stories, rehearse roles and join in alongside professional actors in performance. Theatre productions are also available, and each year feature a different theme and focus for students. The list of current productions for the year can be viewed at www.theatredirect.ca. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12 |
| Ontario Schools Cricket Association | Energize, Excite, Empower: Play Cricket Pathway | These cricket sessions engage students in a modified version of the game for grades 3-12. Each student receives an opportunity to bat, bowl and field. Through modified rules, students enhance movement skills, hand-eye co-ordination and team play while participating in drills, activities and games. Professional learning sessions are available for staff. Facilitators have certification in community level cricket coaching. Suitable: Grades 3-12; staff |
| 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 |
| Mindfulness Everyday | Mindfulness Everyday | These evidence-based sessions, utilizing mindfulness-based stress reduction practices and current research, are trauma-sensitive, SEL (Social and Emotional Learning) informed and EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) aware. They are customized to enhance positive mental and physical well-being, cultivate compassionate action and resilience, and provide stress reduction training and life skills for all grades, staff, and parents in school communities. Workshops are specialized to audience. Programs include: The Mindful Edge (Stress Management and Life Strategies for Teens), SMARTeducation (Stress Management and Resiliency Techniques) for Educators, SHSM & SPE certificate for Health and Wellness; and, Mindful Parenting. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff, Parents/Caregivers |
| The Arts Access Fund | Arts Access In The Schools | These free arts-focused workshops are facilitated by professional artists in a variety of disciplines in select schools. Students participate in various activities that include mixed media, photography, sculpture, architecture, performing arts and creative movement. Workshops integrate cross-curricular subjects such as media literacy, language, social studies, science and math; and creativity and self-expression through creative expression. Students develop a greater understanding of the world around them through their own creativity. Consultation with teachers prior to sessions occur to ensure enhancement to the curriculum. Suitable: Kindergarten; Grades 1-8 |
| Junior Achievement of Central Ontario | Sparking the Entrepreneurial Spirit of Canadian Youth | These free programs are led by Indigenous individuals from the business community to mentor, support and inspire youth to develop the skills they need to achieve their educational and career goals. Workshop delivery includes real world examples from the volunteers' life, educational and work experiences that will be relatable to FNMI (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) learners while enhancing students' critical thinking and decision making skills. Various programs are offered including financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship for grades 3-8 students. |
| David Powell | Gamelan Music | These hands-on workshops for select schools introduce students and teachers to rich percussion music traditions of Java, Indonesia. The word gamelan comes from the Javanese word ‘gamel’ which means hammer. Workshops bring together the intricate, interlocking parts played by the underlying gong patterns, the melodic matallophones, the decorating instruments, and driving/leading drums. David Powell guides teachers on pedagogy and teaching strategies to successfully incorporate these instruments in the musical learning.
These workshops are an enhancement to TDSB Community Music Program for those schools that wish to further enhance their learning beyond the three classroom visits.
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| Unity Charity | UNITY Charity Hip Hop Artists In Schools | These high-energy, interactive, performance-based and motivational assemblies, workshops and/or programs are led by professional artist-educators, who perform and share their personal stories of how the Arts can be a positive outlet for change and improve our mental health. Artforms include: Hip-Hop Dance, Beatbox, Break-Dancing, Spoken Word Poetry, Graffiti, Best Production, MC/Rap and Beatboxing. These sessions challenge students to express themselves creatively by learning something new and perhaps stepping out of their comfort zone with their peers while enhancing skills for success. Offerings include Unity Day, Unity Week and Engage Program. Serving: Grades 7-12 |
| Skills For Life Inc. | Youth Empowerment Through Life Skills | These in-person or virtual sessions help develop important life skills and to develop the positive personal and professional networks for success. By understanding and developing qualities of self and emotional intelligence, students develop a growth mindset to take on the world and its challenges. Workshop topics include: self-esteem, goal setting, networking, self-discovery and community engagement. Interactive workshops utilize storytelling, multimedia videos, quotes, games and discussions.
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| Suitcase Theatre Arts and Education Outreach Inc. | Suitcase Theatre Performances | These musicals and plays inspire and promote positive self-awareness and well-being through storytelling, singing, the visual arts and drama. Characters in the plays and the characterization workshops create positive role modelling; encourage self-confidence, kindness and compassion; promote building healthy relationships, resilience and collaboration. They help students understand narrative structure, enhance character development in drama and enrich their vocabulary in the creative development process. Performances are suitable for special education classes and students of all neurodiversities. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-5 (possibility up to Grade
8)
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| Puppetmongers Theatre | Puppet Theatre Workshops and Performances | These performances and workshops, either in-person or through video conferencing, bring puppet theatre to students as a medium to communicate stories, ideas and experiences. Professional artists introduce a diversity of puppetry traditions around the world, demonstrate puppet making techniques and/or perform stories that explore a variety of themes using different puppets and visual effects. Performances for elementary school; and, workshops from Grades 1 - Grade 12 are available. Workshops enable students to construct their own puppet and work in small groups to plan and perform plays for each other using their hand-made puppets. Students explore the art of puppetry to broaden their perceptions of themselves and their world in a way that is non-threatening and inclusive. Serving: Kindergarten-Grade 12 |
