| Timothy Holland | Spectacle Cérébral | Delivered in French to FSL and French immersion students, this entertaining assembly touches on key themes such as resiliency, confidence, and growth mindset. Using circus arts and comedy ventriloquism, Tim Holland shows the accessibility of brain science and neuroplasticity and how our brains change as they learn. The assembly highlights how having a different mindset can help students’ resiliency and to see failure as a feedback rather than a limitation for skill mastery. Follow-up workshops use juggling arts to apply a growth mindset to a novel learning opportunity. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 |
| University of Toronto | Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) Field Placements | This MOU serves to provide field placement opportunities for post-secondary students. Field placements within TDSB sites provide post-secondary students who are considering a career within Speech-Language Pathology, an opportunity to learn by working alongside a supervising TDSB Speech-Language Pathologist. These placements satisfy course requirements for field placement experience. |
| ClarityofthoughtPublishing.limited | Stand Up Man : Building Men of Good Character | Workshops creating safe spaces for small groups of young men to have dialogue on what it means to be a man, are particularly powerful in engaging youth in the transitional years when becoming young men. Facilitated discussion and creative activities that include writing, drawing, storytelling, and spoken word promote positive development, mental health and well being for boys and young men. Topics include self acceptance, self esteem, self efficacy, self love and self awareness; and, content related to mental health, emotional health and physical health; as well as addressing issues of social inclusion, diversity, identity, empathy and healthy relationships. the workshop series includes unique a materials and engaging discussion related to self care activities; assuming personal responsibility and ego management. Serving: Grades 9 - 12 |
| 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. |
| Starts With Me Inc. | State of Mind | Students are engaged to learn about the stigmas associated with mental health, to understand the warning signs of deteriorating mental health in themselves and others and what a pathway for recovery, resilience and well-being looks like for people seeking support. The presentation is presented through a lived-experience story from one who is living with a mental illness or has personal experience in the world of mental health. Following the presentation, students are encouraged to create a piece of content such as art, music, poetry, video, photography and/or video game in response to the session. Schools can choose to participate in the State of Mind Festival each spring; can choose to submit their creation for display at the offsite festival. Serving: Grades 7-12 |
| 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 |
| Techzenik Robotics & Information Systems | STEMatize Schools | Students solve real world problems through automating a small Robot and programming it to perform simple tasks. All workshops provide access to new technologies and STEM kits to create, design, program, build and operate a Robot. Students learn effective programming techniques and language, utilize mathematical, problem solving and logical skills to create and code applications. Older students use advanced sensors and program blocks to accomplish complex and detailed tasks and sequences. Topics include: Robotics - LEGO We-Do 1 & 2, Mindstorms EV3 Beginners & Advanced, Electronics and Computer Engineering - Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Build Your Own Computer; Programming and Designing with Python, Programming with Java, Build Your Own App using Android Studio, Creative Technology - Adobe Photoshop, 2D Animation, 3D Animation. Professional learning sessions are also available. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff |
| STEPS Initiative | STEPS.Studio | Sustainable Thinking and Expression on Public Spaces (STEPS) Initiative provides art workshops to engage school communities in designs for collaborative art installations. Facilitators help students explore public space and urban design issues facing their communities and issues of social and environmental impact. Students learn real-world design considerations, how public spaces can be improved upon and environmentally sound solutions. Using a variety of art mediums and techniques, students design a public artwork that serves function, aesthetics and celebrates the community. Workshops and art designs highlight students' lived experiences, local culture/histories, as well as the social and environmental issues identified by school communities. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12 |
| 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 |
| Itah Sadu | Stories For Our Time | Highly theatrical and always inspirational, Itah Sadu uses oral tradition and storytelling to share contemporary and traditional stories and folklore from across the African and Caribbean Diaspora. Stories convey history, relationships with the world, social justice themes, give meaning to complex issues and conversations, and is a simple form of individual and group engagement in these in-person or by video-conferencing sessions. Facilitator introduces Canadian and international Black and Caribbean game changers while engaging students in call and response, question and answer, and movement. The art form of storytelling speaks to language arts, student voice, communication, inclusion and identity and culture.
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| Noam Markus | Storytelling Through Mime and Physical Theatre | Workshops develop group trust, listening and performance skills in the areas of mime and physical theatre for all students. Sessions use a variety of physical skills and movement as the primary method of storytelling. Students build coordination, body movement, observation, focus, listening and presentation skills. Sessions for younger students utilize simple mime skills, basic improvisation skills and general body coordination. More advanced sessions use more complex techniques such as Graphic Mime, Character Mask, Commedia dell'Arte, Theatrical Clown work and hand shadow puppets. Workshop series enable students to develop storylines and presentation skills for a performance to the class/school. Serving: Grades 1-12
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| Agincourt Community Services Association | Student Leadership & Youth Empowerment (SLYE) | This peer to peer (P2P) leadership program helps those students facing social and economic barriers to build essential leadership qualities and agency to positively engage in the community. Using role playing, discussion and question & answer, students enhance pro-social, conflict management, problem solving and decision-making skills. This program provides a youth voice and enables students to put the skills to practise by leading their school community to implement a community Roadshow. |
| Success Beyond Limits | Success Beyond Limits School Year Program | Success Beyond Limits School Year Program works with students at Westview Centennial Secondary School to facilitate Mentorships and peer-to-peer support opportunities through scheduled sessions and drop-in activities. It provides students with community, social and career connections to events, organizations, conferences and other projects beyond school to support their personal and academic development in the community. It engages all grades, with a particular emphasis on encouraging participation from Grade 9 & 10 students. Grade 10 students who continue as participants to gradually assume mentoring roles as they progress into Grade 11 & 12. Specific student leadership sessions are designed to train students for peer-to-peer mentoring roles. Homework help, food and recreational activities are also scheduled outside of the instructional day.
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| Success Beyond Limits | Success Beyond Limits Summer Credit Support | Supports and activities that include youth-to-youth peer mentorship engage grade 8 students who are enrolled in a Continuing Education summer course that nurtures a successful transition into secondary school. For students in Learning Centre 2, these curriculum enhancement activities inspire and assist them to improve their educational outcomes, expand possibilities, and provide support to expand their individual paths to success. |
| Suitcase Theatre Arts and Education Outreach Inc. | Suitcase Dramatic Arts Workshops | A menu of workshops is available to choose from, including: "All the World is a Stage" is an engaging and interactive workshop that gives students the opportunity to explore the vibrant history of live theatre. Students will learn about the importance of collaboration as they work with their peers to create short adaptations of classical fairy tales and fables. “Improv your Acting” is a lively and humour-filled workshop that invites students to think on their feet as they are introduced to the world of improvisation. This exhilarating workshop encourages teamwork and peer support as they work together to create scenarios that invite fast creative thinking and a quick all mixed with a good dose of humour. “Confidence Creates Character” offers students a safe space to express themselves. Students will explore strategies to approach difficult social settings by developing skills to alleviate anxiety, deal with peer pressure and handle bullying. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 8, Select Students 9-12 |
| 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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| The Wynford Group Inc. | Supporting Global Competency & Build Character, Build Success | This three-part programming builds more inclusive school communities through deepening students’ understanding of character attributes and global competencies through comprehensive on-line programming. First, a ‘recess planning and/or leadership lunch session’ to facilitate & develop student leadership by brainstorming games/activities that all students can participate in safely and where no one is left out. Second, these planning sessions lead to the collaborative facilitation by student leaders, staff designate and the Wynford Group of an all-inclusive event with the entire elementary school. Third, a follow-up debriefing session and ongoing support for similar events led only by TDSB students and staff, is provided to schools. Programming available in-person and through video-conferencing. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-6, Staff |
| Variety Village | Swimming for everyBODY | This half day program promotes accessible and inclusive participation in pools and the community for TDSB staff including instructors and lifeguards. Sessions focus on accessible, inclusive swim development experiences for activities being offered at school and in the community. Presenters may include, world record marathon swimmer and para-coach , Vicki Keith, Paralympian, multi games medalist and Swim Ontario Para Development coordinator Darda Sales and Archie Allison Director of Access and Awareness at Variety Village. They will lead sessions on strategies in modifications and adaptations for swim development for students of all abilities and experiences. Suitable: Staff of Grade 1-8
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| 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 |
| Raging Asian Women Taiko Drummers | Taiko Drumming Performances and Workshops | Workshops and Performances are presented by a professional ensemble of East and Southeast Asian women, non-binary, and genderqueer people. School communities will experience both traditional and contemporary Taiko drumming pieces; learn the historical and creative contexts behind them; and, enhance their understanding of Japanese culture and Asian history. Sessions deepen school communities' understanding of Asian Heritage through Taiko drumming. Through each undeniably strong, yet nimble percussive sound that is generated from the orchestra of drums played in rhythm, students of all ages will witness both the strength of force that sound is capable of, and likewise find that same potential within themselves to be heard. Suitable: All students; staff; parents/caregivers |
| Epilepsy Toronto | Teaching Awareness Through Puppetry | Teaching Awareness through Puppetry is an educational awareness program that uses engaging, life size puppets to teach students about understanding differences in themselves and others. Workshop topics include: Friendship Strategies (how to be a good friend and inclusion), Celebrating Differences (understanding differences and different abilities) and Mental Wellness (identifying feelings and emotions and tools for self care). Each workshop includes a puppet performance and an inquiry based Q&A discussion where students talk and share what they learned and saw. Teachers receive follow up activities to use in their classrooms, to reinforce student learning. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 6 |
| Team Unbreakable | Team Unbreakable | A comprehensive professional learning programming focuses on ’physical health for mental health’ themes, using running as a way for school communities to support and maintain students’ positive mental health. Programming is designed with evidence based strategies and evaluated by the Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Center at the University of Toronto. Programming with students operates in interested schools, with designated staff who have received professional learning from Team Unbreakable. Additional programming details and resources are found online at www.team unbreakable.ca. Serving: Staff |
| Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada Inc. | Team Up Against Concussions | Trained post-secondary volunteers educate students about concussions through discussion, video, and interactive games, teaching them that successful athletes play hard and play smart. Using an evidence-based bystander intervention model, this assembly focuses on empowering students with the knowledge they need to take concussions seriously and foster individual well-being and a safer concussion culture. The presentation includes 4 key areas: What is a concussion? Why should you care about concussions? What should you do about concussions? When can you return to learn / return to play? |
| TELUS Communications Inc. | TELUS Wise | Cyber safety, security issues and ensuring a positive digital footprint are discussed in four age / audience appropriate workshop options:
* TELUS Wise footprint - is designed to help elementary school students learn how to be good digital citizens and keep their digital footprint clean.
* TELUS Wise in control - engages middle school, and junior high students in a discussion about cyberbullying, identity theft, protecting and positively growing their online reputation and more. Parents receive tips and strategies on how to respond to their child focuses on topics including screen time, gaming, sexting, cyberbullying and more.
* TELUS Wise impact - engages middle school and junior high students in a conversation about cyberbullying, helping them explore and understand different options for safe and appropriate ways of intervening and responding when they witness cruel behaviour online.
* TELUS Wise happiness - engages teen students in a conversation about building and maintaining a healthy relationship with technology and offers tips on ensuring resiliency and well-being in our connected world. Tip sheets and resources will be shared to embed the learning. Suitable: Grades 3-12, Staff, Parents/Caregivers |
| Divine Mvita | The Art of Becoming | This one-hour presentation highlights the importance of the authentic self and channelling one’s unique gifts to contribute to the world. Born in Africa, Divine Mvita, shares her story of success by voiding the opinions and expectations of society and thriving through finding her unique self and embracing who she is. Presentation provides useful resources, tips and tools in the art of becoming the best version of self. Students hear the importance of who they are, being able to identify their passions and highlight the tools they already have to offer to the world. Serving: Grades 6-12 |
| Marianne Derow | The Art of Healthy Singing | Professional voice artist mentor provides information about the music industry and imparts professional singing skills to students. In-person or virtual sessions enhance vocal and performance technique. Students learn how the mechanics of producing sound works, and the proper use and care of the voice to maximize one's sound. Through a variety of styles of music and repertoire, students enhance their understanding and practise of vocal music. Serving: Grades 9-12 |
| Ukuu Centre | The Bridge _ Virtual | This virtual workshop series is available for participants who racially identify as African, Black and Caribbean, to support their personal, academic and career development through the use of a wide range of life-skills programming. The programming centralizes the development of positive racial and academic identities which have been shown to enhance academic engagement and success. Workshop themes will include understanding racial identity; leadership development; networking; community engagement; academic and career planning. These supports and skills will help participants more concretely explore post-secondary decisions and long-term career planning. Suitable: Grades 9-12; adult learners |
| H.U.S.T.L.E Inc. | The Great Canadian Hustle | Workshops use the medicine wheel to guide Indigenous youth in creating a healthy lifestyle in select schools. Facilitated by an Indigenous facilitator, students increase their physical and mental wellness and develop good life skills. Sessions and topics include physical activity, training on gym equipment, healthy eating and goal-setting using Indigenous traditions and knowledge. Each session includes a physical movement/exercise with or without equipment, yoga/meditation and sharing circle/affirmations. Suitable: grades 6-12 |
| Tricia Bentley | The Little Fig Children's Writing Virtual Workshops | This English Literacy virtual writing workshop incorporates individual and group activities to strengthen writing, language, and analytical skills. Some workshops use a narrative, The Hero’s Journey, as a guideline to teach students about story development and encourage them to express themselves to develop their very own story. Other workshops may use the structure of a first person essay narrative to tell the personal story of the student through memoir style writing. For the younger grades, sessions consist of creating a story collaboratively and then performing the story in a play-like presentation. During the process students will learn the art of storytelling by establishing the following: Who is the Hero? What does the Hero want? Why can't the hero get what he/she wants? The Facilitator will work with the teacher prior to the first session to establish relevant curriculum related readings and topics for this creative writing workshop. Suitable: Grades 1-8 |
| 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. |
| Canadian Mental Health Association CMHA | The Opening Doors Project | Workshops are interactive and experiential and provide an understanding of mental health, managing stress, racism and anti-discrimination, intersectional identities in the Canadian context, and the newcomer experience. Through group activities and storytelling, students discuss self-care tools for coping with stress, the stigma and challenges for those living with mental illness and learn to develop strategies for challenging discrimination in their lives. Topics include: Building Bridges: Anti-Racism 101, Understanding Migration, Mental Health and Wellness 101, Stress and Self-Care in Context, Starting From the 'I': Reflecting On Our Identities; and Know Your Rights 101. The Opening Doors Project’s Syrian and Newcomer Youth Mentorship Initiative, provides additional youth mentorship and case management support to newcomer students, primarily Arabic-speaking and Somali students. Serving: Grades 7-12; students 18+
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| 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 |
| Changemaker Books Inc. | The See Me for Me Empathy Movement | This interactive workshop for early years students promotes inclusion and diversity by learning about children with disabilities. Students will be encouraged to activate knowledge, have meaningful discussions about what makes them unique and apply what they've learned to a class project. Exercises help students to reflect on challenges faced by others in the community and promote equity, empathy and inclusion. Facilitator, Dana Geall, shares her personal story of raising triplet children who have cerebral palsy use wheelchairs and live full and happy lives. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-3
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| Job Talks Inc. | The Skilled Trades and YOU | In this interactive virtual presentation, Dr. Jon Callegher helps students see how different careers in the skilled trades and construction industry can address a variety of personal and work-related interests. He introduces the concept of “balanced intelligence” as a defining quality of tradespeople. He explains 5 Reasons To Try An Apprenticeship in high school, including: 1) Get Work Experience, 2) Work With Your Hands, 3) Have Teacher Support, 4) Learn How to Run a Business, and 5) Earn While You Learn. This session helps to change mindsets toward the trades among students, educators and parents. Suitable: Grades 7-11, staff; parents/caregivers |
| The K Group Inc. | The Steelpan Experience: From Skin to Steel and Beyond | This program challenges students to develop an understanding of steelpan, its history and the present cultural and social contributions of steelpan pioneers to communities locally and throughout the world. Led by Afro-Caribbean (Black) musician, Joy Lapps-Lewis, and guests, this program is delivered in the form of virtual or in-person presentations, workshops and performances. Hands-on workshops focus on how to play, care for and store instruments. Students develop mallet technique and learn grooves while creating and sharing their musical ideas. Performances explore history and development of the steelpan into a modern day approach to steelpan centered beat-making and production. Facilitators share their experiences as musicians and professionals. Sessions can be modified for classes who do not have access to conventional steelpan (steel drum) instruments. Professional learning for teachers may be available.
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| 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 |
| WeeFestival of Arts and Culture | Theatre and Culture for Early Years | Led by professional artists, performances and workshops engage early years students in theatre, dance, music, movement/dance, visual arts in a storytelling form. Delivered in-person or virtually, sessions explore a range of themes including friendship, the environment, loss and change, overcoming fears, embracing difference/different abilities and cultural diversity. Workshops include "Kindergarten Drama Workshops", an active and creative movement workout; "Firefly Story Theatre Project", a drama and storytelling project, over a series of sessions, that collects and dramatizes students' original stories. Theatre performances for assemblies are available and changes each year; some productions are offered in French. |
| Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts | Theatre Careers | Working in the Performing Arts is a viable career option! This presentation and interactive discussion informs students of opportunities available to them within the Toronto-area performing arts industry. Various potential career paths are described by a theatre professional, which includes a Q&A. Discussion topics to be covered: Why a career in Theatre? What is it like to Live and Work as an Artist - including a conversation about current pandemic conditions. Presenter provides stories of first hand, real-world experiences in a performing artist's life: auditions; supplementary jobs; how to get an agent; differences between working on stage and working on film; professional standards and agencies such as unions; resources and tips for getting involved while a student; and, overcoming the stigma of the “starving artist”. Serving: Grades 9-12 |
| Young People's Theatre | Theatre Education Activities in Schools | YPT offers a wide selection of educational programming in schools including Pre- and Post-Show Workshops, Specialized Workshops and Residencies. These are all designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of a particular theme or arts practice, enhance their theatre-going experience, and provide them the opportunity to actively engage in creative drama. Pre- and Post-Show Workshops guide students through a series of drama exercises as a way to more deeply explore themes associated with a YPT production. Specialized Workshops and Residencies allow students to explore a specific theme or area of interest such as – but not limited to – acting, dance, stage combat, clowning, puppetry, design, prop building, playwriting or stage carpentry. YPT engages professional facilitators of the highest quality who have extensive experience working with young people using a diversity of artistic approaches. Suitable: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| MapleLeafTheatreforSocial Responsibility | Theatre Workshops and Performances for Social Change | Forum Theatre pedagogy allows students to participate and change the outcome of problems and learn to promote positive change. It is a pedagogy recognized by UNESCO. Mixed Company Theatre provides interactive productions and workshops using this method to address such issues as bullying, inclusion, mental health awareness, sexual consent, homophobia and transphobia. In these sessions, students practise creative problem-solving techniques and develop positive strategies to respond to issues that affect them. Serving: Grades 5-12 |
| 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 |
| The Yonge Street Mission | Thinking Forward Leadership Program | This program offers character development and leadership training for students, to help children and youth strengthen their interpersonal and leadership skills, and to challenge them to address social needs. Sessions provide inclusive and equitable learning opportunities that use the arts and leadership development as a platform to help students develop and improve their well-being. Students participate in hands-on, art activities that highlight themes of belonging, diversity, anti-bullying, teamwork, and community. A variety of methods, resources and activities are used including painting, role-playing, designing and building, illustrating, and art exhibits to showcase student work. The program is customizable to suit the needs and schedule of the school and students. Serving: Grades 1-8 |
| DAREarts Foundation Inc | Thrive Youth: Cultivating Wellness & Leadership Through The Arts | This program allows elementary students in grades 4-8 to build and practice their core leadership skills while exploring a variety of art forms with facilitators and artist-educators. In these in-person or virtual sessions, through exploring and creating with the arts, students develop their own unique voice, share and connect with their peers and build confidence and their capacity to be change makers. Each daily lesson builds on the previous over the course of each week or two, depending on the program. Learner activity kits containing all supplies needed for participation each session are provided. This program is most suitable for those students who wouldn't normally be exposed to arts programming. |
| Tools for All Teens | Tools for All Teens | Tools for All Teens is a self-empowerment program which provides teens with wellness activities and tools such as yoga, mindfulness meditation and journaling to assist them in calming their minds and bodies. These tools enable youth to better manage stress and enhance their mental health and well-being. Mindfulness activities are used to support students’ engagement and improve learning and success, while teaching important life skills in self-awareness.
Sessions can also be provided for staff teams, and for parents, as scheduled. Serving: Grades 7-12, Staff, Parents/Caregivers
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| SoundKreations Inc. | Toronto Dance Xperience | In these dance workshops (in-person or by video-conferencing), students participate in an adventure of body awareness, spatial awareness by exploring some of the cultures and dance styles that make-up the fabric of Toronto. Students learn a variety of styles and movements and their relationship with peers. Professional dancers engage students in the chosen dance style, fundamental movements, an in-depth exploration of the creative process and, in the longer series, a culminating student-led performance. Dance programs include: HipHopParty (building community through Hip-Hop Party Grooves), CubaNYC (Latin street dance), AfroFUSION (popular styles and grooves native to Congo, Angola and Ghana), and DanceCOMBO (hybrid of all styles). Workshops may be delivered in English, French and Spanish. |
| City of Toronto | Toronto Fire Services, Fire Safety for Children | Toronto Fire Safety Educators present interactive sessions for students that cover essential fire safety concepts for young audiences, such as smoke alarms are important; "Get outside, stay outside"; staying away from hot things; and, matches and lighters are for grown-ups. The sessions also emphasize firefighters as a community helpers. In delivering the interactive fire sessions educators may use various fire safety equipment, such as, full set of bunker gear to demonstrate for children to recognize their “helpers” in an emergency, and to not be afraid of the masked figure who may be trying to save them.
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| Kiwanis Music Festival Association | Toronto Kiwanis Festival | Toronto Kiwanis Festival provides students with virtual, enhanced learning and performance opportunities in music, dance, visual arts and speech arts in a competitive setting. Several schools' host the Festival annually during instructional time throughout two weeks in February - March. Serving: All grades. |
| Little Red Theatre | Touring Theatre for Children | The magic of theatre comes to life in these dramatic performances using an eclectic mix of puppets, original musical scores and songs, dance and audio and visual technology for elementary students. Productions are inspired by current issues, books that children love or problems that are relevant to children. Students may participate in the actual performance or participate in the question and answer at the end. Each year three shows are offered in English, French or Bilingual; each show is completely different and unique. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 |
| Rebecca Baird | Traditional Indigenous Art Practices | Workshops provide a hands-on experience that result in a tangible, memorable takeaway using a variety of Indigenous materials and art forms. Sample works include individual artwork using porcupine quills on birch bark, two-row wampum bracelets created using traditional Indigenous materials, beaded rosettes, individual cloth banners containing Indigenous teachings, or creation of a lasting on-site mural depicting Indigenous visual storytelling. Facilitator, Rebecca Baird, engages students in meaningful dialogue, citing the visual and material symbolism involved, including traditional Indigenous environmental teachings and relationships of cross-generational connections between the individual and community. Such teachings create a rewarding learning experience of Indigenous cultural values that reaches out and impacts meaningfully upon the community at large. Suitable: Grades 5-12
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| The EduCare Initiative | Training Educators Regarding Children and Young People In/from Care | Designed and facilitated by young people with child welfare lived experience, this virtual 3 hour workshop is for educators to encourage a deeper discussion on system barriers and how to better inform and support youth in care. Workshop provides participants a thorough understanding of the following: trauma-Informed approaches in school settings (and beyond), systemic racism/oppression, and family privilege. Participants develop more effective strategies for engaging young people in care and the significance of a relational approach. Suitable: Staff
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| Metrolinx | Transit in Your Community | Presentations on the Metrolinx Transit Projects provide an opportunity for students in school communities to understand these significant infrastructure construction initiatives in their communities. Presentations deepen students understanding of city planning through interaction with various transportation professionals, students gain an understanding of the many careers in transportation, planning and public transit through this unique partnership. Workshops are tailored to particular projects in the schools’ neighbourhoods and summer schools. Guest speakers, videos, presentations and group activities are adjusted & based on the grade/s engaged in these interactive sessions. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12 |
| North York General Hospital | Transitional Aged Youth Substance Abuse, Mental Health and Well-Being | This program offers specialized outpatient support services to referred youth and young adults who are concerned about the impact of substance use, addictions, depression, anxiety, and/or concurrent disorders in their lives. Assessment, support, treatment, and/or community referral to appropriate services are available through collaboration with TDSB Professional Support Services. Program activities include helping the school identify high-risk students; group activities based on locally identified needs; training for school staff; education and support for parents/guardians. Group programming can focus on building specific skills that enhance students' self-esteem and address a variety of mental health and well-being concerns. Services are customized and implemented as required based on presenting issues. Serving: Referred students, Grades 9-12 |
| University of Toronto | Trash Team: Waste Free Tomorrow | A team of university students deliver a series of four workshops to increase science and waste literacy in grade 5 students, while fostering curiosity in our natural world through STEM based activities. Delivery in -person or virtually, students participate in inquiry-based learning while working on activities and focus on tangible solutions in waste reduction. Lessons and topics include: 1) life-cycle of plastic 2) watersheds and their relationship to litter 3) impacts of plastic on the ecosystems 4) solutions to plastic pollution. Students also have an opportunity to engage with scientists in the field, learn about current research in plastic pollution and career options available in STEM. |
| 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/. |
| 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 |
| Greater Toronto Hockey League ( GTHL ) | Try Hockey | This program introduces the sport of hockey through the game of floorball to students in grades 2-6 who have previously been unable to play the sport. Certified coaches deliver the program in the school gymnasium where small groups practice basics of stick-handling, passing and shooting. Students will participate actively and engage in a variety of movement competencies, and demonstrate an understanding of the value of regular physical activity in their daily lives. With follow-up communication, coaches provide further support to maximize sustainability and teacher resources are made available including access to floorball lesson plans. Following the in-school portion, students/families are invited to the local arena to try hockey on the ice. |
| Anthony Lue | Turning Tragedy into Triumph: The Story of a Para-athlete | Virtually, Anthony Lue, a para-athlete in cycling, speaks to students about resilience, maintaining a positive attitude and overcoming obstacles in the face of stark adversity. In 2009, an accident at a scrap metal yard left him paralyzed from the waist down. But though his body was broken, his incredible spirit remained intact and the will to live. Anthony shares the importance of overcoming challenges, goal setting through sports, teamwork, and seeing life in a new way despite a disability and striving to achieve mammoth goals in life. Virtual sessions only. Serving Grades 4 - 12. |
| Doane Uschool | Ukulele In the Classroom | This enrichment program uses the versatility of the ukulele to enhance music literacy skills for students in grades 3-12. Professional musicians/instructors use the Ukulele in the Classroom pedagogy which strengthen students musical understanding, social skills, and enjoyment. Sessions focus on introduction to ukulele, playing ukulele, improvisation, playing in an ensemble and performance. Students will enhance the following skills: improvisation, ear training, note recognition (both on the page and on the instrument), harmony and rhythm through chording and finally through repertoire which uses all of these elements and performing.
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| Ian Keteku | Uncover Your Hidden Voice | Facilitated by a National Slam Champion and World Poetry Slam Champion, these workshops introduce students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, to the spoken word form. Sessions encourage students to engage with language in new, personal, and imaginative ways. Writing skills and tools for creative expression are enhanced in grade specific abilities. Students learn the literary tools and techniques used to effectively communicate messages and emotions. Workshops culminate with students performing their own unique spoken word piece to their class. |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Unstoppable Tracy Inc. | Unstoppable You | As a bestselling author, award-winning leader, speaker, humanitarian, and decorated athlete, Unstoppable Tracy provides tools tied to the Ontario Learning Outcomes for Resilience and Determination, for audiences to affect positive change and acceptance to everyone around them. Tracy's verve for life and ability to overcome obstacles are immediately apparent in these keynote presentations, sharing her story of commitment and perseverance, courage, and positivity, and that challenges misconceptions. Unstoppable Tracy provides a unique and inclusive perspective on diversity as a person who was born with a disability, as a 4-way amputee. With humour and motivation, Unstoppable Tracy inspires all audiences to set goals and persevere through adversity, doing whatever it takes in order to achieve success. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12; staff; parents/caregivers |
| Green Thumbs Growing Kids | Urban Trees From Seed | Students plant and nurture urban-tolerant native species of trees, from seed that they collect or is collected locally from mature trees. Delivery in-person or by video-conferencing, this project enhances student learning in citizen science, biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Facilitated by an Indigenous garden educator who provides knowledge on a variety of native tree species including one with the Anishnaabemowin name, Giidaga biizhou aatig, also known as the Kentucky Coffee Tree. Younger students plant the tree from seed and older students pot the seedlings, take care and plant the seedling in a forever home. |
| Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre | Using Literature as an Innovative Tool for Teaching Mental Health Literacy | Through this partnership programming, educators learn how to impart basic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills and general mental health literacy to middle-school age youth through an engaging professional learning session and follow-up coaching designed for English/Literacy teachers and middle school staff teams. Students’ mental health and wellness can potentially be safeguarded and enhanced through increased teacher awareness, knowledge, skills, and via curricula that embed mental health literacy components within a literature unit. Serving: Staff |
| University of Toronto | UTSC Computer and Mathematical Sciences & Future Careers | Faculty staff deliver workshops on Computer and Mathematical Sciences, the diverse futures in the field and creative careers in the industry. Sessions make Computer and Mathematical Sciences more accessible to students while dispelling misconceptions about Computer and Mathematical Sciences. Students are exposed to diverse careers and pathways to post-secondary education and information on what life is like for Computer Scientists in the real world. Workshops offer hands-on experience in programming, creating art with code, coding challenges, complex Scratch simulation and modelling. Professional learning may be available. Suitable: Grades 7-12; staff
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| University of Toronto | UTSC Imani Academic Mentorship | UTSC mentors offer academic and mentoring support (social-emotional, identity, cognitive) to African Canadian youth at selected middle and high schools in East Scarborough. UTSC mentors build confidence in TDSB student mentees with a focus on supporting post-secondary access to college or university. UTSC mentors provide homework help, one-one mentoring at selected elementary and secondary schools. The program’s goal is to support Black Student Success by supporting the needs of a student population that historically has been under-represented at post-secondary education institutions. |
| McMichael Canadian Art Collection | V.O.I.C.E.S | V.O.I.C.E.S., Visual Outreach Initiative Creating Empowered Students, program provides student leadership and empowerment through art-based activities to select grade 5 students. These in-person or virtual sessions nurture students' self-esteem and leadership skills through exploration of Canadian Art from the McMichael collection. Five learning sessions provide a behind-the-scenes tour of an artist's studio, in-depth look into the creative process, conversations with professional artists, all animated by gallery shots, images of artwork and videos presenting artmaking demonstrations. The sixth session culminates in a showcase of individual artwork and celebration of students' achievements.
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| Hamilton-Wentworth Green Venture | Vermicomposting Workshop | This wiggly worm workshop allows students to observe a vermicomposting habitat and see how worms recycle food waste to produce valuable compost. Learn how composting relates to food waste, discuss why food waste is an important environmental issue, and learn the science of composting. Sessions may focus on setting up a vermicomposting bin from scratch or how to care and troubleshoot vermicomposting bins. All materials will be provided by the facilitator for hands-on learning experience. In addition, follow-up activity guide and supplementary lessons are provided to further the learning beyond the workshop. Suitable: All grades |
| University of Toronto | Virtual Academic Support Program in Select Secondary Schools | Trained post-secondary student volunteers from the University of Toronto, OISE, provide academic supports virtually to select secondary schools, referred Grade 9 & 10 students/classes, as they prepare for meeting the Numeracy and Literacy standards required in those grade levels. TDSB Guidance or teaching staff monitor these remote, video-conferencing program sessions. |
| Progressive Tennis League | Virtual Enrichment Tennis Programming | The program provides virtual workshops to students using modified equipment to make learning tennis fun and easy. A team based approach is used to introduce the ten steps towards rallying and the five fundamentals of tennis for JK/SK. Students in grades 1-8 explore tennis fundamentals, reception/projection and movement skills in a dynamic team based environment. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 |
| Greenpeace Canada | Virtual Greenspeakers | Free virtual presentations enhance student knowledge and motivation on critical environmental topics such as climate change/crisis, the Arctic, boreal and rain forests, biodiversity, plastics, economic development/environmental impact, and personal environmental awareness/engagement. Thought provoking and interactive, the presentations engage on both an intellectual and emotional level so that the students brainstorm ideas for practical, and actionable solutions. Serving: Grades 3 - 12 |
| 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. |
| Debbie Deer Productions | Virtual Technology and Production Workshop | Virtual Technology and production workshop immerses secondary students in using virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality (collectively known as XR) and the careers that lies in it. Black-identifying industry professionals lead sessions about virtual film production, augmented and mixed reality technology and how it is used to tell their own stories through film production. Facilitators share exciting new careers in film and VR industry. Students have opportunity to learn software such as AR and apply it themselves by making their own augmented reality filter and experience a VR demo with headset. Suitable: Grades 9-12
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| Inspiration Republic | Virtual YOU, Me, US | African Canadian history virtual presentation takes a look at historical African Canadian figures who have made substantial contributions in the black community and Canadian culture, while facing racism and oppression. Presentation explores the setbacks and challenges of Harry Jerome, Viola Desmond, Elijah McCoy but also to showcase their resiliency, innovative spirit and problem-solving skills while inspiring students to see themselves as problem-solvers and innovators. Using media, real life stories and an interactive game show, the presentation highlights the history beyond the colour barrier. Suitable but not limited to Black History Month. |
| Canadian Parents for French - Ontario | Virtually Engaging Parents & Supporting FSL | Virtual 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 |
| 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 |
| York University | Wabaan _ Indigenous Initial Teacher Education | Wabaan is an Anishinabe (Ojibwa) word meaning it is tomorrow. It signifies commitment to a holistic program of teaching and learning that acknowledges the impacts of colonialism, and draws on the wisdom of ancestral teachings and contemporary leaders to put Indigenous futures into Indigenous hands. Rooted in Indigenous Thought, Wabaan will provide traditional and contemporary teachings from Indigenous Elders, educators, and community leaders virtually or in person. Responding to the urgent and long-standing need for a teacher education program that centers Indigenous worldviews, knowledges and pedagogies, York will work with TDSB Urban Indigenous Education Centre, teachers and students to support the development of a program that will educate a new generation of teachers prepared to address the needs of First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) students, families and communities. |
| Heart of a Man (HOAM) Ltd. | Welcome Wellness | Overcome, elevate, inspire. Donovan is a motivational speaker who inspires others by sharing his story of mental health and wellness. He speaks of his battle with depression and educates on effective communication, vulnerability and resilience. Interactive discussion provides an inspirational message on Black mental health for young men and youth audiences. Integrating stories, statistics, and spoken word, students are engaged and provided with effective strategies for fostering wellness, coping, and reaching out to supports and community resources. The presentation inspires students in defining one’s own struggles, overcoming them with passion and ultimately finding one’s purpose in life. Serving: Grades 9 - 12
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| Lumenus Community Services | Whatever It Takes (WIT) | 'Whatever It Takes' (WIT) provides service coordination and transitional support to children and youth who have mental health issues and have complex service needs. WIT provides many services such as interim intensive case management, facilitation of community planning, clinical consultation and one-on-one support within student’s treatment plan to transition into a classroom or maintain the student effectively in the classroom until a more appropriate school placement or day treatment placement can be arranged. WIT facilitates the collaboration of service providers to respond to children/youth with complex needs or to those whose needs exceed the ability and capacity of any one service provider or sector. Serving: Referred students, Kindergarten - Grade 12
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| University Health Network | Whole School Approach to Eating Disorder Prevention | Engaging and age appropriate, risk factor-focused presentations are offered to students (Kindergarten to Grade 12) on body image, media literacy, conversations around food, and self-esteem. Professional learning capacity-building, interactive workshops for staff focus on spotting the signs, supporting an affected student, addressing body-based bullying, and embedding conversations into existing curriculum. Parent panels for the school community are also offered that create a space for parents to share their concerns about this topic while empowering them with resources to support their children’s well-being around eating, physical activity, and body image. Programming in-person or virtual through video-conferencing is an evidence-informed approach to eating disorder prevention available for all schools. |
| Djennie Laguerre | Words in Movement: Dance, Theater, Storytelling | An interactive dance and storytelling workshop in French or English, to enable students to create their own story. The storytelling workshop uses drama, music, song, dance, word games to enhance students’ communication skills and theatre skills. The dance workshop uses Afro-Caribbean beats and music to enable the students to not only learn about francophone Afro-Caribbean culture but also learn to create a brand new choreography. The workshops series culminates in a class performance. Serving: Grades 1 - 8 |
| Hong Fook Mental Health Association | Wraparound: Making Healthy Choices | Led by Hong Fook Youth Program Worker, the CHOICES program, serving East Asian and international students from grades 7 – 12 helps youth to create new social connections and strengthen peer to peer relationships. Through games, group work and discussion, youths are able to develop strategies with a focus on different life skills, including communication, healthy relationships, stress management, wellness, decision-making, and goal-setting. The Youth Outreach Worker is available to provide individualized programs to meet participants' needs as well as be available for presentations with school communities to increase all students' understanding of mental health, available resources, and the local school community's engagement in issues of equity and social inclusion.
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| Beat the Streets | Wrestle 4 Fun | Students learn fundamentals from top-level Canadian wrestlers in this character-building and life skills workshop through the sport of wrestling. Virtual workshops are based on the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model and designed to introduce wrestling and drills to improve movement skills, agility, balance and coordination while providing no-contact delivery. For older students, workshops build positive character traits, coping strategies, building positive self-image and personal resiliency while providing a constructive and safe way to redirect energy through sport. Students learn time management, respecting others, friendly competition, rules and guidelines through the introduction to wrestling that all transfer to the classroom. Professional learning and certification are available to staff. Serving: Grades 5 - 12 |
| Basketball Beginnings Inc. | Yes I Can: Physical Literacy & Mentorship | Sessions in physical literacy build referred students' engagement in building their school communities through developing their leadership skills, and pairing with a mentor. These sports-based mentorships instill positive attitudes towards learning, positive goal orientation and motivational patterns that enhances student success, particularly for those that have disengaged with scholastic endeavours. Basketball Beginnings staff are also available for outreach and support of referred students during instructional time, as needed. Suitable: Grades 1-8 |
| Cooperative de Travailleurs 3 Mamans Yoginis | Yoga en Francais | Delivered by French speaking facilitators, these in-person or virtual workshops offer tools for students to lower stress and anxiety through yoga while practising their French listening and speaking skills. The vocabulary, poses and techniques are adapted to primary, elementary or secondary students. Activities include body movement, relaxation techniques, games, music and hearing from topics on health and wellness. Students are better aware of their emotions and physical well-being and be able to focus in class. Workshops are suitable for students in core, extended and French immersion. |
| Mindful Bodies | Yoga, Mindfulness & Wellness | Staff and students learn self-regulation, focus and stress-resiliency skills in order to reduce stress and boost mindfulness. Weekly sessions or workshops teach movement and mindfulness techniques, the latest research in the field of neuroscience, mindfulness and psychology, as well as providing tools and effective strategies to reduce stress. Available to all students and professional development workshops can be arranged. |
| Jeff A.D. Martin | You Are Worth It | Empowerment assembly and leadership workshops targeted to building up and fostering character development among students. Presentation reinforces the following three points: turning your adversities into your advantages, believing in yourself, the power of self-affirmation. Jeff. A.D. Martin grew up in an underserved neighbourhood within Toronto, facing many disadvantages and can relate to the various struggles that students continue to face today. He shares his own personal stories, which includes loss through violence and also from his fifteen years in law enforcement within various detective roles. Workshops help students to step through their fears and build important life skills to find their life's passion. Suitable: Grades 4-12 |
| 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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| 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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| Aliyah Burey | Youth Empowerment Virtual Spoken Word | Using spoken word poetry, in virtual sessions Aliyah Burey speaks an uplifting and empowering message to youth through the narrative of her life experience. Students are exposed to diverse literary styles while increasing their enthusiasm towards literacy and building the tools for self-expression. Spoken word being an artistic expression to explore and reflect upon themes such as the intersectionalities of race culture and gender gives youth an understanding of diversity and ways to overcome challenges that they face. Schools can choose between spoken word performance and/or workshop. |
| Veritus Pictures Inc. | Youth Filmmakers Academy | Workshops in-person or through video-conferencing provide authentic expression of student voice through filmmaking. This team-based approach provides students with skills, technique and tips on a variety of filmmaking elements including camera work, audio recording, video production, and editing. For schools looking for a more in depth exploration of filmmaking, James Buffin offers a five day program to take students from concept to completion for documentary or dramatic projects. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12 |
| YMCA of Greater Toronto | Youth Gambling Awareness Program | These workshops seek to raise awareness of youth gambling, online gaming, addiction and mental health. Facilitators highlight the difference between playing games and gambling, risks involved in gambling, harm reduction strategies, how to stay safe and make informed healthy decisions. Sessions encourage youth to explore a variety of gambling topics including: What's At Stake?, Play It Safe, Betting Sense; Game-Bling: When Gaming Meets Gambling; Media Impact; Stigma & Gambling. Delivered in French. Suitable: Grades 4-12 |
| Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians | Youth Outreach Project for Civic Engagement | Former Parliamentarians share their knowledge and experience on Parliamentary Democracy and civic engagement to secondary students. The presentation
shares Ontario Parliament functions, roles and responsibilities, parliamentary system of government, political process, civic engagement, political environment as well as
personal experiences and anecdotes and life on the job. The aim of the work is to engage students in the democratic, political process with the hope of building civic
participation amongst youth. Sessions concludes with a question and answer, class discussion and activities on civic engagement. Schools may request a specific speaker
that has a particular focus ie business, gender, disability rights. Serving: Grades 9-12
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| Lumenus Community Services | Youth Outreach Workers (YOW) | This program provides outreach and support for referred youth who are identified as being at risk and may also present with a dual diagnosis or developmental disability, and/or identify as LGBTQ. It connects these youth with community resources to meet their immediate needs (such as employment, health, housing, recreation). Youth Outreach Workers are also available for presentations in secondary schools to increase all students' understanding of mental health and the local school community's engagement in issues of equity and social inclusion. The YOW can also assist the young person’s support network (home, school, peers) to access necessary resources to help them best support the youth. Serving: Referred students, Grades 9-12
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| Covenant House Toronto | Youth Reconnect | This partnership program is a collaborative approach to early intervention with students who are referred by Professional Support Services, to provide direct supports and reduce the risk of homelessness and disengagement from school. Professional Support Services staff work with Covenant House staff to provide referred students with wrap-around supports to stabilize their living situation, either by addressing issues at home (such as family conflict), or by helping students who can no longer stay at home find housing and community services (as needed). Professional Learning sessions are also available for staff to heighten their awareness of the signs of a youth's risk of homelessness, as well as information about appropriate supports in the community. Serving: referred Grades 9-12 students
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| The Youth Empowerment Program | Youth Skills for Life | Workshops offer practical tools to empower vulnerable/BIPOC youth with the skills to increase self awareness, self confidence and self-esteem. Facilitated by Suzanne Dunbar, Black female, these interactive sessions delivered in-person or virtually offer healthy problem-solving skills, strategies on changing negative thought patterns and reactive behaviours, and tools to navigate life’s challenges from a space of autonomy and self-reflection. Sessions delivered in person or virtually, use guiding questions to engage students, especially Black students, to develop a positive self-perception as they grow in their lives.
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| YMCA of Greater Toronto | Youth Substance Use | Free presentation on substance use and its effects to school community. Substances covered are alcohol, cannabis, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA/ecstasy, GHB, ketamine, hallucinogens. Presentation addresses what the products are, their categories, physical and mental impacts, short and long term impacts and strategies for harm reduction. Facilitators address the causes of use and indicators that people may be using substances and ways to get help. A question and answer will follow each presentation. Suitable: Grades 9-12; staff; parents/caregivers |
| 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 |
