| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Brosseau Consulting | SHSM Negotiation and Business | Half or full-day sessions provide students in grades 11 and 12 SHSM certification in Negotiation, Customer Service and Business Etiquette. Through mock negotiations students participate in teams under fictitious circumstances and actively practise key strategies to successfully negotiate, communicate and interact with others. Students learn how to use these skills at all levels and in a variety of contexts including today's modern world. As an experienced educator and negotiator, Jeff helps students develop transferable skills to serve them in their future work and careers. SPE may be available. Suitable: Grades 11-12 |
| Mosa McNeilly | Sister Freedom's Black Arts Education Projects | Grounded in Black diasporic art forms, aesthetic modes and design, these sessions, in-person or by video-conferencing, engage curriculum connections with visual art, social studies, mapping, coding, equity, diversity, history, social justice and wellness. Workshops include: Adinkra Project, Africa project, Black Stories Storybook Project, Black Women Artists Project, Black Hair Magic Project, Grandma Assiatou's Seed Pouch Project, Sankofa Project and Underground Railroad Quilt Codes Project. Through drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, assemblage, sculpture, writing poetry, students engage in self-reflective and cross-cultural dialogue. Also available as professional development, Black Ways of Knowing offers tools for developing and delivering culturally responsive curriculum that centers African, Black and Caribbean students and advocates for Black freedom and justice. Delivery available in English or French. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff |
| KickAss Careers Limited | Skilled Trade Pathways | Taking real-life practical experiences while dressing the part, Jammie McMillan brings the skilled trades to students by telling her personal career journey in skilled trades and technology. Jammie shares successes and failures along the way and provides information on the various pathways in skilled trades as well as the vast opportunities in career options in MITC (Mechanical, Industrial, Technology and Construction) sector. The presentation inspires students to chart their own path and challenge stereotypes in the industry and choose skilled trades as a viable, successful and rewarding career option. |
| MADD Canada | SmartWheels | Students learn about the harmful risks associated with alcohol and drug use and impaired driving. Presentations are available in person on a mobile RV, in class, or via video conference; and can be delivered in French. They feature videos about the effects of alcohol and substance use such as cannabis. Students put on virtual reality goggles (in the RV or in class formats) and in the case of video conferencing, students view a virtual reality video to see how it looks and feels to drive while impaired. All presentations include students participating in multiple choice questions and in decision-making scenarios about impaired driving. These sessions not only increase awareness about the consequences of impaired driving, but also influence responsible decision-making and provide safety strategies. Serving: Grades 4-6 |
| Child Development Institute | SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) | The interactive workshop series is offered in the classroom to help students in grades 2 - 5 improve their problem-solving skills and self-control. Topics include: fair play, handling group/peer pressure, anger management, making good choices and dealing with bullying. Elementary students gain new social skills and understand how to enhance their problem-solving and mood regulation skills. They are introduced to the 'stop now, and plan' method of dealing with these issues. |
| Socacize Fitness Inc. | Socacize Kidz | A fitness program that is a creative blend of authentic Caribbean and African dance techniques matched with effective fitness moves, all set to infectious music for all students. Full day assemblies/performances and individual workshops are delivered by a team of professionals. Students are guided through fitness-focused activities such as Bacchanal Warm Up, Cardio Soca Jam, Mindful Motion, Follow the Leader, Drumming Circle and Limbo demonstration. Custom choreographed routines and performances by our professionals are also available to further enhance students' knowledge of Afro-Caribbean culture. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12
|
| Toronto High Park Football (Soccer) Club | Soccer 4 Life | Delivered by experienced coaches, this free soccer enhancement program teaches soccer and life skills that go beyond the soccer field for students in grades 6-8. Program may be delivered in-person or virtually. Using the 4-corner player development model (technical, psychological, physical and social), students not only practise the technical and physical aspects of the game but more importantly develop team and social skills. The content of the program includes the importance of teamwork, building confidence, patience, resilience and decisiveness, knowledge about cultural and historical aspects of the sport, effective communication, following rules in a game and life settings and being a physically active member of the community.
|
| 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. |
| Scott Ste Marie | Social Media & Mental Health | This presentation educates students on the relationship between social media use and their psychological, emotional and social emotional well-being. Students gain a deeper understanding of the impact social media use has on their emotional well-being and how to use it safely. Mental health speaker, Scott Ste Marie, shares his honest experience being a YouTuber (reaching over 30 million people worldwide), showing students the reality behind these platforms and inviting them to think critically about how they treat others online and what content they consume. Students are immediately engaged as Scott shows background analytics to his own videos and how he personally has to manage his own online engagement and prioritizes what is truly important offline. Serving: Grades 4-12, Parents/caregivers |
| Brian Wright-McLeod | Songs & Visions of Turtle Island | As an Author, Artist and Instructor, Brian provides two arts-based, interactive virtual presentations for students. One traces the history of Native / Indigenous music from first European contact to contemporary times profiling the diversity, breadth and artistic beauty of Native / Indigenous music from the Arctic Circle the Southwest US in all genres of traditional, flute, ceremonial, powwow and contemporary music and instruments. A second workshop assists students in the creation of graphic novels with artwork and storytelling that enhances reading and literacy. Serving: Kindergarten - Grade 12 |
| Soul Drums Ltd. | Soul P.O.P. | Percussion Optimizes Potential (P.O.P.) enhances music and life skills through drumming. Sessions include drum circles in small or large class formats and offered in person or virtually. This hands-on workshop provides students an opportunity to enhance their drumming skills with an emphasis on communication, team building, positive risk taking and leadership skills. Activities include musical games, song chants and performing music using a variety of percussion instruments. Professional learning opportunities are available to staff who wish to enhance skills as a drum circle facilitator. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12, Staff |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| B.O.L.T. Charitable Foundation | Speak Outs: Careers in Construction | Presentation on the vast and diverse career opportunities available in the construction industry featuring industry guest speakers who share their personal experiences for students in Grades 7-12. Designed to inspire a new generation of tradespeople and industry professionals, these presentations create awareness about the industry including industry overview and future outlook, various career options and their compensation, examples of technical and essential skills required, and training and employment pathways to employment. Guest speakers include union members and skilled trades, such as plumbers, electricians, sheet metal workers, and general labourers, as well as other professionals, such as architects, project managers, engineers, and safety specialists. |
| Lawrence Hill Creative Services, Inc. | Speaking Engagements | Award-winning, best-selling African-Canadian author, Lawrence Hill engages with students through inspiring and engaging sessions to promote literacy skills and self-affirmation about Black identity. Mr. Hill speaks with students, reads from his books, shows how he brings words and stories to life through the creative process, addresses issues of Black history and culture, and shares observations on the writer’s craft and on business issues related to publishing. Students hear from an inspirational author, learn how to write creatively to share their stories and voice and how to dialogue with peers. Suitable: All grades; staff; parents/caregivers
|
| Music For Every Child | Special Needs Music Therapy Program | In-person music therapy sessions help students in DD/ISP classes to build their communication, listening and social skills through music-making at select schools. Guided by a certified music therapist, students have an opportunity to experiment with percussion instruments, participate in group drum circles and call and response exercises, pass rhythms to peers and participate in drum solos. Each activity is conducted by the facilitator to build a sense of success and achievement from the previous week and encourage students to freely express themselves through music. Sessions also enhance connections with peers and builds on teamwork. |
| Special Olympics Ontario Inc. | Special Olympics Ontario Schools | This initiative offers competitive and developmental athletic opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities in programming that is exclusively for them or inclusive (unified) for all students. Professional learning sessions for staff are also offered to provide staff with training, support and resources that increase Special Education students’ physical literacy and sport specific skills development. Programming includes: Active Start; FUNdamentals; Youth Multi-Sport; Coaching Young Athletes; Sports Festival; Health Action and My PHAL (Physical Health Active Living). And, athletic competition qualifiers and championships are organized in which student athletes with special needs compete, and opportunities for all students are offered to engage and support their peers with disabilities. See details at www1.specialolympicsontario.com/schools/. Serving: Grades 1-12, Staff
|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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 |
| Northstarr Entertainment Inc. | Stay Driven | Motivational assemblies and/or classroom workshops from Rapper Duane "D.O." Gibson combine Hip Hop performances with life lessons. Presentation themes include: Canadian Black History - D.O. presents about Black History through a Canadian perspective talking about Viola Desmond and black history in Nova Scotia as well as the Underground railroad and Josiah Henson in Chatham, Ontario ; HOLLA – Help, Outlet, Lead, Leave, Assert. D.O. discusses several strategies to combat bullying focusing on building self-esteem, standing up to bullies and finding an outlet. In The Zone - D.O. will bond with students as he shares his personal stories through freestyle rap. The program focuses on the personal power gained through reading, creative writing and speech. And, M.A.D. Skills (Media And Decisions) - D.O. will teach your students to make positive choices when it comes to the media. The program focuses on making informed decisions on music and TV choices as well as presenting strategies to combat cyber bullying. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12
|
| 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 |
| 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.
|
| 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
|
| Storyvalues Inc. | Storyvalues Interactive | A variety of virtual and in-person sessions provide school communities with opportunities to explore themes of holidays, seasons, heritages and traditions. Interactive storytelling and drama enhance students’ cultural awareness, communication, creative and literacy skills. Interactive dramatization along with student participation and small group discussions allow students to explore further salient themes. Serving: Kindergarten, Grades 1-8 |
| 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 |
| 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)
|
| 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
|
| 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 |
| 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
|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Cristina Delago | The Art of Mosaic | Workshops offer mosaic making technique, process and mosaic art; longer sessions enable students to create a mosaic art mural using recycled materials. An introduction of mosaic art history and a slide demonstration of mosaic murals in our city, will inspire students to be able to make their own. Demonstrations of various techniques, design concepts and materials will be presented. Students learn by discovery, self-expression and small group activity. Activities include sketching life size and perspective, composition with shapes, sizes, colour and texture, creating movement and contrast with materials used. Suitable: 4-12
|
| 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 |
| Food Sharks | The Food Mood Connection | This nutrition workshop helps students to understand how food plays a significant role in their mood and overall mental and physical health. Facilitator discusses the fundamentals of a healthy diet, foods that support well-being, and how media and marketing industries influence nutritional choices. Students learn to read and understand food labels and nutritional facts to ultimately gain knowledge to make informed, healthy food choices. Because the health & wellness industry is booming, growth trends and careers are also highlighted. SHSM & SPE certification is available. Suitable: Grades 6-12 |
| H.U.S.T.L.E Inc. | The Great Canadian Hustle | Workshops use the medicine wheel to guide Indigenous youth in creating a healthy lifestyle in select schools. Facilitated by an Indigenous facilitator, students increase their physical and mental wellness and develop good life skills. Sessions and topics include physical activity, training on gym equipment, healthy eating and goal-setting using Indigenous traditions and knowledge. Each session includes a physical movement/exercise with or without equipment, yoga/meditation and sharing circle/affirmations. Suitable: grades 6-12 |
| 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. |
| North Star Productions | The Ontario Planetarium Mobile Star Dome | A knowledgeable guide leads presentations in a mobile planetarium that is set-up for a day at interested schools. Based on their experiences, presenters discuss earth and space science. Several presentations are offered to bring the cosmos to life through 3-D graphics and thundering surround sound. Serving: Grades 1-12 |
| 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+
|
| 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
|
| Shakespearience Performing Arts | The Shakespearience Experience | Interactive workshops in-person and through video-conferencing empower students by developing character, confidence communication and other essential soft skills through creatively and collaboratively overcoming the challenges they often associate with Shakespeare's language. Students are assisted by some of Canada’s most celebrated and talented professional actors. These professionals demonstrate in a unique and innovative way how an artist’s approach to the texts, combined with a little persistence, imagination and hard work, can unlock and demystify material many young people find so difficult. Professional learning sessions are also available for this programming that has been hailed as "outstanding," "epic," "transforming," "engaging" and "something that exceeded all of my expectations." Serving: Grades 4-12 |
| 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.
|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| 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.
|
| 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
|
| 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
|
| 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. |
| University Health Network | UHN STEM Pathways | UHN staff offer a variety of experiential learning opportunities to help students increase their understanding of STEM and careers in STEM especially from under-represented communities. Programming includes both in-person and virtual programs, hands-on activities, classroom visits, interactive scientist panels, experiential learning opportunities. Students will increase their understanding of STEM in an interactive learning environment. In this process, they will be connected to strong, visible role models and gain access to new resources and opportunities and connections to the real world. Suitable: Kindergarten, Grades 1-12
|
| Doane Music School | 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.
|
| 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 |
| Emil Sher | Unpacking the Holocaust: A Playwright's Journey | This multimedia presentation weaves still images and video footage from the acclaimed stage production of Hana's Suitcase, which chronicles the short life of a girl killed in Auschwitz. What are the challenges, the choices, the considerations when history is honoured and dramatized on stage? How far into the darkness of the Holocaust do you go when children are in the audience? How can sets, costumes, masks, slides and silence give voice to an unspeakable tragedy? These are some of the questions that are explored by playwright Emil Sher in a presentation that is capped by a discussion where students are tasked with making a moral choice about who to shelter in wartime. Students also learn about the creative process in transforming history into a stage play and the connections between art and history. Serving: Grades 5 - 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
|
| 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.
|
| 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
|
| 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. |
