August 28, 2025
Dear TCDSB Families,
The countdown is on! The 2025–2026 school year begins on Tuesday, September 2. We’re excited to welcome back our returning students and to greet those joining us for the first time. Together, we look forward to a year filled with faith, learning, and new opportunities for success.
As we begin this journey, we invite you to read the Back to School Message from the Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Education.
To help you get ready, here are a few key reminders and resources. This information can also be accessed online.
School Communications
Please take a few minutes to review and register for the following important school-related information:
TCDSB Website: Stay informed about Board events and updates, access the school year calendar and find your child’s school website.
SchoolMessenger/Safe Arrival: Easily report your child’s absences and receive school communications throughout the year.
SchoolCash Online: A safe and convenient payment option that eliminates the need to send cash or cheques to school for pizza lunches, civvies days, and field trips.
TSTG Bus Transportation Portal (school bus students only): The Toronto Student Transportation Group (TSTG) portal provides online access to your child’s transportation information and up-to-the-minute email notifications regarding school bus cancellations or delays.
TCDSB General Information
Resources for Parents/Guardians: Features important tools and resources to help families navigate the school system.
Get Involved: Learn more about the different parent committees and groups.
Mental Health and Well-Being Resources: Access resources including tips for families, videos, websites, and agency information about child and youth mental health and available supports.
Strategic and Action Plans: The Multi-Year Strategic Plan, Equity Action Plan, and Pastoral Plan collectively outline the Board's vision, goals, and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and spiritual initiatives for the current and upcoming years.
Public Transportation: TTC tips and reminders related to back-to-school.
Stay Connected “Q&A with the Director”: At the beginning of September, Director Browne will be taking questions for a Q&A on Instagram to answer your questions. Follow @torontocatholicdsb to take part and ask about programming, concerns, or anything in between.
Immunization Reminder: Toronto Public Health (TPH) encourages families to stay up to date with all vaccinations, as outlined in the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA). This includes vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis (whooping cough), meningococcal disease and varicella (chickenpox). Check out TPH's Tips for a Healthy Start to the School Year.
If students are missing a measles vaccine, parents may receive a letter from TPH asking them to update their child’s vaccine records by August 31, 2025. Visit TPH website for more information.
TCDSB Policies and Procedures
Our policies help create safe, welcoming, and supportive schools. Here are a few you may want to review as we begin the year.
Device Use: Rules and expectations for electronic devices in schools.
AI Guidelines: Overview of responsible AI use for students.
Acceptable Use of Technology: Expectations for using technology and social media safely, responsibly, and for learning.
Smoke and Vapour Free Space: Maintaining a safe and healthy environment on all TCDSB properties.
Code of Conduct: Behaviour expectations for students, staff, and families.
Dress Code for Pupils: Guidelines for appropriate student attire in schools.
Progressive Discipline: How schools approach behavioural issues and corrective actions.
Prevalent Medical Conditions: Support for students with medical conditions that require care during the school day.
Student/School Related Concerns: Steps and procedures for resolving parent concerns.
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us create safe, welcoming, and thriving school communities. We can’t wait to start the new school year next week!
Sincerely,
Toronto Catholic District School Board