Principal's Update: September 16

 Hello Danforth families!

We hope that you have enjoyed the start to the school year and are starting to settle into the school routine. It has been a genuine pleasure to see the halls so full of youthful energy and exuberance! Here’s the latest update as we head into the 3rd week of school:

Upcoming Events

Tuesday September 17 | Photo Day!

Wednesday September 18 | Late Start

Wednesday September 18 | Western University Visit (Lunch)

Thursday September 19 | School Council Meeting

Tuesday September 24 | Grade 9 Field Day (Student Council Event)

Wednesday September 25 | Late Start

Wednesday September 25 | Twin Day (Student Council Event)

Thursday September 26 | Grade Rep Assembly

Friday September 27 | Club Fair (lunch)

Website

Our website is back up, and while the content is still in progress, there are some essentials like the student handbook, bell schedules, maps, calendar and news page (blog) that you won’t want to miss. Check it out at www.danforthcti.com  

Course Changes

Guidance has completed preference changes for this year, and while there are always exceptional circumstances, that means that classes for this semester are pretty much set. Teachers have started issuing lockers and loaned materials (like books and equipment) can now be issued to students (in the understanding that they will be returned in good condition at the end of the course). 

Thank you for your patience - we know there were a lot of requests to start off the year, and we hope that you’re all happy with your classes going forward. A huge thank you to our guidance department, who worked tirelessly to resolve conflicts and ensure everyone had a complete schedule that worked for your graduation plan. 

Appointments can still be made with your guidance counsellor through these links:

• A - C: Mr. El-Wazani (Book an Appt)

• D - K: Ms. Chan (Book an Appt)

• L - R: Ms. Martin (Book an Appt)

• S - Z: Ms. Mnyusiwalla (Book an Appt)

Student Fees

As mentioned in the first newsletter, student fees have been posted to School Cash Online, and are $30 for this school year. The fees students pay go directly to the programs students enjoy at the school, including Student Council, Arts Council and Athletic Council activities, and school events and celebrations. The breakdown is as follows:

• Student Council ($15 - also supports clubs)

• Arts Council ($5)

• Athletic Council ($5)

• School Events and Celebrations ($5)

We recognize that not all families have the means to contribute, and want to assure families that students will not be prevented from participating where this is a financial hardship. We ask that you connect with the appropriate vice principal to discuss a full or partial waiver of fees if this applies to you.

If you would like to support school programs and contribute more than $30, you can make a donation through School Cash Online. Indicate in the note that you would like it to be used to support student activities. 

Public education is always free, but funding our student councils helps to make the school experience better for all. We appreciate the support of all our families in making this the best year in Danforth’s long and storied history!

IEP Consultation Letters

IEP consultation letters went home last week in home room classes. We encourage families of students with IEPs to connect with us and provide input into this year’s Individual Education Plan. Deadlines are important for the printing of the initial IEP only, but to answer a frequent question, IEPs are living documents that can be revised, amended and updated throughout the year as needed. Please don’t hesitate at any time to reach out - we’ll be happy to hear from you!

School Council

The first school council meeting of the year will be held this Thursday September 19, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in Room B20. Following past practice, we will be offering a hybrid format simultaneously online for those who can not attend in person. This year, the TDSB has moved to Microsoft Teams as our web conferencing platform:

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 294 424 371 803

Passcode: vS4cSn

Check out the agenda here. We hope you will join us!

Classes without Teachers

We continue to interview for a few harder to fill positions and hope to have our staff roster filled out soon. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work through the shortage of qualified teaching staff in key subject areas. 

Mobile Device Policy (PPM128)

A further reminder, and thanks for your cooperation with the new province-wide regulations around mobile devices in class. The implementation has gone well so far, and I credit the work being done by families for the smooth start. We thank you for your ongoing support!

Photo Day and Student Cards

Photo Day is tomorrow, Tuesday September 17. Any student who gets their photo taken tomorrow should have a photo ID within a few weeks. If you miss it, Photo Retake Day is on October 22. You’ll have to wait on your student card however… 

Trustee’s Update: Parent Concern Protocol

A note from Trustee Sara Ehrhardt Ward 15 that the Parent Concern Protocol has been updated for another year. Please see the link above for the 2024-25 school year poster.

Best wishes for a great week Danforth!

Bryan Wires

Principal