Principal's Update: Approaching Winter Break

 

Dear Danforth Families,

As we approach the final two weeks before the winter break (December 20 – January 4), I want to take a moment to provide important updates and celebrate the hard work and accomplishments happening within our school community.

School Highlights & Ongoing Updates

This past month has showcased the incredible talents and dedication of our students and teachers:

• Construction Class Build: We celebrate the significant work completed by our construction classes, who recently finalized an impressive offsite build project. This hands-on experience is invaluable and we’re so grateful to Mr. Lorca and Ms. Minielly as well as our partners at Hillside for creating this opportunity for our students.
  

• Engineering Design Projects: The creativity and critical thinking displayed in the roller coaster projects from our engineering design class have been among the exceptional highlights of the month (sorry for not providing a photo!)

• Drama Night: Ms. Seedhouse and the drama classes put on some wonderful shows last week. Thank you and congratulations to all of the performers in Between the Lines, Unintended Metamorphosis, and Things Fall Meanwhile…

• SciTech Fair: Congratulations and thank you as well to our science and technology fair exhibitors, and to their staff advisors for putting on such a great showcase this week. Thank you as well to all of the parents, guardians and caregivers who came out to see the incredible work our students have produced!

• Construction on Site: Please be advised that the window replacement and associated construction activities are ongoing at the school. We appreciate everyone's continued patience as we work to improve our learning environment.

Upcoming Events & Key Dates

Please mark your calendars for the following important dates and events before the break:

Date	Time / Details	Event
Wednesday, December 10	Late Start	Daily Schedules
	6-9 PM	Bollywood Bash
Thursday, December 11	6-10 PM	Winter Concert and Marketplace
Friday, December 12	12:00 PM (Noon)	Deadline to apply for the MaST specialized program.
Monday, December 15	2:30 PM	Early Dismissal for most students. (Exception: Students in the DD program will have a regular school day.) Students who are bused should report to room B48 (ASD program) or A46 (all other programs requiring bussing support).
	4:30 PM	MaST Entrance Exam for Grade 9 and Grade 10 admissions.
Wednesday, December 17	Late Start	Daily Schedules
	Lunch	Winter Market
	Lunch	"Stuff the Cruiser" charity food drive initiative run by Toronto Police, Toronto Fire, and EMS
Thursday, December 18	7:00 PM – 8:30 PM	School Council Meeting Parents
Dec 20 – Jan 4	No Classes	Winter Break

MaST Application and Exam

A reminder that MaST applications are due December 12 at noon. Find information and the application link here: Specialized Programs

Exams will be held after school on December 15. Only those candidates who applied through the central process will be able to write.

This is the only way to access the MaST program. Do not miss the deadline to apply!

Special Schedule

On Monday, a Special Schedule will be in place in order to permit staff to set up for the MaST Exam. For students in most programs:

	Schedule
Period 1	9:00 - 10:05
Period 2	10:10 - 11:15
Lunch	11:15 - 12:15
Period 3	12:15 - 1:20
Period 4	1:25 - 2:30

DD Classes follow their regular schedule.

Bussing is not being adjusted, so students who normally take the bus can report to B48 (ASD ISP), or A46 (all other programs) after dismissal. 

Homework Policy Over Winter Break

In line with TDSB policy, we will not be assigning new homework over the winter break period. This time is intended for rest and family, and whatever other activities our students may be engaged in.

However, the break does provide an opportunity for students to catch up on any previously assigned work they may have fallen behind on. We strongly encourage students and parents to proactively connect with teachers regarding any specific tasks or outstanding assignments that could be completed during the break if the student is currently underachieving in a subject.

Extended Holidays Reminder

We remind parents and students that if you are planning an extended holiday that results in missed school days, you should inform the school of your travel plans.

Please note that voluntary or discretionary trips are not officially supported by the school board. Students choosing to take a holiday during the school year must be mindful that they remain responsible for any work assigned during their absence.

Mental Health Supports

The holiday season can sometimes be challenging. Please remember that mental health resources are available for anyone who might need support during the winter break.

For immediate support, you can contact:

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
  (Get support with these mental health resources - Kids Help Phone)

• TDSB’s  Winter Well-Being Guide

Season’s Greetings

Finally, on behalf of all the staff, I would like to extend our warmest wishes for the health and happiness of all of our families during this holiday season.

Sincerely,

Bryan Wires

Principal

AI Disclosure: I used Google Gemini in creating the outline for this newsletter, and then heavily edited, added to, and amended it. As we transition to a world that increasingly utilizes GenAI technology, I believe it is important to establish transparency in when and how GenAI is being used.