All posts by solealt

Summer Well-being Guide

The 2024 Summer Well-being Guide created by the Mental Health and Well-Being Committee, the Mental Health Leads and the System Leader for Mental Health and Professional Support Services, Shameen Sandhu is now available.

It has resources, community connections, events and ideas for parents/caregivers/guardians to promote mental and physical wellness during the summer months. The resources in this Guide are culturally responsive with many resources for students with disabilities/special education needs. 

The Guide has been translated into the top 23 TDSB languages spoken and is accessible. Please share the Summer Well-Being Guide widely with students, staff, parents/caregivers/guardians and school communities.

If you have any questions, please contact mentalhealthandwellbeing@tdsb.on.ca

National Indigenous History Month

June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is a time to celebrate and learn from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples’ diverse cultures, histories, experiences, creations, perspectives, and achievements.

On Friday, June 21, the TDSB recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is a day of significance for many Indigenous Peoples in the country we call Canada today. It marks the day when the Sun is closest to the Earth. It is the longest day of the year and the shortest night. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples celebrate the Summer Solstice. It is a time that reminds us to remain grounded, humble and appreciative.

Poster for National Indigenous Heritage Month. It shows a Woodlands School-style turtle on a blue background with a landscape of mountains and trees. The text reads:
June is National Indigenous History Month. June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is a time to celebrate and learn from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples’ diverse cultures, histories, experiences, creations, perspectives, and achievements. Join the Urban Indigenous Education Centre of Excellence this June for opportunities to engage with Indigenous artists, authors, and speakers. Please register on MyPath. There are logos for the UIEC and TDSB at the bottom.
Two Spirit Indigiqueer 4th annual pride. June 2024. Learn from and celebrate Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer Elders, writers and artists. Please register on MyPath. Logos for the UIEC, a 2S organization, and TDSB at the bottom of the page. The poster has a black background. The words Two Spirit are beaded in rainbows and the word Indigiqueer is beaded in the colours of the trans flag.

Alternative Secondary Schools Review: We need your help!

Are you a SOLE alumni or a parent/guardian of a SOLE alumni? The TDSB wants to hear from you! They’re conducting a review of all alternative schools, including ours. If SOLE has made a difference in your life or your child’s life, please get in touch. Email debbie.andrew-murphy@tdsb.on.ca to get involved.

Indigenous History Month and Pride Month

From Facing History and Ourselves

Indigenous History Month serves as a dedicated time to learn more about the diverse and rich cultural heritages, histories and experiences of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island.

Blog Post: Indigenous Voices: A Resource List by Lorrie Gallant

June is Indigenous History Month but it is my hope that we are always aware of the Indigenous people around us. Some of us may not share the same experiences in life, but whether you are Canadian or Indigenous or both, we have a shared history, from different perspectives.” – Lorrie Gallant
Explore music, podcast, book, art and film resources

Blog Post: Leaving a beautiful living legacy

This blog features short classroom-ready interviews of individuals whose lives have been touched and changed by residential school survivor and self-described victor Theodore Fontaine. Elder Theodore’s living legacy will remind students of the possibilities for healing and the beauty of generosity, courage, wisdom and love toward others.

During Pride Month we come together to celebrate and honour the 2SLGBTQ+ community. 

Resource list: This May, we partnered with The ArQuives, Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ Archives, and explored ways to integrate 2SLGBTQ+ narratives into the classroom. If you weren’t able to make it, we invite you to view our resource list from the event, which includes teaching strategies and texts for weaving 2SLGBTQ+ voices and histories into classrooms.

Queer History Timeline: History of Canadian Pride
Explore this history of Canadian pride timeline curated by Queer Events that outlines milestones, resistance and rebellion, rights and freedoms and more. Please note this timeline is not a comprehensive list.

Graduation

SOLE will be celebrating the graduating class of 2024 on Wednesday, June 26th at 6:00 p.m. in the Monarch Park Library. 

Please read the following important information:

2024 Graduates are those who have done the following:

● Reached the 30 credit requirement (you should attend Marks Verification Day in late June to verify successful completion of second semester courses). 
● If you have plans to take a private school or summer school course, please inform Mr. Seabrook (VP) asap.
● Completed and submitted proof of 40 hours of Community Involvement to Debbie no later than May 31st. Your second semester midterm report card contains your current total number of volunteer hours.
● Passed the Grade 10 OSSLT Literacy Test.

Please RSVP your attendance and the number of guests that will be attending by email at Debbie.Andrew-Murphy@tdsb.on.ca. by June 18th.