All posts by solealt

Happy National Indigenous History Month!

June is National Indigenous History Month

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

During the month of June, the TDSB recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is celebrated on Wednesday, June 21. 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. It is usually celebrated by coming together with family and community for a feast. Traditional foods are an important aspect of the feast as they signify connection to the land and animals.

Text on a purple background with a Woodlands style graphic. The text reads: June is National Indigenous History Month.  

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

Join the Urban Indigenous Education Centre of Excellence this June for opportunities to engage with Indigenous artists, authors, and speakers.
Rainbow beadwork in Pride colours that reads Two Spirit Indigiqueer. 3rd Annual Pride, June 2023 Learn from and celebrate Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer Elders, writers and artists.

For more about the Urban Indigenous Education Centre, visit their website.

 Healing Centred Engagement Series

June 1, 6:00-7:30PM on Zoom

Join us for the first session of our Healing Centred Engagement Series hosted by Social Workers from the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. This session will feature a panel conversation with Black professionals and Black-serving organizations on supporting the mental health and well-being of Black students and their families.
In this session Black parents/caregivers will:

  • Explore the impact of systemic anti-Black racism on mental health;
  • Build tools for nurturing joy and wellness;
  • Learn strategies on how to support a child’s well-being;
  • Engage in knowledge sharing of Black-affirming mental health programs and services.
Image with details of the program. Click the link below for full text

Click here to download the PDF flyer.

June Schedule

  • June 7th: the last Town Hall for the year 
  • June 14th: Therapy Dogs will be paying us a visit
  • June 15th – 20th: Moratorium. Pizza lunches during this time for students
  • June 21st – 23rd: Exam Days (see the schedule below)
  • June 26th: SOLE Graduation (Graduates watch for your invitation to come)
  • June 27th: Complete Not Repeat/Exam Conflicts Day (medical reasons)
  • June 27/28th: New Registration, tell a friend if you know anyone who may be interested
  • June 28th: Mark Return Day (students can come to learn their final marks)
  • June 30th :PD Day, last day of the school year

Exam Schedule

Wednesday June 21/23
TimeSubjectLocationSubject TeacherPreside Teacher
10am – 11:30amBBB4M /Int. BusinessRm. 316/Tech LabRachelRachel
1:00pm – 2:30pmAVI / Visual ArtsRm. 323RachelRachel
Thursday June 22/23
10am – 12pmMDM4U Gr. 12 Data ManagementRm. 327MichaelMichael
10am – 12pmSPH4C Gr. 12 College ScienceRm. 327MichaelMichael
1pm – 3pmMCV4U Gr.12 CalculusRm. 327MichaelMichael

Any students who plan on returning to SOLE next year, please be sure to talk to Beti before you leave to pick courses.

For all the students leaving us this year, we hope we were able to provide a comfortable space for your learning and wish you all the best in your next chapter!

Marking Red Dress Day 2023

Every year on May 5, we mark Red Dress Day and the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). Flags will be lowered at all TDSB administrative sites to mark this day.

In 2010, Métis artist Jaime Black created an art installation with red dresses known as the REDress Project. Black was drawing attention to MMIWG2S, and her efforts grew into a project that spans the continent.

Today, red dresses are hung from porches, trees and in windows to memorialize MMIWG2S and to express solidarity with the families of victims. In addition to hanging red dresses, this day is also an opportunity to learn more about the National Inquiry into MMIWG2S. We encourage staff to continue to learn about MMIWG2S and engage with Red Dress Day and conversations about Reconciliation with students in age appropriate ways to build awareness and plans for action. Please remember that we want to engage in these conversations with particular sensitivity for the well-being of students who may have lived experiences that make these conversations difficult.

Today, the TDSB joins communities across Canada in our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and to standing alongside Indigenous communities as we seek justice. This is an opportunity for classrooms across the TDSB to engage in learning and take action.

To learn more about the REDress Project, visit  https://www.jaimeblackartist.com/exhibitions/

To read the Reclaiming Power and Place Final Report, visit https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/final-report/

The Bill 7 Award for 2SLGBTQI+ Students

Scholarship application is now open for students who are currently enrolled in or will be starting their FIRST post-secondary program at an Ontario institution. This scholarship is for students who identify as LGBTQ2SI+ and who have demonstrated financial need.   Last year we provided 19 scholarships of $4000, and three recurring multi-year scholarship of $4000 per year.  Full details and the application form are available at www.bill7award.ca . 

Application deadline is Friday, August 4, 2023 @ 5 p.m.  Please note that a reference letter is required, so, if necessary, please connect with school staff as soon as possible if you are considering an application.