September 30th is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, commemorating the survivors of residential schools and intergenerational trauma, and the many children who did not come home. The TDSB will be marking Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 29th. To raise awareness of the upcoming day and the unmet calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, SOLE students created a temporary mural outside the entrance to the school. We spent the morning creating images and slogans, then used wheatpaste to affix them to the wall.

To learn more about Orange Shirt Day, its founder, Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, and how you can play an active role in reconciliation, visit https://orangeshirtday.org/.

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Smile! Photo Day is Wednesday, Sept. 13th! We’ll be called down as a group in the morning to the MPC cafeteria. If you miss it, retake day is Oct. 16th.

We are so glad you’ll be joining us this year. We hope you all had an amazing summer and we’re looking forward to working and learning with you.

Tuesday, September 5th is the first day of school. We will be following a special schedule:

9-10 am: Staff meeting
10 am-11:20: Welcome assembly (room 316/Tech Lab)
11:20-12:20: Lunch
12:20: Timetable distribution
12:30-1: Period 1
1:05-1:35: Period 2
1:40-2:10: Period 3
2:15-2:45: Period 4
2:45-3:15: Timetable issues

Wednesday, Sept. 6: This will be our first school-wide Town Hall. Please come at 9 am (even if you have a period 1 spare). Attendance will be taken. Bring your ideas for how we can make SOLE’s 2023-24 year exciting and meaningful for you! In the afternoon, we will be doing school-wide activities—stay tuned for more details.

Thursday and Friday will be regular school days.

There is still time to register! Check out our Admissions page for how to join our school community.

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Tonight: Monday, June 26, is commencement for our graduating students! Congratulations on your achievement, and please check your email for ceremony details.

Tuesday, June 27 is Complete Don’t Repeat day! Please check with your teacher if you were unsuccessful in a course–this is your last opportunity to rescue your credits!

Wednesday, June 28 is a special schedule. You can come in to see your exams and final grades. The schedule is as follows:
Period 1    9:00-9:45
Period 2    9:50-10:30
Period 4    10:35-11:20
Period 3    11:25-12:10
Lunch:       12:10-1:10

On Wednesday, June 21, the Toronto District School Board and SOLE Alternative celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples celebrate the Summer Solstice on this day, which is the longest day of the year and shortest night.

Beyond National Indigenous Peoples Day, learning about and learning from the richness and diversity of First Nations, Métis and Inuit perspectives, histories and cultures throughout the year betters all of us. This week and throughout the year, here are some resources to help you further your understanding of Indigenous histories, resurgences, and perspectives:

• TDSB Approves Mandatory Indigenous Education in Grade 11
• TDSB Celebrates National Indigenous History Month: June 2023
• National Indigenous History Month in Canada
• National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada
• Indigenous Education in the TDSB
• Read the TDSB Indigenous Education Declaration marking June as National Indigenous History Month
• Indigenous Education Days of Significance Poster (text only)
• Urban Indigenous Education Centre Resource Page

Students, Parents, Caregivers: Please click on this link for a guide to Wellness and Mental Health supports over the summer. 

Summer 2023 Well Being Guide

Did you know that 12-17 year old youth all across Canada can work out in any (200+) GoodLife Fitness clubs for free between July 5th 2023, and September 4th 2023?

Registration and details below:

https://www.teenfitness.ca/

Check it out!

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.

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

June is Pride Month in the TDSB!

In June, we celebrate Pride. It’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity and raise awareness about the rich culture and history of our 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Want to participate and learn more… join TDSB’s GSA for weekly online meetings every Tuesday from 4 – 5 pm for students in Grades 6-12 all across the TDSB!