November 29 2024 • Issue #60
Learning opportunities and initiatives demonstrating commitment to Thames Valley's Multi-Year Strategic Plan.
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Sir Frederick Banting featured on TFO program "Sur les routes de la francophonie en Ontario!" | |
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Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School’s French Immersion program was recently featured in the TFO show "Sur les routes de la francophonie en Ontario!"
In this captivating and inspiring series, Mimi Lacroix, a renowned bilingual content creator, travels across Ontario to meet young students who are passionate about learning French as an additional language.
In Thames Valley’s episode, Mimi meets Aaron, a French Immersion student at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School, and member of an amazing grade 10 French class. Aaron is passionate about nature and gardening. In this episode, Aaron explains to Mimi why learning French is important to him. Later, they tour a community garden and forage for plants in the woods.
Interested in learning more about French programming at Thames Valley? Visit the TVDSB FSL website.
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Muslim Student Leadership Conference | |
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On Wednesday, October 30, Thames Valley held our second annual Muslim Student Leadership Conference at the Education Centre. Muslim students from every Thames Valley secondary school were invited to participate in a day of learning and leadership.
The day included a presentation from keynote speaker, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, the first Muslim woman to play NCAA Division I basketball while wearing a hijab.
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Unity Student Leadership Conference | |
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On Thursday, November 21, Thames Valley held our first ever Unity Student Leadership Conference. The conference was an opportunity to bring secondary students together from various equity deserving communities and provide leadership opportunities.
A highlight from the event was a presentation by keynote speaker Abhi Ahluwalia, CEO and founder of unlearn, which “strives to challenge people of all ages to think critically about their unconscious biases and how the media, their experiences, and their relationships can reinforce them.”
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Diwali display at Wilfrid Jury Public School | |
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Many Thames Valley families celebrated Diwali earlier this month, beginning on November 1.
At Wilfrid Jury Public School, a group of students, families, and community members worked together to create this excellent Diwali display in the school.
This is the school’s second year working together to create a Diwali display.
Thank you to these Wilfrid Jury families for helping to build relationships within their school community!
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Treaties Recognition Week | |
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Treaties Recognition Week in Ontario is honoured the first week of November each year.
Students across TVDSB recognized Treaties Recognition Week by learning about treaty rights and responsibilities. TVDSB staff are encouraged to teach about the importance of treaties this week and throughout the school year.
Pictured here are students from Woodland Heights Public School engaging in learning during Treaties Recognition Week.
Students in grades 1 – 6 participated in a guided art lesson from Moses Lunham, a celebrated Indigenous artist from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. The students also worked collaboratively to create a Wampum Belt out of Lego.
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Newcomer Community Engagement Session | |
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On Wednesday, November 6, we were pleased to invite students, families and community who are newcomers to Canada to share their voice with Thames Valley at the Newcomer Community Engagement Session.
The event was an opportunity for Thames Valley representatives to listen and learn from participants’ living experiences to make our board more welcoming and inclusive. Thank you to everyone who participated in this session. Your feedback is deeply valued and appreciated.
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On November 12 - 13, at the Western Fair District Agriplex, Thames Valley DSB students in grades 7 through 12 got to enjoy the Level Up! Skilled Trades Fair.
Level Up! is a series of Ontario-wide, multi-day career fair events that bring together the best in skilled trades professionals across industry organizations, post-secondary institutions, businesses, associations and more.
The fair was an opportunity for students to explore the possibilities of different career paths that are available in the skilled trades. These industries are constantly innovating, on the cutting edge of emerging technologies, and making a critical difference in people’s lives.
Level Up! included hands-on exhibits, staffed by professionals across a wide range of industries, who were able to speak with students, and answer their questions. A panel of skilled trades representatives were also on hand to offer advice and insights about the exciting career opportunities available and the benefits of pursuing a career in the skilled trade industries. Skilled trades offer well-paid, stable, and flexible career opportunities. In turn, exhibitors were able to connect with a diverse group of young people who are hardworking, hands-on, passionate, and committed to positively impacting society!
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As a district, we paid tribute to the memory of all Canadians who have dedicated themselves to this nation, acknowledging the honourable military legacy of First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Black Canadians, Asian Canadians, women and other historically marginalized groups.
In 1919, the inaugural Remembrance Day took place, marking the anniversary of the armistice that concluded the First World War. Over a century later, our unwavering respect for the individuals who have bravely served and continue to serve in Canada’s armed forces remains steadfast.
Pictured is Remembrance Day art created by the students at South Ridge Public School.
Lest we forget.
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Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week | |
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Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week in Ontario was November 17-23, 2024. This was an opportunity for Thames Valley students, school staff, and families to learn more about bullying, its effects on student learning, and how we can all help stop it as we know that fostering safe and positive learning environments is everyone's responsibility.
Thames Valley prioritizes relationship building and the Essential Conditions for Learning as a prevention strategy against bullying. The Essential Conditions for Learning promotes relationships, safety, connection, and regulation to support student learning. When students feel safe and connected to their teachers, their learning, their peers and the school community, they are better able to regulate, interact with others in healthy ways, and learn.
Please watch this short video about the Essential Conditions for Learning and visit our TVDSB website for more information.
These conditions are essential throughout the entire school year through Thames Valley’s Safe and Inclusive School Plans. To find out more about your school’s plan, visit the school website or ask the principal.
If students who are bullied, who bully others, or who witness bullying receive the necessary support, they can learn effective skills for developing healthy relationships, which fosters well-being and learning.
In addition, the links below provide additional tips, strategies, and resources:
· TVDSB – Safe Schools
· PREVNet Bullying Resources for Parents
· Media Smarts Resources for Parents
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Educational Assistants Day | |
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Wednesday, November 20 was Educational Assistants Day, an opportunity to celebrate EAs across the district.
Thank you to all of the EAs in Thames Valley for your tremendous work.
You have a significant impact on the lives of the students you serve.
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The Aviation School is a unique program open to all students throughout Thames Valley!
Aviation School is a collaborative and experiential program designed to prepare students for aviation workplace, apprenticeships, college-level training or university-level programs and meets Ontario curriculum expectations.
In addition, it fosters technical skills and develops the skills of critical thinking, innovation, creativity, self-directed learning, collaboration and citizenship.
Students will have the opportunity to develop aviation-based knowledge and skills through a variety of programs. These programs include aircraft restoration, maintenance, repair, flight simulation, and an additional section introducing students to the new world of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). All training is consistent with Transport Canada’s current standards.
Learn more about aviation at TVDSB by visiting our website.
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Message from Beth Mai on her second term as Chair of the Board of Trustees
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It is an honour to continue serving as Chair of the Board for the 2024-2025 term. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me, and I remain committed to serving our students, staff and community with integrity.
As we look ahead, we are mindful of the challenges before us. It is more important than ever that we remain united in our purpose: to ensure that Thames Valley continues to support student achievement and well-being while maintaining the stability of our organization for the future. Our work ahead will require thoughtful collaboration, compassion and a shared commitment to the best interests of those we serve.
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Despite the challenges, I am confident in the strength of Thames Valley District School Board school communities and the dedication of our staff. By working together, we can navigate these times with integrity and ensure Thames Valley remains a place where students succeed, and staff are supported.
Sincerely,
Beth Mai
Chair and Trustee for London Wards 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13
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Message from David Cripps on his second term as Vice Chair
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The coming year is one that is filled with challenges, and opportunities, as we face situations our Board has never faced before. I look forward to meeting those challenges and doing what’s best for our students, and our families, in Thames Valley.
During this time, our Board needs to come together and think about the focus we’ll need as we move forward. Most importantly, we need to lead with empathy and think about everyone who will be affected by the changes we make.
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Public education is something I’ve been passionate about for a long time. During the year ahead, I will continue to use my experiences as a change management professional, entrepreneur, and school board volunteer to serve Thames Valley school communities, my fellow Trustees and school board staff.
Sincerely,
David Cripps
Vice Chair and Oxford County Trustee
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