Identity Months @ TDSB

May is Asian Heritage Month

Asian Heritage Month is recognized during the month of May at the Toronto District School Board. Our theme this year is, “Our stories. Our voices. Our journey.”   Asia is a land of great political, economic, social, ethnic, cultural and religious diversity; this diversity creates challenges when we attempt to define Asia in geographic and political terms. More than 40% of TDSB students identify as Asian. During May there will be many opportunities to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian Canadians and to recognize the narratives and wisdom of various Asian cultures. We are pleased to share with you that a number of Asian Heritage Month Events being held across the system. A few of these initiatives are listed below. 

• Asian Heritage Month Launch - Monday, May 6 at 9- 10:15am, Corvette Public School, 30 Corvette Ave
• Asian Heritage Month – Student Panel Discussion - Wednesday, May 8 at 8:30-11:15  Agincourt Collegiate Institute, 2621 Midland Ave
• Asian Heritage Month – Culminating Arts Event - Friday, May 17 from 10-12pm – Performances, Northview Heights Secondary School, 550 Finch Ave W

May is Jewish Heritage Month

During Jewish Heritage Month, the Toronto District School Board is partnering with the Ontario Jewish Archives, Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre, to present a “Stories of Spadina” walking tour of Kensington Market. The tour will introduce the market to many TDSB students through a lively and engaging experience that combines history, music and architecture, and focus on the stories of Toronto’s early Jewish community. As part of the tour, groups will also enter the Kiever Synagogue – one of Toronto’s most historic Jewish buildings.The tours will be delivered to students in Grades 6 to 9 by teachers from TDSB’s Toronto Urban Studies Centre.Before coming on the trip, teachers and students view the video - if you have 10 minutes you too, may enjoy watching it! And will use the workbook.Teaching Goals• To present the challenges and opportunities of living in early 20th century Toronto;• To develop awareness and empathy for the Jews of the past and present; and• Demonstrate contemporary resonances and connections with Toronto’s contemporary immigrant population.

We are thrilled that we have 59 schools participating, some with more than one class, which are approximately 2,640 students.