Principal's Message
As we wrap up the first three weeks of school, we are proud of the way our students have started the year. Our Grade 9s are settling into high school life and beginning to find their rhythm at TDSS. Our Grade 10s are showing confidence as they build on their first-year experience, while our Grade 11s are already planning ahead for post-secondary and life beyond high school. And of course, our Grade 12s are ready to take this year by storm, determined to make it their best year yet as they prepare to graduate. The energy, commitment, and enthusiasm across all grades have been a wonderful way to begin the year.
We have also held our Safe Schools Assemblies with students, reminding them about important safety expectations both in and around the school. We encouraged students to take this learning home and share it with their families, so that together we can build safe and supportive routines.
As we move into Week 4, we want to highlight a few key safety reminders for families. You may have noticed members of the Admin Team outside in front of the south parking lot each morning helping to direct traffic. Please remember that all student drop-offs and pick-ups should take place in the north parking lot on Lawford Road. The front (south) lot is reserved for school buses, taxis, staff, and deliveries. We also ask families to avoid making U-turns and to drive with caution during busy drop-off and pick-up times, our future drivers are watching and learning from you. In addition, please do not drop students off in the HOV lane on Major Mackenzie Drive, as this is unsafe and not the way we want to begin or end our school day.
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping us keep our students safe, both at school and in the community.
Mrs. Lynch-James (MLJ)
Principal- Tommy Douglas Secondary School
School Start-Up Information
Contact Information
We ask families to ensure the school office has the most up-to-date contact information. This is important in case of emergency situations. If your contact information has changed, please notify the school office.
School Start-Up Forms
Parents/guardians received an email from YRDSB Update with instructions to complete start-up forms. It is important that these forms are completed as soon as possible at the start of the school year as they contain information and permissions.
The forms can be found in the family dashboard at family.yrdsb.ca. Click on the arrow by your child’s name and select the start-up forms button. You can choose your language. Please follow these steps for each child. Forms will automatically populate with your child’s information through the Dashboard.
Learn how to create a Family Dashboard account if you do not have one.
The forms are also available online at https://startupforms.yrdsb.ca. You will need your child’s student number. Tips are available on the Board website. Translation is also available on the website.
Please note: You must complete a separate form for each child attending school. If you prefer to complete the forms on paper or have questions about the information in the forms, please contact the school office.
Caring and Safe Schools
As the new school year is beginning, students attended a Caring and Safe Schools Start-Up Presentations. These presentations are designed to underscore behaviour expectations as we create a caring, safe and inclusive school environment. As families are critical partners, please continue discussions about school safety at home by asking your child what they have learned in the Start-Up Presentation.
Presentation topics include:
- Racism and types of discrimination;
- Bullying;
- Progressive discipline;
- Using personal mobile devices such as cellphones, smart watches, and tablets;
- Vaping; and
- Standing up for each other, including methods of reporting incidents of racism, discrimination and bullying.
Inappropriate Behaviour
In the Start-Up Presentation, students are learning about anti-Black racism, other forms of racism, discrimination, and bullying. This learning will continue throughout the school year. Instances of anti-Black racism, other forms of racism, discrimination and bullying are not acceptable and are addressed through progressive discipline. In some cases of racism and discrimination, York Regional Police may be involved.
Students will also be reminded about safe school behaviours, including what items must never be brought to school, such as peanut products, vape products/drug paraphernalia, and weapons/replica weapons (including knives).
Reporting Behaviour
Standing up for one another and reporting when something does not feel safe is part of a caring and safe school environment. Students should report incidents, including acts of racism, discrimination and bullying, that make them or others feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Students can report incidents by:
- Telling a caring adult;
- Using the YRDSB’s “Report It Button” (Located on our school’s website, the online Report It button allows students and families to share information about inappropriate behaviour and incidents of hate or discrimination. Please see this video for additional information); and/or
- Contacting Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868).
Mental Health
We will stress to students the importance of connection as we return to school. Students are learning about who they can talk to if they need support. In addition, positive mental health is closely tied to each individual's sense of identity and safety. As such, mental health initiatives are aligned with equity and safety in mind, which include culturally specific supports. YRDSB student mental health services are delivered by Board social work and psychology staff. These services are accessible through the school principal. Mental health resources for families are also available on the Board website.
Student Discipline
We use a progressive discipline approach for inappropriate behaviour on and off school property. This means we consider various options to determine the most appropriate response to each situation to help students learn from their choices. In some cases, suspension or expulsion may be necessary. The Ontario Education Act and the Board’s Caring and Safe Schools Policy (found on the Board’s Caring and Safe School Page) outline situations where suspension and expulsion must be considered. These infractions are also outlined in the Guide to the School Year. In addition, when inappropriate behaviour occurs, information will be shared with the student(s) who were harmed and the families of the student(s) who were harmed to the extent that legislation allows.
Online Safety and Appropriate Use of Technology
Students are reminded about the Appropriate Use of Technology agreement, including the importance of using respectful language and making positive choices when using electronic communications and social media tools. This agreement is also included in the start-up package that all families receive at the beginning of the year.
Students are reminded that online threats and comments are taken seriously and may have consequences. When there are concerns for the safety of students, staff, community members or Board property, the school board works with York Regional Police and appropriate actions are taken. The safety and well-being of students remain our top priority.
For More Information
For more details on these items, please read the Guide to the School Year or visit the Caring and Safe Schools section on the YRDSB website for more information and to access family resources to continue these conversations at home.
Thank you for helping us create a caring, safe, and inclusive school community.