In a city as diverse as Toronto, where two-thirds of TDSB students come from immigrant families, our schools should reflect the needs and realities of the communities they serve. Yet for many newcomer parents and caregivers, navigating the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) can be confusing, isolating, and deeply frustrating.

That’s why we launched MOtIVAtE — a community-driven initiative dedicated to creating systemic change within the TDSB.

What Is MOtIVAtE?

Since its inception, the MOtIVAtE program has been working closely with immigrant mothers across Toronto to better understand the barriers they face in advocating for their children. Over the past six months, we’ve partnered with over 70 newcomer mothers to document their experiences and identify what needs to change.

What we learned:

• Lack of clear information
• Inconsistent communication from schools
• Limited knowledge of available resources
• Difficulty accessing support for children with exceptional needs

These are not isolated experiences — they’re systemic issues that demand systemic solutions.

The Call to Action: A Policy for Change

We’re calling on TDSB Trustees to implement a simple but powerful solution: Provide every im/migrant family with a comprehensive orientation package when they register their child — and at the start of every school year.

This package would:

• List school-based services (e.g., Settlement Workers in Schools, guidance counsellors, social workers
• Explain key supports for students with exceptional needs (e.g., IEPs, rights, accommodations)
• Share information about student milestones (e.g., EQAO, high school transitions)
• Include invitations to parent committees (e.g., PIAC, SEAC) and info on financial supports
• Offer school-specific details like calendars, trips, and after-school programs

It’s important for these materials to be delivered in plain language and multiple formats to reflect the diverse needs of families across Toronto.

This proposed policy supports the TDSB’s Equity Policy (P037), aligns with the GBA+ Toolkit, and strengthens the essential connection between home and school.

Why This Matters

Many immigrant families don’t know what supports exist within the TDSB — or how to access them. Some report that school staff are unwilling or unable to provide guidance, especially when it comes to long-term planning or advocating for children with special needs.

Without access to clear, consistent information, families are left in the dark — and students lose out on opportunities they deserve.

Help Us Make It Happen

We believe this is a critical first step toward an inclusive, transparent, and supportive school system. Let’s ensure every family feels informed, included, and empowered from day one.

Together, we can help build a school system that truly works for everyone.

MOtIVAtE is funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE).
MOtIVAtE est financé par Femmes et Égalité des genres Canada (FEGC).