TSTN February 2026 Update

Dear Colleagues:

As we move into February, the TSTN Executive hopes the new year is off to a positive and motivating start for you. We know this month can feel challenging - with colder weather, reduced sunlight, and the post‑holiday slowdown - so we are sharing a few helpful resources to navigate this season.:


“You may not always see the results of your kindness, but every act leaves its mark.”  Daniel G. Hill*


Save The Date: TSTN’s next Lunch & Learn

Wednesday February 18th & Wednesday February 25th, 2026 

12:00-12:45 pm

Via Teams

2 virtual Lunch & Learn Sessions ​​with Kate Davis looking at team unity, managing change, and ultimately staying adaptable and resilient.

*TSTN Lunch & Learn sessions are Members Only events. TSTN members will receive registration information via email.

Want to participate in these professional development opportunities? Join TSTN now



Celebrate Colleagues: TDSB Excellence Awards

February can feel a little heavy, but one of the most effective ways to lift spirits during the winter months is to recognize the meaningful work taking place across our system. Expressing appreciation brightens someone else's day and also helps renew our own energy and sense of connection.

Nominations for the 2026 TDSB Excellence Awards are now open until Friday, February 27 at 5:00 p.m. The program has been refreshed with clearer, role‑based award categories and a more streamlined nomination process.

Consider submitting a nomination for an outstanding Schedule II team member to acknowledge the many unsung heroes who make a significant difference for staff and students alike. This is a meaningful way to recognize those who help make our workplaces caring, supportive, and inspiring.

Learn more: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Excellence



Recognizing Acts of Service Excellence (RASE)

As we focus on appreciation, another simple way to brighten this season and someone’s day is through peer recognition. If you have received exceptional service from a Business or Operations colleague, consider sending a quick RASE acknowledgement. These moments of gratitude help boost morale and strengthen our culture of operational excellence.

Learn more:  https://tdsbweb.tdsb.on.ca/serviceexcellence/rase-program



Wishing you warmth, connection, and renewed energy this month, The TSTN Executive



*Daniel G. Hill was a Canadian educator and historian known for his leadership in education and human rights.



Benefit Coverage - ONE-T Plan Enhancements

Please note that on September 1, 2023, ONE-T will be introducing plan enhancements to provide more coverage to plan members. These include:

  • Increased coverage for mental health services - you and each covered dependent will now have $2,100 in coverage per benefit year.

  • Higher reimbursement for major dental services - you and each covered dependent will now receive 65% coverage, up to $2,500 per benefit year.

  • New coverage for anti-obesity medications.

ONE-T will also introduce new drug management initiatives to the benefits plan via the FACET Drug Prior Authorization Program. These include:

  • Introducing prior authorization for semaglutide drugs (e.g., Ozempic®)

  • Biosimilar switching - in line with changes recently adopted by Ontario and other provinces for their provincial drug programs.

Members who are taking one of the originator biologic drugs will have a transition period that will allow them to safely move to a preferred biosimilar drug, and will soon receive more details from Canada Life.

Visit their Learning Centre to find out more.

TDSB COVID-19 Management Response Plan

The TDSB has developed a COVID-19 case management plan following direction from the Government of Ontario and Toronto Public Health which is designed to support staff who supervise itinerant workers, Schedule II staff, Facilities Services staff, Centrally Assigned staff, as well as Board Contractors who work at non-school sites in managing COVID-19.

To review and/or save a copy of the plan for your reference, please click here.

June Leadership & Learning Opportunities

The Leadership, Development, Training and Professional Learning Unit has shared a selection of upcoming leadership and learning opportunities available for Sch II staff. Take a moment to read the information below, which links directly to the Virtual Leadership and Learning Calendar. Once there, staff can also access additional learning opportunities, click on course titles for details and access registration information.

If you have any questions, contact the Leadership Development, Training and Professional Learning Unit.

Enjoy the learning and continue to stay safe!

LEADERSHIP LEARNING SERIES

To support the capacity building and professional learning of staff, the Leadership Learning Series is a compilation of webinars and self-directed learning opportunities with a focus on leading self and work effectively with others. (Target Audience: Schedule II staff & CUPE Central Support staff)

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Mastering Meetings: How to Make Meetings More Efficient and Effective
June 8, 2021 - 9:30 am to 11:00 am

Whether running the meeting or simply participating in it, this program provides the knowledge and techniques for making the most of meetings. Among other practices, participants learn to provide a specific meeting focus, achieve productivity, and use effective tools for engagement and collaboration.

Leadership Attributes: Communication, Relationship Building
Professional Accountability: Professional Development

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Skillful Collaboration: Working Successfully with Others to Achieve a Common Goal
June 15, 2021 - 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Creative thinking, effective problem solving, increased productivity, job satisfaction, and more: the benefits of collaboration are significant, both for individuals and organizations. That is, when things run smoothly. But there is much more to collaboration than working side-by-side with people. There is an effective way to collaborate - and an ineffective way to collaborate. Believe it or not, sometimes it is the wrong choice altogether. That is because successful collaboration requires a combination of the right situation, well-hones skills, and an open mindset.

Leadership Attributes: Relationship Building
Management: Problem Solving
Professional Accountability: Professional Development

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Power of Personal Insight - Gain a Deeper Understanding of Self at Work
June 22, 2021 - 9:00 am to 10:30 am

The Power of Personal Insight is about identifying and appreciating your own behavioural style, and learning how to adapt those behaviours to create superior effectiveness in your role. This program will help provide better insight into ‘self’ by creating an awareness of your drives and needs as it pertains to an individual’s strengths, leadership, and influencing style. Being in control of your behaviours, mindset, and learning can contribute to creating positive conditions to achieve both individual and team goals.

Leadership Attributes: Conflict Management, Relationship Building
Professional Accountability: Professional Development