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.