First photo is of students taking part in a traditional Spanish dance while in constume. Second photo is of students holding up poster boards with the flags of various Spanish-speaking countries including Panama, Cuba and Mexico. Third photo is of two students playing traditional drums during a Hispanic Canadian heritage celebration. Fourth photo is of a school display by students with artwork of the flags of various countries of Hispanic Heritage.

Advisory Committees

Spanish-Speaking Communities Advisory Committee

Upcoming Meeting Dates

  • September 30, 2024

  • November 25, 2024

  • February 11, 2025

  • April 2, 2025

Past Meeting Minutes

Terms of Reference

The Advisory Committee For Spanish-Speaking Communities shall have the responsibility for advising the Board of Trustees and staff of the Toronto Catholic District School Board on matters pertaining to the following:

  1. The continuity of the plan and recommendations accepted by the Board at its meeting of May 22, 2012.

  2. The consultation with and the engagement of the larger Spanish-speaking communities in regard to student achievement.

  3. The assessment of the effectiveness of steps taken to improve the academic success and wellbeing of students of Spanish-speaking background.

  4. The recommendations for programs, services and advocacy.

  5. Recommend the identification and allocation of funds for the implementation of identified strategies and programs.

  6. Provide a review of the impact of the implementation of recommendations (items 4-5).

  7. The sharing of best practices across the Toronto Catholic District School Board.

  8. To meet a minimum of four times per year as an advisory committee with TCDSB staff and the two trustees appointed by the board.

  9. Sharing and circulation of information, resources, tools, statistics, and support available.

Composition of Advisory Committee

Maximum 7 representatives of the community to include:

  • 3 TCDSB parents

  • 2 Community organization representatives

  • 1 TCDSB High School student nominated by CSLIT

  • 1 Post-Secondary student who is a graduate of TCDSB

Qualifications of members

  • All positions are voluntary.

  • Members must be of Spanish-speaking background.

  • Various expertise must be represented.

  • Gender parity and diversity must be represented.

Terms of Service

The term will be 3 years. Maximum 2 consecutive terms of 3 years. The committee will review membership and may consider the removal upon missing two consecutive meetings.

Nomination and Selection Process

As per Board policy, public notice of the positions and process for selection of Advisory Committee for Spanish-Speaking Communities community members shall be advertised in CPIC bulletins and TCDSB newsletters.

Community members will recommend the nominated candidates for Board approval. Application forms will be brought to the committee members for review.

Responsibilities

Aside from those responsibilities outlined in the Terms of Reference, committee members shall attend no less than 50% of the community members’ preparation meetings (to take place prior to Advisory Committee meetings).

Contact

Ericka Aguilera
Community Relations ​Officer
Email: ericka.aguileramorales@tcdsb.org
Phone: 416-222-8282 ext. 2586