We are very pleased that Toronto and other communities across Ontario have once again agreed to designate November 9 - 15, 2008 as ESL Week in recognition of both those who have contributed and those who have benefited from ESL learning in Ontario.  This public acknowledgement will coincide with TESL Ontario’s annual conference: “Celebrating the International Year of Languages” to be held in Toronto, November 13 - 15 at the Sheraton Centre Hotel.

Various events and activities will take place across the province to mark ESL Week.  These include writing contests, spelling competitions, film festivals, special class activities, art displays and more.  We have now posted details of the 2008 Poster Contest. Learners of all ages can participate. The deadline for submissions is May 15. Please take this opportunity to visit the Poster Contest 2008 page. 

We encourage instructors and teachers to participate in celebrating ESL Week by planning special activities in your classroom or organization.  We are also interested in posting your ideas, pictures, or artwork on our website!  Email us your plans at membership@teslontario.org, or write to: TESL Ontario Head office located at 27 Carlton St., Suite #405, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1L2.  We would ask that groups document their events as they occur, so that we can continue to promote ESL Week in future years.  Click on the links for ESL Week 2006 and ESL Week 2007 for suggestions from past years.

November 9th – 15th, 2008 has been declared ESL Week in the following communities:

Town of Ajax, City of Burlington, Municipality of Clarington, Town of Fort Erie, City of Kingston, Town of Milton, Norfolk County, City of North Bay, City of Oshawa, Township of Scugog, City of Toronto, Township of Wainfleet, City of Windsor.