No. For many years we required two teacher references. These were a single sheet of paper that required the teacher to rate a candidate in 6 areas. In addition, there was a small area at the bottom that allowed a teacher to make some comments. We prized these recommendations and found them very useful and an important counterpoint to the more stilted report card data.
However, two years ago, the Toronto District School Board issued a directive that specifically prohibits our consideration of such documents; including letters of reference. We regret this decision by the Board and find it especially lacking for students who have newly arrived in Canada and who may be exceptionally suited to the TOPS program, but may not have had the opportunity to participate in a breadth of extra-curricular activities as might have been the case had they be raised in Canada.