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| Shelley Laskin, Trustee Toronto District School Board Ward 8: Eglinton-Lawrence & Toronto-St Paul's 416-395-8787 Shelley.Laskin@tdsb.on.ca
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In this Issue -- Hold the Date - May 9th from 7-9 - MYSP
- Ramadan Mubarak
- Where's Our Funding?
- Developing the 2023-2024 Budget - School-Based Staffing
- Committee Meeting This Week
- New Invitations - International Decade for People of African Descent: African Proverbs, Folktales, and Stories in Curriculum; Building Mathematical Minds - Part 1; Unlearn AntisemITism; Virtual Office Hours for Parents and Caregivers
- Worth Repeating - Greek Heritage Month – March 2023; Excellence Awards 2023; PIAC Conference: Save May 6; Pride T-shirt Design Competition; Music Monday - May 1; Summer School 2023; Continuing Education; Useful Links; PSS Virtual Drop-In Hours; We have a Poop Problem; School Year Calendar 2022-23; Approved 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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Hold the Date - May 9th from 7-9
The Toronto District School Board’s (TDSB) Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) sets direction and identifies system goals to support all students and schools. This plan – and its action plans – lays the ground work for how we will transform student learning, create a culture of well-being, provide access to learning opportunities, allocate resources strategically and build strong partnerships. The MYSP supports TDSB to achieve its mission: To enable all students to reach high levels of achievement and well-being and to acquire the knowledge, skills and values they need to become responsible, contributing members of a democratic and sustainable society.
TDSB's current MYSP is being renewed - your voice into that process is important - we invite the entire TDSB community to get involved. The renewal process will build on the foundation of our current strategic plan and there will be a variety of opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas in the coming months. Please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal to learn more and for ongoing updates. You can already complete a survey here -https://tdsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cBew9CHG4DSVl0G
More information on the Ward Forum to follow.
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Ramadan Mubarak
Ramadan Mubarak to all observing. Ramadan (the Islamic lunar month of fasting for millions of Muslims, world-wide) will begin on March 23rd, 2023. Muslims around the world will be fasting from just before sunrise until sunset during this special month of self-reflection, giving charity, and sacrifice.
The TDSB's Islamic Heritage Committee has tweeted that during Ramadan, Muslims engage in acts of kindness to promote peace and caring in the community. How do you show that you care about your community? Please see some ideas in the poster. Share your stories! @TDSB_IHM. Check out Ramadan teaching resources at bit.ly/Ramadan2023ihm .Enter the IHM Poster Contest! Click here to submit your poster. Please remember many students and staff will be fasting during this time.
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Where's Our Funding?
In last week's update I noted with deep concern the staff report on TDSB's 2023-24 Projected Financial Position - a forecasted deficit of $61M - like all school boards in Ontario we are funded by enrolment and a decline in enrolment, means less funding. Along with the fact that we have no more working funds or reserves to put against a deficit, and we also expect $31.5M of pandemic funding from the province that paid for 458 staff positions will be removed, and with changes in expenditures makes for a very difficult budget process.
As a result, I moved and the Board approved at its meeting on March 8th, the following - Business Arising: Pandemic Costs The Board decided:
Whereas, section 231 of the Education Act requires school boards to pass a balanced operating budget each year and submit that budget to the Ministry of Education by June 30th of each year; and
Whereas, it is the role of trustees in the Education Act to promote student achievement and well-being; and
Whereas, prior to the pandemic the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) had a structural deficit due to misalignment between TDSB commitments and the Provincial funding formula, which could not be addressed during the pandemic as resources were needed to support student and staff safety and continued learning as per the Board’s primary role; and
Whereas, while the Ministry of Education did provide additional investments to school boards during the pandemic, the TDSB used approximately $70M in Board resources to support the continued learning and safety of students and staff during the pandemic, in such areas as reducing class sizes, technology, and personal protective equipment; and
Whereas, over the pandemic (2020 – 2023) the Province of Ontario provided $1.6 billion in direct payments to families and an additional $365M in direct payments for tutoring, however education and child care received only 2% of the province’s pandemic spending; and
Whereas, in November of 2022, the Provincial government committed to funding one-third of Toronto’s municipal, pandemic-related operating budget shortfall of $70M for 2022; and
Whereas, TDSB’s Preliminary Operating Financial Position for 2023-24 is a deficit of $61M; and
Whereas, if the pandemic costs incurred by the Board were reimbursed by the Ministry, the TDSB would have additional reserves to support its current financial shortfall; and
Whereas, school boards have no control over statutory benefits and sick leave costs;
Therefore, be it resolved:
(a) That the Chair and the Director write to the Ministry of Education and the Provincial government to request that the provincial government: i. repay the pandemic costs incurred by the Toronto District School Board in order that they can deliver the programs and services students require for academic success and well-being; ii. fund the actual costs of statutory benefits and sick leave;
(b) That the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, the Provincial Minister of Finance, and federal ministries responsible for pandemic support be copied on the correspondence in Part (a).
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Developing the 2023-2024 Budget - School-Based Staffing
As noted our 2023-24 Budget Process is currently underway. School-based staff allocation is a key component of the TDSB’s budget process, with approximately 65% of the Board’s budget spent on school-based staffing costs - the staff report is releasing school-based staffing guided by what they do know for sure at this time based on enrolment projections and that meet our collective agreement requirements. This year several additional factors, including the anticipated elimination of Ministry funding provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted our budget and staff allocation. The Board continues to advocate to the Ministry of Education to provide adequate and sustainable funding to support student achievement and well-being. To find out more, please click here.
School-based staffing will be updated once the GSNs come out and once TDSB Trustees prioritize budget decisions. We know how important the adults in our buildings are.
During the school based-budget board decisions, the Board also decided:
Whereas, this is not the final budget, and only the first phase of approvals for school-based staff based on only enrolment projections in order for principals to begin preliminary school organizations/timetables to meet collective agreement timelines; and
Whereas, the Board does not have the 2023-24 funding allocations from the province through the Grants for Students Needs (GSNs), which also include funding that may be used for staffing;
Therefore, be it resolved:
That the Director present options to consider adding additional school-based staff in the above categories to support special education, mental health and wellness for children and youth and safe and caring schools and present a report to the Finance, Budget, and Enrolment Committee when the financial information from the Grants for Students Needs has been received, as part of the operating budget planning process.
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Committee Meeting This Week
The TDSB is committed to advocacy for students, parents and communities. We welcome members of the public to bring forward issues and concerns they have through a delegation, which is addressing a committee of the Board of Trustees (by speaking virtually or submitting a written statement). Our Delegation Procedure is designed to set out a consistent and easily understandable process for the public and to manage the process in a fair and equitable manner. https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations
TDSB will strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities; the delegates are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance of the Committee meeting when they send their request by e-mail to delegates@tdsb.on.ca by 4 p.m., two (2) working days before the committee meeting day.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 - Governance and Policy Committee - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom - Agenda- 5.1 Review of Policy P017, Purchasing, Phase 5 and Rescission of Policy P026, Architect Selection
- 6.1 Revised Procedure PR512, Kindergarten to Grade 2, New Student Registration - Developmental History Form
- 6.2 Revised Procedure PR543, Promotion, Transfer and Retention - Grade 8 to 9
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International Decade for People of African Descent: African Proverbs, Folktales, and Stories in Curriculum
Join the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement for a conversation with Dr. George Dei on the relevance and use of African proverbs, folktales and cultural stories for transforming teaching and learning in today’s classrooms. Participants will learn how African proverbs, folktales and cultural stories constitute powerful literacies and ways of knowing with global perspectives that can assist educators in affirming and teaching students. Date: March 22, 2023 from 6 – 7 p.m. Register for this virtual event. https://bit.ly/3yhY0to
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Building Mathematical Minds - Part 1
This is such a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to get a glimpse into how math classrooms are working to build math skills, and also what parents & caregivers can do to create playful moments and talk and do math at home. Join us in supporting your child in acquiring math skills for success - Tuesday, March 21 @ 6:30pm. Resources will be provided Click here to register.
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Unlearn AntisemITism
Join us after school for this interactive virtual workshop to explore how to use the Unlearn It resources to teach your students about antisemitism and its impacts. March 27, 2023 4:30 – 6pm for educators teaching grades 5-8. Workshop participants will be introduced to animated educational videos depicting students’ real-life encounters with antisemitism. These videos as well as the accompanying discussion guides can be used proactively as part of anti-racism programming or in response to an incident that has already occurred at school or in the community. Participants will learn how to use the videos to initiate constructive conversations with their class and have an opportunity to discuss effective strategies for creating a safe space that encourages productive, courageous discussions among their middle-school students. Facilitated by the Toronto Holocaust Museum and Facing History and Ourselves Canada. To register click here https://unlearnantisemitism.ca/virtual-educator-workshop/.
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Virtual Office Hours for Parents and Caregivers
TDSB's occupational therapists and physiotherapists are hosting our third professional development and virtual office hours for both parents/caregivers as well as educators of students with special education and inclusion needs for the 2022/2023 school year. The session will focus on support for students in ISP-DD/DK/PD classrooms, but the information is also relevant for students in other settings. Our upcoming session will occur on March 29th, 2023 with a lunch session for parents/guardians/caregivers (12:30-1:30pm) and an after school session for educators (3:30-4:30pm). The format of these sessions includes the provision of a brief education session from our TDSB OT/PTs followed by an open forum where attendees may ask questions, receive generalized strategies to support their student(s)/child(ren), and connect with one another. This month's discussion will focus on Finding Calm: Supporting Yourself and Others During Stressful Behaviours.
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Greek Heritage Month – March 2023
March is Greek Heritage Month at the Toronto District School Board. It is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Greek Canadians to Canada, and an occasion to mark and enjoy the history of Greek culture. The theme for this year is based on TDSB’s priorities: “Joy, Engagement, Belonging” | “Ευτυχία, Eνθάρρυνση, Eνότητα.”
- Join us on Friday, March 24 for a Social Event at Floga Restaurant. RSVP using the instructions on the flyer.
- Join us on Sunday, March 26 at 1:30pm for the Greek Independence Day Parade on the Danforth. We will meet at 15 Phin Avenue at 1pm.
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Excellence Awards 2023 to Celebrate Staff Dedication
TDSB staff make our schools and workplaces incredible spaces to learn, work and play. We all know stories of staff who go above and beyond for students, colleagues and the broader community, and every year, the TDSB Excellence Awards are a chance to spotlight these stories and recognize the efforts of TDSB staff.
Last year, the Excellence Awards were modified to align with our shared system priorities and help highlight TDSB staff’s efforts to foster joy, engagement and belonging in our schools, workplaces and communities as a foundation for academic achievement, student success and service excellence. Nomination categories also reflect our shared commitment to Indigenous rights and human rights, equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression – all within a framework of creativity and innovation.
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PIAC Conference: Save May 6!
Join the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) as it returns to the first post-pandemic, in-person conference, with speakers and workshops focused on bridging gaps in Parent Engagement and School Councils. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Earl Haig SS. Learn more.
Parents and Caregivers as Partners: Call for Workshop Proposal
The Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference (PCasP), happening on October 21 and 22, 2023 is seeking proposals for virtual and hybrid (in-person or streaming) workshops, micro-sessions, and panel presentations. PCasP provides an opportunity to highlight innovation and high-impact strategies for partnering, collaborating, and nurturing parent/caregiver partnerships and alliances. Submit your proposal now! Due by April 11, 2023. Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca for further information.
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Pride T-shirt Design Competition
Calling all creatives! Pride Month 2023 is just around the corner, and the TDSB Pride Planning Committee is holding a T-Shirt Design Competition. Open to all TDSB students, we're looking for two unique designs that celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ Pride across TDSB. The winning designs will be printed on hundreds of TDSB Pride 2023 T-shirts and worn by all members of the TDSB contingent during 2023 Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25th. The TDSB Pride 2023 T-shirt Design Competition is open to all ages. Deadline for design submissions is March 23rd, 2023 at midnight.
For more information and to submit an entry, please email tdsbpride@tdsb.on.ca attaching an image of the design (e.g., .jpeg, .gif, .png, pdf., etc.). Be sure to include the student's name, grade and school, as well as the name of a staff member for communication.
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Music Monday - May 1
Each year, hundreds of thousands of children, youth, teachers, parents and community members across Canada join #TogetherInHarmony for Music Monday. Join us on May 1, 2023 to celebrate the power of music, and to advocate for equitable access to quality music education for all Canadian students. Register here https://form.jotform.com/221224366745253
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Summer School 2023
Looking to build your child’s literacy and numeracy skills? Elementary Summer School registration is now open! The focus of the 2023 Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program is to continue student engagement through the month of July. Programs, which are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the local school focus, are offered in-person to students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, from July 4 to July 28, 2023, in various locations around the city. This year, one remote program will also be available. For more information, including a list of schools and online registration forms, visit our summer school program page.
Watch for information on Secondary Summer School Credit Programs in April.
Continuing Education Programming at the TDSB
Did you know we offer a wide variety of Continuing Education at the TDSB? I encourage you to explore learning opportunities available for children, families, adults, and visitors - click here for more information on continuing education programs and click here for more information on summer programs. African Heritage Elementary Program International Languages Elementary Program Learn4Life General Interest Spring Program - Adults 18+ and Seniors Adult ESL Program Summer Music & Art Camps International Youth Summer Program
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PSS Virtual Drop-In Hours
We are here to help you in any way we can. Our Professional Support Services team offers monthly virtual drop-in times where you can connect directly with a staff member to help answer questions and provide support to help you and your child.
Wednesdays once a month: from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Virtual Drop in Hours
Virtual Drop-In Hours for Students with Special/Complex Needs
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We have a Poop Problem!Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
A reminder to dog owners (and I know not all of you have kids at school). Dogs are not allowed on school property at any time. Many people are surprised to learn that TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property. Section 6.10 PR523 Access to School Premises prohibits canines on our properties “at any time” (except service animals).
Please respect children’s play spaces.
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School Year Calendar 2022-23
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Approved 2023-2024 Calendar
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Community Safety & Support
If you should you ever see any suspicious activity around school buildings after school hours, please contact 311, Toronto Police Services Dispatch at 416-808-2222, or the TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620.
If you or a family member is in crisis, please contact Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868 or get support right now by texting CONNECT to 686868.
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