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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 -- Days of Significance this Week
- The Results are in! Pandemic Recovery Is Not Ove
- Committee Meeting This Week
- Support from Kids Help Phone
- Secondary Credit Summer School
- Vax and Spring
- New Invitations - An internet safety workshop with Toronto Police; HOLD THE DATE - May 16, 2023 - 7-8:30pm - School Building in Toronto: Where are we now?
- Worth Repeating - Holocaust Remembrance Day Student Event; Student Equity Collective; Virtual Youth Climate Conference: Make Change Happen; Upcoming Webinars; Clean Toronto Together; Outdoor Education Summer Camps; Credit Summer Programs; Focus on Youth Summer Community Request Applications - Now Open; PIAC Conference: Save May 6! Summer School 2023; Continuing Education Programming at the TDSB; 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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Days of Significance this Week
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The Results are in! Pandemic Recovery Is Not Over
Following a Board motion, the TDSB recently issued a survey to our parents/ guardians/ caregivers to gauge their opinions on the impacts of the pandemic. The results of the survey show that 7 in 10 of the nearly 18,000 TDSB parents/ guardians/ caregivers who completed the survey believe that the impacts of the pandemic are still being felt by their children. It is clear that for the vast majority of families, the pandemic recovery is far from over.
We have asked that the province recognize this reality with appropriate funding to support students next year.
The TDSB is deeply concerned that the Ministry has indicated that it is ending pandemic funding ($31.5 million annually over the past two years). This funding was crucial in allowing the TDSB to put an additional 485 staff resources into our schools. These extra staff, including Teachers, Vice-Principals, Special Education Support Staff, Child and Youth Workers, and other positions, have provided crucial support to students over the past two years. Without this funding, the TDSB will be forced to reduce these positions for next year and we are very worried about the ramifications to student well-being. Parents/guardians/caregivers agree, with 86% of those who completed the survey stating that this funding should continue.
Lastly, 90% of TDSB parents/guardians/caregivers believe that the Ministry should fully or partially cover the $70 million that the TDSB spent on pandemic-related costs. As you know, throughout the pandemic, the TDSB has done everything possible to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and community.
Toronto was an epicentre of the pandemic in Canada for approximately two years – during which the TDSB worked closely with Toronto Public Health (TPH) to implement directions and advice such as reducing class sizes, and cohorting at lunch to keep students and staff as safe as possible – all while maintaining learning. As a result, the TDSB incurred approximately $70 million in pandemic-related costs that were not covered by the Ministry of Education. This was used on measures like smaller class sizes, technology to support virtual learning and additional PPE.
Prior to the pandemic, the TDSB faced a structural deficit due to the misalignment between TDSB commitments and the Provincial funding formula. It was not possible to address this structural deficit during the pandemic as every available resource was needed to support student and staff safety and continued learning.
As a result, the TDSB now faces a deficit of approximately $63.2 million for the 2023-24 school year according to the Board’s Preliminary Operating Financial Position. We have depleted any working reserves and used reserves put away for other purposes to support smaller class sizes, technology for virtual learning, PPE and other pandemic measures. If the pandemic costs incurred by the Board were reimbursed by the Ministry, the TDSB would have additional funding to support its current financial shortfall without having to reduce programs and services for students.
With the announcement of the 2023 Ontario Budget, we welcome investments in areas such as early reading and Math. However, we were very disappointed that the budget did not address millions in pandemic related costs being faced by the TDSB and other school boards across the province – or any continuation of COVID-19 funding that has funded important positions as we emerge from the height of the pandemic.
Based on the budget, it’s very difficult to anticipate what this will mean for the TDSB. It is our hope that once the Grants for Student Needs are released in the days ahead, there will be additional funding to help support students in Toronto.
If you share our concerns, please join us in our advocacy by emailing the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce at Stephen.Lecceco@pc.ola.org. The pandemic recovery is not over!
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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, in person 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.
Wednesday, April 19, 2013 - Planning & Priorities Committee - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom - Agenda- 5.1 OPSBA Directors' Report Staff Reports
- 6.1 Human Rights Annual Report, 2021-2022
- 6.2 Program Area Review for Avondale EA School, Avondale PS, Bayview MS, Crestview PS, Elkhorn PS, Finch PS, Hollywood PS, McKee PS, and Woodbine MS
- 6,3 Planning for the Renewal of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan: Update No. 2
- 6.4 Caring and Safe Schools Annual Report
- 6.5 Canadian School Boards Association Congress, 2023 and National Trustee Gathering on Indigenous Education, Expense Approval
- 7.1 Addressing Islamophobia (Trustees Hassan and Shan)
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Support from Kids Help Phone -
I feel overwhelmed. What can I do?
"Many people have searched it online, shared it with someone they trust or just said it to themselves — “I feel overwhelmed!” With everything going on in your world, these types of thoughts and feelings are valid. It can be helpful to practise strategies to manage these moments in ways that work best for you. In this video from AboutKidsHealth and Kids Help Phone, you can learn about:
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Secondary Credit Summer School
Registration for Secondary Credit Summer School 2023 begins April 18th at 10:00 a.m. for:
- Remote/In Person High School Students Full Credit
- Remote/In Person Adult 18+
- Remote Credit Recovery
- Remote/In Person Grade 8 Reach Ahead
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Vax and Spring
Eligible high-risk residents are recommended to get their Spring COVID-19 booster for added protection if it’s been 6 months since your last COVID-19 dose or infection. Learn more at Toronto Public Health.
Read the full ministry guidance here.
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An internet safety workshop with Toronto Police
Thursday, April 27, 2023 @ 6:30pm For more information, contact a Community Support Worker Register here
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HOLD THE DATE - May 16, 2023 - 7-8:30pm - School Building in Toronto: Where are we now?
The TDSB's Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy is refreshed every year - please join Trustee Alexis Dawson and me to discuss the plans for our Wards. If you are interested in participating, please Register online here - https://forms.gle/aEoGS5BcgmJXDdYo7.
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Holocaust Remembrance Day Student Event - The Holocaust & Antisemitism Through The Eyes of a Child
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Join us April 18, 9am-3pm, for the Holocaust Remembrance Day Student Event. Concurrent sessions for grades 4-6, 7-9 & 10-12. Virtual and Free -Bring your class to one or more of our grade-specific educational programs on Holocaust Remembrance Day. Leading Holocaust organizations, speakers, authors and survivors will help students:
- Develop an understanding of the events of the Holocaust through a child’s perspective
- Build connections between the past and the present
- Apply the lessons of empathy, moral courage, inclusion, and acceptance to their own lives
- Explore the impact of antisemitism on the most vulnerable in society
and much more!
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Student Equity Collective
Calling all students! The TDSB’s Student Equity Collective— a student-led group, created by the Director of Education, which addresses injustices, racism and hate in our school communities — is inviting you to participate in our first board-wide initiative: Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism!
Gather your classmates and record a video that’s a maximum of two minutes to share all the amazing things you’ve accomplished together to make your schools more inclusive for everyone! Here’s what you need to do. In your video, answer the question: What are you doing to combat hate and racism in your school? Submit a 2-minute video by April 21 and share your ideas with the world. More details here.
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Virtual Youth Climate Conference: Make Change Happen - Grades 7-12, Wed, April 26, 9-11:30am
We are excited to invite you to the upcoming youth conference, "Make Change Happen," focused on climate action. This event will provide a platform for students to come together, discuss, and learn about climate change and the actions we can take to mitigate its effects. We will have guest speakers and interactive workshops that will inspire and equip you to take action in your communities. We encourage you to join us in this critical discussion on climate change. Teacher release provided, we will provide the code upon registration.
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Upcoming Webinars
TDSB Community Support Workers invite you to hold the date for these upcoming webinars.
Building Mathematical Minds (part 2)
Tuesday, April 25th from 6:30 to 8:00pm Click here to register
Councils Connecting for Change - Fundraising Do's and Don'ts
Saturday, April 29th from 10:00am to 11:00am Click here to register
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Clean Toronto Together
Toronto’s annual spring cleanup April 21 to 23 – register your cleanup now! This April, gather your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues and help cleanup litter in Toronto’s parks, beaches, or other public spaces.
Organize a 20-Minute Makeover on Friday, April 21 or schedule a community cleanup on Saturday, April 22 (Earth Day) or Sunday, April 23. Twenty minutes is all it takes to help put litter in its proper place!
The City welcomes the support of students, schools, colleges and universities to help keep Toronto clean. Gather students and staff and spend 20-minutes cleaning up your schoolyard or a neighbourhood park. We encourage school cleanups on Friday, April 21 to celebrate Earth Day. TDSB and TCDSB participants will be provided additional information where to get bags and gloves. The City no longer provides free cleanup supply kits to schools. Register your school here.
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Outdoor Education Summer Camps
The Toronto District School Board's Outdoor Education Centres are once again excited to offer overnight camps at the Scarborough Outdoor Education School (SOES), in Kearney, and at the Island Natural Science School this summer.
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Credit Summer Programs
If you have questions, please contact Katie Ferguson, Centrally Assigned Vice Principal, Continuing Education: Secondary Credit & Literacy-Numeracy Programs, at Katie.Ferguson@tdsb.on.ca or Peggy Aitchison, Centrally Assigned Principal, E-Learning at Peggy.Aitchison@tdsb.on.ca.
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Focus on Youth Summer Community Request Applications - Now Open
Community agency applications are now open to participate in the TDSB’s Focus on Youth Summer program. The purpose of the Focus on Youth program is to hire, serve and support students who experience challenges such as socio-economic disadvantages, systemic racism and, since 2020, have been significantly impacted due to the repercussions of the pandemic. For the summer of 2023, the TDSB is focusing on providing meaningful employment and training opportunities to students. The program will run from July 4 to August 18, 2023. For a complete list of agency criteria and to fill out an online application form, visit the Focus on Youth Summer Community Request page.
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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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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.
Elementary Summer School at Deer Park The program includes Kindergarten to Grade 8. Any student registered in an Ontario school can apply. (TDSB and Non-TDSB). Program dates: July 4 – July 28 Program time: 9:00am - 12:00pm Families should feel free to complete and send the registration by email or bring it in person to the school office.
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 Senior
- 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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