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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 -- ReconciliACTION
- Islamic Heritage Month
- Somali Heritage Month
- October Days of Significance
- TDSB is Renewing its Multi-Year Strategic Plan
- Labour Negotiations Updates
- Toronto Public Health (TPH)
- Committee Meeting This Week
- Registration Open! PCP Conference
- First PA Day - Friday, October 6, 2023
- New Invitations – EcoSchools; Register today for Walk & Roll to School Day; Global School Play Day 2024 - Celebrating UNSTRUCTURED Play - February 7, 2024
- Worth Repeating - School Council Innovation Grant 2023 – 2024; Bill 98, The Better Schools and Outcomes Act, 2023 - Consultation on Regulations now open; MusiCounts Grants Now Open; PollinateTO Grants; Take Me Outside Day; Continuing Education Programming; Fundraising Policy Consultation; Model Parliament for High School Students; Legislative Page Program - Applications Open; Useful Links; We Have a Dog Problem; 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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ReconciliACTION
It is critically important that we continue on the path to reconciliation beyond Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Review the Calls to Action - commit to learning about the legacy of residential schools.
The TDSB's Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC) has been engaged in focused Indigenous Education work since 2008. Guided by the UIEC Elders Council, the UIEC is dedicated to enhancing First Nations, Métis and Inuit students’ well-being and achievement and creating opportunities for Indigenous Education for all staff and students in the TDSB. They are there for you.
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Islamic Heritage Month
The TDSB proudly recognizes Islamic Heritage Month (IHM) during the month of October. This recognition follows the motion passed by the Board of Trustees on June 22, 2016. Our main theme for the month is Salaam: Joy, Excellence, Belonging. During the month of October several Islamic Heritage Month educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Islamic traditions and customs. For more information, please click here and follow @tdsb_ihm.
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Somali Heritage Month
The TDSB has been marking Somali Heritage Month since June 2016, and we continue to expand on the selected theme Educate. Elevate. Excel. During the month of October, several Somali Heritage Month educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Somali traditions and customs. For more information, please click here and follow SomaliHM@TDSB for updates.
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October Days of Significance
At the TDSB, in addition to the official Heritage Months, the following days of significance are noted in the month of October
- 01 International Day for Older Persons United Nations
- 02 International Day of Non-Violence United Nations
- 02 Mehregan Zoroastria
- 04 Sisters in Spirit Day Status of Women Canada
- 04 Walk to School Day TDSB
- 05 World Teachers’ Day United Nations
- 07 Shemini Atzeret* Judaism
- 08 Simchat Torah* Judaism
- 09 Thanksgiving Day - Canada Government of Canada
- 09 -13 Body Confidence Awareness Week TDSB
- 10 World Mental Health Day World Health Organization
- 12 Bandi Chhor Divas Sikhism
- 15 – 24 Navratri Hinduism
- 16 Birth of the Bá’b* Bahá’i Faith
- 16 World Food Day United Nations
- 16 – 20 Week Without Violence (3rd Week of October) YW
- 17 Birth of Bahá’u’lláh* Bahá’i Faith
- 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty United Nations
- 20 Gurgadi of the Holy Scriptures of Guru Granth Sahib Ji as Guru Sikhis
- 20 – 24 Durga Puja Hinduism
- 28 Kathina Buddhism
Asterisk * indicates event begins on the evening before the date indicated
Hoping you acknowledge, celebrate or observe the significant dates important to you.
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TDSB is Renewing its Multi-Year Strategic Plan - Please Join our Joint Ward Forum on Tuesday, October 3rd from 6:30-8:30
TDSB is Renewing its Multi-Year Strategic Plan
All members of the TDSB school community are invited to Have Your Say!
We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities to contribute to the conversation. Learn more at: www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPRenewal
Please REGISTER HERE to let us know you will be attending and if you require any accommodation to participate in this discussion.
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Labour Negotiations Updates
School boards and unions share a commitment to public education and work together towards positive labour relations. The collective bargaining framework for the education sector features a two-tier bargaining process, involving both central and local bargaining. Learn more about the process.
Information will continue to be updated on the website. This week there is an update from OSSTF.
September 28, 2023 - The Ontario Secondary Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) members have voted to approve a process for concluding bargaining previously tentatively agreed to on August 25, 2023 between the Ontario government and OSSTF. Under this approved process, if the parties are unable to reach agreement provincially by October 27, 2023, all remaining items will move to binding arbitration, thus avoiding possible strike action. The process between the parties also includes discussion on local items, which cover more administrative and non-monetary issues. Local discussions will continue until March 2024 and any items not agreed to will also be sent to binding arbitration.
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Toronto Public Health (TPH)
Everyone has a role to play to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses (such as COVID-19, RSV and the flu). The actions you take will protect you, loved ones and those most vulnerable in our community.
Layers of Protection: Tips to Prevent the Spread
- Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations for the best protection against getting very sick this respiratory season
- Even if you have had a recent COVID-19 infection, it’s still important to stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines. This gives you the added benefit of hybrid immunity
- It is recommended everyone consider wearing a high quality, well-fitting mask in crowded indoor public settings with poor ventilation, especially if you or people around you are at higher risk (such as seniors, those with a weak immune system, or young children
- Socialize outdoors when possible – outdoors is lower risk than being indoor
- Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms of illness, even if they are mild
- The symptoms for different respiratory viruses, such as COVID-19 and the flu, can look the same
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, get tested and treatment if you are eligible
- Wash or sanitize your hands often
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surface
- Choose well ventilated spaces when possible...
Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations which includes getting all booster doses when eligible. Students in grades 7 to 12 can book for school-based vaccination (opens in new window) appointments (Hepatitis B, HPV and Meningococcal vaccines) being offered at City-run clinics.
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - Governance & Policy Committee - 4:30pm - Boardroom - Agenda
- 5.1 P031 Human Rights Policy Annual Review
- 5.2 Policy Review Schedule for the 2023-2024 – 2027-28 School Years
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Registration Open! PCP Conference
Join us at our annual Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on October 21 and 22, 2023. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are invited to participate in a weekend of learning, connection, and engagement and to learn strategies to support your child throughout the year.
As last year, we have partnered with the TDSB’s Outdoor Education team and the City of Toronto to bring a unique experience to the conference. All of these in-person sessions are scheduled between 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Transportation from central sites is available to all venues, leaving the location at 1:00 p.m. and returning at 3:30 p.m. More information will be provided as we approach closer to the date.
The virtual conference includes a keynote address on Saturday, October 21, 2023, by Dr. Gholnescsar (Gholdy) Muhammad, an Associate Professor of Literacy, Language, and Culture. On, Sunday, October 22, 2023, Sarah Baldeo, an accomplished Neuroscientist, Technologist, corporate Strategist, and a successful Entrepreneur, will be our keynote.
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First PA Day - Friday, October 6, 2023
During the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. Beginning this school year, boards of education are now required to publicly share detailed information about PA Days, as outlined in Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 151.
As per the Ministry of Education, 2023-24 PA Days will focus on the priority areas of Literacy and Mathematics, Curriculum Implementation, and Student Well-being, School Safety and Violence Prevention. Additional topics identified by the TDSB will also be covered during PA Days. All information and details will be posted to www.tdsb.on.ca/PAdays at least 14 days in advance of the scheduled PA Day. IIf you have any questions, please speak to the Principal at your child’s school.
October 6 PA Day - Student Well-Being, School Safety, Violence Prevention and Compliance and Board-Mandated Training
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EcoSchools
Exciting News! The 2023-24 EcoSchools program is officially open! Join us in another year of eco-adventures and sustainability initiatives. Register and start creating your environmental plan today! http://app.ecoschools.ca
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Register today for Walk & Roll to School Day!
On your mark, get set, register! The 27th annual National Walk & Roll to School Day is October 4, and registration is now open!
Whether addressing the need to make routes to school safer for active trips or encouraging children to be more active, these events can be powerful tools to inspire lasting change. The official Walk & Roll to School Day date will be October 4 this year, but communities are welcome to celebrate any day in October that best fits their schedules.
For more tips on how to plan an event and the latest Walk / Bike & Roll to School Day news, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
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Global School Play Day 2024 - Celebrating UNSTRUCTURED Play - February 7, 2024
Register your class/school to show support for GSPD. We will send you an email to remind you of the event and we promise not to share your email! Signing up for Global School Play Day is all about sending a collective message to the world that we believe in the importance of play for every child (and adult's).
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School Council Innovation Grant 2023 - 2024
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Bill 98, The Better Schools and Outcomes Act, 2023 - Consultation on Regulations now open
The Ministry of Education (EDU) is moving ahead on regulations and next steps stemming from Bill 98.
The feedback deadline for the above two postings is October 19, 2023 - OPSBA, the TDSB and the TLC will be submitting. Please feel free to also submit your thoughts.
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MusiCounts Grants Now Open
MusiCounts invests in schools and community organizations through grants of up to $20,000 for instruments, equipment, and resources to ensure that kids have access to music education. Learn more about the funding streams, application process, and impact of these grants.
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Ready, set, plant! City of Toronto opens applications for its PollinateTO Grants
Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’s PollinateTO Grants program. Through the program, the City offers grants of up to $5,000 to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. A priority will be placed on funding projects in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. Projects eligible for funding include those that create new pollinator habitat in green spaces, such as schoolyards and parks, and those that expand existing gardens with pollinator-friendly plants. Projects that create pollinator pathways (multiple gardens on a residential street) are also eligible for funding. Projects must be visible to the public and educate and/or engage the community. Community groups, not-for-profit organizations, student groups, parent councils, Indigenous groups and other resident-led groups are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, October 25.
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Take Me Outside Day
Only one more month until #TakeMeOutsideDay! Did you know each day of the week from Oct 16-20th has a theme? And we have speakers, activities & prizes for all of them!
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Continuing Education Programming
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Fundraising Policy Consultation
The Fundraising Policy (P021) is currently being reviewed. It supports the TDSB’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and financial viability and promotes student learning opportunities when planning and implementing fundraising activities. The Policy is aligned with the Education Act and the Ministry of Education’s Fundraising Guidelines.
The objective of the Policy is to outline expectations and provide directions to TDSB staff and members of school communities when planning and implementing fundraising activities.
Please share with us your thoughts, questions and recommendations through the online survey or by email to businessdevelopment@tdsb.on.ca on or before October 10, 2023.
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Model Parliament for High School Students
Are you in Grade 10-12? Are you interested in the Legislative Process? Do you want the chance to debate your own legislation in the Legislative Chamber? Then sign up for our Model Parliament program. Applications will be accepted until October 15, 2023. See our website for more info: ow.ly/h5FE50JNXMA
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Legislative Page Program - Applications Open!
Applications for the spring 2024 term are now open until November 15th, 2023.
This unique educational program for Ontario students enrolled in Grade 7 or 8 at time of application with an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher). It provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over the province. For more information https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/programs/about-page-program.
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We Have a Dog Problem
Current by-law rules don’t work for school grounds. As a result, many dog owners disregard our signage and don’t seem to care that children play on that same grass! With limited resources the TDSB must rely on dog owners to be responsible and unfortunately, so many aren’t.
Please respect children’s play spaces.
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2023-2024 Calendar
Please ensure you check these dates before scheduling events.
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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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