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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 -- Mental Health and Well-Being - You Got This!
- Tamil Heritage Month at the TDSB - January 2023
- Current Organizational Structure
- Toronto Public Health Updates
- Committee Meeting This Week
- Addressing School Safety
- Elementary Alternative Schools – New Centralized Process
- School Year Calendar 2022-23
- New Invitations - Poetry Collection Book Launch 2023; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day; International Holocaust Remembrance Day; OPS 2023 Summer Employment Opportunities
- Worth Repeating - Middle French (Grade 4 entry) Immersion Application Process; Out of Area Admissions; Participate in a Study; 2023 Prime Minister’s Teaching Awards; Winter Clothing Drive; Useful Links; PSS Virtual Drop-In Hours; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds; Community Safety & Support
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Happy, healthy, hopeful New Year wishes!School restarts tomorrow, Monday, January 9, 2023 Elementary PD Day (no school for elementary) Friday, January 13, 2023 Secondary PD Day (no school for secondary) Thursday, February 2, 2023
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Mental Health and Well Being - You Got This!
The School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) Start Well Resource Guide provides ready to use learning activities designed to promote connection & calm in the transition back to school. "We hope this resource will provide both you and your students, an opportunity to explore strategies to use when feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Each of us is unique and strategies that work for some might not work for others, and that is okay. Included with the activities are some simple extension activities for use by parents and caregivers. Be gentle with yourself. You've got this!" https://smho-smso.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Start-Well.pdf
Winter Well-Being guide for 2022/23 created by the TDSB's Mental Health and Well-Being Committee has been updated to provide ongoing resources and ideas for Families/Guardians to promote mental and physical wellness during the winter months. Resources are culturally relevant and responsive with resources for students with Complex Needs. The Guide is translated into the top 21 TDSB languages spoken which is accessible here (Well-Being Guide).
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 for ages 5-29 for anonymous care from professional counsellors. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
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Tamil Heritage Month at the TDSB - January 2023
Tamil Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of January at the Toronto District School Board since January 2016. This year our theme for Tamil Heritage Month is: Community. Belonging. Joy - சமூகம் சார்ந்த சந்தோசம்.
This year’s Tamil Heritage Month theme is intentionally aligned with one of the TDSB’s priorities - Joy, Engagement and Belonging.
Toronto has the largest Tamil population outside of the South Asian subcontinent with thousands of TDSB students and staff members who identify as Tamil. The importance of building awareness, creating a strong self and collective identities, and understanding one's own roots and rights are important objectives of the Tamil Heritage Month volunteer planning committee.
To mark Tamil Heritage Month at the Toronto District School Board in January, various educational opportunities will be offered to students to learn about the history, culture, and traditions. Please click this link for the TDSB's Professional Library's refreshed resource guide, http://bit.ly/PLTamilHeritageMonth.
To all celebrating the harvest festival of Thai Pongal from the 15-18, 'thai pirandhal vazhi pirakkum'.
For further information about Tamil Heritage Month, please follow their twitter @TDSB_Tamil.
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Current Organizational Structure
There have been several changes to senior leadership in the TDSB over the last few months. No matter the changes, the four Associate Directors - two academic and two business - work together as a cross-functional team. As we wait for a revised Organizational Chart, please note the current portfolios of the Associate Directors - I thought you might find this information interesting. Please also note that the structure is subject to change as the Director works to execute the Multi-Year Strategic Plan, achieving positive results and the overarching commitment of the TDSB to eliminate disparities and disproportionality in outcome and experiences among historical and currently underserved students.
Associate Director - Modernization and Strategic Resource Alignment Stacey Zucker
- Budget, Revenue & Financial Reporting
- Capital Renewal and Modernization
- Capital Programs
- Environmental Sustainability
- Facility & Planning
- Healthy and Safety
- Information Technology
- Nutrition Services
- Pandemic Operations
- Payroll
- Purchasing & Distribution
- Revenue Generation
- Toronto Lands Corporation
Associate Director - Organizational Transformation and Accountability Leola Pon
- Continuous Improvement and Organizational Change Management
- Educational Partnership Office
- Employee Services
- Employment Equity
- Equity Strategy
- Legal Services
- Policy Services
- Privacy Office
- Risk Management
- Service Excellence
Associate Director - Learning Transformation and Equity Audley Salmon (2 Learning Centres: 2 & 3 - 2 LC Executive Superintendents and 12 LN Superintendents of Education)
- K-12 Programs
- Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
- Early Years and Child Care
- Equity Program and Team: Teaching and Learning
- English as a Second Language
- Library, Learning Resources
- Literacy, Mathematics, Science, STEM, Arts, Social Studies, Geography
- Model Schools for Inner Cities
- Special Education and Inclusion
Associate Director - Student Well-Being and Innovation Linda Curtis (2 Learning Centres: 1 & 4 - 2 LC Executive Superintendents and 12 LN Superintendents of Education)
- Academic Pathways
- French, Classical and International Languages
- Global Competencies/DLL/Hybrid Coaches/e-Learning
- Guidance, Well-Being. Physical and Health Education, Athletics
- Outdoor Education
- Parent Engagement and School Councils
- Research
- Student Success
- Student Well-Being and Professional Support Services
- System Reviews e.g., Secondary Review
- Urban Priorities High Schools
- Virtual Learning, Tutoring and Re-Engagement
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Toronto Public Health
With the Flu, COVID-19 and respiratory viruses still affecting our communities, it is important to protect ourselves and others with some simple steps:
- Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations including a fall COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine when eligible for the best protection against getting very sick from COVID-19 and influenza.
- Even if you have had a recent COVID-19 infection, staying up-to-date with your vaccinations gives you stronger hybrid immunity.
- It is strongly recommended everyone wear a high quality, well-fitting mask in all indoor public settings, including in schools and childcare settings. It is especially if you are around people who are at higher risk (such as children under 5, seniors or those who have a health condition).
- Socialize outdoors when possible – outdoors is lower risk than being indoors.
- Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms, even if they are mild.
If you have symptoms, get tested for COVID-19 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 surfaces
- Choose well ventilated spaces when possible.
- Reduce or limit the number of people you have close contact with, especially indoors and if you are around people who are at higher risk or have a health condition
- Keep a physical distance when possible, especially indoor
Learn more on how you can reduce virus spread when caring for someone or a child who has COVID-19 or another respiratory virus.
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - Governance and Policy Committee - 4:30 p.m. Electronic Meeting - Agenda
- 5.1 Policy Review Schedule for the 2022/23 to 2025/26 School Years
- 6.1 PR695, Threats to School Safety: Revised Procedure
- 6.2 PR519, Severe Weather: Schools and Administrative Offices/Sites: Revised Procedure
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Addressing School Safety
The TDSB is committed to schools that are caring, safe, welcoming, and respectful. Student and school safety is an urgent priority for staff, students, families, and community members and the TDSB will continue to invest resources in school safety. The Board is taking a number of different steps to improve school safety across the Board including the hiring of additional staff to better support students, staff and school communities, creating a Safe Schools Audit Team to work with schools on safety issues, and forming an Expert Table Reference Group related to school and community safety with representation from recognized service providers across the City (e.g. The Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, Toronto Public Health, City of Toronto) and include students, parents, Trustees, staff, and faith-based groups. Learn more about what the TDSB is doing to make schools safer.
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Elementary Alternative Schools – New Centralized Online Application Process
On October 26, 2022, the Board approved revisions to the Alternative Schools Policy. As part of the TDSB’s commitment to ensure equitable access, admissions, and opportunities for all students and to support implementation of the Board decision regarding elementary alternative schools (May 26, 2021) and the revised Alternative Schools Policy (P062), the TDSB has developed a new centralized application process and online application form for elementary alternative schools. The accompanying procedure to the policy will be shared with the Board in the spring 2023.
The centralized application process and online application form will be in place for students and families to request admission for September 2023. Trustees and families will be able to access information related to elementary alternative schools on the TDSB website in the coming weeks and the application period will open starting January 16, 2023.
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School Year Calendar 2022-23
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We Are Who We Decide to Be – Poetry Collection Book Launch 2023 on Jan 11
The Welcoming Communities program operated by TDSB's Community Services Unit is hosting a book launch to celebrate TDSB newcomer students' collection of original poetry. We Are Who We Decide to Be - an affirmative statement of self-empowerment and aspiration, and the title of newcomer students' new book. Please join us in person on January 11, 2023 from 6-8pm at Earl Haig Secondary School (100 Princess Ave).
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day - January 16
The TDSB has a long-standing commitment to supporting educators in responding to historical and present-day acts of racism and injustice. Every third Monday of January, communities celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday in the United States. This day commemorates the life experiences and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent civil rights leader.
As we reflect on the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., along with the importance of deepening our understanding of the global impacts of racial discrimination, more specifically in Canada, join the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement and Ms. Itah Sadu for a K-12 Storytelling session on January 16, 2023 from 10 – 11 AM. Staff, please register for this learning opportunity on myPath.
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International Holocaust Remembrance Day - January 27 - 10:15am
The Holocaust (1933–1945) was the systematic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of six million European Jews by the Nazi German regime and its allies and collaborators. The Holocaust is also sometimes referred to as “the Shoah,” the Hebrew word for “catastrophe.”
Observed on January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp. It is a time to reflect on and educate about the enduring lessons of the Holocaust and to reaffirm a commitment to uphold human rights. The TDSB is honoured to have Holocaust Survivor Pinchas Gutter join us in conversation with Shari Schwartz-Maltz.
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OPS 2023 Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) and Ontario Internship Program (OIP)
These programs provide students and recent graduates with the opportunity to gain knowledge, develop skills, and build relationships that will strengthen their future employment prospects in the labour market, while contributing to Ontario’s diverse and inclusive public service.
The Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) Program will have staggered closing dates between January 24th, 2023 and April 10, 2023 depending on the job type. For a detailed listing of closing dates please visit our job ads on the OPS Career Portal. The Ontario Internship Program (OIP) application deadline to apply is January 20th, 2023, at 12 pm (noon). Candidates can apply online. Placements begin in August 2023.
The OPS has organized winter virtual information session to provide students and recent graduates with an opportunity to learn more about our student and internship programs. The session will highlight the mandate and key eligibility requirements of SEO and OIP programs, the benefits of working for the OPS, types of jobs are available, recruitment processes, timelines and tips for the applications and interview process and live testimonials from past participants. The session will conclude with a question and answer period with our program coordinators! To attend this opportunity and add it to your online calendars, register for the virtual information session on Thursday January 12th, 2023 – 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Alternatively, click here for direct access to the event on January 12th.
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Middle French (Grade 4 entry) Immersion Application Process for September 2023
Application for Middle French Immersion is an entirely online process. All communication will be sent via the email address you provide. Please check your email regularly, including junk mail folders. The online application process opens on January 9, 2023 and closes on February 3, 2023.
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Out of Area Admission Policy
Out of Area Admission Policy - Below is a link to the requirements for families wishing to attend a school that is not considered their designated school. At the bottom of the page, you can look up which High Schools are open, closed or have limited availability for admissions. Out of Area Requirements.
To apply to attend a school other than your designated school by address, please submit an online application. When applying for September 2023, applicants may submit up to two (2) applications. The online application will be available on January 9, 2023. For more information and to access the online application form, please visit: Elementary Out-of-Area Admissions and Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions.
Elementary Out of Area Admissions Key Dates: January 9, 2023 - February 10, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Online Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. Round 1: Families to be informed of the status of the application Wednesday, March 8, 2023; Families must confirm acceptance of the offer by Tuesday, March 21 at 4:00 p.m. Round 2: Families to be informed of the status of the application Wednesday March 22, 2023; Families must confirm acceptance of the offer by Tuesday, March 28 at 4:00 p.m.
Secondary Out of Area Admission Key Dates: January 9, 2023 - January 27, 2023: Online Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. Round 1: February 8, 2023: Round 1 communication is sent regarding Acceptance and Waiting List Status February 14, 2023: Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must respond by this date or offer will expire. Round 2: February 15, 2023: Round 2 communication is sent regarding Acceptance and Waiting List Status February 21, 2023: Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must respond by this date or offer will expire Round 3: February 22, 2023: Final Round communication is sent regarding Acceptance and Waiting List Status February 24, 2023: Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must respond by this date or offer will expire. February 27, 2023: TDSB Students must finalize their acceptance by completing and submitting the corresponding course selection for the accepted school in myBlueprint
TDSB Open House Information - High School Open Houses are still taking place throughout November and December. Here is a link to all the options available. All of this information is also available on student google classrooms under the heading “High School Information”. Open House Information
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Do You Work in a School? Participate in a Study
Sinai Health is seeking research participants for a large, remote, epidemiological study on the impacts of COVID-19 on frontline elementary and secondary education workers in Ontario. The purpose of the study is to determine how many people working in the elementary and secondary schools in Ontario develop COVID-19 infection and the risk factors for infection, to describe the changes to antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 over time, the incidence of re-infection, the uptake of vaccines against COVID-19, and the psychological impact of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more info: http://tibdn.ca/covid-19/education
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2023 Prime Minister’s Teaching Awards
Do you know a terrific teacher or early childhood educator? Consider nominating them for a 2023 Prime Minister’s Award! This program honours the remarkable educational achievements and commitment of elementary and secondary school teachers, as well as early childhood educators. Looking for inspiration? Check out previous teaching and early childhood education award recipients. For nomination information, see 2023 nomination packages. The nomination deadline is January 27, 2023.
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Winter Clothing Drive
Canada is welcoming newcomer families from Ukraine & Afghanistan, to name a few, and the TDSB is welcoming many of these newly arrived students into our schools. The newcomer students are adjusting to their first Canadian winter and can benefit from your generous support. The students need proper winter outerwear such as coats, boots, mitts and hats to be able to attend school. This year’s Winter Outerwear Drive will run from October 2022 to the end of February 2023. Learn more: bit.ly/3gZOwxx
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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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Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
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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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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