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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 -- April Heritage Months
- Duty to Accommodate - Ramadan 2023
- 2023-24 Provincial Budget
- Recovery Continues... Funding Required!
- 2023 TDSB Student Census Update
- May 9th Ward Forum on MYSP Postponed Until Fall
- Secondary Updates
- Committee/Special Board Meeting This Week
- New Invitations - TDSB Ukrainian Fair; Teach 10 Hours 4 Climate; Greek Heritage Month – Closing Event; Focus on Youth Summer Community Request Applications - Now Open; Holocaust Remembrance Day Student Event; The Joys of Parenting (Part 1): Expanding Your Toolbox; HOLD THE DATE - May 16, 2023 - 7-8:30pm - School Buidling in Toronto: Where are we now?
- Worth Repeating - Unlearn AntisemITism; Virtual Office Hours for Parents and Caregivers; Excellence Awards 2023 to Celebrate Staff Dedication; 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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April Heritage Months
April is Latin-America History Month. Hispanic Heritage Month and Sikh Heritage Month at the TDSB. More in next week's update!
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Duty to Accommodate - Ramadan 2023
This week marks the second week of Ramadan – one of the holiest months in the Islamic Calendar. During this month, Muslims around the world abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset for 29 or 30 consecutive days. A document is available to TDSB staff that contains information about Ramadan, as well as some tips and considerations for meeting the duty to accommodate under the Ontario Human Rights Code and TDSB’s Human Rights Policy (P031). Ramadan Mubarak to all of those observing!
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2023-24 Provincial Budget
From OPSBA
[On Thursday] Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy delivered the 2023-24 Ontario Budget: Building a Strong Ontario. Compared to spending plans presented in the Fall Economic Statement, education spending was down $47 million over the past year, primarily due to school boards experiencing lower than forecasted non‐government revenue and implementation timing of the Canada‐wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, partially offset by increased school board spending, such as higher fuel costs for student transportation. Education sector funding is projected to be $34.7 billion, up from $32.4 billion last year. OPSBA provided its initial review of the 2023-24 Ontario Budget which can be found here: https://www.opsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/OPSBA-Provincial-Budget-Highlights-2023-24.pdf.
OPSBA Recent Advocacy and Actions
- OPSBA signs AMO open letter on Ending Homelessness - Last week, OPSBA joined AMO and other partners in calling on the provincial government and the Premier to acknowledge the homelessness crisis, commit to ending it and work with provincial partners on a plan to make it happen. AMO’s open letter, co-signed by OPSBA President Cathy Abraham, can be viewed on Twitter.
- OPSBA to Participate in Teacher Supply and Demand Action Table - OPSBA has been invited to participate in an Action Table created by the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) and the Ministry of Education. The group will consist of senior staff within a number of education stakeholders and are meeting “to understand the current staffing challenges and to design possible solutions.” The first meeting will be held next week.
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Recovery Continues... Funding Required!
The pandemic is not over, and the recovery continues - it is imperative that the province provides funding to ensure the TDSB can fully implement its Pandemic Recovery Plan.
Based on the Ontario budget, it’s very difficult to anticipate what this will mean for the TDSB. We understand increases are there to cover salary increases, but unsure what else. It is our hope that once the Grants for Student Needs – the main funding source for school boards – are released at the end of the month or beginning of next month, there will be additional funding to help support students in Toronto.
Toronto was an epicentre of the pandemic in Canada for approximately two years – during which the TDSB worked to implement directions and advice from Toronto Public Health for items such as reducing class sizes, and cohorting at lunch to keep students and staff as safe as possible – all while maintaining learning. I believe this unique approach led to safer school environments and may have saved lives. As a result, the TDSB incurred approximately $70 million in pandemic-related costs that were not covered by the Ministry of Education. We continue to ask the province to repay those pandemic costs. We are simply asking to be treated fairly and be reimbursed for the COVID expenses - just like the city of Toronto (who has tax base that school boards don’t). This is a very reasonable ask.
Fast forward to now, we’re currently facing a $61 million deficit for the 2023-24 school year. We have depleted working reserves and used reserves put away for other reasons. If pandemic costs were reimbursed by the Ministry, the TDSB would have additional funding to support its current financial shortfall without having to reduce programs and services.
We’re also very concerned that pandemic funding of $31.5 million, which allowed TDSB to put an additional 485 staff resources into the system is ending. This included teachers, social workers, child and youth workers, caretaking and vice-principals, among other categories, and we are worried about the ramifications to student well-being with the reduction of this funding. The recovery continues so this funding must continue. We are still dealing with the effects of COVID, grappling with violence in our communities. A potential cut of hundreds of staff will only make the situation worse for students.
An additional budget pressure relates to employee benefit (LTD, WSIB, CPP, EI) and sick leave cost increases that are not funded by the Ministry. For 2023-24, TDSB employee benefits and sick leave costs are projected to be underfunded by $48.6 million. Remember, these are not negotiated benefits, These are their personal contributions to CPP that have increased and as the government has not funded those legislated increases, money comes from other programs. We are requesting that the Ministry commit to funding the actual costs of employee benefits and sick leave for all Ontario school boards.
We acknowledge that we must always look inward for efficiencies as well, however when Canada’s largest school board depletes its reserves to cover $70 million in pandemic costs – we have no option but to go to our funder – the Province – and request support. Our students deserve to have their recovery from the pandemic supported.
There are other areas where the Province could look for savings. For example, we have repeatedly asked for them to lift the moratorium on school closures. We have tens of thousands of empty spaces spread out across the system. If we had the opportunity to right size the system, it would not only provide better opportunities for students, but it would also save money – not to mention that we could target repair funding on a smaller number of aging schools.
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2023 TDSB Student Census Update
The TDSB Student Census is a confidential and voluntary survey that asks students important questions about their school experiences and identities including participation in school activities, safety, well-being, mental health, outdoor learning, etc. It is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system.
The TDSB is asking all parents/guardians/caregivers and/or students to consider filling out a census survey online.
- Kindergarten to Grade 3: Parents/guardians/caregivers will receive an email link to complete the census at home on behalf of their child(ren)
- Grades 4 to 8: A new consent process for students will provide parents/guardians/caregivers the choice of having their child complete the Census themselves at school, or at home. Watch for an email to provide consent within the next few days.
- Grade 9 to 12: Students will receive an email link to complete the census during class time.
- Intensive Support Programs: Parents/guardians/caregivers with children in a Developmental Disability (DD) or Mild Intellectual Disability (MID) program will receive an email link to complete the census on behalf of their child.
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May 9th Ward Forum on MYSP Postponed Until Fall
Given the timing of competing priorities and the upcoming budget, the TDSB is extending the Multi-Year Strategic Plan renewal consultations into the Fall, with Ward Forums occurring in late-September and/or October 2023. I will keep you posted once a date is confirmed. 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
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Secondary Updates
Opting-Out of the e-Learning Graduation Requirement
Students are required to earn two e-Learning credits to graduate from secondary school, beginning with students who entered Grade 9 in the 2020-21 school year. Adult learners entering the Ontario secondary school system in 2023-24 or later will be required to meet this graduation requirement.
Students may withdraw from the online e-Learning requirement. A parent/caregiver or guardian or student (18 years of age or older or 16 or 17 years of age and withdrawn from parental control) may withdraw by submitting the TDSB Opt Out/Withdrawal Form to their school. No explanation or reason is needed to opt out/withdraw. If you have decided now to withdraw from the graduation requirement, please complete the TDSB Opt Out/Withdrawal Form.
Thinking about taking a course at TDSB Summer School? TDSB Summer e-Learning
TDSB Continuing Education
The TDSB Continuing Education Secondary Credit programs offer Night School, Summer School and Saturday International Languages credit courses under the OSSD curriculum guidelines. TDSB Con-Ed In-person & Remote Summer School: Registration TBA Check out this link for more info about TDSB Con-Ed Summer. https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/conedsecondarycreditprogram/
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Committee/Special Board 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, March 29, 2023 - Finance, Budget and Enrollment Committee - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom - Agenda- 5.1 Special Education Advisory Committee, February 13, 2023
- 5.2 Inner City Community Advisory Committee, March 23, 2023
- 6.1 Contract Awards, Operations
- 6.2 Contract Awards, Facilities
- 7. 2021-22 School Budget and School Generated Funds and 2023-24 Proposed School Budget Allocation
- 8. School-Based Staff Allocation 2023-2024: Non-Classroom and Support Staff
- 9. Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care
- 10. Board Investments Annual Update
- 11.1 Allocation of Funding for Staff Training (Trustees Patel and Li)
Thursday, March 30, 2023 - Special Board Meeting - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom - Agenda- 3. Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Report No. 05 (Part A), March 29, 2023 - To follow
- 4. Resolution into Committee of the Whole (Private Session) Committee of the Whole Rises and Reports and the Meeting Reconvenes in Public Session
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TDSB Ukrainian Fair
TDSB Ukrainian "Laskavo Prosymo" Welcome Fair is taking place 11:00AM-2:00PM, Saturday, April 15, at Western Technical-Commercial School and Ursula Franklin Academy, 125 Evelyn Crescent. All TDSB Ukrainian secondary students and families are welcome. Please complete the registration form below by April 1, 2023.
Дорогі учні з України, TDSB запрошує вас на вітальний ярмарок, який відбудеться в суботу 15 квітня з 11:00 до 14:00, у Western Technical-Commercial School and Ursula Franklin Academy, за адресою: 125 Evelyn Crescent. Запрошуються всі українські учні старших класів шкіл TDSB та їхні родини. Будь ласка, заповніть реєстраційну форму до 1 квітня 2023 року, якщо ви зацікавлені.
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Teach 10 Hours 4 Climate
We invite teachers, students, schools, program leaders, and education departments to pledge to commit 10 hours of this 2022-23 academic year, to education about climate change, climate solutions, and climate justice. The #Teach10Hours4Climate challenge guide provides educators with the necessary tools, including curricular resources, to inspire action on the climate crisis. Participate in the worldwide Teach-in on Climate and Justice on or around March 29, 2023, Earth Day activities, and beyond.
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Greek Heritage Month – Closing Event
March is Greek Heritage Month at the Toronto District School Board. The theme for this year is based on TDSB’s priorities: “Joy, Engagement, Belonging” | “Ευτυχία, Eνθάρρυνση, Eνότητα.”
Closing Ceremony on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at the Greek Community of Toronto (30 Thorncliffe Park Dr.) from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. This afternoon of music, dance, and photo displays will include entertainment from TDSB students and community members. Light refreshments will be provided.
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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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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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The Joys of Parenting (Part 1): Expanding Your Toolbox
Strategies to prevent and de-escalate challenging behaviours at home. Monday, April 3rd, 2023, at 6:30 pm. 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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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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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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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.
As noted above, registration for Secondary Summer School Credit Programs begin April 4.
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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