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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 -- Happy Long Weekend
- Ward Forum Presentation
- Take Your MPP to School Day
- Update - TDSB 2023-24 Budget
- Committee and Board Meetings This Week
- An Immersive Experience at Christie Pits
- New Invitations - Cultivating Asian Joy; Film Screening : Wanda Robso
- Worth Repeating - TDSB Event to Commemorate 90th Anniversary of Christie Pits Riot on Sunday, June 4, 2023; Learn4Life; Census 2023; More Joy; Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #3; Legislative Page Program; Budget Ward Forum on June 5; Credit Summer Programs; Secondary Credit Summer School; Elementary Summer School 2023; Continuing Education Programming at the TDSB; Useful Links; No Dogs Allowed; School Year Calendar 2022-23; Approved 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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Happy Long Weekend
Hope you have a chance to enjoy this long weekend with family and friends. Stay safe - into the home stretch now!
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Ward Forum
Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in the last week's Ward Forum on School Building in Toronto: Where are we now? The deck presented at the meeting included the following -
- Overview of the Long-Term Program & Accommodation Strategy
- Current / projected enrolment trends
- Residential development and intensification
- Overview of planned studies for Ward 8 and 9 schools
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Take Your MPP to School
I am happy to be participating in the Ontario Public School Board's (OPSBA) Take Your MPP to School Day: Visiting Ontario’s Vibrant Public Education System.
OPSBA has invited all Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) to partake in an opportunity to witness the inspiring and innovative experiences taking place in public schools throughout Ontario’s diverse communities. I am pleased to host MPP Jill Andrew, the morning of May 23rd and hope to schedule something with MPP Robin Martin next week. I am proud to show off the excellence in our schools.
Among the information I will be sharing -
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Update - TDSB 2023-24 Budget
After the GSN analysis by staff, and as a result of the budget reductions already approved, the current projected financial position is a deficit of $52.3 million.
This Tuesday, May 23rd beginning at 6:00 we expect staff to provide us with their options to balance at a Special FBEC. In their Report posted online, staff propose a number of possible reductions - the impact of the options to balance total $32.6 million. The revised deficit based on the implementation of the above options would be $19.7 million... with more options to come at the meeting. Staff are clear - "The provincial funding formula, as expressed in the Grants for Students’ Needs, inadequately responds to the current needs of students especially as they and board staff are transitioning out of a global pandemic. Although the Board has seen additional funding in some areas there are still persistent structural deficits that exist e.g., CPP, Special Education, replacement costs for employees on leave. This report meets the Director of Education’s statutory requirement to present a balanced budget to the Board of Trustees. Section 231 of the Education Act requires school boards to adopt a balanced budget. According to the Ministry, “when preparing and adopting budgets (estimates) for the fiscal year (September 1 to August 31), school boards are required to ensure that estimated expenses do not exceed estimated revenues unless any in-year deficit can be covered by accumulated surplus of a prior year and the in-year deficit is less than 1% of the school board’s operating budget.” If a Board exceeds 1%, the Board requires Ministry approval."
Please note, at the meeting, I will be supporting a motion for the Director to add back a compliment of aquatic instructors to ensure full programming for students in all schools with pools for 2023-24. Staff has reviewed this request and has determined that the number of additional aquatic instructors would be 6.0 FTE, or $400,000. I will also be asking to increase the number of elementary Vice-Principals. Right now staff are recommending to add back 8 secondary and 10 elementary. I do not believe 10 elementary VPs adequately support our schools. Both of these directions would increase the projected deficit - At the meeting there will be discussions on what else staff are proposing as options to balance. The next meeting on options to balance will be June 1st.
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Committee and Board Meetings This Week
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
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, May 23, 2023 - Special Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - 6:00 p.m. Boardroom - Agenda- 4. 2023-2024 Updates Projected Financial Position
- 5. Proposed Options to Balance the 2023-24 Budget
- 6. Elementary Vice-Principal Allocation 2023-2024 Update
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 - Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m. Public Session - Boardroom - Agenda- 15.1 Governance and Policy Committee, Report No. 04, May 3, 202
- 1. Parent Involvement Advisory Committee: PR542, Changing a Timetable Consultation Proces
- 2. P067, Learning Opportunities Index Policy: Phase 1
- 3. P021, Fundraising Policy, Preliminary Provisions: Status Update
- 4. P013, Out-of-Area Admissions Policy: Revisions
- 15.2 Program and School Services Committee, Report No. 5, May 10, 2023
- 1. Special Education Advisory Committee: Provincial Parent Associations Advisory Committee on SEACs Calendar
- 2. Special Education Advisory Committee: Membership
- 3. Arts Annual Report 2022-2023
- 4. The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Update, Year 1
- 5. Incorporating IDC4U: Deconstructing Anti-Black Racism
- 15.3 Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Report No. 07, May 15, 2023
- 1. Alternative Schools Community Advisory Committee: 2023- 24 Centralized Elementary Alternative Schools Admissions Process: Allocation of Funding and Resources
- 2. Inner City Community Advisory Committee: Learning Opportunities Grant Demographic Allocation
- 3. Contract Awards, Operations
- 4. Contract Awards, Facilities
- 5. Design Consultant Contract Award - Addition and Renovations at Elizabeth Simcoe Public School
- 6. Replacement of Existing Security Camera Systems
- 7. Second Quarter Interim Financial Report, 2022-23
- 8. Special Education and Inclusion Service Level Data for 2022-23
- 9. Vice-Principal Allocation 2023-2024 Update
- 10. Aquatic Instructor Reductions: Update
- 15.4 Planning and Priorities Committee, Report No. 07, May 17, 2023
- 1. Toronto Lands Corporation: Second Quarter Business Operations
- 2. Black Student Achievement Community Advisory Committee: BSSAC Endorsement of IDC4U Motion
- 3. Central Student Interest Programs: Implementation Update
- 4. 2022 RBC Canadian Open: Permit Use at Richview Collegiate Institute
- 5. A Collaborative Approach to School and Community Safety Update, May 2023
- 15.5Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 8, May 23, 2023 - To be presented
- 16.Written Notices of Motion 16.1Student Interest Programs Specialized Schools and Programs Policy: Review (Trustees Pei and Nunziata)
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An Immersive Experience at Christie Pits
I am very proud of the TDSB's Jewish Heritage Committee and Italian Heritage Committee support of the Hogtown Collective's immersive play for Grades 8 and 10. This year marks the 90th Anniversary of the largest race riot in Canadian History in 1933 - the "Christie Pits Riots", sponsored in part by the Ministry of Education "helps break bridges, break down stereotypes, and promote empathy and respect between different groups of students and community by demonstrating our commonalities and historical support of each other." - Rachel Chernos Lin. The play is in the North-West corner of Christie Pits - at 10am and 1:15am Tuesday-Friday through June 16. As this is a public park, you are welcome to join us.
Bigotry, antisemitism, bloodshed: A shameful chapter of Toronto’s history plays out in a city park
Toronto Star – May 19, 2023
Last week the Toronto Police released their Annual Hate Crime Statistical Report for 2022. Compared to 2021, the number of reported occurrences decreased approximately 6% from 257 to 242. That said, Jews continue to be targeted more than any other group - 26% of hate crimes in 2022 - only 3.4% of Toronto's population. The data mirrors TDSB’s hate statistics where Jewish students make up less than 2% of the population but antisemitism was the highest reported hate by creed. Educating against all forms of hate has never been more important.
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Cultivating Asian Joy
We invite Gr 4 - 12
students and staff to a webinar panel discussion on “Cultivating Asian Joy, Engagement, and Belonging through the Arts”. May 24th, 1pm -2 pm.
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Film Screening : Wanda Robson
You’re invited! Join the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement for a screening of Wanda Robson and a Q & A with co-producers Donna Harrow & Aaron Weiss.
When: May 31; 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3AXDoYT
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TDSB Event to Commemorate 90th Anniversary of Christie Pits Riot on Sunday, June 4, 2023
Everyone is invited to enjoy a free baseball game featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, June 11, 2023).
This event is one of several initiatives organized by the TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Month Committee and Italian Heritage Month Committee to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Christie Pits Riot, the largest race riot in Canadian history that involved people from Toronto’s Jewish and Italian communities. The riot happened during a baseball game. Now, 90 years later, we invite you to come and show everyone that Baseball Builds Bridges.
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Learn4Life
Learn4Life summer courses are now available to view on http://learn4life.ca Registration started May 17 at 8:30am.
Appointments can be scheduled for learners who do not have a credit card and need to pay by cash or cheque by emailing us at communityprograms@tdsb.on.ca with the subject line: In-person Accommodation.
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Census 2023
The TDSB Census has been conducted every five years since 2006. Census data has provided schools, parents and the community with valuable information to help improve schools for the benefit of all students. Extensive input from students, parents/guardians/caregivers, staff and the community informed the Census.
The confidential survey 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. Based on opt-out and consent information, all Census surveys have been sent to students or families. JK to grade 3 families and grade 4 to 8 families (completing the Census at home) check your emails for TDSBStudentCensus@qemailserver.com.
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More Joy
TDSB Community Support Workers (Model Schools) present
MORE JOY!!
A 30-minute after-school family literacy series
Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 7:30pm
From May 3 to June 14
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Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #3
Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM LC1 and LC4
If you require a language interpreter, please send in your request by Mon., May 22nd to
SpecialEd@tdsb.on.ca.
This session will focus on summer transitions and will include ideas to engage students during the summer months such as home activities, library resources and information on how to use Read & Write Gold at home. Information on community agencies will also be shared.
There will be an opportunity for parents/guardians/caregivers to ask
questions about these processes. The sessions will be facilitated by
Special Education and Inclusion staff. Please click the link below to join the
webinar for LC1/LC4:
Zoom Link for May 30, 2023 at 07:00 PM
https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/96753209262
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Legislative Page Program
Applications for the fall 2023 term are now open. We are accepting applications until June 15th, 2023.
As we welcome the Pages to the Legislative Building, their health and safety, as well as everyone who has direct contact with them, is top priority. For the fall 2023 period, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Attend school in Ontario and be entering Grade 8 in the fall of 2023 (Note: Students in Grade 6 are not eligible; applicants must be in Grade 7 or 8 at the time of application)
- Have an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher)
- Students must also demonstrate an involvement in a variety of extra-curricular (in and out of school) and community based activities; leadership skills; responsibility, maturity and commitment; an interest in current affairs; strong interpersonal and social skills; and an ability to get along well with peers and adults.
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Budget Ward Forum on June 5
Please Hold the Date for a Joint Virtual Ward Forum on TDSB's Budget with Special Guest Craig Snider, Executive Officer, Business Services - on Monday, June 5th from 7:30-9pm. If you are interested in participating, please Register Online (https://forms.gle/Yg24DuvGQwigKxG4A)
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Secondary Credit Summer School
Registration for Secondary Credit Summer School 2023 opened 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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Elementary 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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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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