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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 -- Labour Negotiations
- Middle French (Grade 4 entry) Immersion for September 202
- Update on Central Interest Program
- Continuing Education Program Update
- Ward 5 & 8 Virtual Ward Forum - Wednesday December 14, 202
- Reducing the Spread of Respiratory Illness
- Committee and Board Meetings This Week
- Mental Health and Well Being
- Policy Consultations
- School Year Calendar 2022-23
- New Invitations - LPCI Invitation
- Worth Repeating - Out of Area Admission Policy; 2023 Prime Minister’s Teaching Awards; 2022-2023 School Council Innovation Grant; Winter Programs - City of Toronto; FSWC Speaker's Idol; 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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Labour Negotiations
Please note the result of the strike ratification vote will be announced tomorrow, Monday, December 5 at 10am.
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Middle French (Grade 4 entry) Immersion for September 2023
Middle French Immersion is an intensive French as a Second Language program. This program begins in Grade 4. The model of instruction for the Middle French Immersion program is 100% French instruction for Grades 4 and 5. All class activities in Grades 4 and 5 are conducted in French. In Grades 6 to 8, the model of French instruction is 75% French. Applications to the Middle French (Grade 4 entry) Immersion program may be submitted when your child is in Grade 3 for entry in September of Grade 4.
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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Update on Central Interest Programs
The TDSB offers Central Student Interest Programs that are focused on the Arts, Math, Science & Technology, Leadership and more. All students with an interest in the program focus were invited to apply. This year, the application period for Central Student Interest Programs was open from November 7 to November 25, 2022, at 4 p.m.
TDSB also has a new application process for Central Student Interest Programs this year. All applications are received centrally through an online system. Acceptance at these schools and programs is based on interest and is subject to space availability. In cases where the number of applicants exceeds the number of spaces available in a program, all eligible applicants will be included in a random selection process.
Staff are currently working to confirm the final numbers for all programs/ schools. We received approximately 7,000 applications, an increase in the number of applications received for nearly all elementary and secondary Central Student Interest Programs.
Below is the timeline for results from the random selection process:
- December 8, 2022: Acceptances and waitlist status will be sent via email to all applicants. Offers expire December 14, 2022, at 4:00 p.m.
- December 15, 2022: Second round of Acceptances and waitlist status will be sent via email to all applicants. Offers expire December 21, 2022, at 4:00 p.m.
As spaces become available in secondary programs, placement offers may continue until the end of February and until the end of March for elementary programs.
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Continuing Education Program Updates
In Person & Remote Night School - Semester 2: TDSB and Non TDSB High School Students and Adults The Toronto District School Board offers night school credit courses to all high school students and adults with current prerequisites. Students may take a new credit, or retake a course previously taken to upgrade a mark. Students cannot enroll in a course if they are taking the course in day school.
Caregivers/Parents/Guardians and students must consult with their day school guidance counsellor regarding course selections and pre-requisite courses. Attendance is mandatory twice a week from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. either on Mon/Wed or Tue/Thur. Students/Adults must attend for the full six hours each week. Visit our program page for more information and to register.
Key Dates
- Registration Opens – December 1, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
- Courses with low enrolment cancelled – January 13, 2023
- Registration Closes - January 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
Remote Night School Credit Recovery – Semester 2: TDSB Students ONLY The Toronto District School Board is offering current TDSB students the opportunity to recover one or two credits at night school. Remote Night School Credit Recovery courses are open to current TDSB high school students who have taken the course in the past two years but have not earned the credit. Students may enroll in two credit recovery courses, one running on Tuesday and the other on Thursday. Visit our program page for more information and to register.
Key Dates
- Registration Opens – December 1, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.
- Courses with low enrolment cancelled – February 3, 2023
- Registration Closes - February 10, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.
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Ward 5 & 8 Virtual Ward Forum - Wednesday December 14, 2022
We look forward to seeing you at our Virtual Ward Forum featuring PIAC elections for Ward 5 (Ward 8 co-representatives Kaydeen Bankasingh and Anshu Grover are in place through November 2023) and a presentation from teachers on how staff are implementing learnings from the Right to Read Inquiry Report
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Reducing the Spread of Respiratory IllnessIt can be hard to tell the difference between the #flu & #COVID19 symptoms. Stay home if you are feeling sick. Residents 5+ can get a COVID-19 fall booster dose & flu vaccine at the same appointment for the best protection this winter. Learn more: http://toronto.ca/immunization
Please read the full TPH message here. Please note, a representative from TPH will be coming to our upcoming Board meeting on December 7th to present their latest data and advice.
The TDSB has always taken its health and safety direction from Toronto Public Health (TPH) and the Ministry of Education. At present, the advice from local and provincial public health authorities is not to make masking mandatory, but rather, to strongly recommend masking in indoor public spaces including schools and child care centres. TDSB will continue to provide medical masks to students who want to wear one. As with all illnesses, Principals will continue to monitor their school and will share any concerns with Toronto Public Health, who can advise on next steps, if any. You can find a full list of protocols on the TDSB Health & Safety website - including daily screening, rapid tests, ventilation, enhanced cleaning, handwashing etiquette, masking, and supporting vaccinations. It is important to note that TDSB protocols can change based on a change in guidance.
Please continue to follow Toronto Public Health (TPH) guidance - The flu & COVID19 are both circulating in Toronto right now. Take steps to protect yourself & others, including getting both your flu & COVID19 vaccines. Learn more: http://toronto.ca/immunization.
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Committee and Board Meetings This Week
Monday, December 5, 2022 - Special Planning & Priorities Committee 6:00 p.m. Electronic Meeting - Agenda
- 4. SafeTO: A Community Safety and Your Well-Being Plan - Oral Update
- 5. A Collaborative Approach to School and Community Safety: Report 1 - please take a few minutes to read this staff report - In TDSB, the work of creating positive school climates and making schools and workplaces safe, welcoming and inclusive is a part of everyone’s role regardless of position, title or affiliation. It is also important to note that schools are a reflection of the larger community within which they exist. As such, when communities are challenged by issues of violence, schools will also be challenged. Creating safer schools goes beyond being only the work of a single School Board. Is the collective responsibility of all levels of government, communities and all Greater Toronto Area School Boards. Many elements go into the creation of caring and safe schools and workplaces. The most critical component is working through relationships with all internal and external stakeholders to build positive school climates where students and staff feel valued, heard and cared for irrespective of identity or social standing. This report is the first in a series which intends to keep the Board updated, informed and actively involved in the work of creating safer, more welcoming and inclusive schools, workplaces and communities.
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 - Board Meeting - 7:00 Public Session Hybrid Meeting - Agenda
15.1 Update From Toronto Public Health - Oral Update
16.1 Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Report No. 01, November 23, 2022
- 1. Contract Awards, Operations
- 2. Contract Awards, Facilities
- 3. Construction Tender Award: Replacement of Dennis Avenue Community School
- 4. Construction Tender Award: Classroom and Child Care Addition at George Syme Community School
- 5. Increasing Revenue Through International Education
- 6. Final Response to the 2023-24 Ministry of Education Budget Consultation
- 7. Overview of Funding and Budget
- 8. 2023-24 Strategic Budget Drivers Consultation Plan
- 9. 2023-24 Budget Schedule for Feedback
- 10. Actual Enrolment as of September 2022
- 11. Changing the Toronto District School Board’s Child Care Agreement With the City of Toronto
16.2 Program and School Services Committee, Report No. 01, November 30, 2022
- 1. Special Education Advisory Committee: Membership on the Special Education Advisory Committee
- 2. Addressing Pandemic Impacts on Youngest Learners
- 3. Calling on the Ministry of Education to Extend and Expand the Funding of the Tutoring Supports Program
16.3 Planning and Priorities Committee, Report No. 01, December 1, 2022
- 1. Urban Indigenous Community Advisory Committee: Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes Inc. (Metro Toronto) and TDSB Maplewood High School Land Severance
- 2. Concept of Community Hubs
- 3. Climate Action Annual Report, 2022
- 4. Redirected Residential Developments and Potential for Satellite Sites
- 5. Update on the Reopening of Bannockburn Public School as a French Immersion Centre
- 6. Vice-principal Allocation 2022-2023 Update
16.4 Planning and Priorities Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 02, December 5, 2022 - To follow
- 16.5 Audit Committee, Report No. 01, December 5, 2022 - To follow
17. Written Notices of Motion
- 17.1 Mandatory Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices Courses (Trustees Laskin and Aarts, on behalf of Indigenous Student Trustee Shafqat and Student Trustees Musa and Osaro)
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Mental Health and Well Being
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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Policy Consultations
- Sexual Misconduct Policy - To prevent sexual misconduct from taking place and to investigate and respond to incidents and complaints of such behavior in an accountable, timely and effective manner. E-mail comments until January 8, 2023 to Maria.Valente-deSa@tdsb.on.ca
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School Year Calendar 2022-23
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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.
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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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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2022-2023 School Council Innovation Grant
The 2022-2023 School Council Innovation Grant (formerly PRO Grant) application opened to all School Councils on November 21st, 2022. Application Deadline is December 9 (5pm). To learn more about the grant, please visit School-Council-Innovation-Grant.
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Winter Programs - City of Toronto
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Winter Clothing Drive
It's never too early to help families prepare for the winter season. The TDSB holds an annual Winter Outerwear Drive to help ensure that all students have warm winter outerwear to get to and from school, and are prepared to participate in all of the fun outdoor activities winter has to offer. You can support our students and their families by donating to provide warm winter coats, pants, hats, gloves, and boots.
Our need for winter outerwear is greater this year. 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.
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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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