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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 -- CUPE Update
- Halloween Safety
- Board of Trustees 2018-2022
- Hindu Heritage Month
- Indigenous Education Month
- Holocaust Education Week
- Health and Safety - Updates from TPH
- Policy Consultations
- School Year Calendar 2022-23
- Worth Repeating... School Council Professional Learning; Preparing for High School Information Sessions for Grade 8 Families; Early French Immersion Application Process; Useful Links; Grade 12 - Postsecondary Information 2022; PSS Virtual Drop-In Hours; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds; Community Safety & Support
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CUPE Update
From the Director/Chair's Update
As you may know, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is currently engaged in provincial labour negotiations. Today, CUPE announced that should a deal not be reached by Friday, November 4, then CUPE education workers across the province will be on a full strike (full withdrawal of services) on that day.
We are continuing to assess the impact a full withdrawal of services will have on our schools. With approximately 14,600 TDSB staff members represented by CUPE [Caretakers, DECEs, Education Assistance, Office Staff, and other education workers], maintaining a normal routine will be very difficult and as such, parents/guardians/caregivers and students should be prepared for all possibilities.
While the TDSB is not directly involved in the provincial negotiations, we remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached without any impacts to classrooms and board operations.
We anticipate sharing additional information with you tomorrow about next steps and contingency plans in the event of a strike.
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Halloween Safety
Kids will be excited tomorrow - whether it be school parades (thank you educators!), street parties or trick or treating - please drive carefully and watch for ghosts and goblins...
Happy Halloween!
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Board of Trustees 2018-2022
The election results have been declared official by the City Clerk. My heartfelt thanks to the voters of Eglinton-Lawrence and Toronto-St Paul's... I greatly appreciate your confidence in me.
On October 26, the last Board Meeting of the 2018-2022 term, Director Russell-Rawlins paid tribute to the 11 trustees who have completed their terms and spoke to our many accomplishments, highlighted in the video posted on our website here -https://youtu.be/RuQvjSZZqNI.
The Director also welcomed the 11 new trustees who will be joining with the 11 of us re-elected for the 2022-2026 term. The Organizational Board Meeting for the new term is on November 15. More on that and the new Board next week.
For now, I would like to express my deep appreciation to my colleagues leaving the Board - to Alexander Brown (2014-2022), Stephanie Donaldson (2018-2022), Trixie Doyle (2018-2022), Harpreet Gill (2018-2022), Parthi Kandavel (2014-2022), Christopher Mammoliti (2018-2022), Chris Moise (2016-2022), Robin Pilkey (2014-2022), Aleem R. Punja (2022), Jennifer Story (2014-2022) and Chris Tonks (2006-2022). Thank you for making a difference in the lives of TDSB's students and families and to public education.
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Hindu Heritage Month
The Toronto District School Board is proud to recognize Hindu Heritage Month during the month of November because of a motion passed in April 2018 by the Board of Trustees. The Hindu Heritage Month Act, 2016 states, Ontario is home to a large and vibrant Hindu community.
Hinduism is one of the oldest living religions which have flourished for over 10,000 years. It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions, teachings and values that are integral to Hinduism and practiced by millions around the world today. November is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values which promote compassion, tolerance, and inclusion.
The theme this year selected by the TDSB Hindu Heritage Month Volunteer Planning Committee is: Bhoomi Devi: Our Sacred Mother Earth. Hinduism has a message of spiritual connectedness and oneness of the whole creation. Everything in creation, living and non-living, is seen as a manifestation of one supreme universal consciousness or cosmic energy. Hindu way of living, of being and of knowing emphasizes coexistence with nature in peace and harmony. The earth is honoured as Bhumata (mother earth) or Bhudevi (Earth as divine mother) - the divine creative force of nature. Please follow us on Twitter: @tdsb_HHM.
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Indigenous Education Month
November is Indigenous Education Month at the Toronto District School Board. This month is an important reminder to centre First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities across the TDSB. It is an opportunity to learn from Indigenous perspectives on treaties, Indigenous leadership, achievements, resurgence, futurities, and creativity. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action is a strategic direction in the Board.
Throughout November, students, staff, and community members honour a number of important days to deepen knowledge, to learn from our shared history, and to build stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.
- Treaties Recognition Week is the first full week of November, November 7th-11th.
- November 7 is International Inuit Day.
- November 8 is National Indigenous Veterans Day.
- November 16 is Louis Riel Day in Ontario.
The attached poster has a link to resource documents to support student and staff learning. Click here for more information. Please see the Schedule of Events.
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Holocaust Education Week
The Future Is Here
For more than 40 years, Neuberger Holocaust Education Week has provided high impact Holocaust education programming across the GTA to students, intercultural groups and the general public. This year’s event will be better than ever, featuring a range of programs that include live performances, lectures, panels, and book and film premieres. Now, more than ever, learning about the Holocaust and its contemporary relevance is a crucial tool in countering rising antisemitism and other forms of hate.
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Health and Safety - Updates from TPHPlease continue to follow Toronto Public Health (TPH) guidance - check for symptoms daily, if you are sick stay home until you have no fever and your symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours for nausea/vomiting/ diarrhea), and wear a mask when returning to work or school following illness. TPH strongly recommends wearing a high-quality mask that fits well indoors and schools continue to provide medical masks and rapid test for students and staff. 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.
Vaccines are another way to protect against COVID-19. Appointments to receive a bivalent booster can be booked now through the Provincial booking system for individuals age 12 years and older for the week of October 17. More information is available on the Province’s How to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment webpage. According to guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI):
- Adults age 65 years and older and individuals 12 years of age and older who are at increased risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes should receive a fall booster dose, regardless of the number of booster doses previously received.
- All other individuals 12 to 64 years of age may be offered a booster dose too, regardless of the number of booster doses previously received.
- NACI recommends that individuals 12 years of age and older who are receiving a fall booster dose should get an Omicron-targeting vaccine.
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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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School Council Professional Learning - October and November
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Preparing for High School Information Sessions for Grade 8 Families
To support our Grade 8 students and families, the TDSB will be hosting a series of Preparing for High School Information Sessions. Students and families from any grade are welcome to attend. The series includes:
The Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transition Information Session, taking place on November 1, 2022, will share the Top 10 Tips and Considerations in the Transition to High School. This presentation is designed to augment the work already taking place through secondary open houses and at the Grade 8 schools.
The Student Interest Programs Information Session, taking place on November 3, 2022, will help students and families learn more about local programs, Facilitated Access to Skilled Trades programs, out-of-area admissions and applying to centralized programs and schools, including:
- Arts Focus Programs/Schools (elementary and secondary)
- CyberARTS Programs (elementary and secondary)
- Elite Athlete Programs (elementary and secondary)
- Integrated Technology School
- International Baccalaureate Programs
- Leadership Pathway Program
- Math, Science & Technology Programs
To further support students and families with the application process, central TDSB staff will be hosting three (3) Centralized Program Admissions Support Sessions to answer any questions that students or families may have when completing the Centralized Program Application. Live, online support will be available on the following dates:
- November 8 - 4:00pm – 5:30pm (LINK)
- November 15 - 7:00pm – 8:30pm (LINK)
- November 24 - 4:00pm – 5:30pm (LINK)
The Virtual Secondary Alternative Schools Fair, taking place on November 9, 2022, will introduce families to the Alternative schools in the board that offer Grade 9 to 12 programming. Alternative schools are highly engaged, smaller school environments. They use non-traditional hands-on approaches to learning. Each school has a distinct identity and focus, such as democratic education, holistic learning, physical art, mindful living, entrepreneurship, social justice, community outreach and more. These schools are ideal for students seeking an alternative to mainstream education and who want to take an active role in their own learning.
Webinar Details:
Resources:
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Early French Immersion Application Process
The entry point to Early French Immersion for September 2023 is Junior Kindergarten as it was this year. The application to the Early French Immersion program will remain an online process managed by the Central French Department and applications must be completed online between October 31 and November 25, 2022. An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. Visit the TDSB website for more information about Early French Immersion, Virtual & In-Person Information Sessions or the Application Process. Note registration for regular JK programs happen in February.
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Grade 12 - Postsecondary Information 2022
Please see below dates for upcoming Toronto events with information for postsecondary education, travel, and career options:
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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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