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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 Family Day
- Budget: Public Engagement Opportunities
- 2024-25 Budget
- From OPSBA Legislative Update
- Committee Meeting This Week
- Math Achievement Action Plan
- Combatting Hate and Racis
- Reporting Hate - In Our Schools - In Our Communitie
- New Invitations - Learn4Life Spring; Storytime: The Hockey Skates with Karl Subban! February 21, 2024; Let’s Connect About Mental Health and Well Being Webinar Series: Parent Voices – February 22; Challenging Stories -February 28, 7-8:30pm; Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #2 - Special Education and Inclusion – March 5 & 6; City of Toronto Spring Recreation Programs; School Mental Health Assist - A Spark of Art; Level Up Middle School Engineering Science Fair
- Worth Repeating - Come Learn With Us! February is Kindergarten Registration Month; Chinese Heritage Month; African Heritage (Black History) Month; Before- and After-School Program (BASP) Interest Survey Now Open; Winter Well-Being Guide; Winter Outerwear Drive; Please Keep Safe... and Keep Others Safe; Get Your Kids' Immunizations Back on Track; Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline; Useful Links; 2023-2024 Calendar; 2014-2025 Calendar; Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report; Community Safety & Support
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Happy Family Day
In Ojibwe our phrase for ‘happy family day’ is ‘mina danwendagnag giizhigad’. - Dominic HK Beaudry
From Toronto Public Health - Take some time on Family Day to spend time with your loved ones if you can. Having positive and supportive relationships is one of the most significant protective factors for our mental health and well-being.
Learn more about other protective factors.
And finally, from the City of Toronto - Join us for a family swim at one of several participating recreation centres this Family Day! All sorts of fun activities such as sports and yoga will also be available! For a list of participating locations and their hours, visit http://Toronto.ca/FamilyDay.
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Budget: Public Engagement Opportunities
We Want to Hear from You! Virtual Budget Town Halls
Public consultations are an important part of the budget process, and we want to hear from you!
Please join us for a Virtual Budget Town Hall to share your ideas and feedback:
Public Delegations
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 or submitting a written statement). Register to address the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee on March 26, 2024. Learn more and register here. Please note: the deadline for delegations to be considered is 12 p.m. on Monday, March 25. Watch for the Budget Survey coming soon!
Updated Budget Schedule - see below
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2024-25 Budget
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.” We begin this year's budget process with a deficit of $34.8M. Staff removed one-year funding from that total, but at last week's Finance and Budget Enrolment Committee Meeting two motions have the potential to change that -
- Addition of Vice-Principals Allocation and Safety Positions - Laskin/MacLean
Be it resolved that in preparation of the detailed options to balance the 2024-25 Budget that will be coming to a Special FBEC on March 19, that staff reconsider assumptions presented to Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee on January 29, 2024 in preparation of the projected 2024-25 Financial Position, specifically the removal of the Vice Principal positions added through the 2023-24 budget process and the safety positions that were added in January 2023. - Requesting Increased and Sustainable Funding for Student Safety in High Priority Neighbourhoods for the 2024-2025 Budget & Beyond - Chernos Lin/MacLean
Whereas, advocacy by our Board led to Ministry of Education funding of $1.8M for the 2023-2024 budget for violence prevention work supporting partnerships between community organizations and schools in high priority neighbourhoods; and
Whereas, the Enhanced Student Safety Funding Grant allocated through the 2023-2024 Priorities and Partnerships Fund expires in March 2024; and
Whereas, this community partnership work with schools and students is making a significant difference for TDSB students, yet needs in priority areas remain high; and
Whereas, March Break and spring programming is at risk without emergency funding for these programs;
Therefore, be it resolved that
1. That the Chair write a letter to the Minister of Education requesting immediate attention to the Enhanced Student Safety Funding Grant, to ensure programs continue this spring and through the 2024-2025 school year. As much of this work is proactive, that the letter also requests this funding be moved into the Grants for Student Needs to ensure stable and predictable funding into the future given the high need for such programming.
2. That letters be sent to all community partners supported by the 2023-2024 Enhanced Student Safety Funding Grant requesting these organizations also write to the Minister of Education requesting renewal funding for 2024-2025 and beyond to ensure proactive work can be realized to its full potential.
The two motions above, are critical to the success of students - staff will continue to review all areas of the budget where spending exceeds funding. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback from February 20-23 related to the budget. Staff will report back to Trustees regarding this feedback on March 4, 2024. Staff will then come back to a Special Meeting of FBEC on March 19th with a detailed budget showing options to balance which is their obligation.
There is no question there continues to be a shortfall between what the province provides and what TDSB students need. The City of Toronto got a new deal from the Province. Don't our students deserve the same?
I encourage you to participate in our public consultations, which are an important part of this budget process. There are at least four areas that are outside of the Board's control that contribute to the deficit:
- Statutory Benefits - We ask that the Ministry provide additional funding to support costs (e.g. employer portion of CPP, EI, OMERS) which the Board has no control over.
- School Closure Moratorium - Since 2017, there has been a moratorium on school closures imposed by the Ministry. The TDSB requests that the school closure moratorium be lifted so that boards can review schools with low student enrolment that face programming challenges that limit our students' choices as well as a financial burden to the Board.
- Increased Supply Teacher Costs - Supply costs, premiums and LTDI claims continue to increase. To address increasing costs in these areas, school boards require resources to manage absenteeism, and to ensure staff have the support and accommodations they need to return to work.
- Difference Between Actual TDSB Teacher Costs and What the Ministry provides - Since amalgamation, there is a gap between provincial funding and the actual salaries of TDSB teachers - the province must review the salary and benefit benchmarks.
Please visit the budget website for more information. Budget surveys and new information will be posted as they become available so please visit often.
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From OPSBA Legislative UpdateJurisdictional Scan re: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policies
Working with the Canadian School Boards Association (CSBA), OPSBA is working to collect and review AI policy developments (district-level and provincial) as well as any government actions. AI is a focus for upcoming professional learning for trustees and OPSBA is continuing to source speakers and partners to support member's learning.
Elections Ontario Presentation
This week at OPSBA’s Policy Development Work Group meeting, representatives from Elections Ontario delivered a presentation that addressed their work to support Media and Public Engagement, including outreach to primary and secondary students and teachers. They highlighted the new website, “RegisterToVoteON.ca” where electors can confirm, update or add their information to the Register (Voter List). The website is also where the Ontario Register of Future Voters (ORFV) is kept – this is the list of eligible 16- and 17-year-olds who will be automatically added to the Register when they turn 18. A reminder that as of January 1, 2024, Elections Ontario is responsible for managing voter information for local elections. Voter lists were previously the responsibility of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), which is still are responsible for school support notification. The slide deck is attached.
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Committee Meeting This Week
Program and School Services Committee - Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - Board Meeting - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom Agenda - 5.1 EYCAC 2022-2023 Annual Report
- 5.2 ASCAC Report Dec. 18 2023
- 5.3 ASCAC Report Feb. 5 2024
- 5.4 ICCAC Report Jan. 18 2024
- 6.1 Math Achievement Action Plan Update No. 2 - Progress on TDSB Professional Learning Actions
- 6.2 Fall 2023 Update on Responding to Incidents of Racism Bias and Hate
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Math Achievement Action Plan
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is committed to delivering an inclusive, and culturally-responsive mathematics education. This commitment is part of their Math Achievement Action Plan, which aligns with the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023. This report is the second of three math reports for the 2023-24 school year and will be presented at this week's PSSC.
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Fall 2023 Update on Responding to Incidents of Racism, Bias and Hate
Excerpt from the Full Report - Note: This will be discussed at PSSC Wednesday. Please let me know your questions in advance.
The TDSB serves the needs of an increasingly diverse student and staff population. Currently, approximately 238,000 students are learning in 582 schools. This context is relevant in understanding the impact(s) and frequency of occurrences of bias, hate, and/or racism. It remains our foremost goal to eradicate discrimination in all of its forms because of the impact it has on individuals (students and staff), the school climate, and the academic achievement and wellbeing of our students.
The Racism Bias and Hate (RBH) Portal is an innovative approach to identify, track and monitor incidents involving or affecting students in TDSB schools, and initiate a system response consistent with board policies and requirements. Since its inception a few years ago, there has been increased use of the portal. The Toronto Police Service has noted that there has been a rise in hate crime reports in 2023. At TDSB, there is a deep concern about racism, bias and hate, in particular, the harmful effects and manifestations of anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, antisemitism, anti-East Asian racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and other types of racism, bias and hate.
Many supports and strategies continue to be identified and implemented to foster students' and staff's sense of belonging, safety, and academic success. The TDSB’s Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy is one of the key pillars supporting the endeavour to meet the needs of students from diverse faith communities, racial groups, sexual orientations and other intersecting identities.
The current portal was established as a process to improve the identification and response to incidents, not for the purposes of reporting data bi-annually. Although the Annual Human Rights Report and Combating Hate and Racism Reports will incorporate information about the programs and resources used to respond and prevent racism, bias and hate, a new data collection system will need to be designed and implemented. It is recommended that an evaluation of the need to establish provincial reporting standards or guidance for the public sector (e.g. school boards) be developed by the Government of Ontario.
Summary of Findings
- There were 458 total closed incidents processed by schools. This represents 0.2% of the total student population in the TDSB. It is an increase from the previous year over the same period by 211 incidents.
- The majority (81%) of the incidents involved comments or slurs (Figure One).
- Over one-third of incidents were reported as occurring in the classroom. This represents a decrease of 8 percent from incidents occurring in the classroom over the same period last year (Figure Two).
- In September-December 2023, 8 out of 10 incidents involved racism (Figure Three).
- 1 out of 5 incidents involved creed/religion. 15% of the incidents involved antisemitism and 4% of the incidents involved Islamophobia (Figure Four). (Note: In the 2023 Census, only 3.5% of students identified as Jewish and 18.4% identified as Muslim).
- The proportion of antisemitic incidents has increased by approximately 5 percentage points and the proportion of East Asian racism increased by 4 percentage points. (Note: In the 2023 Census, 18% of students identified as East Asian).
- The vast majority of reported incidents involve anti-Black racism at 56%. While this proportion has gone down by 7 percentage points from last year, the total number of incidents may have gone up given the overall increase in numbers. (Note: In the 2023 Census,13.3% of students identified as Black).
- Less than 1% of the incidents involved anti-Indigenous racism. (Note: In the 2023 Census, 1,2% of students identified as Indigenous).
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Combatting Hate and RacismRepeated from Last Week
As noted earlier, the TDSB’s Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy is a community-led and TDSB staff facilitated initiative that uses data from the TDSB’s Racism, Bias and Hate reporting portal, which tracks incidents of racism, bias, and hate, which are submitted by staff. In turn, this data will help establish a comprehensive two-year strategy and action plan for the TDSB. When we moved the original motion in 2019, the goal was not just to collect the data but to educate against hate.
How we address specific forms of hate, racism, and discrimination needs coherency, community partnership, and cross collaboration within the diverse groups impacted. The strategy encompasses six pillars:
- Affirmation of Identities
- Student Learning Strategy
- Professional Learning
- School-Community Relationship
- Employment Equity
- School Culture and Climate
The TDSB aims to be responsive to the voices of communities by developing tailored action plans each based on the pillars of the strategy. This plan will allow communities to see themselves in the actions and will require ongoing collaboration and support of families, communities and partner organizations. These distinct strategies are underway.
Procedure PR728 - Reporting and Responding to Racism and Hate Incidents Involving or Impacting Students in Schools, was established by staff in October 2020. Nearly two years ago, staff made the decision to change the process that involved routinely distributing a letter to inform the entire school community that an incident had taken place.
When there are instances of racism, hate, and discrimination staff are to continue to immediately provide support to impacted students, restore the learning environment around the incident where appropriate, and report the incident so that an investigation can be launched. Depending on the findings of an investigation, disciplinary action is taken, up to and including suspension and expulsion. Staff do recognize that in some circumstances a letter to the entire school community may be appropriate. Principals and Superintendents in conversation with the Executive Superintendent and Associate Director may approve the creation of a letter.
Please know that staff are currently discussing how to establish clearer guidelines for administrators to better support this decision-making process.
I feel strongly that educating against hate is critical... but so is communication to the community. That was why it was included in the original motion - Dealing with Incidents of Racism and Hate - approved by the Board in June 2019.
We hope to receive an update on changes to PR728 and Board’s Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy during the next few weeks and I will continue to keep you informed.
Professional Learning
The TDSB is dedicated to working with internal and external partners to establish equitable learning spaces where all students thrive. In light of this ongoing commitment, the Equity, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Department offers a vast array of professional learning opportunities, student programming, and community workshops for the 2023-2024 school year. I am happy to include this menu of offerings.
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Reporting Hate
In Our Schools
If you are a staff or a student or a parent/caregiver, and you are a victim of/or witnessing an incident of racism, bias, or hate in our schools, please report it to the school's principal, who has a duty to investigate all incidents. Each time an incident takes place in a school, it is to be recorded in a portal which then begins a system response. We have a responsibility to educate against hate. For more information, please visit the webpage for Reporting an Incident of Hate or Discrimination Involving or Impacting Students. If you experience it, or witness it, report it. Please.
Complaints regarding social media postings should be sent directly to the TDSB's Human Rights Office at humanrightsoffice@tdsb.on.ca. The intake process is being centralized in the Human Rights Office to ensure for consistency of process.
In Our Communities
Report any allegations of hate-motivated crimes to police for investigation at 416-808-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. We will not tolerate any intimidation, harassment, or hate-motivated behaviour aimed at specific communities. You can also call 1-800-222-TIPS to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Toronto Police provide new online option to report hate-motivated graffiti
Toronto Police Service is launching a new option for the public to provide information to police about hate-motivated graffiti in their neighbourhoods. The web form, available on the Service’s website, provides an additional avenue for the public to alert police to hate-motivated graffiti, so officers can attend, gather evidence and arrange for the hate-motivated graffiti to be removed as quickly as possible. This reporting mechanism will be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please remember TDSB's Mental Health and Well Being Professional Support Staff (PSS) are here to support your mental health and well-being and to help you navigate the tools and resources you may need. Please see resources on their website.
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Learn4Life Spring
Continuing Education is excited to announce that Learn4Life spring courses are LIVE to view online ➡️ http://learn4life.ca.
This term, we have close to 40 new and exciting courses offered in an array of different categories.
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Storytime: The Hockey Skates with Karl Subban! February 21, 2024
Join the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement for an evening of storytime fun! Karl Subban will read his new book The Hockey Skates and share his experiences as an educator, coach, and hockey dad. Enjoy music, stories, and more!
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Winston Churchill CI, Auditorium (2239 Lawrence Ave E.)
TDSB students (Gr. 1-8), Families and Communities
Register: http://bit.ly/3HOixuH
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Let’s Connect About Mental Health and Well Being Webinar Series: Parent Voices
Let’s Connect About Mental Health and Well Being Webinar Series: Parent Voices-Creating fun opportunities to connect and boost positive mental health, joy and happiness on February 22 from 7pm-8:30pm.
7:00pm - 8 pm
Intro and Break Out Sessions
8-8:30pm
Pet Show and Tell
Audience: Students, families, parents, guardians, caregivers and staff; ALL are welcome! Click here to join.
Members from our Mental Health and Well-being Parent Partnership Committee will add their voices on the importance of exploring fun activities for positive mental health and wellness. In addition, please come and enjoy break out rooms, which will be co-lead by Professional Support Staff and community partners, on different ways we can enhance overall mental health and wellness.
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Challenging Stories Special Event February 28, 7-8:30pm
Liberation75 is hosting a session on practical strategies for teaching the Holocaust in Grade 6 classrooms using video games. Join a discussion with Luc Bernard, developer of the first Holocaust-themed video game, The Light in the Darkness, and creator of the first Holocaust museum within a game, The Voices of the Forgotten (Fortnite). Learn how these free games can teach students about the Holocaust.
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Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #2
Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to offer their second engagement session for parents/guardians/caregivers this year.
Please see the below for details:
Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #2
Morning Session - Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Webinar Link
Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #2
Evening Session - Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Webinar Link
If you require a language interpreter, please send in your request by February 20th to SpecialEd@tdsb.on.ca.
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City of Toronto Spring Recreation Programs
The City offers thousands of low-cost & affordable recreation programs. From painting classes to karate to pickleball and cooking classes, there’s something for everyone. Find the spring programs online & get ready to register on March 5 & 6:
http://toronto.ca/SpringRec.
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School Mental Health Assist - A Spark of Art
ThriveSMH presents "A Spark of Art," a virtual art gallery for Ontario public school students in grades 7–12. Submissions open until March 31. Please email submissions to eigor@smho-smso.ca.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with the students in your network.
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Level Up Middle School Engineering Science Fair
The Science Fair provides students with the chance to collaborate with peers, receive feedback from industry professionals, and showcase their solutions to real-world challenges.
Contact Kirusha Srimohanarajah, P.Eng
Education Chair, PEO Kingsway Chapter at kirushasri@gmail.com for a comprehensive registration guide that includes everything teams need to get started, from registration procedures to preparing a compelling pitch.
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Come Learn With Us!
English Kindergarten Registration is Now Open - TDSB schools provide a rich learning environment for all children to learn and grow. In the Kindergarten program, your child will develop their skills and abilities through inquiry and intentional play-based learning that includes math, science and literacy. Teachers and early childhood educators plan learning experiences where children are actively engaged in learning and thinking creatively.
To attend Junior Kindergarten in September, children must turn four-years-old by December 31. To register for Senior Kindergarten, children must be five-years-old by December 31. Learn more about Kindergarten at the TDSB. If you would like to register a student to begin school immediately, please visit the registration page.
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Chinese Heritage Month
TDSB’s Chinese Heritage Month continues this month. This year we celebrate the Year of the Dragon: Majesty, Brilliance, Confidence, Leadership.
Congratulations to Sophia Zhang, grade 3 student from John Ross Robertson Jr PS has been selected as the winning poster in the first-place category (Kindergarten – Grade 3) in the Chinese Heritage Month Poster Challenge. Please learn more here.
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African Heritage (Black History) Month
We are proud to continue African Heritage (Black History) Month through February.
This year’s chosen theme is Our Black Is… Our Black Is Resilient, Community, Beautiful, Unity, Joy, Self-Determination, Excellence, Empowering, Purpose, Brilliance, Engaging, Creative, Belonging, Tenacious, Powerful, Faith, Audacious, Powerful, Me…Learn more.
View Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement's menu of offerings during the month of February. Please join us!
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Before- and After-School Program (BASP) Interest Survey Now Open
In alignment with P.022 Early Learning and Care Policy, the TDSB recognizes Before- and After-School Programs (BASP) are an integral part of Early Years learning. These programs also play an important role in supporting our students, families, and school communities.
The TDSB would like to better understand the Before- and After-School Program (BASP) needs of Kindergarten to Grade 6 children. Families who are interested in a fee-based BASP at schools that currently do not have a program are able to express their interest.
Please note, completing this survey does not guarantee that a BASP will be offered at your child’s school. If there is sufficient initial interest, families will be notified, and a separate registration to determine viability will take place through a third-party licensed before- and after-school program.
Families who have questions about this survey and would like to speak to one of our team members may contact the TDSB Child Care Services Office at 416-394-2072 option 2 or CCS@tdsb.on.ca. For more details, click here.
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Winter Well-Being Guide
The Guide is filled with activities, games, wellness tips, identity affirming resources and community agencies to support wellness for all students, caregivers/guardians, families, and school communities over the winter months. Created by Professional Support Services Staff who are part of the Mental Health and Well-Being Committee, the TDSB Mental Health Leads and the System Leader for Mental Health and Professional Support Services, this Guide provides accessible resources and has been translated into the top 20 TDSB spoken languages. Also from TDSB Psychology please see the December issue of Hearts and Minds: December Newsletter.
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Winter Outerwear Drive
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 making a donation to provide warm winter coats, pants, hats, gloves, and boots. This year’s Winter Outerwear Drive will run from October 2023 to the end of February 2024. 100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations go to benefit our students. Tax receipts are available for these donations. Contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca for more information about how to donate new outwear items. Please donate here.
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Please Keep Safe... and Keep Others Safe
Layers of protection work to help reduce virus spread. For example:
😷wear a well-fitted mask
🧼wash hands often
🏠stay home if sick
💨choose well ventilated spaces
🛡️stay up-to-date with your vaccines
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Get Your Kids' Immunizations Back on Track
Routine vaccinations play an important role in keeping your child safe against serious infections. Get your kids’ immunizations back on track by booking an appointment for any missing vaccines at a community clinic.
Book now: http://TPHBookings.ca
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Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline 9-8-8 - On November 30, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC ) through the Canadian Radio and Television Corporation (CRTC) announced a national three digit Mental Health and Suicide Prevention hotline number, 988. Learn More.
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2023-2024 Calendar
Please ensure you check these dates before scheduling events. Please also note the PA Day originally scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024 has been rescheduled and will now occur on Monday, April 8, 2024.
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Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report
Please contact 311 if you see dogs in school grounds so they can log the concerns and please also call TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620. Tracking the concerns will allow us to build the case for increased surveillance.
At our recent Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, the staff report confirmed the following -
Dogs on school properties have been an ongoing challenge for many years despite the “no dogs permitted” signage. There have been examples of dog owners taking their dogs off leash or even leaving their dogs unattended in a school yard, or within the kindergarten or childcare enclosures. There have been incidents of off-leash dogs chasing as well as biting students, members of the public and staff. Dog feces and disposal bags are frequently left on the school grounds impacting the student use and enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Signage is posted near the entrances, such as gates or openings in the school ground fencing (refer to Appendix A for a copy of the signage) that clearly indicates TDSB school grounds are private property and dogs are not permitted on school board property. Section 6.10 in PR523, Access to School Premises prohibits canines on TDSB properties at any time (except service animals).
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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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