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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 Updates
- OHRC Statement: No Room for Hate in Schools
- Supporting the OHRC's Call for a Provincial Anti-Hate Strategy
- Provincial Capital Priorities Program 2023-24
- Committee Meetings This Week
- Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference
- New Invitations - Freedom Day; Ready, set, plant! City of Toronto opens applications for its PollinateTO Grants; MusiCounts Grants Now Open
- Worth Repeating - 2023 - 2024 Welcome Back School Council Town Hall; Youth in Policing Initiative; MYSP Ward Forum; Continuing Education Programming; TDSB Backpacks & School Supplies Drive; Model Parliament for High School Students; Fundraising Policy Consultation; Useful Links; We Have a Dog Problem; 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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Labour Negotiations Updates
School boards and unions share a commitment to public education and work together towards positive labour relations. The collective bargaining framework for the education sector features a two-tier bargaining process, involving both central and local bargaining. Learn more about the process.
Information will continue to be updated on the website. There are no further updates from those reported two weeks ago.
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OHRC Statement: No Room for Hate in Schools
September 12, 2023
"A new school year heralds a world of possibilities and fresh starts. The Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) extends a warm and enthusiastic welcome to all students, educators, parents and guardians as they embark on this new school year – a journey that paves the way for a brighter future. Your dedication and hard work are truly commendable. With a new curriculum geared to enhance literacy and math skills, the OHRC believes that the next few years in Ontario’s schools will help more students reach their potential.
But we also recognize that our students’ future requires more than academic excellence. The need for school environments that are free from hate cannot be overstated.
As the school year begins, we must actively and intentionally work to end the scourges of hate and violence in our education systems and communities. The rise in hate has a toxic impact and is severely detrimental to students’ mental health and well-being. Specifically, 2SLGBTQQIA+, Indigenous, Black, and other racialized students face the brunt of hatred and racism, but it also affects people with disabilities, Muslim students, and other Code-protected groups. At the end of the last school year, we called on the province to protect these students—to afford them the opportunity to learn in safe, supportive and affirming school environments, from K-12 to post-secondary. Educators and staff should also be able to teach in an environment devoid of racism, hatred, and discrimination.
Across Canada, police-reported hate crime continues to increase, rising 7 per cent overall from 2021 to 2022.[i] Black, Jewish, and 2SLGBTQIA+ are the most frequently targeted communities. Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities each experienced a 12 per cent increase in hate crimes since 2021[ii], and in nearly half of reports of discrimination, race or ethnicity was cited as the reason.[iii]
One of the OHRC’s strategic focuses is promoting and strengthening a human rights culture in Ontario. Fundamental to this culture is the recognition that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to flourish in an environment free from hate, discrimination, and racism. Education is the cornerstone upon which this culture is built. Therefore, the OHRC stresses the importance of anti-discrimination and human rights training to shape the values and attitudes of educators and future generations, and to protect vulnerable students, educators, and allies against the harmful impacts of hate in all its forms.
Hate is incompatible with a free, just and peaceful society where values of compassion, belonging, and respect are the norm. The OHRC reiterates its call for a province-wide anti-hate strategy and remains steadfast in its unwavering commitment to promoting and advancing human rights in Ontario."
[i] The Daily — Police-reported crime statistics in Canada, 2022 (statcan.gc.ca)
[ii] Police-reported hate crimes, by detailed motivation, Canada, 2020 to 2022 (statcan.gc.ca)
[iii] Discrimination before and since the start of the pandemic (statcan.gc.ca)
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Supporting the OHRC's Call for a Provincial Anti-Hate Strategy
In this week's P&P Agenda, is a Notice of Motion regarding support for the OHRC's Call for a Provincial Anti-Hate Strategy - It will be discussed at next month's meeting.
It is an important request given increased incidents of hate - as noted in the OHRC statistics - Black, Jewish, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people are most frequently targeted (mirroring our own TDSB data). Most recently, however, hatred towards transgendered people has escalated. Many of us have spoken out but there is blantant targeting on social media - at protests. We must fight against all forms of hate - but our schools cannot do it alone.There must be no space for hate anywhere.
In response to incidents of hate within our schools, the TDSB over the next two years is in the process of actively and intentionally creating an Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy that takes intersectional and systemic approaches with student success as the primary focus. Understanding the lived experiences of students and community members is an important principle behind the development of the strategy. How the TDSB addresses specific forms of hate, racism, and discrimination needs coherency, community partnership, and cross collaboration within the diverse groups impacted.
We need a provincial anti-hate strategy and we need it now.
Please note - TDSB's Expert Reference Panel reconvened a few weeks ago. Members affirmed our focus on developing recommendations that support the development of safe, caring, and inclusive learning environments and communities for all students and staff. In addition, we identified challenges and opportunities, such as the need for more effective system-wide communication channels, that will inform further discussions at our next session on October 18, 2023. We look forward to continuing our important work this year as safety and well-being remains a priority for our board and a critical enabler to the achievement and success of our students.
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Provincial Capital Priorities Program 2023-24
A report is coming to P&P Wednesday outlining the TDSB's list of projects in response to the Provincial Capital Priorities Program 2023-24 - a process where school boards submit business cases to the Ministry of Education for funding consideration for their most urgent pupil accommodation needs. On August 14, 2023, the Ministry of Education announced a new Capital Priorities program for 2023-24. School boards are required to submit business cases for each project by October 20, 2023. To support this work, TDSB Planning staff, Facility Services staff, Child Care Services staff, and TLC staff are working collaboratively to ensure that this deadline is met. Discussions will also be arranged with coterminous school boards to determine if there is interest in joint-use projects. Discussions are also occurring with the City of Toronto’s Children’s Services staff to determine if child care rooms should be included in the individual capital projects. Once finalized, the business cases will be provided to Trustees for information. The Ministry anticipates making funding announcements in Winter 2024.
Stream 1 – Shovel-Ready Capital Projects for Funding Consideration
- #1. Kapapamahchakwew – Wandering Spirit School – Replacement School – Ward 15
- #2. St. Margaret’s Public School – Replacement School – Ward 19
- #3. Secord Elementary School – Replacement School – Ward 16
- #4. Etobicoke Centre Elementary School – New School – Ward 3
- #5. Davisville Junior Public School / Spectrum Alternative Senior School – Addition – Ward 8
Stream 2 – Future Long-Term Growth Capital Projects for Information
Group 1 – Self-Financing Projects through the TLC’s Modernization Initiative
- a) Canadian Tire Lands Elementary School – New School – Ward 13
- b) Eglinton Junior Public School – Replacement School – Ward 8
- c) Progress Avenue Elementary School – New School – Ward 19
- d) West Don Lands Elementary School – New School – Ward 9
Group 2 – Projects that Require Future Capital Funding from the Ministry
- a) Christie Lands Elementary School – New School – Ward 3
- b) Don Mills-Eglinton Elementary School – New School – Ward 14
- c) Downsview Park Elementary Schools – New Schools, Replacement Schools and Additions – Ward 5
- d) East Harbour Elementary School – New School – Ward 15
- e) Flemington Public School – Replacement School – Ward 8
- f) Golden Mile Elementary School – New School – Ward 17
- g) Greenland Public School – Addition or Replacement School – Ward 14
- h) Keating Channel Elementary School – New School – Ward 9
- i) Port Lands Elementary Schools – New Schools – Ward 15
- j) Scarborough City Centre Elementary School – New School – Ward 17
- k) Scarborough Junction Elementary Capacity – Additions and/or Replacement Schools – Ward 18
- l) Wynford-Concorde Elementary School – New School – Ward 14
- m) Yonge-Eglinton Elementary Capacity – Additions, Replacement Schools and/or Redevelopments – Wards 8 and 11
- n) Yonge-Sheppard Secondary Capacity – Addition, Satellite and/or New School – Ward 12
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Committee Meetings This Week
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - Planning and Priorities Committee - 4:30 PM - Boardroom - Agenda
- 5.1 OPSBA Directors' Report To be presented
- 6.1 Special Education Advisory Committee Report, June 12, 2023
- 1. Special Education Program Recommendation Committee Process
- 2. Special Education Advisory Committee Membership
- 7.1 Provincial Capital Priorities Program 2023-2024
- 7.2 National School Boards Association Conference 2024: Expense and Presentation Approval
- 8.1 Intentional Enhanced Efforts to Create Improved Levels of Kindness and Respect (Trustees MacLean and Ehrhardt)
- 8.2 Student Nutrition (Trustees Sriskandarajah and Rajakulasingam)
- 8.3 Toronto Youth Cabinet Statement: Endorsement (Trustees Dawson and King)
- 9. Written Notices of Motion
- 9.1 Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation (Trustees Hassan and Dawson)
- 9.2 Ontario Human Rights Commission's Request for a Provincial AntiHate Strategy (Trustees Laskin and Chernos Lin)
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Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Together we recognize the legacy of Canada’s residential school system and continue to learn the many truths of these institutions. During Truth and Reconciliation Week, September 25 to September 30, we encourage schools to participate in events offered by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
Orange Shirt Day, established in 2013 by Phyllis Webstad, recognizes the legacy of the Residential Schools System for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit families and communities. By wearing orange, we acknowledge the truths of Residential Schools in Canada, we honour Survivors, and we remember the thousands of children who died, many of them buried in unmarked graves.
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Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference
I encourage you to join us for the Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on October 21 and 22, 2023. This year’s conference is focused on Joy in the Journey of Learning and will be a weekend full of presentations. Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca for more information.
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Freedom Day
“Freedom is not a gift from heaven; you have to fight for it every day.”~Simon Wiesenthal
Freedom Day is an annual program that was created to commemorate the life and legacy of Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal and to inspire Canadian youth to be change-makers and build a better future by taking a stand for freedom, justice and human rights in their communities.
This special student event is being hosted in-person at Mel Lastman Square and livestreamed on our YouTube channel on Wednesday, September 20th at 1pm! We hope you can join us either in-person or online! Click here to register.
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Ready, set, plant! City of Toronto opens applications for its PollinateTO Grants
Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’s PollinateTO Grants program. Through the program, the City offers grants of up to $5,000 to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. A priority will be placed on funding projects in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. Projects eligible for funding include those that create new pollinator habitat in green spaces, such as schoolyards and parks, and those that expand existing gardens with pollinator-friendly plants. Projects that create pollinator pathways (multiple gardens on a residential street) are also eligible for funding. Projects must be visible to the public and educate and/or engage the community. Community groups, not-for-profit organizations, student groups, parent councils, Indigenous groups and other resident-led groups are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, October 25.
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MusiCounts Grants Now Open
MusiCounts invests in schools and community organizations through grants of up to $20,000 for instruments, equipment, and resources to ensure that kids have access to music education. Learn more about the funding streams, application process, and impact of these grants.
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2023 - 2024 Welcome Back School Council Town Hall
Please join us on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. We will be hosting a Welcome Back Town Hall for School Council members, parents/caregivers, and Staff who are interested in learning about tools, resources, and upcoming opportunities for School Councils. The conversation will highlight:
- TDSB's standards of operations for School Councils
- School Council Communication Tools
- School Council Funding
Click on the link to register. If you require interpretation, please indicate this on your registration, no later than, Monday, September 25, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (noon). For further inquiries, please contact PCEO@tdsb.on.ca.
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Youth in Policing Initiative
The Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative program is currently hiring for the 2024 Winter/Spring After-School program! This program enhances the link between the police and the neighbourhoods we serve. This initiative gives young people an opportunity to develop job skills while fostering positive partnerships with the Toronto Police Service. Youth ages 15 to 18 who reside in the city of Toronto are employed through the summer and throughout the year, working alongside police officers and civilian staff in a wide range of roles. The program is not unique to Toronto, as it was created and funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and is now used throughout the province.
Our applications close on September 30th, 2023. Click here.
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TDSB is Renewing its Multi-Year Strategic Plan - Join our Ward Forum on October 3rd from 6:30-8:30
TDSB is Renewing its Multi-Year Strategic Plan
All members of the TDSB school community are invited to Have Your Say!
We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities to contribute to the conversation. Learn more at: www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPRenewal
Please REGISTER HERE to let us know you will be attending and if you require any accommodation to participate in this discussion.
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Continuing Education Programming
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TDSB Backpacks & School Supplies Drive
We know that backpacks and school supplies can be expensive and represent a difficult purchase for some students and families. I encourage you to participate in TDSB’s Backpack & School Supplies Drive. The drive will run until the end of September. We are accepting donations of new products, including backpacks (gender neutral coloured with no commercial logos preferred), lunch bags, crayons, calculators, notebooks and basic school supplies. If you are interested in supporting this great cause, please complete an online donation form. For more information contact BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.
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Model Parliament for High School Students
Are you in Grade 10-12? Are you interested in the Legislative Process? Do you want the chance to debate your own legislation in the Legislative Chamber? Then sign up for our Model Parliament program. Applications will be accepted until October 15, 2023. See our website for more info: ow.ly/h5FE50JNXMA
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Fundraising Policy Consultation
The Fundraising Policy (P021) is currently being reviewed. It supports the TDSB’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and financial viability and promotes student learning opportunities when planning and implementing fundraising activities. The Policy is aligned with the Education Act and the Ministry of Education’s Fundraising Guidelines.
The objective of the Policy is to outline expectations and provide directions to TDSB staff and members of school communities when planning and implementing fundraising activities.
Please share with us your thoughts, questions and recommendations through the online survey or by email to businessdevelopment@tdsb.on.ca on or before October 10, 2023.
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We Have a Dog Problem
Current by-law rules don’t work for school grounds. As a result, many dog owners disregard our signage and don’t seem to care that children play on that same grass! With limited resources the TDSB must rely on dog owners to be responsible and unfortunately, so many aren’t.
Please respect children’s play spaces.
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2023-2024 Calendar
Please ensure you check these dates before scheduling events.
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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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