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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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| June 25, 2023 - Last Update of 2022-23
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Thank you for supporting our public schools - I reflect back to Director Colleen Russell-Rawlins' two system priorities for the year - the importance of joy, engagement and belonging in our schools as a foundation for academic achievement and student success; and eliminating disproportionate outcomes for students. My hope is that you experienced these... have a safe and wonderful summer! Next weekly update, September 3, 2023. First day of school, Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
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In this Issue -- Happy Pride!
- Happy Eid!
- Congratulations Graduates
- Administrative Changes
- Summary of Decisions - Board Meeting June 22, 202
- June PIAC post is available online!
- FSLCAC Newsletter
- Four New Citizen Directors appointed to Toronto Lands Corporation Board
- Central Student Interest Programs
- Fundraising Policy Consultation
- Ministry Memo - June 21, 2023
- Parent Portal - Transportation
- Summer Program
- New Invitations - TDSB Backpacks & School Supplies Drive; Toronto Public Library Summer Reading Program
- Worth Repeating - Summer 2023 Well-Being Guide; Working at the TDSB; OHRC Statement on Anti-Hate; Useful Links; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds; School Year Calendar 2022-23; Approved 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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Happy Pride!
Excerpt from Remarks Made at Board by Trustees King and Ehrhardt
Pride Month holds tremendous significance as we commemorate the struggles, triumphs, and the ongoing journey towards equality and acceptance. At the TDSB, we know that every student and staff member deserves to feel valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are. Pride Month is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity, understanding, and empathy within our schools and offices.
There is a frightening climate of hate and level of incivility that threatens the well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ folks and duty-holders working to disrupt homophobia and transphobia in our school and surrounding communities. This reality underscores our need to protect human rights and foster spaces of belonging, not only in June but throughout the year.
One of the ways that Pride Month is recognized and celebrated at the TDSB is through flag raisings. To symbolize our commitment to inclusivity and support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community, on May 31, we proudly raised the Progress Pride flag in front of our head-office here at 5050 Yonge Street, with many staff and trustees in attendance. As well, as you know all TDSB schools and sites fly Pride flags throughout the month of June to show our support, loud and proud!
Our goal of course is not only to provide support but also to nurture allyship among our students and broader school community.
And finally, To 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff and families in the TDSB: know that you are cherished, valued, and loved. Your presence enriches our schools and communities, and your stories inspire us all. And in the words of Executive Superintendent Jack Nigro, “ if you are feeling confused, anxious or scared because of recent events in other areas: you are loved and you can be who you are in TDSB schools. We stand beside you, and when necessary, in front of you. Every day.”
There was a wonderful turnout at the Toronto Pride Parade today from the TDSB. #prideTDSB
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Happy Eid!
Eid al Adha is anticipated to take place on Wednesday, June 28. Eid al-Adha is a significant annual Islamic observance for many Muslims. It is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Festival of Sacrifice as it commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son to God. To all celebrating, Eid Mubarak!
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Congratulations Graduates
We are proud of all the graduates - and grateful for the support of your families, staff and administration who assisted you along the way.
We wish you nothing but success in your future - grab hold of your dreams - change the world!
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Administrative Changes
Principal and Vice-Principal Changes in Ward 8
On June 14 and June 22, 2023, the Board approved a series of promotions and transfers within the system. The following are the new leadership changes in Ward 8 schools effective September 1, 2023:
Baycrest PS - Lois Stewart, Principal of Baycrest is retiring. A new Principal for Baycrest is pending.
Cottingham Jr PS - Gina Christakis, Principal at Cottingham is retiring. Robert Nigro, Principal at Lanor Jr PS has been transferred to Cottingham as Principal.
Eglinton Jr PS - Ian Wilson, Principal is transferring to Principal at Rockford PS - a new Principal is pending. Diahann Clarke. Vice Principal has been transferred to Flemington PS. Unfortunately Eglinton lost its VP allocation so she will not be replaced.
Flemington Park PS - Tracey Belleau, Vice Principal is taking a leave of absence; Diahann Clarke, Vice Principal at Eglinton is transferring to Flemington Park PS as Vice Principal.
Glenview Sr PS - Vice Principal Dafne Jalon was promoted to Principal at John Ross Robertson PS; Samantha Rogers, Vice Principal at Thorncliffe Park PS is transferred to Glenview as Vice Principal.
Humewood Community School - Cindy Closner, Principal will be taking a leave of absence - a new Principal is pending. Josie Efthymiadis, Vice-Principal is transferred to Fraser Mustard Early Learning Academy; Marianne Bartkiw, Vice Principal at Fraser Mustard has been transferred to Humewood as Vice Principal.
John Ross Robertson - Lynda Watters, Principal of JRR is taking a leave of absence; Dafna Jalon, Vice Principal at Glenview SPS has been promoted to Principal at JRR. Vice Principal Michael Moore will be retiring from John Ross Robertson at the end of June. Jordan Applebaum, currently the VP at Millwood PS is transferred as Vice Principal at JRR.
JR Wilcox CS - Deanna Cape, Principal has been appointed as Centrally Assigned Principal at Special Education, LC2. A new Principal for JR Wilcox is pending.
Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute - Gillian Evans, Vice-Principal at LPCI is promoted to Principal, Marc Garneau CI; Lorraine Sutherns, Vice Principal at Marc Garneau is transferring Vice Principal at LPCI;
North Preparatory JPS - Principal Andrew Paladino will be retiring effective June 30, 2023. Janos (Eric) Szonyi is returning from leave (Principal, Fern Avenue PS) and is being transferred to Principal at North Prep.
Congratulations to those retiring - we are grateful for your service to our schools and communities and wish you health and joy in your retirement.
Congratulations to those promoted and to those transferring in. We have great community schools with engaged students, parents/caregivers and communities and excellent staff who value equity, learning and wellbeing… I hope you will enjoy your time supporting students, staff and community in your new school.
And to those leaving our ward for new schools, thank you so much for your service - we wish you all the best.
Please know existing vacancies created by leaves and retirements will continue to be filled as processes continue throughout the summer.
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Summary of Decisions - Board Meeting June 22, 2023
This document is a summary of decisions made by the Board and is not intended to provide a record of information items that were received. Information items can be found in the meeting agenda and related committee meeting agendas on the Web site.
Presented in Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 12, June 20, 2023
Agenda Item 6.1 (1) Continuing Education Program Budget - The Board received the report.
Agenda Item 6.1 (2) 2023-2024 Budget Estimates - The Board decided: (a) That the 2023-2024 budget estimates, as presented in the report, be approved; (b) Whereas, the Board’s 1:1 Device Deployment has in the past been accounted for in years preceding their purchase; and Whereas, it is common for expenditures to be recognized within the fiscal year that the cost is incurred; Therefore, be it resolved that the Director ensure that in the report to be presented to trustees in the fall of 2023 on the 1:1 device program, a plan be included to restructure the program to purchase devices in the year that they will be distributed to students, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year.
Thursday June 22, 2023 - Media Release
Trustees continue to highlight urgent need for adequate and stable funding from the provincial government
Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Trustees approved a $3.4 billion operating budget for the 2023-24 school year during a Special Board Meeting this evening. The budget meets the requirements set out in the TDSB’s 3-year deficit recovery plan, as required by the Ministry of Education.
Guided by the 2023-24 Strategic Budget Drivers, the budget prioritizes investments in a number of key areas including, equitable access to learning opportunities, student and staff mental health, well-being and safety, and student success and engagement.
The budget also includes the re-addition of a number of school-based staffing positions that were originally eliminated due to the discontinuation of COVID-19 Learning Recovery Funding by the Ministry of Education. The Board added back 99 positions, at a cost of $10.4 million, in the following categories: social workers, child and youth counsellors, school-based safety monitors, and elementary and secondary vice-principals. [And the Board added back Aquatic Instructors to provide full programming.]
A number of cost saving measures were also identified for the 2023-24 school year, including reducing central staffing and department budgets, and requesting permission to use Proceeds of Disposition (money received upon the sale of TDSB property) to offset operating costs resulting from the continued provincial moratorium on school closures.
Over the past three years, the TDSB was required to deplete its reserves (approximately $69 million) to support the continuation of learning and the safety of students and staff during the pandemic. As a result, there are limited reserves left to offset any future operating shortfalls.
Quick Facts
- Section 231 of the Education Act requires school boards to pass and submit a balanced operating budget to the Ministry of Education by June 30 of each year.
- Budgets are intended to align both human and financial resources to system priorities.
- School-based staffing was approved by the Board in March 2023, representing 67% of the entire budget.
- As part of the 3-year deficit recovery plan, the TDSB committed to a $40.4 million deficit in 2022-23, a $15.1 million deficit in 2023-24, and an $8 million surplus in 2024-25.
Throughout the year, TDSB Trustees and staff have continued to advocate to the Ministry of Education and the Government of Ontario for adequate, stable and predictable funding that meets the needs of the students of Toronto.
"As Trustees, we have advocated tirelessly this year for the resources and supports required to meet the unique needs of the students of Toronto. Looking ahead, we will continue this important work until the funding provided by the provincial government reflects the actual cost of supporting the academic success, well-being and safety of our students.” Rachel Chernos Lin, Chair, TDSB
“In developing next year’s budget, every effort has been made to limit the impact of reductions on students and ensure that all available resources are put toward supporting our classrooms and schools. In cases where Ministry funding is not sufficient to meet the needs of students, next year’s budget allocates additional resources where they are needed most.” Colleen Russell-Rawlins, Director of Education, TDSB
Let me add my quote - "I've aways thought of it as a deck of cards," she said. "We don't have control over the hand we're dealt, but we certainly have control over how we're playing the hand." Shelley Laskin, Trustee, Ward 8, TDSB
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June PIAC post is available online!
Thank you to our Ward 8 PIAC representatives Kaydeen Bankasingh and Anshu Grover. The June PIAC post includes information on preparing for your 2023/2024 school council, the 2023/2024 calendar; Summer Well-Being Guide; Board Consultations (including Fundraising Policy); and more. Read online.
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FSLCAC Newsletter
Thank you to our FSLAC Ward Rep Lynne Leblanc who also chairs French as a Second Language Community Advisory Committee (FSLCAC) and our alternate Cheryl Batty.
The FSLCAC June Newsletter includes Save the Date for the September meeting, Free CPF Summer Virtual Programs, Toronto Public Library French Fun, TD Bilingual Summer Reading Club, TDSB Elementary Programs in July, TDSB Secondary Core French E-Credits, French Summer Day Camps, July 15 is Bastille Day in Toronto, FREE French Resources, and more. Click to read the complete newsletter.
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Four New Citizen Directors appointed to Toronto Lands Corporation Board
The Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC), is pleased to announce the appointment of four new citizen directors to the TLC Board of Directors for a three-year term commencing in September 2023.
Payman Berjis, Igor Dragovic, John Filion and Aleem Punja were approved as citizen directors on June 14th by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
“Each of these individuals bring an exceptional amount of experience and commitment to building a better Toronto” said TLC Executive Officer Daryl Sage. “We welcome them to the TLC Board and look forward to working with them as we continue our modernization strategy of unlocking the potential of TDSB properties for the benefit of students, staff and communities”.
“The Toronto Lands Corporation will play a key role in the evolution of TDSB school buildings,” said TDSB Chair Rachel Chernos Lin. “There are a lot of opportunities ahead of us and the qualifications and experience that our new citizen directors bring to the TLC Board are profound, diverse and exciting and will go a long way in supporting the TDSB in providing modern and welcoming learning spaces for our students.”
The TLC Board comprises 4 Citizen Directors, 4 TDSB Trustees and 2 TDSB executive staff. The Toronto Lands Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary, and exclusive real estate services provider to the Toronto District School Board. With specific expertise in land use planning, real estate and leasing, TLC’s intent is to explore and optimize the potential of the TDSB property portfolio by identifying opportunities that ensure the accommodation and well-being of students in modern and innovative schools. Read new directors bios here.
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Central Student Interest Programs
TDSB is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Secondary Arts and Math, Science and Technology programs for the 2024-25 school year. These new Central Student Interest Programs create new opportunities, making it easier for students to access programs of interest across the city.
Located in the northwest and northeast of the city at Westview Centennial Secondary School and Woburn Collegiate Institute, each program will focus on various forms of arts that may include dance, visual arts, drama, film and music. The new programs will be centered around student interest and voice, inclusive curriculum, and focus on the creative process. There will be robust integration of digital media and digital arts production in each program. Further details about the two programs will be available on the Secondary Arts Central Student Interest Program website in the Fall of 2023.
We are also establishing 8 new Math, Science and Technology Central Student Interest Programs located across the city, adding to the 12 existing programs. The high number of applications this past year indicated the strong interest in Math, Science and Technology programming focused on the interconnectedness of these subjects and the pursuit of post-secondary studies. We are excited to announce new programs sites at the following schools:
• Cedarbrae Collegiate Institute
• Downsview Secondary School
• Jarvis Collegiate Institute
• Kipling Collegiate Institute
• Lakeshore Collegiate Institute
• Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute
• Stephen Leacock Collegiate Institute
• West Hill Collegiate Institute
Each Math, Science and Technology program will have its own unique set of courses making strong connections between the Ontario curriculum and the world. The programs will offer deep, rich and rigorous learning for students with an interest and passion in Math, Science and Technology. More details about the program courses offered at each site will be made available in the fall on the Math, Science and Technology Central Student Interest Program Website.
Additionally, the TDSB is supporting the development of 11 new Local Programs in the areas of Math, Science and Technology, and 2 current Local Programs, at the following schools:
• A.Y. Jackson C.I.
• David & Mary Thomson C.I.
• East York C.I.
• Etobicoke C.I.
• Forest Hill C.I.
• North Albion C.I.
• George S. Henry Academy
• Harbord C.I.
• Malvern C.I.
• North Albion C.I.
• Sir Oliver Mowat C.I.
• York Memorial C.I.
• York Mills C.I.
More information about these programs designed to meet the needs and interests of students attending the schools will be made available in the Fall in the individual school’s websites. Staff will be preparing over the 2023-2024 school year for the opening of the Arts and Math, Science, & Technology programs.
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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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Ministry Memo - June 21, 2023
Issuance of revised The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8, Language, 2023 and Le curriculum de l'Ontario, de la 1re à la 8e année, Français, 2023 curriculum and new English, Grade 9 (ENL1W) and Français, 9e année (FRL1W) courses (Excerpt below)
The new curriculum and courses are aligned with scientific, evidence-based approaches that emphasize direct, explicit and systematic instruction, and will be implemented in Ontario classrooms starting in September 2023. They are designed to support students in developing the language and literacy knowledge and skills they need to succeed in education and in life, and to encourage students to experience the joy and possibility that literacy learning can ignite.
These new curriculum and courses include new areas of learning, including:
A focus on foundational knowledge and skills
• Students will develop foundational knowledge and skills in reading and writing, spelling, vocabulary, reading fluency and comprehension across all grades.
• Reading is taught using evidence-based methods to help students become capable readers and writers.
• For the youngest learners, knowledge and skills are taught in the areas of oral language and vocabulary, the relationship between sounds and letters of the alphabet, and the ability to read and write words with both speed and accuracy.
Transferable skills
• Students will apply the transferable skills throughout learning in language and literacy across all grades to help them become engaged and responsible learners.
Digital media literacy
• Students will develop and apply digital media literacy knowledge and skills to support their learning, such as understanding how online media is used to communicate and influence audiences.
• They will learn to navigate online environments while managing their data, security and privacy.
• Students also learn how to use digital and media tools to evaluate information and demonstrate their learning.
Applications, connections and contributions
• Students will apply language and literacy skills in various contexts, and make connections to the contributions of diverse voices, experiences and perspectives, including those of First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals, communities, groups and nations.
The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8, Language, 2023 and Le curriculum de l'Ontario, de la 1re à la 8e année, Français, 2023 are available to all parents, teachers and students on the Curriculum and Resources website.
The ministry is also revising assessment and reporting for the new elementary Language and Français curriculum. As with the recently revised elementary Mathematics curriculum, the ministry is moving to reporting one mark for Language and Français, instead of providing a separate mark for each strand. The provincial report card templates will also be updated for the 2023-24 school year to align with the new curriculum. Samples of the revised report card templates will be posted shortly.
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Transportation Portal
The Transportation Portal is a new tool that the Transportation unit has provided to help parents access information about their child’s transportation. After registering for an account (by selecting the ‘parent’ link in the top right hand corner on the website) families are able to add their children to their account and information about their transportation services. (Please note though – if you are looking to register for the school bus itself you need to visit your local school and if eligible, they will forward your application to our office so we can set up the service. Once that is completed you will be able to add your children to your portal account.) This will include their bus route number, the approximate bus stop times, the company providing the service and their contact information. Once you have your children added you can also subscribe to the late bus portal. This utility will send an e-mail to your inbox any time a school bus operator reports a late bus that your child is assigned. The Consortium will continue to review the viability of sending text messages as another means of notification to families in the future.
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Summer Programs
At the TDSB we provide a wide range of enriching summer programs for children, youth and adults. There is still space in many programs. Click to find out more.
Elementary
Secondary
Special Education and Inclusion
Adult
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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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Toronto Public Library Summer Reading Programs
The Toronto Public Library Summer Wonder programs and services for children ages 6-12 and their parents/caregivers encourage reading and learning all summer long, and promote wonder, creativity and discovery. Summer Wonder runs from June 24 to September 2 and includes many amazing in-person and online experiences kids and families can enjoy throughout the summer. Visit tpl.ca/readingclub to learn more.
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Summer 2023 Well-Being Guide
The Summer Well-Being Guide is created by TDSB-Mental Health and Well-Being-Professional Support Services Committee & Systems leadership team.
As we look toward the end of the school year, there may be excitement as well as thoughts and feelings that bring forward a need for support. Our Summer 2023 Well-Being Guide is a place to learn about Culturally Responsive and Identity Affirming resources and activities to make the most of this time of year, while supporting and improving our mental well-being. Please click here for the complete Guide available in multiple languages.
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Working at the TDSB
Our staff members are the backbone of our system. Becoming a part of the TDSB team means joining a talented community of educators and support staff dedicated to enriching the lives of all students and helping them to achieve success. Check here.
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OHRC Statement on Anti-Hate
June 13, 2023
"As this school year ends, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) takes this opportunity to reflect on what it heard concerning the challenges faced by students, parents, educators, and administrators in Ontario’s public education system.
The Ontario Human Rights Code (Code) protects everyone from discrimination and harassment based on numerous grounds, including disability, gender identity and expression, race, and religion. In schools, following the Code means that every student has the right to a learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, or other expressions of hatred — an environment where everyone feels safe to learn, thrive, and be themselves. It is essential that all children — including, 2SLGBTQIA+ children, children with disabilities, Black children, Indigenous children, Jewish children and Muslim children, for instance — feel that their school is a place of inclusion, belonging, and support.
Similarly, all educators and administrators, including elected officials in the education system are entitled to those same rights. Not only should they feel safe and supported in their roles, but these individuals are duty-bound by the Code to uphold these principles and work to create this environment in schools...
... The OHRC reminds every Ontarian of their responsibility to treat one another the way they wish to be treated. That means every Ontarian is accountable for conducting themselves responsibly in everything they do. That is the core of human rights values.
Let us use the summer as a time for reflection on how we can take action to ensure our children can attend schools free from hate, our educators are safe to teach acceptance and inclusion, and everyone, including the administrators is safe to uphold the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Have a safe and happy summer."
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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- Last Day of School - June 30 - Elementary
- Last Day of School - June 28 - Secondary
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Approved 2023-2024 Calendar
Secondary School Year Calendar for 2023-2024
The updated Secondary School Year Calendar for 2023-2024 is available online. This calendar includes PA days, exam days for final evaluations, Board and Statutory holidays, and other notable school year details.
For the 2023-2024 school year, no PA days are scheduled before the first day of classes. The first day of school is Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
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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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