TDSB to Develop Strategy to Address Islamophobia
Wednesday April 26, 2023
Trustees with the Toronto District School Board have unanimously voted to develop and implement a system-wide comprehensive strategy to address Islamophobia.
The creation of this new strategy will further build on the work of the broader TDSB Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy, which addresses all forms of racism, hate and discrimination.
With tonight’s approval, staff will now prepare a report to be presented to the TDSB’s Planning and Priorities Committee at a fall meeting, where they will update Trustees on the development of the new strategy.
In March 2022, the TDSB launched a formal plan to ensure students and staff move beyond performative responses to hate and racism. The Combatting Hate and Racism – Student Learning Strategy became part of a multi-faceted approach to better understand and address the impact of hate and racism within the TDSB.
Quick FactsAccording to the TDSB’s Human Rights Office 2021-2022 Annual Report, hate/bias directed at people for their creed/religion accounted for approximately 10% of all reported incidents, with Islamophobia representing approximately 3%.
“We have heard directly from our communities and have the data to show that Islamophobia continues to impact our students and staff on a regular basis. By taking a focused approach to confronting Islamophobia, we enable more members of our school communities to feel safe and welcome at school and work.”
- Rachel Chernos Lin, Chair, TDSB
“Hate crimes against members of the Muslim community have been on the rise in Canada. Many Trustees, parents, students, community organizations and advocates have raised concerns around incidents of Islamophobia. These incidents have a significant impact on students and their families in the TDSB requiring a more tailored action plan to help support them.”
- Neethan Shan, Vice Chair, TDSB
“The development of an Islamophobia Strategy builds on the important work the TDSB is taking to confront hate and racism through our Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy. We are committed to improving the focus on affirming Muslim identities and eliminating hate and discrimination in ways that are responsive to the experiences of Muslim-identifying students, staff and families.”- Colleen Russell-Rawlins, Director of Education, TDSB
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Valley Park Middle School Parent Council Iftar Dinner on 20 April 2023
Valley Park Middle School Parent Council held its 1st annual community Iftar night on April 20, 2023. I had the great pleasure of joining so many families and friend in celebratiing the first Annual Community Iftar night.Thank you to all the parents, staff and volunteers that made this evening such a success.
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Pandemic Recovery is Not Over
Following a motion from myself and my fellow trustees, we issued a TDSB-wide budget survey to all parents/guardians/caregivers to gauge their opinions on the impacts of the pandemic. I am happy to inform you that the survey was completed by nearly 18,000 TDSB parents/guardians/caregivers. Your responses were loud and clear - survey results showed that 7 in 10 believe the impacts of the pandemic are still being felt by their children, 86% believe that pandemic funding should continue, and 90% believe that the Ministry should fully or partially cover pandemic costs. I encourage you to learn more about: survey results, budget process and ongoing advocacy.
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Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Renewal – Have Your Say!
We are renewing our Multi-Year Strategic Plan at the TDSB, and I invite you to share your opinions to help shape the Board’s future! Please complete the MYSP online survey or if you are a part of a community group or committee that is interested in contributing to the MYSP renewal, the Facilitation Guide is now available online in multiple languages. I encourage you to review the guide, record your discussions and submit input. To learn more, please visit: www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal.
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Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism
The TDSB’s Student Equity Collective, a student-led group created by the Director of Education, which addresses injustices, racism and hate in our school communities is launching its first board-wide initiative ‒ Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism! Students were invited to submit a two-minute video to share what they’ve accomplished together to make their schools more inclusive for everyone. This initiative is focussed on students from Grade 7 to 12, but a group or class in any grade may submit a video. This is an opportunity for students to showcase how they’re addressing racism and discrimination in their own unique ways at their schools. For more details, visit the Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism webpage.
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TDSB Celebrates Education Week!
Schools across Ontario schools celebrate Education Week during the first week of May each year. At the TDSB, we were thrilled to mark Education Week 2023 and invited staff, students, parents/guardians/caregivers, and the wider TDSB community to follow #TDSBAtoZ on Twitter to learn more about the incredible things happening across the TDSB in support of student success and well-being. Schools and classrooms were also encouraged to share what they’re up to using #TDSBedweek.
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Summer International Languages Elementary (ILE) & African Heritage (AH) Program
ILE Summer Program combines language & culture learning with engaging activities like games, songs, dance, storytelling, and writing. No language background knowledge is necessary. Afternoon cultural programs, run by community groups, are also available at a number of sites. AH Summer Program connects students to the contributions, histories, legacies, cultures and traditions of people of African descent through inquiry and experiential learning. Learn more and register.
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Asian Heritage Month
May is Asian Heritage Month at the TDSB. We are proud to celebrate the numerous achievements of Asian-Canadians during Asian Heritage Month. This year our theme is Joining Our Table: Celebrating Asian Canadians. Learn more.
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Asian Heritage Month Poster Contest Winner As you are aware during the month of May the Toronto District School Board recognizes Asian Heritage Month. A Poster Contest was held inviting all TDSB students to participate and create an image that reflecting this year’s theme of Joining Our Table: Celebrating Asian Canadians.
We are proud to inform you that Grade 11 student Khaviyaa Suthaharan from Victoria Park Collegiate Institute was selected as the first place winner from the Grade 9 – Grade 12 Division. The image has been made into a poster and is currently on the TDSB public website ( https://www.tdsb.on.ca/home/ctl/Details/mid/43823/itemId/110).
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Jewish Heritage Month
We are celebrating Jewish Heritage Month in May! This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Christie Pits riot that took place in Toronto in August 1933. To commemorate this moment in history, the TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee in collaboration with the Italian Heritage Committee are offering TDSB students a chance to learn about the largest race riot in Canadian history. I encourage you to learn More and follow @TDSB_JH for updates, activities and events!
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Steps to Address Your Questions and Concerns
Here at the TDSB, we are always open to hearing your questions and concerns, and make every effort to address them as quickly as possible. Your child's classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school's principal, the school superintendent, and me, your Trustee! For more information visit https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Contact-Us/Steps-to-Address-Questions-Concerns.
Upcoming Meetings The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar on the main webpage of www.tdsb.on.ca.
Stay Connected with your School
The TDSB now offers two new ways to stay connected with your school and the TDSB. Learn about opting in for text messages and using the School Messenger app, which provides a faster and easier way to report absences.
Follow the TDSB Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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