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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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December 18, 2022 - Last Update of 2022
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In this Issue -- December Days of Significance
- Toronto Public Health
- A Note from PIAC Ward 8 Representatives
- Elementary Alternative Schools – New Centralized Online Application Process and Form
- TDSB System-wide Virtual Tutoring Support for Students
- Impact on TDSB of Bill 23: More Homes, Built Faster Ac'
- Inclement Weather
- Mental Health and Well Being
- School Year Calendar 2022-23
- New Invitations – Tamil Heritage Month Poster Contest; Do You Work in a School? Participate in a Study
- Worth Repeating – Addressing School Safety; Middle French (Grade 4 entry) Immersion Application Process; TDSB Central Interest Programs; Out of Area Admission Policy; 2023 Prime Minister’s Teaching Awards; Winter Clothing Drive; Useful Links; PSS Virtual Drop-In Hours; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds; Community Safety & Support
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December Days of Significance
This is my final weekly update of the year - and the final week of school for 2022. And what a year it has been... thank you for all for your patience and continued support as we dealt with one issue after another, and the continuing pandemic. I hope you are able to take the time for self-care during the holidays and get recharged for the new term.
December is also a month where many observe different holiday customs and traditions. From the OPS List, please see the following -
- December 3: Maun Ekadashi is an important day for Jains, who observe this auspicious day by taking a vow of silence.
- December 4: The Presentation of the Virgin Mary is observed by Catholic, Macedonian, Russian and Serbian Orthodox Churches to celebrate the Entry of the Holy Virgin Mary.
- December 6 and 19: Some Orthodox Christian Churches celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas.
- December 8: Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day. It is also celebrated by some Buddhists on December 30. This day commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha (Siddhartha) sat under a bodhi tree and attained enlightenment.
- December 8: St. Clement of Ohrid Day is celebrated by the Macedonian Orthodox Church as a religious and public holiday.
- December 13: Shia Ismaili Muslims around the world celebrate the birth of their spiritual leader, the Aga Khan.
- December 18: Tibetan Buddhists celebrate the Gaden Ngachen Chenmo Festival, also known as Tsongkhapa Butter Lamp Festival. It is a festival of lights celebrated on the 25th day of the 10th month on the Tibetan calendar.
- December 18 – 26: The Jewish celebration of Chanukah (Hanukkah) also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the second century BCE at the beginning of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
- December 21: This marks Yule, the Sabbat that begins the Wiccan year. This fire festival celebrates the return of the light on the day of the winter solstice.
- December 21: Many Indigenous cultures mark the Winter Change of Season Ceremonies.
- December 22: Sikhs honour the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, who was the tenth and last human Sikh Guru, and a spiritual master, warrior, poet and philosopher.
- December 24: Christmas Eve is observed by Christians in anticipation of Christmas Day.
- December 25: Christmas Day features many celebrations and is commemorated by Christians for the birth of Jesus Christ.
- December 26 – January 1: Kwanzaa is a celebration of African American culture. Kwanzaa is based on various harvest festival traditions from different parts of West and Southeast Africa. The celebration involves the Karamu (a communal feast) usually on the sixth day.
- December 26: The day marks the death anniversary of Prophet Ashu Zarathushtra. It is a significant day in Zoroastrianism and observed with remembrance of the life and works of the prophet.
- December 26: Sikhs mark Veer Baal Diwas to pay homage to the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh. The day is observed as the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, who were killed at ages nine and six respectively.
- December 26: Saint Stephen's Day is celebrated by Catholics.
- December 28 and 29: Tibetan Buddhists observe Ngan-pa Gu-zom, also known as the days of the Nine Bad Omens.
For those beginning Hanukkah celebrations tonight, may the miracles we observe bring us the hope and strength to continue to fight hate for good.
No matter how you celebrate these holidays, may you have light... and may there be peace in the world.
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Toronto Public Health
Tips to Prevent the Spread
We can layer our protection against COVID-19 and respiratory viruses with some simple steps:
- Stay up-to-date with your vaccinations including a fall COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine when eligible for the best protection against getting very sick from COVID-19 and influenza.
- Even if you have had a recent COVID-19 infection, staying up-to-date with your vaccinations gives you stronger hybrid immunity.
- It is strongly recommended everyone wear a high quality, well-fitting mask in all indoor public settings, including in schools and childcare settings. It is especially if you are around people who are at higher risk (such as children under 5, seniors or those who have a health condition).
- Socialize outdoors when possible – outdoors is lower risk than being indoors.
- Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms, even if they are mild.
If you have symptoms, get tested for COVID-19 and treatment if you are eligible. - Wash or sanitize your hands often.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Choose well ventilated spaces when possible.
- Reduce or limit the number of people you have close contact with, especially indoors and if you are around people who are at higher risk or have a health condition
- Keep a physical distance when possible, especially indoor
Learn more on how you can reduce virus spread when caring for someone or a child who has COVID-19 or another respiratory virus.
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A Note from PIAC
Congratulations to all School Council Leaders working together to make your school communities wonderful places for learning and wellbeing. The Parent Community Engagement Office (PCEO) and Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) and committed to ensuring that you have the resources, important information, and support necessary to lead your school and parent councils. You can find many. useful school council details here: Toronto PIAC for School Councils.
Thanks to all school councils that have submitted applications to the School Councils Innovation Grant (formerly PRO Grant) for resources to support any special school councils initiatives that build the school community's capacity in specific areas and related to important topics.
Due to various circumstances, the annual PIAC parent and caregiver conference "Ready, Set, Engage' has been postponed to Spring 2023. We will keep you updated with more details and look forward to connecting with your council chairs soon.
Happy Holiday Season.
Kaydeen Bankasingh and Anshu Grover, Ward 8 Representatives on PIAC
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Elementary Alternative Schools – New Centralized Online Application Process and Form
On October 26, 2022, the Board approved revisions to the Alternative Schools Policy.
As part of the TDSB’s commitment to ensure equitable access, admissions, and opportunities for all students and to support implementation of the Board decision regarding elementary alternative schools (May 26, 2021) and the revised Alternative Schools Policy (P062), the TDSB has developed a new centralized application process and online application form for elementary alternative schools. The accompanying procedure to the policy will be shared with the Board in the spring 2023.
The centralized application process and online application form will be in place for students and families to request admission for September 2023. Families will be able to access information related to elementary alternative schools on the TDSB website in the coming weeks and the application period will open starting January 16, 2023.
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TDSB System-wide Virtual Tutoring Support for Students
The TDSB is continuing to support students with unfinished learning. Through the Ministry’s funding for Tutoring programs, we are pleased to announce that TDSB students will now have free, unlimited online tutoring available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are working with Paper and Brainfuse, who will be providing online Tutoring services. All tutoring services are voluntary. There is no obligation for any student to participate in tutoring. Information about Tutoring @ the TDSB will be available on the public website early next week.
Community-based agencies Tutoring at the school level continues, and our partnerships with community-based agencies have expanded. Parents/Guardians/Caregivers can contact these organizations directly for tutoring.
If you are aware of community-based organizations that may already have tutoring or wish to provide tutoring services to TDSB students, please contact Diana Panagiotopoulos, System Superintendent, Virtual Learning and Re-Engagement, who will reach out to the organizations
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Impact on TDSB of Bill 23: More Homes, Built Faster Act
Toronto Lands Corporation’s (TLC) Land Use Planning staff are reviewing the Bill in detail and will be assessing any implications to the TDSB. The Act Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022 which received Royal Assent on November 28, 2022 is the provincial government’s commitment to getting 1.5 million homes built over the next ten years.
Residential housing on TDSB properties Last Friday the City of Toronto unveiled its ambitious plan build 285,000 new housing units in the city over the next decade. Mayor Tory has recommended an accelerated plan to move this city building initiative forward by including in the plan the requirement to "Develop a strategy to engage with School boards to encourage the creation of housing on their lands". Through TDSB’s leadership and endorsement of TLC’s school modernization strategy, TLC has been actively engaged and is no stranger to this type of consideration. On behalf of TDSB, not only have we advocated for, and strategized about the mixed use potential of TDSB properties, we have a successful track record of delivering opportunities to TDSB for this to happen. Approved by TDSB, the Board owned sites below where development has or will be happening in the future, are expected to provide over 8,000 residential units upon their completion.
- 223 Eglinton Av E. (Eglinton PS)
- 1141 Bloor St. W (Bloor Collegiate)
- 125 Brockley Dr (David and Mary Thomson Collegiate)
- 1515 Bloor St. W (current TDCSB school)
- 705 Progress Av remains a work in progress that will have a substantial housing component along with a new school
- 340 Chaplin Cres. (Memorial Park) although not directly providing opportunities for housing, the planned TDSB/TLC/City of Toronto storm water infrastructure project at Memorial Park will not only provide critical and improved basement flooding protection for much of the vicinity, the additional capacity of the water management system will allow for needed new housing to be built throughout that area of the city.
In response to the Mayor’s announcement on the 2023 Housing Action Plan, TLC has reached out to the City and looks forward to exploring collaborative strategies that advance exceptional learning spaces serving vibrant communities.
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Inclement Weather
Winter is here! With our cold Canadian winter comes snow, ice, and severe weather. It is occasionally necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs. Occasionally, severe weather forces the closure of our schools and administrative offices. Visit the website to learn more about Snow/Cold Weather and the Procedure for Severe Weather.
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Mental Health and Well Being
The Winter Well-being guide for 2022/23 created by the Mental Health and Well-Being Committee with System Leader for Mental Health and PSS, Shameen Sandhu. The guide has been updated to provide ongoing resources and ideas for Families/Guardians to promote mental and physical wellness during the winter months. Resources are culturally relevant and responsive with resources for students with Complex Needs. The Guide is translated into the top 21 TDSB languages spoken which is accessible here (Well-Being Guide).
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 for ages 5-29 for anonymous care from professional counsellors. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
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School Year Calendar 2022-23
School restarts on Monday, January 9, 2023.
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Do You Work in a School? Participate in a Study
Sinai Health is seeking research participants for a large, remote, epidemiological study on the impacts of COVID-19 on frontline elementary and secondary education workers in Ontario. The purpose of the study is to determine how many people working in the elementary and secondary schools in Ontario develop COVID-19 infection and the risk factors for infection, to describe the changes to antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 over time, the incidence of re-infection, the uptake of vaccines against COVID-19, and the psychological impact of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more info: http://tibdn.ca/covid-19/education
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Addressing School Safety
The TDSB is committed to schools that are caring, safe, welcoming, and respectful. Student and school safety is an urgent priority for staff, students, families, and community members and the TDSB will continue to invest resources in school safety. The Board is taking a number of different steps to improve school safety across the Board including the hiring of additional staff to better support students, staff and school communities, creating a Safe Schools Audit Team to work with schools on safety issues, and forming an Expert Table Reference Group related to school and community safety with representation from recognized service providers across the City (e.g. The Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, Toronto Public Health, City of Toronto) and include students, parents, Trustees, staff, and faith-based groups. Learn more about what the TDSB is doing to make schools safer.
Chair Rachel Chernos Lin met with Minister Lecce last week - as reported in the Toronto Star, "He shared my view that a critical piece to addressing this important issue is partnering with other levels of government to provide additional resources and ideas. We discussed the need for additional youth programming in priority neighbourhoods both during the school day and after hours and he had creative ideas to help achieve that both on a short and long term basis.”
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Middle French (Grade 4 entry) Immersion Application Process for September 2023
Application for Middle French Immersion is an entirely online process. All communication will be sent via the email address you provide. Please check your email regularly, including junk mail folders. The online application process opens on January 9, 2023 and closes on February 3, 2023.
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TDSB Central Interest Programs
The TDSB offers more than 40 central special interest programs for secondary students (e.g. Arts-focus, International Baccalaureate). Programs focus on a variety of interests including the Arts; math, science and technology; leadership pathway; International Baccalaureate; and more. These programs are for anyone who demonstrates an interest and passion in a particular area.
Key Dates for Central Interest Program Process
- Nov. 7: Application process opened
- Nov. 25: Application process closed
- Dec. 8: First round of Acceptances and waitlist status sent via email to all applicants.
- Dec. 14: First round offers expired at 4:00 pm
- Dec. 15: Second round of Acceptances and waitlist status sent via email to all applicants
- Dec. 21: Second round offers expire at 4:00 pm
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Out of Area Admission Policy
Out of Area Admission Policy - Below is a link to the requirements for families wishing to attend a school that is not considered their designated school. At the bottom of the page, you can look up which High Schools are open, closed or have limited availability for admissions. Out of Area Requirements.
To apply to attend a school other than your designated school by address, please submit an online application. When applying for September 2023, applicants may submit up to two (2) applications. The online application will be available on January 9, 2023. For more information and to access the online application form, please visit: Elementary Out-of-Area Admissions and Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions.
Elementary Out of Area Admissions Key Dates: January 9, 2023 - February 10, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. Online Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. Round 1: Families to be informed of the status of the application Wednesday, March 8, 2023; Families must confirm acceptance of the offer by Tuesday, March 21 at 4:00 p.m. Round 2: Families to be informed of the status of the application Wednesday March 22, 2023; Families must confirm acceptance of the offer by Tuesday, March 28 at 4:00 p.m.
Secondary Out of Area Admission Key Dates: January 9, 2023 - January 27, 2023: Online Applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. Round 1: February 8, 2023: Round 1 communication is sent regarding Acceptance and Waiting List Status February 14, 2023: Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must respond by this date or offer will expire. Round 2: February 15, 2023: Round 2 communication is sent regarding Acceptance and Waiting List Status February 21, 2023: Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must respond by this date or offer will expire Round 3: February 22, 2023: Final Round communication is sent regarding Acceptance and Waiting List Status February 24, 2023: Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must respond by this date or offer will expire. February 27, 2023: TDSB Students must finalize their acceptance by completing and submitting the corresponding course selection for the accepted school in myBlueprint
TDSB Open House Information - High School Open Houses are still taking place throughout November and December. Here is a link to all the options available. All of this information is also available on student google classrooms under the heading “High School Information”. Open House Information
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2023 Prime Minister’s Teaching Awards
Do you know a terrific teacher or early childhood educator? Consider nominating them for a 2023 Prime Minister’s Award! This program honours the remarkable educational achievements and commitment of elementary and secondary school teachers, as well as early childhood educators. Looking for inspiration? Check out previous teaching and early childhood education award recipients. For nomination information, see 2023 nomination packages. The nomination deadline is January 27, 2023.
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Winter Clothing Drive
Canada is welcoming newcomer families from Ukraine & Afghanistan, to name a few, and the TDSB is welcoming many of these newly arrived students into our schools. The newcomer students are adjusting to their first Canadian winter and can benefit from your generous support. The students need proper winter outerwear such as coats, boots, mitts and hats to be able to attend school. This year’s Winter Outerwear Drive will run from October 2022 to the end of February 2023. Learn more: bit.ly/3gZOwxx
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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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