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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 -- Hold the Date - Nov 16 7-9 Ward Forum - Literacy and Math across our schools
- Combatting Hate in our Schools
- Combatting Hate in our Community
- Speaking with Students About Tragic Events
- Labour Negotiations Updates
- Protect Yourself
- Committee Meeting This Week
- LTPAS Proposed Studies in Ward 8
- Grade 8 to 9 Transitions and Student Interest Programs Webinars and Resources
- TDSB Comments on Regulation Changes – Disposition of Surplus Property and Schools on a Shared Site and to come... Accelerated Apprenticeship Pathway
- New Invitations - Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Conference: Creating Possibilities for Black Students in K-12 Education and Leadership; Here to Help - Kids Help Line; Webinar - Antisemitism at School - October 27 at 7pm; Winter Outerwear Drive; TDSB Social Workers Virtual Community Fair
- Worth Repeating - TDSB EcoSchools Fall Conference; TDSB Job Fair on October 28; Early French Immersion Application Process begins November 6; Central Student Interest Programs for 2024-25; School Council Innovation Grant 2023 – 2024; Professional Learning for School Council Chairs/Co-Chairs, Members, Principals and Vice Principals; Youth Climate Action Grants – Deadline to Apply, November 20; Global School Play Day 2024 - Celebrating UNSTRUCTURED Play - February 7, 2024; Legislative Page Program - Applications Open; Useful Links; We Have a Dog Problem; 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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| Hold the Date - November 16 from 7-9
Ward Forum - Literacy and Math across our schools.
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Combatting 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 any such incidents. The TDSB has Procedure PR728 - Reporting and Responding to Racism and Hate Incidents Involving or Impacting Students in Schools, tied to our Human Rights Policy, P031. Our Combatting Hate and Racism Strategy falls under this procedure and part of the strategy was the creation of a “Racism, Bias and Hate (RBH) Reporting Portal”. Each time an incident takes place in a school, it is to be recorded in this portal which then begins a system response. We have a responsibility to educate against hate.
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Combatting Hate in our Community
It was reported on October 19 by Toronto's police chief Myron Demkiw that crime calls are up 132 per cent in the nearly two weeks since Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel sparked war. Fourteen calls related to hate crimes - of those he said 12 related to antisemitism and two were related to anti-Muslim events. "We have responded with an all-service state of readiness and have directed a high visibility state of patrols and deployments across all divisions with a focus on places of worship including synagogues, mosques, schools and community centres... We have been clear and we remain resolute that Toronto Police Service will not tolerate acts of violence, intimidation or hate toward anyone or any community," he said.
Hate crimes have no place in our city. Toronto Police ask you to report any allegations of hate motivated crimes to your local police division for investigation.
- Contact: 9-1-1 in an emergency
- 416-808-2222 for non-emergencies
- 1-800-222-TIPS to Crime Stoppers anonymously
Please also report to the following -
For incidents that are related to Jewish Hate
Empowering you to instantly report an online or real-world hate incident in the palm of your hand, 24/7. Confirmed data is anonymously documented and allows B’nai Brith to take concrete action. Download the anti-hate app. If you have been the victim of an antisemitic incident, we encourage you to fill out the form or call our Toll Free Anti-Hate Hotline at 1-800-892-BNAI (2624)
For incidents that are related to Muslim Hate
If you believe you have been the victim or witness of discrimination, harassment, or a hate crime, please fill out and submit an Incident Report Form with as much detail as possible. NCCM advocates on behalf of those who identify as Canadian Muslims and who have experienced anti-Muslim discrimination, hate or bias domestically.
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Speaking with Students About Tragic Events
Sadly, when tragic events happen here in Toronto or around the world, we know that some students may experience a wide range of reactions and emotions. TDSB Professional Support Services staff have prepared the following tips that may be helpful for parents whose children are experiencing difficulties:
- Bring up the topic at a time and place where a discussion can occur. If there are distractions, a shortage of time or if either you or your child are too tired or busy, it is likely the conversation will be interrupted.
- Begin by listening. Let your child tell you what they believe they know, how they learned it and how they are feeling. Don’t rush to correct or reassure. Allow them to finish their thoughts. Open-ended questions are better than specific ones. It is better to ask, “How are you feeling about what happened?” than “Are you scared because of what happened?” You can be a bit more specific if general questions fail.
- Respond to what your child tells you. Their concerns may be specific or general, concrete or abstract, closely related to the events or related very little. Address what they are concerned about. Don’t overload children with information or solutions. Talk to them with ideas they can handle at their age. If you help them with their concerns today they will likely share more in the future.
- It is normal for people to try to make sense of things when a serious loss occurs. Allow your child to share his or her ideas and speculations. Help them to separate what they know from what they are guessing about.
- Limit exposure to media coverage as it can become overwhelming.
- Be aware that new stresses may open old wounds. When a child is confronted with a crisis, losses and upsets from the past may be remembered. The child may or may not wish to talk about these old issues.
- Talk about specific things you can do to make your child feel secure.
While tragic events can be extremely upsetting, it can be helpful to remind children that this type of event is very rare. - Children deal with stress in many different ways and at different paces. While children may not wish to talk today, they may wish to talk in weeks or days to come. Follow up discussions may be helpful.
Parents, students and staff are encouraged to contact their school principal for more information about additional supports through our Professional Support Services department.
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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.
This week, it was reported that "Ontario's public elementary school teachers have voted 95 per cent in favour of a strike, their union announced Wednesday. The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has said that a strike mandate wouldn't necessarily mean teachers will walk off the job, but will add pressure on the government to reach a contract deal with teachers at the bargaining table."
Information will continue to be updated on the website.
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Protect Yourself
Everyone has a role to play to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 and Influenza. Learn how to protect yourself, your family and your community by:
- Staying up to date on seasonal vaccinations including COVID-19 and Influenza
- Wearing a tight-fitting, well-constructed mask in the workplace while recovering from respiratory symptoms or while in a crowded area
- Regularly washing hands with liquid soap and water
- Sneezing or coughing into a tissue or sleeve
- Avoiding unnecessary touching of the eyes, nose, or mouth
- Self-monitoring for symptoms of illness
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 - Planning & Priorities Committee - 4:30pm - Boardroom - Agenda
- 6.1 Capital Revitalization Strategy: Framework and Guiding Principles -The long-term goal of the Capital Revitalization Strategy is for TDSB to not have any school buildings classified as requiring extensive improvement by 2035. The mid-term goal is to reduce the number of school buildings classified as requiring extensive improvement by 25% by 2028. Guiding Principles are required in order to achieve the multi-year goal and assist staff in determining the timing of projects. Aligned with the TDSB’s Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy (LTPAS) and the Toronto Lands Corporation’s Modernization Strategy, the Capital Revitalization Strategy will undertake building upgrades and renewal work based on the following guiding principles:
● Provide a consistent range and quality of program spaces for all elementary and secondary schools;
● Make the buildings and sites barrier-free accessible;
● Ensure buildings are safe and healthy;
● Refresh interior and exterior finishes to create safe, welcoming environments for students, staff and community-use;
● Consider modernization of building components and systems to improve energyefficiency, reduce greenhouse gases and make the site climate resilient;
● The following will be considered when determining the timing of the projects:
o the classification of the building
o the Learning Opportunities Index of the school
o the LTPAS (for example, schools identified to be investigated in a Pupil Accommodation Review should be considered for improvement after a Board decision has been made on the outcome of the review);
o the funding sources (for example, those that are time sensitive);and
o minimize disruption to students, families, and staff. - 6.2 Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy 2023-2032 - The Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy (LTPAS) provides an approach to program and accommodation planning with a ten-year timeframe that allows for responsiveness and flexibility in a changing environment by including an annual cycle of review. This represents the 10th edition of the LTPAS and is the culmination of a collaborative annual process that reflects the input and perspective of staff and Trustees. Since the LTPAS was first approved in May 2014, over 220 program and accommodation studies have been completed. The outcomes of these studies, approved by Trustees, have moved the system closer to the objectives set out in the Board-approved guiding principles. School boundaries and grades have been adjusted to balance enrolment and maximize the use of space, new programs have been added to improve equity of access for students, capital funding has been secured to build new schools in overcrowded areas of the city, and finally some schools have been closed or right sized to remove surplus space from the system and to ensure that the Board’s resources are allocated efficiently.
- 7.1 Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Request for a Provincial Anti-Hate Strategy (Trustees Laskin and Chernos Lin) - Therefore, be it resolved: a) That the Chair write to Hon. Minister Michael D Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism of Ontario, affirming the Toronto District School Board’s support for the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s request for a province-wide, wellresourced anti-hate strategy; b) That in developing the strategy, the province initiate a review of all policy, regulatory and legal mechanisms for identifying, defining and addressing hate so it reflects the most recent current evidence, practices, and human rights policies; c) That this multi-faceted approach, as per the OHRC ask, involve government, public sector institutions and civil society alike; d) That the province initiate the development of the strategy without delay and consult with the OHRC and other qualified experts in human rights and anti-hate, as well as school boards and professional associations in education (e.g., CODE, OPC, OCT, OPSBA), municipalities (e.g., AMO), law enforcement agencies and community organizations; e) That the Ontario Human Rights Commission, City of Toronto, Ontario School Boards Association and all MPPs be copied on the letter...
- 7.2 Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation (Trustees Hassan and Dawson) - Therefore, be it resolved: a) That the Toronto District School Board endorse the establishment and development of community space for a Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation; b) That the Chair write a letter of support to the Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation regarding the establishment of a centre at Part (a); c) That the Chair write a letter of support to the provincial and federal Ministers of Infrastructure to continue supporting this critical initiative for the Somali community; d) That the Director of Education, explore available opportunities to develop a partnership with the Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation which will be a focal point for Somali creativity, community work, recreation, and for archiving Somali culture and heritage in Canada with the goal of enhancing the academic success, well-being, and engagement of Somali students and to contribute to the education of all TDSB students; e) That the Director of Education present a report to the Program and School Services Committee once programs and/or partnerships have been established.
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LTPAS Proposed Studies in Ward 8- Underway – Boundary Change Study – As part of the Secondary Program Review, explore the legacy technical and commercial attendance areas and rationalize the program scope of the schools where these legacy boundaries currently exist. This review includes Central Technical School, Central Toronto Academy, Western Technical-Commercial School, Danforth CTI, Northern SS, and Victoria Park CI. (directly affecting some Ward 8 families)
- Underway – Development Redirection Study – Continue to explore ongoing redirections of residential development within the attendance areas of Eglinton Jr. PS and John Fisher Jr. PS to mitigate accommodation pressures at those schools.
- Underway – Submit – Emerging Capital Priority – Submit a business case to support the construction of additional pupil places (5 classrooms) at Davisville Jr. PS. This is a previously approved replacement school that requires additional pupil places.
- Underway – Emerging Capital Priority – Explore the redevelopment of the Eglinton Jr. PS site with a development partner to significantly increase the capacity available at the school to accommodate long-term enrolment growth. The redeveloped Eglinton Jr. PS would be situated within the podium of a mixed-use development. This project is associated with the need to address a projected elementary pupil place shortfall of 1,200 in the Yonge-Eglinton area.
- Underway – Emerging Capital Priority – Explore opportunities to secure space for up to 1,200 elementary pupil places within the Yonge-Eglinton area. This will include the pursuit of innovative partnerships with the City of Toronto and the broader development community. This will require a long-term capital funding solution and the acquisition of a site and/or strata ownership to ensure that the ability to accommodate long term enrolment growth is secured. The provision of new elementary school capacity has also been acknowledged as an infrastructure priority by Toronto City Council.
- Underway – Future Project – Emerging Capital Priority – Explore the construction of a replacement JK-8 elementary school (pupil places TBD) on an adjacent site as part of the Lawrence Heights revitalization project. The planned Pupil Accommodation Review will inform the size and program offerings at this proposed new school.
- Underway – Future Project – Emerging Capital Priority – Explore the redevelopment of Fairbank PS in conjunction with the adjacent D.B. Hood property through the modernization lens, subject to the completion of a Pupil Accommodation Review to inform the scope of the redeveloped school.
- 2023-24 – Non-Operating School Site Study – Explore a review of the non-operating school site, Glen Rush, vacant land located at 77 Glen Rush Boulevard, to determine if it is a candidate for potential surplus declaration and sale.
- 2023-24 – Non-Operating School Site Study – Explore a review of the non-operating school site, C.B. Parsons, located at 2999 Dufferin Street and leased to a private school, to determine if a portion of the site is a candidate for potential surplus declaration and sale.
- 2023-24 – Pupil Accommodation Review – Subject to the lifting of the moratorium, explore a review with Oakwood CI, Jarvis CI, Forest Hill CI, York Memorial CI, Humberside CI, North Toronto CI, and Bloor CI to address declining enrolment and underutilization at Oakwood CI. Due to the area impacted by this review, there may be additional schools included as the scope of potential changes evolves.
- 2024-25 – Grade Change Study – Explore a grade change to determine the long-term accommodation solution for the Grade 6 Davisville students (regular track) accommodated at Hodgson MS.
- 2024-25 – Boundary Change Study – Subject to the timing and outcome(s) of the Secondary Program Review, explore a review of shared attendance areas that are currently directed to either Northern SS or York Mills CI to determine a single home school. The impacted feeder schools are St. Andrew's MS, Bedford Park PS, and Glenview Sr. PS.
- 2024-25 – Boundary Change Study – Subject to the timing and outcome(s) of the Secondary Program Review, explore a review of shared attendance areas that are currently directed to either Northern SS or Lawrence Park CI to determine a single home school. The impacted feeder schools are Ledbury Park E and MS, St. Andrew's MS, and Glenview Sr. PS.
- 2024-25 – Development Redirection Study – Explore opportunities to end historical redirections of residential development from Eglinton Jr. PS and return these addresses back to their appropriate schools, either Eglinton Jr. PS or John Fisher Jr. PS. Currently, developments are redirected to Whitney Jr. PS and Rippleton PS.
- 2024-25 – Boundary Change Study – Explore opportunities to expand the collegiate boundary for Northern Secondary School.
- 2024-25 – Grade Change Study – Explore a grade change at Rosedale Jr. PS to expand from a JK-6 school to a JK-8 school. Rosedale Jr. PS is a feeder school to Deer Park Jr. and Sr. PS, a school experiencing accommodation pressure.
- 2024-25 – Development Redirection Study – Explore the redirection of proposed new residential development within the Oriole Park Jr. PS attendance area into North Preparatory Jr. PS, including a study of intermediate school pathways, including Hodgson MS and Forest Hill Jr. and Sr. PS.
- 2024-25 – Boundary Change Study – Explore a review of the existing attendance areas of Allenby Jr. PS, John Ross Robertson Jr. PS, and North Preparatory Jr. PS. This review will also include Glenview Sr. PS.
- 2025-26 – Grade Change Study – Explore the potential for expanding the grade range at Blythwood Jr. PS from JK to Grade 6 to JK to Grade 8. This school currently feeds into Glenview Sr. PS at Grade 7.
- 2025-26 – Program Accommodation Review – Explore a review of Lawrence Heights MS and its feeder schools, Flemington PS, Joyce PS, and Glen Park PS to address underutilization within the area.
- 2026-27 – Boundary Change Study – Explore a boundary change between Deer Park Jr. and Sr. PS and Forest Hill Jr. and Sr. PS, including associated secondary pathways, to address instances of dividing neighbouring addresses along residential streets.
- 2027-28 – Pupil Accommodation Review – Explore a review of Fairbank Memorial Jr. PS, General Mercer Jr. PS, FH Miller Jr. PS, and Fairbank PS to address existing and projected underutilization in the area.
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Grade 8 to 9 Transitions and Student Interest Programs Webinars and Resources
On November 1, 2023, the TDSB will launch the Grade 8 to 9 Transitions process for the 2024 school year. There are several important events and links being highlighted here for you and your communities.
Beyond 8 Website - contains information, resources, links and dates for the Grade 8 to 9 transition process.
Out-of-Area Admissions Website - the status for applying to schools will be available by the end of the first week of November. The Out-of-Area Admissions application will become available online after the Winter break.
November 1, 2023 - Grade 8 to 9 Transitions Webinar - Registration link Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are asked to register for the event prior to the Webinar. Requests for interpretation services can be made in the registration form by Friday, October 27, 2023.
November 2, 2023 - Student Interest Program Webinar - Registration link Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are asked to register for the event prior to the Webinar. Requests for interpretation services can be made in the registration form by Friday, October 27, 2023.
Recordings of both webinars will be posted on the PCEO YouTube Channel and links will be made available on the TDSB websites listed above.
The Central Student Interest Program application will open on Monday, November 6 and remain open until 4 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023. The applications are not considered on a first-come first-served basis; parents/guardians and caregivers are encouraged to attend Open Houses and consider their options prior to submitting an application.
Support sessions are scheduled for November 14 (4 to 5:30 p.m.) and November 22 (7 to 8:30 p.m.). The links to the online Zoom sessions are available on the CSIP Google calendars on the CSIP website. Applicants are also encouraged to contact their current school for technical support or access to technology. TDSB staff will be available to answer questions about the application should applicants require assistance. Staff will not be able to answer specific program and/or school-based questions. Families are encouraged to attend Open Houses for school- and program-specific information.
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TDSB Comments on Regulation Changes – Disposition of Surplus Property and Schools on a Shared Site and to come... Accelerated Apprenticeship Pathway
On September 21, 2023, the Ministry of Education notified school boards that information on changes to two regulations were posted on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry. School boards were invited to review the information and provide comments to the Ministry by October 19, 2023. The first regulation for comment was an amendment to an existing regulation, Ontario Regulation, 444/98, Disposition of Surplus Real Property, which describes the process that school boards follow to sell or lease a property.
The second regulation for comment was a new regulation dealing with schools on shared sites. This regulation will provide a process for school boards to follow to construct a school on a shared site, for example, a school built in the podium of a residential tower.
TDSB and TLC staff reviewed the proposed changes and prepared draft comments. The draft comments were submitted to the Finance Budget and Enrolment Committee on October 11, 2023, for discussion and feedback from Trustees. The feedback from Trustees was incorporated into the comments. The final version of the comments was submitted to the Ministry of Education staff on October 19, 2023, and can be viewed here.
Please note there are additional consultations in place on Bill 98 regulations - On March 8, 2023, the government announced the development of an accelerated apprenticeship pathway, starting in Grade 11, to help students enter a rewarding career in the skilled trades faster - this is the province’s priority of addressing labour market needs for the skilled trades and help students enter the skilled trades faster - please take the time to comment by November 24, 2023. Accelerated Apprenticeship Pathway Consultation.
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Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Conference: Creating Possibilities for Black Students in K-12 Education and Leadership
This year’s conference will be taking place at York University in partnership with the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora. This in-person conference is an incredible opportunity for Black students to present their research developed during the Centre of Excellence’s Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP). Saturday, October 28th
from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at York University - The Second Student Centre 15 Library Ln. To RSVP for this exciting event, please view our RSVP Form. Registration closed Friday, but you may still be able to join if you submit.
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Here to Help - Kids Help Line
As conflict around the world continues, we’re here for anyone who may need support in their language. We offer phone counselling through trained interpreters in over 100 languages including Arabic, Hebrew, Yiddish, Ukrainian, Russian and more by calling 1-800-668-6868. Talking to someone about what you’re going through can be difficult, especially if you don’t use the same language. That’s why Kids Help Phone is providing our phone counselling in over 100 languages, with the help of trained interpreters. It’s all free, confidential and available 24/7 in Canada. No ID required.
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Webinar - Antisemitism at School - October 27 at 7pm
We know that when major conflict occurs in Israel, antisemitic incidents in Toronto increase. This is especially challenging for parents. What should you do if your child faces antisemitism at public school? We invite parents of school-age children to join us for this timely webinar on how you can respond if your child experiences antisemitism at public school—how to report it, and what community supports are available for you and your family. You’ll hear from:
- Dr. Daniel Held, Chief Program Officer, UJA Federation
- Johanna Novis, Director of Community Mobilization to Combat Antisemitism, UJA Federation
- Aneta Fishman, Founding Member, Network of Educators Supporting Jewish Learners, York Regional District School Board
- Shari Schwartz-Maltz, Chair, Jewish Heritage Committee, Toronto District School Board
- Aaron Seres, Associate Director, GTA Stakeholder Relations, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), UJA’s advocacy agent
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Winter Outerwear Drive
One in every three children lives in poverty right here in our city and too many children come to school without proper clothing to keep them warm during the winter months. In addition, many TDSB students are new to Canada and this may be their first time experiencing a Canadian winter. 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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TDSB Social Workers Virtual Community Fair
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TDSB EcoSchools Fall Conference
Join us for the TDSB EcoSchools Fall 2023 Conference on Saturday, October 28 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, 252 Bloor Street West
A FREE hybrid event for all TDSB educators, staff & the OISE community. Leave this conference with inspiring ideas, strategies & resources to foster CCE in K-12 classrooms! Register here.
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TDSB Job Fair on October 28th
The Toronto District School Board is excited to host the 2023 TDSB Employment Opportunity Fair! Join us virtually on Saturday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn more about the hiring process and meet with recruitment staff to discuss the exciting career opportunities at Canada’s largest and most diverse school board! To register for the TDSB Employment Opportunity Fair, please complete this Google Form. For more available opportunities with the TDSB and application details, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/employment.
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Early French Immersion Application Process begins November 6
The application to the Early French Immersion program for 2004-25 will remain an online process managed by the TDSB’s Central French Department, and applications must be completed online between November 6 and December 1, 2023. An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all eligible on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. Interested families can apply via the Application Link.
Please visit the TDSB French website to view a video that provides information about the TDSB French Language programs as well as the application and placement process in the Early French Immersion and the Middle French Immersion programs. More information about the Early Immersion Program is available in 22 languages, or visit the Information Sessions website for related links to join a live Zoom webinar about the application process.
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Central Student Interest Programs for 2024-25
Secondary Central Student Interest Programs and Schools: Timelines & Open Houses begin November 1st. Check here for dates/times.
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School Council Innovation Grant 2023 - 2024
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Professional Learning for School Council Chairs/Co-Chairs, Members, Principals and Vice Principals
Each year the Parent/Caregiver and Community Engagement Office (PCCEO) provides opportunities for School Councils across the system to support the important work of School Councils. Please refer below for all upcoming events and log in details.
Module 1 School Council Chairs: The Basics Leading your School Council begins by understanding the legislation that guides your work. This module will explore what Regulation 612 says about the Council mandate, membership, roles and responsibilities, and the mandatory actions every Council is required to carry out. We will also begin our exploration of Chair as leader by looking at the seven responsibilities of this position. November 13 6:30-8:00
Module 2 School Council Chairs: Leading Meetings Chairing a School Council meeting can be stressful or fulfilling - or a bit of both. Building on module 1, we examine how Chairs may lead effective meetings. We begin with agendas, minutes and reports, then move into decision making, working with committees and valuing volunteers. We end with the responsibility many Chairs hope to avoid - dealing with conflict. Here’s a hint: it doesn’t have to be awful. November 14 6:30-8:00
Module 3 School Council Chairs: Leading an Inclusive Practice School Councils represent the parent/caregiver community, the WHOLE community. But much of their work follows old practices established by the dominant communities. This module looks at those traditions and then begins to disrupt the notion of “the hard to reach” parent/caregiver. Beginning with relationships and communication - the keystones of successful engagement - we will investigate strategies for consultation that “go to the margins”. October 26 6:30-8:00 or November 15 6:30-8:00
Module 4 School Council Chairs: Leading Effective Engagement This series of modules ends where we began - the Council mandate for effective engagement for student achievement. What is meaningful engagement and why is it important? After a brief review of the significance of relationships and communication, we will explore strategies to build the capabilities of your parents/caregivers to support their children’s learning, building connections between school and home, and an interesting way to consult with your community throughout the year. It’s about valuing parent/caregiver knowledge and teacher knowledge. How might Chairs lead this exciting path to collaboration? November 6 6:30-8:00 or November 16 6:30-8:00
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Youth Climate Action Grants – Deadline to Apply, November 20, 2023
Calling all TDSB students! City of Toronto grants of up to $1,000 will be available to student groups who want to take on climate action projects in their schools and communities. Applications for grant funding are now open and the deadline to apply is November 20, 2023. The EcoSchools central team is available to support student groups to develop their action projects and assist with best practices for grant writing proposals. For more information about the grant program, visit Youth Climate Action Grants.
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Global School Play Day 2024 - Celebrating UNSTRUCTURED Play - February 7, 2024
Register your class/school to show support for GSPD. We will send you an email to remind you of the event and we promise not to share your email! Signing up for Global School Play Day is all about sending a collective message to the world that we believe in the importance of play for every child (and adult's).
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Legislative Page Program - Applications Open!
Applications for the spring 2024 term are now open until November 15th, 2023.
This unique educational program for Ontario students enrolled in Grade 7 or 8 at time of application with an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher). It provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over the province. For more information https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/programs/about-page-program.
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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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