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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:
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We Remember
- 2022-23 Operating Budget and Three-Year Deficit Recovery Plan
- Provincial Election Update from OPSBA
- COVID-19 Reminders
- Early Reading in the TDSB
- Please Note - Virtual Learning 2022-2023
- Community Updates Now Posted
- Committee Meetings this Week
- TDSB System Calendar
- OPSBA AGM
- Summer Programs
- Policy Consultations
- New Invitations - Computer Skills Upgrade
- Worth Repeating - June's Heritage Months; COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics co-hosted by Councillor Matlow; Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Grand Opening Virtual Event – June 13, 2022; TDSBcares: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
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We Remember
From NCCM
"As we remember Our London Family, we are mindful of the grief this brings to each of our hearts but also the need for ongoing action and healing. I encourage educators to remind all students of classrooms guidelines before starting these conversations while also recognizing this time can be especially difficult for Muslim students, families and staff.
Hold space for students to express themselves and provide opportunities for students to engage in different ways. Consider holding a moment of silence in your classroom or school to honour Our London Family... also join us on Monday with your class for student sessions, more information here."
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2022-23 Operating Budget and Three-Year Deficit RecoveryPlan
Section 231 of the Education Act requires school boards to pass balanced operating budgets each year. Budgets are intended to align both human and financial resources to system priorities. School boards are required to submit their annual balanced operating budgets to the Ministry of Education by June 30 of each year.
Staff has had initial discussions with the Ministry around the 2022-23 operating budget and approval based on a preliminary projected deficit of $38.4M, or 1.3% of operating allocation.
Based on the strategies outlined above, it is anticipated that the TDSB will eliminate the $52.2M deficit by Year 3 with a $8.6M surplus to address other budget needs that may arise during this 3-year period. It is important to note that staff have suggested the majority of the deficit reduction measures proposed in Year 1 do not have a significant impact on programs and services. The measures outlined in Year 2 and 3 may need to be modified in future years, depending on any enrolment fluctuation and Ministry funding changes. This deficit recovery plan has factored in a contingency for future budget needs that may arise, such as any necessary resources to address the Right to Read inquiry recommendations and any unplanned costs related to the approved Student Interest Programs policy. To read the complete report click on https://www.tdsb.on.ca//Leadership//Boardroom//AgendaMinutes.aspx?Type=A&Folder=Agenda%2f20220608&Filename=6.pdf.
The unfortunate thing about this proposal of our budget with the deficit reduction plan is that if the province fully-funded the pandemic spending of the TDSB we would not be in this position.
The TDSB experienced a total enrolment decline of close to 17,000 students since the start of the pandemic. This resulted in a significant reduction in grants, which were offset by the one-time enrolment stabilization and recent immigrant supplement. But the Board experienced approximately $64M in other revenue reductions since March 2020 from sources such as international students, permits, leases, continuing education and cafeteria sales, as a result of the pandemic. These reductions could not be equally offset by an associated reduction in operating costs. In addition, the TDSB incurred over $69M in board funded pandemic costs that were not reimbursed from the Ministry.
The TDSB has continued to advocate for additional and more stable funding from the province, including the reimbursement of all pandemic related expenses and other revenue losses incurred, a commitment to fund the TDSB’s pandemic recovery plan, and additional funding to cover inflationary cost increases relating to employee benefit costs, utilities, transportation, and other cost increases that are not currently funded by the Ministry.
Again, should these costs be reimbursed to school boards, these supports would be sufficient to address the TDSB’s projected deficits in both 2021-22 and 2022-23.
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Provincial Election Update from OPSBA
I'd like to add my congratulations to Jill Andrew, MPP Toronto-St Paul's and Robin Martin, MPP Eglinton-Lawrence who were re-elected in TDSB Ward 8.
Now from OPSBA's Legislative Update, Friday, June 3, 2022
OPSBA issued a media release earlier today regarding the election results.
The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario led by Doug Ford, was re-elected in yesterday’s provincial election, securing a majority government with 83 seats. The New Democratic Party of Ontario, led by Andrea Horwath, won 31 seats and will form the official opposition. The Liberal Party of Ontario, led by Steven Del Duca, captured eight seats. There was one successful independent candidate – Bobbi Ann Brady won in Haldimand—Norfolk. Mr. Del Duca was not elected in his riding, Vaughan-Woodbridge. Mike Schreiner, leader of the Green Party of Ontario, won his seat in the riding of Guelph. Both Mr. Del Duca and Ms. Horwath have announced they are stepping down as their party leaders. All former government cabinet ministers were re-elected. Elections Ontario has posted that the voter turnout was 43.03%.
Twelve seats are required for official party status in the legislature. With only eight seats, the Liberal Party remain without official party status and with that comes no funding for administrative staff and research activities as well as designated time to speak in the legislature.
In the coming days and weeks, OPSBA will be contacting the new government to establish meetings to share and discuss education priorities. The time to form a new government varies and is typically two to five weeks. The current parliamentary calendar indicates the Legislative Assembly of Ontario will resume on Monday, September 12, 2022. OPSBA will continue to provide information and updates to members.
There were several trustee candidates in the provincial election and OPSBA congratulates those who were successful and will now become MPPs. We thank them for their contribution to public education. This includes:
- Patrice Barnes, Durham DSB – PC Candidate (Ajax)
- David Smith, Toronto DSB – PC Candidate (Scarborough Centre)
Pre-Election Party Standings – 124 seats:
- Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario - 67
- New Democratic Party of Ontario - 38
- Ontario Liberal Party – 7
- Green Party of Ontario - 1
- New Blue Party of Ontario - 1
- Ontario Party - 1
- Independent – 6
- Vacant – 3
Post-Election Standings – 124 seats:
- Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario - 83
- New Democratic Party of Ontario - 31
- Ontario Liberal Party – 8
- Green Party of Ontario - 1
- Independent – 1
For a full list of “unofficial” results for all 124 electoral districts please visit Elections Ontario. Click here to also see the results from the Student Vote election (different results).
[I am thinking of the words I read in an article by Nam Kiwauka on why some people don't vote - “There has to be community engagement before there is political engagement. They have to feel empowered and feel like they have the civic skills and knowledge to participate and make an informed choice.” Let's redouble our efforts towards community engagement - to build an informed electorate on the importance of our vote. Our democracy.]
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COVID-19 RemindersPlease Continue to Wear a Mask
Cases may be declining, but we are still experiencing daily absences in schools of both students and staff due to COVID-19. There is evidence that close and sustained contact outdoors with no masking has led to cases. Face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, frequent hand-washing and physical distancing, can help slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Please wear a mask to protect yourself and others, especially those that cannot yet be vaccinated.
Updated Information from TPH
Please get VaccinatedMental Health and Well-Being
COVID-19 Case Reporting - Adding TDSB-wide Totals
TDSB-wide weekly total of COVID-19 numbers will be reported on the COVID-19 Reporting webpage. This, in tandem with the daily COVID-19 notification letters from schools, will further provide our community a comprehensive picture of what is happening locally and system-wide, while preventing stigmatization of particular schools or areas. Weekly totals will be updated every Tuesday for the preceding week, here is the data from June 2. On June 2, there were absences from every single of the 33 schools in Ward 8 due to COVID-19.
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Early Reading in the TDSB
The Family and Caregiver Guide has been developed to outline this vision of early reading in the TDSB in partnership with families and communities. This Guide is led by our vision of families and it provides an overview of the foundational early reading skills and essential instructional approaches. Suggestions of strategies for families and caregivers are shared that extend, respond and honour children’s competencies in early literacy behaviours.
Early Reading Instruction at the TDSB Educators strive to embed the intentional teaching of foundational reading skills into rich learning experiences that build upon children’s strengths, interests, passions, lived experiences and identities.
Key messages outlined in this framework include:
- Reading experiences build on students’ prior knowledge, their strengths, passions, interests, identities and language experiences in their home and their community
- The teaching of foundational reading skills happens in purposeful and meaningful contexts where students are immersed in rich literacy experiences that cultivate joy
- Instruction in reading is grounded in responsive, caring relationships
The Ontario Human Rights Commission released the Right to Read Inquiry Report which reflected findings from a public inquiry into human rights issues affecting students with reading disabilities. In response to the inquiry report, the Ministry of Education released Effective Early Reading Instruction: A Guide for Teachers which includes examples of instructional strategies to support reading instruction. TDSB Literacy supports for educators reflect the recommendations from the Right to Read Inquiry Report and also ensure the students’ lived experiences and identities are affirmed and that they experience the joy of reading.
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Please Note - Virtual Learning 2022-2023
Some parents/guardians/caregivers have reached out to schools with questions about Virtual Learning for the 2022-2023 school year. Recognizing that circumstances may have changed since the Virtual Learning Registration process in March, staff are providing elementary and secondary students with an opportunity to withdraw their registration in Virtual Learning.
The withdrawal process will take place during the week of June 6 to 10. On May 30, an email will be sent to all parents/guardians/caregivers of students who are currently registered for Virtual Learning for the 2022-2023 school year to inform them of the opportunity to request a withdrawal from Virtual Learning and return to In-Person Learning.
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers will be asked to contact their child’s current school to request a withdrawal from Virtual Learning for the 2022-2023 school year. While it is our goal to accommodate as many withdrawal requests as possible, we cannot guarantee all requests will be met, as it depends on available space at in-person schools.
Beginning the week of June 20, communication will be shared to confirm withdrawal from Virtual Learning or to provide relevant information regarding any withdrawal request for a student in an Intensive Support Program.
Please note that a withdrawal from Virtual Learning is a final decision for the entire 2022-2023 school year. There will be no future opportunity for students to re-register for Virtual Learning.
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Community Updates Now Posted
To follow these current and potential projects, int the Ward click on the following links:
Select 2020 - Baycrest Public School - Sir Sandford Fleming Retrofit
Select 2021 - Memorial Park Stormwater Management Partnership Project
- The City of Toronto’s Midtown Toronto Storm Sewer Relief Project (MTSSRP) involves construction of an underground stormwater storage tank and a pumping station in Memorial Park. This work is part of the City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Protection Program to help reduce the risk of future basement flooding. TDSB/TLC and the City are working towards an agreement that permits the City of Toronto to use TDSB lands at North Preparatory JPS (Memorial Park) which will also affect Forest Hill Collegiate Institute. The information from the information meeting on May 26, 2022 is posted https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Strategy-Planning/Search-All-Reviews/id/175.
Eglinton Junior Public School
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 - Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - 4:30 p.m. - Agenda- 5.1. Contract Awards, Operations
- 5.2. Contract Awards, Facilities
- 5.3. Contract Awards: Summer Approval Process, 2022
- 6. 2022-23 Operating Budget and Three-Year Deficit Recovery Plan
- 7. York Memorial Collegiate Institute: Reconstruction Update
- 8. Davisville Junior Public School and Spectrum Alternative Senior School Land Conveyance
- 9.1. Supplemental Approach to Funding Sources for Capital Projects (Trustees Mammoliti and Smith)
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TDSB System Calendar
There are many ways for parents/guardians and school community members to get involved, learn, connect and participate in TDSB activities and events. Visit this page often and see what's coming up!
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OPSBA AGM
From Thursday through Sunday this week I will be attending the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Ottawa. Keynotes include: Forced Opportunity from Comedian “Brittlestar” Stewart Reynolds and Interpreting the Provincial Election Results - What’s Next for Ontario? from national pollster and political analyst Nik Nanos. Panel and workshop topics are: Government Relations 101; Pandemic Recovery Through Student Voice; Sharing, Learning & Working Together (Indigenous Sharing Circle); Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Running Successful Meetings.
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Summer ProgramsAt the TDSB we provide a wide range of enriching summer programs for children, youth and adults. Click on the links to find out more.
Elementary
Secondary
Adult
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Computer Skills
TDSB- Essential Skills Upgrading is sharing computer skill upgrade workshops in June. These are free workshops but registration is required. To attend workshop:
- Attendees need laptop/computer with software installed.
- Learners MUST be registered to attend workshop.
- Valid SIN required
To book an assessment appointment please contact us at 416-396-6368 or e-mail upgrading@tdsb.on.ca. Please provide a phone number when emailing.
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History and Heritage Months in June
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COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics co-hosted by Councillor Matlow
Every Tuesday 12-4pm until June 7th, Councillor Matlow is co-hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Fairbank Memorial Community Centre with some remarkable partners. To learn about eligibility & details, check out the flyer or contact York-Fairbank Centre for Seniors 416 - 651- 8300 / yorkfairbank@on.aibn.com
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Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Grand Opening Virtual Event – June 13, 2022
The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement is proud to unveil the new physical space! The creation of the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement originated as part of the Toronto District School Board’s response to dismantling anti-Black racism within the school board. It aims to improve both experiences and outcomes for Black students and is also responsive to the voices of Black communities who consistently advocated for deeper systemic change.
This live-streamed evening is filled with activities including a video tour. There will be the unveiling of artwork developed by artist and creator of the LEGACY posters and Order of Canada recipient, Robert Small, along with award-winning Afrofuturist muralist and cultural curator, Danilo Deluxo.
Date: June 13, 2022
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Audiences will experience performances as well as hear from Toronto District School Board staff and distinguished community members.
The event will be moderated by Itah Sadu, storyteller, author and managing director of A Different Booklist Cultural Centre: The People's Residence. For more details, click https://www.tdsb.on.ca/cebsa/grandopening.
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TDSBcares: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal
Since the start of the conflict, a number of schools across the TDSB have been holding fundraisers and collecting donations in support of the ongoing relief efforts in Ukraine. The launch of TDSBcares: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal complements these school initiatives and streamlines the process for schools and central departments to make new or additional donations.
The TDSBcares: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal will run until May 31, 2022. Tax receipts will be issued by the Canadian Red Cross (for all donations of $1 or more) and UNICEF (for all donations of $10 or more).
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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. And please do not verbally abuse TDSB caretaking staff - I am hearing that when members of the public and caretakers onsite try and inform dog owners, they are met with threats and intimidation.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- The last day of class for elementary students is June 30, 2022
- The last day of class for secondary students is June 29, 2022
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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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