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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 -- From OPSBA's Provincial Update
- TDSB 2023-24 Budget Update
- Census 2023
- Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Renewal – Have Your Say!
- Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism - Deadline Extended until May 10, 2023
- Committee Meeting This Week
- Worth Repeating - Asian Heritage Month Virtual Celebration; The Joys of Parenting (Part 2); Sign-Up to be an EcoSchool; More Joy; Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #3; Legislative Page Program; May 16, 2023 - 7-8:30pm – Virtual Ward Forum - School Building in Toronto: Where are we now? Credit Summer Programs; PIAC Conference: Save May 6! Summer School 2023; Secondary Summer Credit Programs; Elementary Summer School; Continuing Education Programming at the TDSB; Useful Links; PSS Virtual Drop-In Hours; We have a Poop Problem! School Year Calendar 2022-23; Approved 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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From OPSBA's Provincial Update
Bill 98, Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 This legislation was introduced on April 17 by Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. The bill proposes changes to the Early Childhood Educators Act, 2007, the Education Act, and the Ontario College of Teachers Act, 1996. The Association did submit a request to appear before the Standing Committee on Social Policy and were granted a time next Tuesday, May 9 at 3:00 pm. OPSBA’s President, Cathy Abraham, will deliver remarks based on our submission, which has been drafted with input based on past commentary, senior staff (labour, program, policy and finance), legal counsel, comments expressed at the OPSBA Board of Directors meeting last weekend, and the collective feedback from OPSBA’s two work groups – Education Program and Policy Development. [Please note that TDSB Chair Rachel Chernos Lin also has a speaking time on May 9 at 3:00pm]
After the two days of public hearings, the Committee will meet for a clause-by-clause review when amendments are presented and voted on. The bill then returns to the Legislative Assembly for Third Reading, which we expect will occur the week of May 15.
Our written submission is comprehensive and includes detailed recommendation and comments on the following areas: • Provincial Priorities • Director of Education Performance Appraisal • Integrity Commissioner Process • Ministerial Direction of Surplus Property • Accelerated Apprenticeships Pathways • Training for School Board Trustees • Limits on Spending Envelopes • Parental Communications
Other individual and groups presenting next week have been posted and information can be found here: Standing Committee on Social Policy - Legislative Assembly of Ontario (ola.org)
Note: There are two ways in which to provide feedback on Bill 98:
1) Standing Committee on Social Policy - Feedback deadline is May 9, 2023 at 7:00 pm • Submission Link: ola.org/en/apply-committees • Choose Bill 98, Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023 • Choose submit written material • Fill in contact information and upload written submission document
Ministry of Education Announcement re: Mental Health Curriculum
Earlier this week, the Minister of Education participated in a news conference along with Associate Mental Health Minister Michael Tibollo to announce the introduction of a new mental health literacy curriculum in schools in the next school year for Grade 7 and 8 students. It will be expanded to Grade 10 and made mandatory for students by the fall of 2024. The government is also planning to spend $12 million this year and $14 million next year to provide mental health supports to students during summer breaks, by letting them access the same mental health professionals they see at their schools year-round.
[Note we are still waiting for TDSB staff to confirm whether or not this is new funding and whether or not there are staff resources in addition to updated curriculum]
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TDSB 2023-24 Budget Update
Staff is still determining the actual impacts on our projected budget - we have our next meeting next Monday, May 15th beginning at 4:30 where we expect staff to provide us with an updated financial position.
Please Hold the Date for a Joint Virtual Ward Forum on TDSB's Budget with Special Guest Craig Snider, Executive Officer, Business Services - on Monday, June 5th from 7:30-9pm. Register here.
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Census 2023
The TDSB Census has been conducted every five years since 2006. Census data has provided schools, parents and the community with valuable information to help improve schools for the benefit of all students. Extensive input from students, parents/guardians/caregivers, staff and the community informed the Census.
The confidential survey asks students important questions about their school experiences and identities including participation in school activities, safety, well-being, mental health, outdoor learning, etc. It is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system.
The TDSB is asking all parents/guardians/caregivers and/or students to consider filling out a census survey online. Based on opt-out and consent information, all Census surveys have been sent to students or families. JK to grade 3 families and grade 4 to 8 families (completing the Census at home) check your emails for TDSBStudentCensus@qemailserver.com.
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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 - Deadline Extended until May 10, 2023
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 focused 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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Committee Meeting This Week
The TDSB is committed to advocacy for students, parents and communities. We welcome members of the public to bring forward issues and concerns they have through a delegation, which is addressing a committee of the Board of Trustees (by speaking virtually, in person or submitting a written statement). Our Delegation Procedure is designed to set out a consistent and easily understandable process for the public and to manage the process in a fair and equitable manner. https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations
TDSB will strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities; the delegates are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance of the Committee meeting when they send their request by e-mail to delegates@tdsb.on.ca by 4 p.m., two (2) working days before the committee meeting day.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - Program and School Services Committee - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom - Agenda- 5.1 Special Education Advisory Committee Report, April 11, 2023
- 6.1 Arts Update Report
- 6.2 Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Update, Year 1
- 7.1 Incorporating IDC4U: Deconstructing Anti-Black Racism, a Grade 12U Interdisciplinary Course in the TDSB, as Provincially Accredited Coursework (Trustees Dawson and King, on behalf of Student Trustees Musa, Osaro and Indigenous Student Trustee Shafqat)
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Asian Heritage Month Virtual Celebration
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The Joys of Parenting (Part 2)
The Joys of Parenting (Part 2): Building Home-School Partnership on Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 at 6:30PM
The Community Support Workers are offering this learning opportunity -
Exploring ways to strengthen the connection between school and home to serve our children. Register - here
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Sign-Up to be an EcoSchool
In 2020, TDSB schools joined the national EcoSchools Canada certification program. The TDSB first launched the EcoSchools program in 2003, to promote environmental education and action, and improve how schools and school grounds are used, run and even designed. The goal of the EcoSchools program is to support students and staff in learning about, caring for and protecting the environment — starting right in their own school. Research shows the EcoSchools program is “well-positioned to facilitate the integration of climate change learning and action throughout school communities”.
Certifying as an EcoSchool is an incredible opportunity for your students to join a global movement of over 19 million environmental leaders around the globe. It sets the stage for students and educators to learn about climate change, engage in sustainable solutions, develop skills, and form partnerships in their school communities. Whether you’re certifying for the first time, or pursuing your tenth year of Platinum certification, your school is supported by a comprehensive framework of and curriculum-linked resources to help you every step of the way. Registration for the 2022-2023 school year is now open and final deadline is May 12, 2023. Click https://app.ecoschools.ca/login.
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More Joy
TDSB Community Support Workers (Model Schools) present MORE JOY!! A 30-minute after-school family literacy series Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 7:30pm From May 3 to June 14
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Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #3 Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM LC1 and LC4
If you require a language interpreter, please send in your request by Mon., May 22nd to SpecialEd@tdsb.on.ca. This session will focus on summer transitions and will include ideas to engage students during the summer months such as home activities, library resources and information on how to use Read & Write Gold at home. Information on community agencies will also be shared. There will be an opportunity for parents/guardians/caregivers to ask questions about these processes. The sessions will be facilitated by Special Education and Inclusion staff. Please click the link below to join the webinar for LC1/LC4: Zoom Link for May 30, 2023 at 07:00 PM https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/96753209262
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Legislative Page Program
Applications for the fall 2023 term are now open. We are accepting applications until June 15th, 2023.
As we welcome the Pages to the Legislative Building, their health and safety, as well as everyone who has direct contact with them, is top priority. For the fall 2023 period, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Attend school in Ontario and be entering Grade 8 in the fall of 2023 (Note: Students in Grade 6 are not eligible; applicants must be in Grade 7 or 8 at the time of application)
- Have an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher)
- Students must also demonstrate an involvement in a variety of extra-curricular (in and out of school) and community based activities; leadership skills; responsibility, maturity and commitment; an interest in current affairs; strong interpersonal and social skills; and an ability to get along well with peers and adults.
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May 16, 2023 - 7-8:30pm - School Building in Toronto: Where are we now?
The TDSB's Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy is refreshed every year - please join Trustee Alexis Dawson and me to discuss the plans for our Wards. If you are interested in participating, please Register online here - https://forms.gle/aEoGS5BcgmJXDdYo7.
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TDSB Business Development Workshops
Missed one of our recent workshops? Visit our YouTube channel to learn about:
- Your Guide to Sponsorships at TDSB
- Writing a Successful Grant Application
- School Council Fundraising Best Practices Workshop
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Secondary Credit Summer School
Registration for Secondary Credit Summer School 2023 opened April 18th at 10:00 a.m. for:
- Remote/In Person High School Students Full Credit
- Remote/In Person Adult 18+
- Remote Credit Recovery
- Remote/In Person Grade 8 Reach Ahead
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Elementary Summer School 2023
Looking to build your child’s literacy and numeracy skills? Elementary Summer School registration is now open! The focus of the 2023 Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program is to continue student engagement through the month of July. Programs, which are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the local school focus, are offered in-person to students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, from July 4 to July 28, 2023, in various locations around the city. This year, one remote program will also be available. For more information, including a list of schools and online registration forms, visit our summer school program page.
Elementary Summer School at Deer Park The program includes Kindergarten to Grade 8. Any student registered in an Ontario school can apply. (TDSB and Non-TDSB). Program dates: July 4 – July 28 Program time: 9:00am - 12:00pm Families should feel free to complete and send the registration by email or bring it in person to the school office.
Continuing Education Programming at the TDSB
Did you know we offer a wide variety of Continuing Education at the TDSB? I encourage you to explore learning opportunities available for children, families, adults, and visitors - click here for more information on continuing education programs and click here for more information on summer programs.
- African Heritage Elementary Program
- International Languages Elementary Program
- Learn4Life General Interest Spring Program - Adults 18+ and Senior
- Adult ESL Program
- Summer Music & Art Camps
- International Youth Summer Program
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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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We have a Poop Problem!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
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Approved 2023-2024 Calendar
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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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