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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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| Week of February 13, 2022
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"If the recent acts of hate in the TDSB tell us anything it’s that anti-racism and genocide curricula need to be mandatory EVERYWHERE! Education is key to dismantling all forms of hate and prejudice. As hatred stems from ignorance and ignorance is a lack of knowledge."
Please remember Friday, February 18 is a PA Day for both Elementary and Secondary Schools - there is no school that day. And schools are closed Monday, February 21 for Family Day. Enjoy the Long Weekend!
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In this Issue:- COVID-19 Update
- Addressing Hate
- Secondary Timetable 2022-23
- Committee Meeting this Week
- TDSB System Calendar
- Policy Consultations - Naming Schools, Special-Purpose Areas, and Teams (P047)
- Key Dates - School Year Calendar 2022-23 (Proposed)
- This Week - Café Break; Climate Action Summit; The Pursuit of Educational Freedom for Black and Racialized Students, with Dr. Bettina Love; Additional Opportunities
- New Invitations - 2021-22 OPSBA Public Property Assessment Network Scholarship
- Worth Repeating - February is African Heritage Month & Chinese Heritage Month; February is Kindergarten Registration; School Open Houses and Information Nights; Optional Attendance 2022-2023; Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voters Lists?; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
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COVID-19 UpdatePlease continue to follow all public health measures - self-monitor, wear a mask that fits, wash your hands frequently, distance where possible and stay home if not feeling well. And above all, get vaccinated! Sincere appreciation and gratitude to all health care professionals - let's all do what we can within our own power to ensure they can continue to support us.
How to Book a Vaccine- Learn more about vaccines for children and youth, including how to book and prepare for your child's vaccination appointment (Ministry of Education)
- Visit the How to Get Vaccinated webpage by Toronto Public Health
- Kids Health First -- developed by the Children's COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Table in Ontario - Although the recommended second dose is 8 weeks after the first dose, my understanding is parents can give informed consent for their child (5-11) to receive their second dose sooner when they book at the provincial booking centre - 1-833-943-3900.
- Please see A Parent's Guide to Vaccination.
- Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and youth? You can book an appointment with the COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service (VSC) to speak with a Registered Nurse to get answers to your questions. Appointments are available Monday to Friday.
- To cut through the confusion, family doctors have come together to help patients and the public make sense of the current COVID rules and realities. The 'Confused about COVID? Family doctors answer your questions' series offers patients and the public trustworthy advice about protecting their health and how family doctors can help.
- Learn from medical experts, all in one place. Get more information here https://parenthomework.ca/.
Book a vaccine appointment online at the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button on toronto.ca/covid-19 or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).
Vaccine Hunters - Do-it-yourself resource for finding vaccine related info. Find details on eligibility, appointments, walk-ins, pharmacy search tools, vaccine receipts + more!
Vaccine Opportunities for Students
School vaccination clinics during the school day will continue to be established in consultation with Toronto Public Health (TPH) and Hospital partners. We are working in partnership with TPH to distribute vaccine consent forms and gauge interest in attending a vaccination clinic at the school.
If you have questions concerning vaccinating your child, please visit the Toronto Public Health website or call them at 416-338-7600. If your child is already scheduled to receive a vaccine within the next 1-2 weeks, that appointment should be honoured.
Vaccine Opportunities for StaffEducation and child care staff can now book appointments at 10 health clinic locations across the GTHA. Appointments for any of these clinics can be scheduled through the dedicated FH Health booking website. The TDSB continues to work with Toronto Public Health and other local health partners to provide additional vaccine opportunities for staff.
Update on Screening Procedures
Please review and become familiar with the screening tool including the second page which provides direction on isolation measures in a variety of scenarios based on age and vaccination status. Please complete the TDSB Health Pass or Health Screening App daily. Anyone who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or is a confirmed positive case must self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Virtual office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays
Mask-wearing in Children and COVID-19…What We Know So Far
From Feb 4 PHO publication - Public Health Ontario (PHO) is actively monitoring, reviewing and assessing relevant information related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). “What We Know So Far” documents provide a rapid review of the evidence on a specific aspect or emerging issue related to COVID-19. Read the full report.
Among Key Findings
- The evidence indicated that schools with mask mandates for children were associated with lower incidence of severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection compared to schools without mask mandates for children. However, most studies included schools that implemented mask policies combined with other layers of infection prevention controls.
- There was no objective evidence for reduced respiratory function in children that wore masks, with commonly reported complaints being subjective. There was no evidence of negative cognitive impacts and there were mixed results for studies on the psychological, communicative and dermatologic impacts of child mask-wearing.
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Addressing Hate
Understanding the fear and vulnerability caused by hate and racism, the aim of this resource is two-fold. This resource encourages educators and students to explore and deepen their understanding of global and local acts of hate. Second, this resource is developed to support educators to focus on key questions as they engage in lessons and conversations regarding understanding and addressing hate-fuelled ideologies and representations."
As noted in my Weekly Update of January 30, there is much work to do as we witnessed incidents of hate displayed during the occupation in Ottawa and protests in Toronto. Let me add that during these last few weeks there have been multiple incidents of anti-Black racism and antisemitism in schools across the TDSB including those in Ward 8.
In June of 2019, the Board passed a motion Dealing With Incidents of Racism and Hate that led to Procedure 274 - Reporting and Responding to Racism and Hate Incidents Procedure – including the creation of the Racism, Bias and Hate Portal (RBH). The RBH is an online system which enables detailed incident reporting on racism and hate incidents involving or impacting students in schools. It also provides a record of responses to such incidents, in the form of action plans and communication strategies, while allowing for the identification of any potential lessons learned, good/best practices, future preventative measures required, and any other systemic considerations.
That said, the fact that they are ocurring at all is disturbing. "In TDSB, we must all be committed to teaching our students to naming, identify, and address racism and hate and creating an environment where hatred and bigotry are not acceptable."
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Secondary Timetable 2022-23
Staff are working on plans for the timetable model for the 2022-2023 school year. While there is still great uncertainty about the restrictions that may be in place in the fall of 2022, staff intend to support schools as they prepare and plan for the upcoming school year. At this time, it has been determined that secondary schools will build a timetable with a common structure for next year.
All secondary schools will use the traditional semester model structure (i.e. four period day/regular semester) for the 2022-2023 school year. Secondary alternative schools will continue to provide modified school timetables most appropriate for the learning needs of the students. Consideration was also given to schools with secondary Intensive Support Programs (ISPs) and our Adult Learning Centres. Congregated Special Education programs and Adult Learning Centres will run on schedules that best meet these unique environments.
Staff will continue to engage with the Student Trustees and the Student Senate in this critical conversation. The Timetable Working Committee will continue meeting to determine and recommend the daily schedule. We will share more information on the daily schedule when that process is complete.
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, February 16 - Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - 4:30pm - Agenda
- 5.1. Contract Awards, Operations
- 5.2. Contract Awards, Facilities
- 6. Revitalizing School Interiors
- 7. City of Toronto Community Benefit Charges: Update
- 8. Provincial Capital Priorities Program 2022-23 - To follow
- 9. Elementary Vice-Principal Allocation Model
- 10. 2022-23 Enrolment Projections
- 11. First Quarter Interim Financial Report: 2021-22
- 12. Proposed Strategic Drivers for 2022-23 Budget
- 13. 2022-23 Preliminary Financial Forecast- To follow
- 14. Financial Facts: Revenue and Expenditure Trends, February 2022
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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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Policy Consultations - Naming Schools, Special-Purpose Areas, and Teams (P047)
Please read the current draft of the proposed policy and complete the survey. You are welcome to provide your comments, including suggestions on the wording and provisions of the draft policies, questions or recommendations using the contact information below.
Objective: To establish guiding principles and criteria for the naming and renaming of schools, special-purpose areas, and teams consistent with the Board’s Mission, Values and Goals Policy (P002) and the Equity Policy (P037) commitments.
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Café Break
Students4WellBeing – or S4W – are a group of TDSB students in Grades 9-12 who support conversations about Mental Health and Well Being that intersect equity, student identities, lived experiences and voices with TDSB’s Mental Health Leads.
Mark your calendars for our next Café Break sessions: February 16 from 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Theme: What does mental health mean to Students & factors affecting mental health
Breakout Room Topics for Smaller Discussion:
- Black History Month & reflections of Mental Health
- High school transitions & wellness
- What is SAD-Seasonal Affective Disorder
Check out the flyer for all the details
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Climate Action Summit
Calling all TDSB Youth EcoTeams and Staff!
Join us on Wednesday, February 16th from 9-11:45 am EST.
The Summit will help you become actively involved in taking equitable climate action that will help slow down climate change and contribute towards achieving the TransformTO targets.
You will learn how to get started by exploring five interconnected climate action strategies outlined in the TDSB's new Youth Climate Action Guide. You will also learn how your team can apply to the Youth Climate Action Grants from the City of Toronto to launch and support your actions. Register http://tdsbyouthclimatesummit.eventbrite.com.
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The Pursuit of Educational Freedom for Black and Racialized Students, with Dr. Bettina Love
Dr. Bettina L. Love is an award-winning author and the Athletic Association Endowed Professor at the University of Georgia. Her writing, research, teaching, and educational advocacy work meet at the intersection of education reform, anti-racism, carceral studies, abolition, and Black joy. She is the author of We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom. This presentation is in collaboration with the African Heritage Month Committee and the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement.
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2021-22 OPSBA Public
Property Assessment Network Scholarship
The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the third and final year of our Public Property Assessment Network Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 to one recipient in the OPSBA Central East Region, which includes the TDSB, for three school years – 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22. Scholarship recipients are students of strong character, who care deeply about their communities and furthering their own learning.
The deadline for receipt of application packages is May 20, 2021. Please seed details in the attached flyer.
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February is African Heritage Month & Chinese Heritage Month
During the month of February, the Toronto District School Board proudly recognizes African Heritage Month. It is an occasion to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of peoples of African descent to Canada and the world. The chosen theme for 2021-2022 is NIA: Walking in Our Purpose. Learn more. Follow AfricanHeritage365 @tdsbAfricanHM
The Toronto District School Board is proud to recognize Chinese Heritage Month (CHM) during the month of February. We encourage everyone to participate and make our Chinese Heritage Month spectacular. This year’s theme is Year of the Tiger – Brave, Compassionate, Adventurous, and Optimistic. Learn more. Follow Chinese Heritage Month @tdsbChineseHM.
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February is Kindergarten Registration Month
Registration for all TDSB Kindergarten programs (except French Immersion) is on now. You may choose to register using the online registration system or Virtual Face to Face, via Zoom.
Children who will be four by December 31, 2022, can start Junior Kindergarten in September 2022. Please note: Only parents or legal guardians can register a child for TDSB programs. Find your school.
There is a separate process to apply for optional attendance. Please contact alternative schools or elementary academies directly for more information about requirements and the registration process.
Please also note the application for the Early French Immersion program was in November and is complete for September 2022. More information available at www.tdsb.on.ca/french.
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Optional Attendance 2022-2023
Students who reside within the City of Toronto have the right to attend a school which is designated to serve their residential address. The "Find Your School" section of the website identifies the designated schools for each residential address. Students also have the opportunity to access schools outside of the school that is designated to serve their residential address by applying on optional attendance. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability and program suitability. Most schools in Ward 8 are closed to Optional Attendance.
Elementary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:
- March 04, 2022 Deadline for parents/guardians to be informed of the status of the application request
- March 25, 2022Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer
Secondary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:- February 22, 2022 Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer via email and submit course selections via MyBlueprint
Tkaronto Indigenous Youth Council
Calling all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students! Join the Tkaronto Indigenous Youth Council (TIYC), a group of Indigenous youth from across the TDSB that come together to make positive change in their community and support one another in the process. See link for details.
Free Skills Upgrading Classes for Adults in Toronto
Community Services is operating free Essential Skills Upgrading (ESU) classes remotely for adults in the community. Individuals seeking to upgrade math, reading/writing or computer skills so they can pursue more education or employment should visit upgrademyskills.ca.
English Instruction for Adult Newcomers with Free Childcare
The TDSB’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes is the largest LINC provider in Canada. All sites provide free care for newcomer children, so adult newcomers can gain English instruction without worrying about costly childcare. Visit linctoronto.ca to learn more.
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Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voter List?
The upcoming year will be a busy one for Ontario voters, with the Ontario Provincial Election and Municipal and School Board Elections happening just a few months apart. Are you on the voter's list?
For the Ontario Election on June 2, 2022. Ontario residents can visit Elections Ontario - Voter Registration to add, update or confirm your information on the voters list for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, Canadian citizens and residents of Ontario; Register of Absentee Voters for voters temporarily living outside Ontario who intend to return to the province; or Ontario Register of Future Voters for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds who will be automatically added to the voters list when they turn 18.
For the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections on October 24, 2022, Ontario residents can visit Voterlookup.ca at any time to find out whether their information is accurately reflected for inclusion on the Preliminary List of Electors for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections. Eligible electors can also update their information, add a name to an address, or change their school support for electoral purposes. Let's be ready.
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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 City of Toronto By-Laws and TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property.
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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