email : Webview : Laskin Update - Week of October 31, 2016

Week of October 31, 2016

36th Annual Neuberger Holocaust Education Week Nov 2-9

Complete program calendar now available http://holocaustcentre.com/HEW

Exploring the theme of the Future of Memory, the 36th annual Holocaust Education Week will run from November 2-9, culminating in a commemoration of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass (November 9-10, 1938). HEW 2016 will contribute to our collective understanding of the Holocaust by exploring the theme via new scholarship, engaging in cultural and literary analysis, and providing an inquiry-based learning medium for new generations to hear firsthand accounts from those who survived the Holocaust. Read About the Theme

In addition to the public programing, many schools participate in "closed programs" where a Holocaust survivor speaks to students.

November is Aboriginal Education Month in the Toronto District School Board (from the website)

In November, we celebrate Aboriginal Education Month at the TDSB. This month provides an opportunity to re-examine how Aboriginal perspectives, histories and contemporary realities may be incorporated across the curricula, and to focus on treaties and the legacy of residential schools. At the TDSB, all students should feel supported, have a sense of belonging and feel respected and valued. By infusing Aboriginal perspectives across curriculum in all areas, we want to create inclusive spaces for students to see themselves reflected as individuals and validated within the school community.

Aboriginal education is not just for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, but for all students and staff. When non-Aboriginal people learn about the rich histories, cultures and contemporary contexts of diverse Aboriginal peoples, cross-cultural understandings occurs and a common commitment is formed, leading to equitable and more inclusive learning spaces. We value the opportunity to collaborate with community members, educators and policy makers to deepen knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal perspectives in supporting student success and well-being. The TDSB works actively in consultation with Aboriginal community members, families and organizations as community engagement is crucial to building and strengthening relationships.

Capital Funding for Hodgson Addition Approved

As you know, the TDSB approved program changes for the feeder schools to Hodgson (to go from JK-6 to JK-5 as of September 2017) in order to ensure space for neighbourhood students and as a result, Hodgson will become a 6-8 school. To read about these decisions, please click here.

We are thrilled that the capital funding for the Hodgson addition was announced - there will be more on the build timelines shortly.

In addition to the 276 pupil place addition to Hodgson Senior Public School, the province also provided TDSB the following completing their top 3 priorities in this round of capital grants.

A 138 pupil place addition to Courcelette Public School in Scarborough; and
Renovations at Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute and Monarch Park Collegiate in East York.

To read more about TDSB's capital issues, please click here.

Delegations regarding Potential School Closures

At the second public meeting of the Vaughan Road Academy PARC the question came up regarding delegations to the Planning & Priorities Committee on November 16 and whether or not we would hear all who apply – at the Governance Committee, Trustees have approved new procedures in principle, but as the Governance Committee which will finalize the new Delegations procedures is not until November 29 and the Board not until December 6, there is a disconnect between the intent of the board and its new procedures – for that reason, the Board approved a motion at its last meeting - The Board decided that any party who requests to delegate in person at the November 16, 2016 Planning and Priorities Committee by the deadline be allowed to participate.

Requests by delegations and individuals to speak to a standing committee must be submitted in writing (e-mail) to Linda Mendonca (linda.mendonca@tdsb.on.ca), Administrative Liaison, Governance and Board Services by 4 pm, two business days before the day of the committee meeting. For the Planning and Priorities Committee on Nov 16, 2016, where the that means by 4 pm, Monday, Nov 14. People are also encouraged to send in written requests.

Requests must include:

the topic that will be addressed
the name of the speaker
address of the speaker
contact information for the speaker (phone, fax, e-mail)
the name of the organization (if the speaker is representing an organization such as a school council or community group)
Other Highlights from TDSB Board Meetting October 26

Other Highlights from the October 26 Board

Integrated Equity Framework Action Plan - The Board decided (a) That the Integrated Equity Framework Action Plan, 2016-19, as presented in the report, be ap-proved; (b) That the Education Programs Other equity funding be used to support the creation of a position of Central Coordinating Principal with responsibility for leading the Integrated Equity Frame-work Action Plan implementation process.
Relocation of the First Nations School of Toronto to Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute -The Board decided that the First Nations School of Toronto be relocated to Eastern Commerce Colle-giate Institute between January 1 and March 31, 2017, and: (i) That all current users remain in the Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute building until the First Nations School of Toronto’s enrolment increases to the point where it requires additional space in the building; (ii) That over time, indigenization of the space occur subject to the availability of funds; (iii) That the First Nations School of Toronto and the Aboriginal Education Centre be permanently housed at Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute; (iv) That the Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute building undergo all appropriate health and safe-ty/ building inspections to ensure that the building is age appropriate and ready for a kindergar-ten to Grade 12 school.
Review of Operational Procedure PR519, Severe Weather - The Board decided that the Director initiate a review of operational procedure, PR519, Severe Weather: Schools and Administrative Office/Sites and that the review consider input regarding hot as well as cold weather, from the Student SuperCouncil and other directly-impacted stakeholders.

Two New Motions -
Implementation of Full-day Kindergarten and Before- and After-School Care Program Review -The Board decided:

(a) That the Director conduct a review of the implementation of the Provincial regulations pertaining to extended day/full-day kindergarten lunch time supervision and before- and after-school pro-grams in the TDSB to examine such areas as parental access, equity, cost for operators, parents and school boards, locations and effectiveness of the service delivery model and that the review:

(i) inform the ongoing implementation of the new Child Care Early Years Act regulations related to the introduction of school-age before- and after-school programs;

(ii) be completed by the end of the current academic year and prior to the commencement of the new school age before- and after-school program;

(iii) provide opportunity for parents, staff, trustees, operators and other stakeholders to provide in-put through oral and written submissions;

(iv) solicit input from an advisory committee of stakeholders that would include trustees, employ-ee groups, operators and the City of Toronto to provide advice both on process and content of the review;

(v) provide recommendations to the Board, the province and the City of Toronto on how to im-prove on the implementation of full-day kindergarten for future cohorts of students, their fam-ilies, our educators and other affected employee groups;

(b) That the Director present a report to the Program and School Services Committee, while the re-view as outline in Part (a) is underway, outlining possible models for implementing the new regu-lations regarding school age care.

Addressing Systemic Racism and Implementing Meaningful Change Through the Curriculum Review Process

Therefore, be it resolved that the Chair send a communication to the Minister of Education request-ing that the Ministry undertake an ethno-racial, equity-based, comprehensive review of the curricu-lum beginning with Grade 1 and continuing to Grade 12 in all major subjects;

(i) That the review be conducted with the objective of putting forward concrete recommendations that can help make the curriculum become more reflective and representative of the diverse ethno-racial communities in Ontario;

(ii) That educators, anti-racism advocates, parents/guardians and students from the diverse racialized communities be engaged in the review process;

(iii) That a copy of the request (above) be sent to the Minister Responsible for the Anti-Racism Direc-torate;

(iv) That a copy of the Board’s decision be sent to the chairs of all Ontario school boards, with a re-quest for support;

(v) That a copy of the Board’s decision be sent to the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association with a request for support and advocacy of the resolution.

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Meeting this Week re School Pools

The Toronto Lands Corporation Swim Toronto Committee is meeting on November 2nd at 5 p.m. at 60 St. Clair Ave. E.

Reminders

French Programs Application Deadline - The timelines for applying for these programs for September 2017 are:

Applications for Early French Immersion (for a Junior Kindergarten aged child), must be completed online between November 1, 2016 and December 1, 2016.
Applications for Junior Extended French must be completed online between January 9, 2017 and February 2, 2017.

Further information on French as a Second Language programs and the application process is available online at www.tdsb.on.ca/french.

High School Information Nights - To help you make an informed decision when choosing a high school, TDSB schools host information nights for parents and grade 8 students each year between October and January. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. The dates and times for all High School Information Nights are available online at www.tdsb.on.ca/HighSchool/GoingtoHighSchool.aspx.

Events

Making Connections 2016 - People for Education's Annual Conference - Saturday, November 12 on its way to a sell-out - With a stellar line-up of speakers and a unique opportunity to connect with a wide range of education stakeholders, the registrations for People for Education's annual conference are coming in fast. Several sessions are close to capacity, so register soon to ensure you get into the workshops you want. Register here.

PIAC Parent Conference
All TDSB parents and guardians are invited to our free conference for an opportunity to make connections and participate in informative and empowering workshops.

Saturday, November 19, 2016
8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Earl Haig Secondary School, 100 Princess Av
Register here - For more information, click here.

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