New Year Wishes2020 was nothing short of challenging, but your support, patience and cooperation helped our system adapt and our educators did all they could to ensure that students were able to continue to learn, be engaged, participate and be supported.
Along with deep appreciate to educators and all the education workers involved in keeping our schools as safe as possible, thank you to all healthcare workers, first responders, transit workers, delivery people, grocery and pharmacy store staff, and all others working so we can stay home...
I hope that you found rest and relaxation over the Winter Break - both physically and mentally... as we are all going to need to find strength to continue with public health measures to fight the pandemic. 2021 brings additional challenges as we begin in a virtual environment - in spite of it all, may the new year bring you nothing but good health and the vaccine in all our futures...and may we all continue to learn how to make this world more equitable... more just.
| |
This Week's Update- Pivot to Remote Learning Tomorrow
- January is Tamil Heritage Month
- Virtual Learning Supports
- Support for Your Mental Health and Well-Being
- Financial Support for Parents
- COVID-19 Advisories
- Elementary Switching Update and Survey
- Secondary Quad 3 Switching Update
- Developing the 2021-22 Budget
- Karen Falconer Appointed Interim Director
- Superintendents of Education for Ward 8
- Hold the Date - Ward Forum on January 21
- New Middle French Immersion Program
- Optional Attendance
- Download the COVID-19 App
- School Year Calendar
| |
Pivot to Remote Learning Tomorrow
As first announced on December 21st (with an update sent on December 29th) this is a reminder that the Government of Ontario announced that all elementary schools in Southern Ontario, including those at the TDSB, will be closed to students until Monday, January 11*, while all secondary schools will be closed to students until Monday, January 25. During this time, all in-person schools will be shifting to remote learning, while virtual schools will continue as normal. ( *Note: at this point this is the direction of the province confirmed via their letter of January 2, 2021; however, if anything changes, we will communicate as soon as we hear.)Elementary Schools
For in-person schools, teachers will be connecting with students and families on Monday, January 4 to provide more information and begin, what is anticipated to be, the relatively quick process of shifting to remote learning. Schools will follow their regular school schedule/timetable. In some cases, there may need to be minor adjustments. (Schools should continue to follow PPM 164 with respect to the breakdown of synchronous (live)/asynchronous (independent) learning opportunities (Kindergarten - 180 minutes of synchronous learning; Grade 1 - 8 - 225 minutes of synchronous learning each day). Remember teachers have demonstrated their professionalism and preparation in “pivoting” to virtual when required due to Toronto Public Health direction due to cases of COVID-19. They will continue to use their professional judgement in supporting students as best they can... but please know that some transition time may be needed on the first day.
For students in virtual school, learning will continue as normal on Monday, January 4.
Secondary Schools
In-Person Schools: Secondary schools will follow an adjusted timetable - please click on the link above for a sample timetable. Note: The Period 1 class will continue to run from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and will include 150 minutes of synchronous/online learning and 75 minutes of asynchronous/independent work. Teachers will begin with synchronous online learning at 8:45 a.m. The scheduled asynchronous times in the timetable in the update are an example of how the asynchronous times can be scheduled. Teachers will use professional judgement to determine how to schedule synchronous and asynchronous times. For clarity, both cohorts will attend during all synchronous periods.
Virtual Schools: Will continue to operate as normal.
EdVance and Adult Day Schools
In-Person Schools: Students in Adult Day Schools and EdVance programs will follow an online schedule (click on the link above for details). Start times and lunch times will remain the same for each school.
Virtual Learning: Will continue to operate as normal.
Alternative Schools/Programs
In-Person Schools: Schools that are not using the Board developed adaptive timetable (such as Alternative Schools-Programs, congregated sites, ISPs etc.) will implement locally-developed remote schedules.
Virtual Learning: Will continue to operate as normal.
Special Education Congregated Sites
As always, we are committed to providing all students at the TDSB with the supports needed to continue their education, especially during this difficult time. While all schools, including congregated sites and those with Intensive Support Programs (ISPs), such as the DD programs and MID programs, will be closed the week of January 4, parents/guardians are asked to contact their Principal on Monday, January 4, to request any in-person support for their child/children with Special Education needs. Please note that while requests are being reviewed and plans are being developed, remote learning will be available to all students. It’s also important to note that transportation will not be available on Monday, January 4 or Tuesday, January 5. Should a student require transportation to and from school, the Principal will contact the Toronto Student Transportation Group to arrange as soon as possible after Monday, January 4.
Child Care/Extended Day Programs
All child care programs serving infant, toddler and preschool-age children located inside TDSB schools will be permitted to remain open during the Lockdown period, however parents/guardians should confirm details with their individual child care operator. While schools are closed, all TDSB Extended Day Programs and Before- and After-Schools Programs will also be closed.
Next Steps
While the TDSB has distributed more than 70,000 devices to students this year, we know that some students may still require a device for this remote learning period. In those cases, families are encouraged to contact their school when they reopen to arrange for one. Please note that devices will be provided based on availability and may take time to distribute.
Finally, thank you for your on-going support of our students and system. Let’s all show patience and understanding this week as many teachers will also be supporting their own families and many parents/caregivers will also be working.
Remember, we are still in the middle of a pandemic... and everyone is doing the best they can - and that is all we can expect during these uncertain times where everyone's physical, mental and emotional health is at stake. Again, thank you for your support and your patience.
| |
January is Tamil Heritage Month
Tamil Heritage Month is recognized nationally since October 2016, provincially since March 2004 and by the Toronto District School Board since January 2016. The month of January was chosen as it coincides with one of the most important celebrations for Canadians of Tamil heritage, the Thai Pongal harvest festival. Millions of Tamil people around the world irrespective of their religion celebrate Thai Pongal and offer thanks for an abundant harvest.
This year, the chosen theme selected by the volunteer planning committee is உண்மை - உரிமை – ஒற்றுமை: Truth – Rights – Unity. Unmai (உண்மை) recognizes that our lived experiences are our truths and these truths shape our understanding of the world around us. Urimai (உரிமை) examines our right to flourish and shine. Otrumai (ஒற்றுமை) emphasizes our shared lived experiences with other marginalized communities and our shared humanity.
Toronto has the largest Tamil population outside of the South Asian subcontinent with thousands of TDSB students and staff members' heritage identified as Tamil. The importance of building awareness, creating a strong self-identity and understanding one's own roots and rights are important objectives of the Tamil Heritage Month volunteer planning committee.
A poster challenge is currently underway, and we will be posting the two winning designs that reflect this year’s theme in early January. We are proud to share with you this power point that will provide you with information about the Tamil Heritage Month.
| |
Virtual Learning Support Below are some links to resources and tools to support you while students are all learning at home.
VIRTUAL LEARNING FAQ
LOG-IN GUIDE
BRIGHTSPACE
GOOGLE CLASSROOMS
ZOOM
Questions related to virtual classwork or how to use the digital learning tools should be directed to your child’s teacher.
As the Interim Director stated in her letter, "I want to assure you that we have learned a lot about remote learning over the last nine months and while there may still be challenges ahead, we will support our students and families to ensure as smooth a transition as possible."
| |
Support for Your Mental Health and Well-Being
There is no question that during COVID-19, student and staff (and parent and caregiver) mental health and well-being is just as important as physical health.
As one of our principals communicated earlier today, "we recognize that this is a lot of screen time for everyone and the concept of remote learning is a lot to navigate for many families. If your child is finding the remote learning overwhelming, they can and should take a break. Mental well-being is so important and parents you know what is best for your child. We will do our best to support you..."
Takes breaks when you need too... encourage physical activity - and during breaks get outside if possible to be able to refocus.
| |
Financial Relief for Parents
Support for Learners program – to support families with children aged 0 to 12 with $200 per child and $250 per child up to age 21 with special education needs. If you haven’t already applied, you can still apply for this one-time financial support up to the extended deadline of February 8, 2021.
The program has also been expanded to include financial supports for high school students, recognizing added costs from technology to internet for these parents while their kids stay home for a longer period. Starting on January 11, 2021, families with students aged 13 to grade 12 can apply for a one-time payment for their children up until February 8, 2021. The expanded program will now cover: $200 for each child up to grade 12, including students in secondary school who are over 18; $250 if the child or youth is 21 years or under with special needs.
| |
COVID-19 Advisories As with the Ministry of Education COVID-19 tracking website, the TDSB COVID-19 Advisories website was not be updated during the Winter Break (December 19 to January 3), however any recommendation from Toronto Public Health for staff and/or students to self-isolate continued to be communicated only with those who are directly impacted.
As you are aware, the province has been in the Grey (Lockdown) Zone since Saturday, December 26 to further slow the spread of COVID-19. In Toronto and the rest of Southern Ontario, that lockdown will remain in place for 28 days.
Should you have any questions, please visit the TDSB website or visit the TPH website for general information. For general questions, please call the TPH COVID-19 Hotline at 416-338-7600, Monday-Sunday 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM, to speak with an agent. If you need immediate assistance, please call Telehealth Ontario 24 hours a day at 1-866-797-0000.
| |
Elementary Switching Update & Survey
The next opportunity to request a switch between in-person learning and virtual learning was originally scheduled for the end of January (to take effect February 16). At this time, staff are requesting that parents/guardians complete a switching survey to indicate if your child is interested in switching at the next opportunity. Please note that this survey does not guarantee that a switch will be possible. The information gathered will help inform our decision-making for this last opportunity to switch for the 2020-2021 school year.
Secondary Quad 3 Switching UpdateSwitching from In-Person to Virtual - Students who are registered at in-person schools who would like to switch to a virtual model for Quadmester 3 will be accommodated with a virtual option at their current in-person school for the remainder of the school year. As was the case for Quadmester 2, the school-based virtual learning model at schools will vary from class to class and will depend on factors such as the number of students wishing to learn virtually and the available courses. Students and families will receive additional information directly from their school, including specific directions regarding how to request a switch.
Switching from Virtual to In-Person - Students who are currently registered in the Virtual Secondary School and would like to return to in-person learning must contact the guidance counsellor at the in-person school by January 11, 2021, to see if a timetable can be created for the specific courses they have requested for Quadmesters 3 and 4. If a timetable can be created, a transfer to the in-person school will be facilitated. Please note that space may be limited, and a transfer may not be possible.
| |
Developing the 2021-22 Budget
In December 2020, staff presented the 2021-22 Strategic Budget Drivers and the Ministry of Education Funding Guide to Trustees, to the TDSB Community Advisory Communities, SEAC and PIAC. Feedback relating to the budget strategic drivers will help guide decisions around the 2021-22 budget development process. Please kindly submit your feedback on these proposed budget strategic drivers through this survey form by January 31, 2021. On December 3, 2020, the Ministry of Education also released the 2021-22 Education Funding Guide to school boards. If you would like to provide feedback around the Education Funding Guide, please kindly submit them through this survey link, by January 8, 2021. Staff can incorporate the feedback into the draft submission for review and approval at the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee meeting on January 20 2021, prior to the deadline submission.
| |
Karen Falconer Appointed TDSB Interim Director of EducationOn Thursday, December 17, TDSB Chair Alexander Brown announced the appointment of Karen Falconer as TDSB’s Interim Director of Education. Karen will step into the role following the retirement of Dr. Kathy Witherow at the end of December 2020.
Before this appointment, Karen served as an Interim Associate Director, Executive Superintendent, Principal and Teacher at the TDSB, as well as a French-language teacher in Montreal and Scarborough, with over four decades of experience. Through her role as an educator and a leader in public education, she has focused her efforts on serving the students and families of underserved and marginalized communities, in keeping with her commitment to ensure that all students across the system experience high levels of success and well-being.
Chair Brown also provided an update on the permanent Director of Education search process – one of the most significant and exciting endeavors for the Board and for all of our TDSB system and community partners. The Chair said that conducting the search during the pandemic has posed more challenges than first anticipated and that now that we are entering the holiday period, the recruitment process will pause until February 2021.
In February 2021 the search process will resume and will be extended. Chair Brown expects a recommendation on a permanent Director will go before the Board of Trustees in May 2021 with an announcement to follow. Chair Brown said the recruitment of a permanent Director is one of the most important decisions for the Board and will have a significant impact on students, staff and families in the years to come. Taking additional time to make this important decision is in the best interest of our school system.
| |
Superintendents of Education for Ward 8
Just before the break, Ron Felsen was appointed Superintendent of Education for Learning Network 6 (LN6) following the retirement of John Chasty. He joins Andrew Howard (LN5) and Denise Humphreys (LN4) in supporting schools in Ward 8 - I am grateful for their support to our schools. Please see below for the full list of schools.
| |
Play!
Global School Play Day 2021 - A Day of UNSTRUCTURED Play - is on February 3, 2021. Please consider registering your class/school to show support for GSPD 2021.They will send you an email in 2021 to remind you of the event! https://www.globalschoolplayday.com/
| |
Hold the Date - Virtual Ward Forum - January 21Join us for a conversation with Michelle Munroe, Co-ordinator Parent and Community Engagement on Critical Parent/Caregiver Engagement Questions for a Critical Moment. This conversation will delve into the ways in which we could seize this period of uncertainty, and racial reckoning to influence and challenge traditional engagement thoughts and practices and imagine future possibilities. Watch for the flyer next week.
| |
Worth Repeating...
New Middle French Immersion Program
Please note: This program will replace the Junior Extended French program as the Grade 4 entry program in TDSB.
To apply for the MFI (Grade 4 entry) for September 2021, applications must be completed online between January 4 and January 29, 2021. An offer of placement in the program (a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants and will be made in the weeks following the close of the application window. Please note: Families with an older sibling currently enrolled in a French program and who will be in attendance next year are still required to complete an online application for the new student. Please select the “sibling option” within the online application.
Virtual Web Chat Information Sessions for families interested in the MFI (Grade 4 Entry) application and placement process will be held in January 2021. For more information, please join us on one of these dates and times listed below:
- January 14, 2021 – 10 a.m.
- January 21, 2021 – 7 p.m.
- January 27, 2021 – 7 p.m.
Please note: To participate in a live scheduled web chat, please visit this web page and a link will be available to join on the dates/times as outlined above.
| |
Optional Attendance
If you choose to apply for optional attendance you should know:
- You will be responsible for your own transportation.
- You may only apply to two regular and two specialized schools/programs.
- You may not apply to a school that is not permitted to receive applications (i.e. closed schools). A list of those schools is produced by mid-January.
- A school/program that receives more applications than it has space will run a lottery to determine the successful applicants.
- Once you accept an offer of admission to a regular school through Optional Attendance, it becomes your home school and you are expected to remain there until graduation. For specialized schools/program and alternative schools, you may return to your designated school by address at an appropriate intake opportunity (i.e. semester change, end of term)
Elementary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:
- February 12, 2021 - Optional attendance forms due at elementary school
- March 05, 2021 - Deadline for parents/guardians to be informed of the status of the application request
- March 26, 2021 - Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer
Secondary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:
- January 29, 2021 - Optional attendance forms due at secondary school
- February 12, 2021 - Deadline for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the application request
- February 26, 2021 - Course selection sheets due at secondary schools
- March 1, 2021: Course selection sheets due at secondary schools via myBlueprint
| |
Download the COVID ALERT APPTogether, let's limit the spread of COVID-19. COVID Alert is an additional tool to protect yourself and your loved ones. COVID Alert helps us break the cycle of infection. The app can let other app users know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear. That way, we can take care of ourselves and protect our communities. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html. Please note, unfortunately, the app is only available on certain phones/operating systems.
| |
School Year Calendar 2020-2021The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1 to June 30, inclusive and has now been approved by the Ministry.
The last day of class for elementary students is June 29
Secondary Quadmester Calendar
- Quad 2: Nov. 23 - Feb 4
- Quad 3: Feb 8 - April 20 + exams April 21 & 22
- Quad 4: April 23 - June 23 + exams June 24, 25 & 28
PA Days & Holidays Remaining
|
|
|
Secondary PA Day (Semestered Schools Only)
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
