TDSB Chair & Director Request Reimbursement of Pandemic Costs
On March 22, 2023, TDSB Chair Rachel Chernos Lin and Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins issued a joint letter to the Minister of Education requesting that the government reimburse the Board for pandemic costs.
During the pandemic, all available resources were put toward keeping students, staff and the community safe. The TDSB spent more than $70 million on measures like smaller class sizes that were not funded by the Ministry of Education. As the TDSB faces an operating deficit of more than $60 million for next year, it is clear that pandemic-related costs should be fully reimbursed by the province so that cuts impacting students are not required.
In addition, the letter also outlines the Board’s concerns regarding the pandemic funding that the Ministry plans to end for 2023-24. This funding of $31.5 million allowed TDSB to put an additional 485 staff resources into the system. This included teachers, social workers, child and youth workers, caretaking and vice-principals, among other categories, and we are worried about the ramifications to student well-being with the reduction of this funding. Cutting this funding now seems reckless and harmful to students. Read more in the joint letter to the Minister of Education issued by the TDSB Chair and Director.
| |
TDSB Student Census
Share your voice! The TDSB Student Census is a confidential and voluntary survey that asks our 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 us improve our schools and system. We are asking all parents/guardians/caregivers and/or students to consider filling out a census survey online. Detailed information about the Student Census and consent process was shared directly with parents/guardians via email during the week of March 27. For more information, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/census and read the Student Census Questions and Answers.
| |
Tutoring Update
Tutoring across the TDSB continues to be successful on all fronts. TDSB staff have visited many of the tutoring programs offered by community organizations. It’s been great to see the level of student engagement and enthusiasm. Tutoring affords students an opportunity to interact, bond, and develop skills. These tutoring organizations operate in the same neighbourhoods where students live.
Continuing Education programs have helped over 20,000 students as they work toward the completion of any unfinished learning, supported by teachers who know them. Online tutoring is a growing success with an increasing number of students accessing the services.
We have just learned that the funding deadline for Tutoring programs from the Ministry of Education has been extended until June, although no additional funds have been allocated.
| |
TDSB Winter Outerwear Drive Results
Thank you to the many donors that supported the TDSB’s 2022-23 Winter Outerwear Drive. This year’s drive supported many newcomer students of the TDSB and ensured they were prepared to participate in all of the fun outdoor activities winter had to offer. Our donors are important partners in our work. Thanks to your support:
- 74 schools were served
- 2,356 students were served
- We received in-kind donation of coats and accessories valued at $322,428
The distribution of donations was based on the available supply and data provided by the Learning Opportunities Index and the TDSB School Generated Funds Plan. We continue to accept monetary and in-kind donations throughout the year. Please contact BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca to find out how you can support the campaign.
| |
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized in the month of April. Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the outstanding achievements and contributions of Hispanic people in the province.
| |
Latin-America History Month
April is Latin-America History Month at the TDSB! During the month of April, several activities are planned for students, staff, and community members. We invite everyone to join us to kick-off Latin-America History Month with a virtual launch. This year the theme to mark Latin-America History Month is (Decolonizing) Latin-America History Month & Beyond: Honouring & Uplifting the Real Hxstories and Multiplicities of Our Identities.
TDSB Latin America Month Virtual Launch Celebration
- Thursday, April 13th, 2023
- 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
- Virtual link to follow
| |
Sikh Heritage Month
We are celebrating Sikh Heritage Month! We are inviting all TDSB community, students, and staff to join our virtual Sikh Heritage Month launch to recognize the contributions of Sikh Canadians. This year the Sikh Heritage Month theme is Kes. Kes is one of the five Kahaars, indicators that Sikh individuals must acknowledge as part of their faith. The five Kakaars are five sacred articles of faith prescribed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
| |
Film Screening: Scarborough
Join the Urban Indigenous Education Centre, the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, and the Equity, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression team for a virtual screening of Scarborough followed by a conversation with the author and screenwriter of the novel and adapted film, Catherine Hernandez!
Scarborough the novel employs a multitude of voices to tell the story of a tight-knit neighbourhood under fire: among them, Victor, a Black artist harassed by the police; Winsum, a West Indian restaurant owner struggling to keep it together; and Hina, a Muslim school worker who witnesses first-hand the impact of poverty on education.
Scarborough shows the love and perseverance communities can foster, lifting up families to overcome the obstacles placed in their way.
Audience: Caregivers, Community, Staff
Date: April 17, 2023
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
| |
Steps to Address Your Questions and Concerns
Here at the TDSB, we are always open to hearing your questions and concerns, and make every effort to address them as quickly as possible. Your child's classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school's principal, the school superintendent, and me, your Trustee! For more information visit https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Contact-Us/Steps-to-Address-Questions-Concerns.
| |
Upcoming MeetingsThe next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023.
| |
Follow the TDSB
Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
| |
|
