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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 27, 2022
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"...So I've been trying to decide what is my obligation here, not just what I should do as my job but as a human being doing my job... and my obligation is to do my job through that lens of justice and fairness for people and to try and broaden my understanding of what that is"...
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In this Issue:- Supporting Ukraine
- March is Greek Heritage Month
- COVID-19 Update
- Virtual Learning for the 2022-23 School Year: Update
- Toronto Lands Corporation
- Committee Meetings this Week
- TDSB System Calendar
- Combatting Hate - Virtual Ward 8 Forum on March 7, 2022
- Revised School Year Calendar 2022-2023
- Policy Consultations - Naming Schools, Special-Purpose Areas, and Teams (P047)
- Key Dates - School Year Calendar 2022-23 (Proposed)
- New Invitations - Black Student Summer Leadership Program; Raise a Reader
- Worth Repeating - Continued Education Updates; ADVANCE Canada's Black Music Business Collective Information Session; When Learning is Hard What do you do?; February is Kindergarten Registration; 2021-22 OPSBA Public Property Assessment Network Scholarship; 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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Supporting Ukraine
Statement from Director Russell-Rawlins
"As the world watches the shocking developments in Eastern Europe, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community here in Toronto.
This is a very difficult time for some of our students, staff and their families, who have loved ones in Ukraine and are worried, wondering what will happen next. It is our sincere hope that these senseless attacks will end very soon, that peace will prevail and that the people of Ukraine can resume their lives free from the threat of an armed invasion of their country.
In the days ahead, many of us will be confronted by the significant media coverage of the invasion and may experience a wide range of reactions and emotions. TDSB Professional Support Services staff have prepared tips that may be helpful for parents/guardians whose children are experiencing difficulties..." Please click here for her complete statement.
In addition, the New York Times had an article this weekend on How to Talk to Kids About Ukraine - Young people have access to more news streams than ever, and many are concerned. Here’s how to address their questions.
There is so much at stake - for Ukraine, its leaders, and its people, and for a world order based on the rule of law and common decency. The premise of Putin’s campaign is abhorrent. He cannot be allowed to succeed. Our fate hangs by a very few threads.- Bob Rae
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March is Greek Heritage Month
The Toronto District School Board is proud to recognize Greek Heritage Month (GHM) during the month of March. Several activities will be shared to mark GHM. A poster contest was held and all students from the Toronto District School Board were invited to submit images that best reflected this year’s theme: healthy living:
“Harmony of Life - Healthy Mind, Healthy Body”
“Αρμονια της Zωης - Νους υγιης εν σωματι υγιει”
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COVID-19 UpdateLet's recommit to doing our part to keep everyone safe. "Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities." Protections are in place for a reason - to keep us safe. Please continue to follow the advice of Toronto Public Health. "COVID-19 guidelines continue, including vaccination requirements and wearing masks or face coverings. The City’s mask bylaws also remain in effect. Stay informed about COVID-19 and changes to City services."
Masks in the TDSBPlease note the provincial mask mandate has not been removed and TDSB's mask procedure is still in place - everyone has an obligation to follow the rules. There needs to be good public health/medical basis to discontinue masking for staff and students and to date, we have not seen any such data. We will continue to consult with Toronto Public Health (TPH) as our approach has always been to align with TPH.
I am relieved to let you know that the standard size and a small quantity of pediatric size student medical masks shipments arrived at the TDSB Friday. Staff hope to begin the distribution of these on Monday/Tuesday. Distribution will start with the higher enrolment in-person elementary schools and as stock arrives, all schools will be completed.
Revised Screening ToolToronto Public Health has updated their COVID-19 screening tool for children, students and adults for immediate use. Notably, this is now a single, universal screening tool for all ages – students and staff. There is also a significant change for people who have had a confirmed COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days and not needing to self-isolate if, for example, someone in the home has symptoms. And, the travel section refers directly to the federal travel pages as changes continue to be made.
One of the most important things we can all do to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to screen ourselves daily for symptoms and also follow the circumstances public health identifies you should stay home. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our schools and workplaces as safe and healthy as possible.
Need to Learn More?- 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 to receive their second dose sooner (5-11) or their booster (12-17) 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/.
Vaccine Opportunities for Students
Children aged 5 to 11 years (must be 5 years old at time of vaccination) can receive their first or second dose in this kid-friendly environment. Individuals 12 years of age and older can receive their first, second or third (booster) dose. You can schedule an appointment to attend the clinic or you can walk-in without an appointment.
Instructions for booking -
- Go to the TDSB scheduling webpage https://schoolclinic.parentinterview.com .
- Enter this Access Code: city2022 and click "Sign In".
- Fill in your contact information and click "Continue to Make Appointments". Note: Parents/Guardians please select “Other” from the "Position" menu.
- Click on the Clinic Location that you want to schedule an appointment for.
- Click on the time at which you wish to have your appointment.
- Print out, email or copy down your schedule.
If you have questions concerning vaccinating your child, please visit the Toronto Public Health website or call them at 416-338-7600.
Vaccine Opportunities for Staff Appointments for health clinics across the GTH 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.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Virtual office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays
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Virtual Learning for the 2022-23 School Year: Update
At last week's Program and School Services Committee, Associate Director Andrew Gold informed the committee that although the staff had been working on plans for next school year (initially planning virtual learning for secondary only), with the government announcement that school boards are required to offer virtual learning in both the elementary and secondary panel, they have reconvened to confirm directions and next steps - this is staff's initial thinking:
- Because of the provincial requirement, staff view virtual learning for 2022-23 as a mode of learning, no longer emergency remote learning.
- Parents will be asked to commit for a full-year - there will be no switching opportunities to ensure as much stability as possible for classrooms and schools.
- Staff are working with the teacher unions to see if there can be some flexibility with staffing timelines so when staffing rolls out to schools the information will be as accurate as possible to minimize disruption.
- Staff confirm they do not plan to have any hybrid or simultaneous learning in either elementary or secondary - the "host" school model seemed to provide stability - with full resources available from the school to support the virtual classroom - although this may limit the types of courses available at the secondary level.
More details on programming and staffing and communication to students and parents/caregivers will come prior to March Break - with a decision required before the end of March - date to be confirmed.
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Toronto Lands Corporation
The Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) is responsible for all land use plan matters on behalf of the TDSB. This flow chart and description walks through the different stages of the City of Toronto development application planning approval process for official plan amendment and zoning by-law amendment applications, highlighting the different opportunities for TLC and TDSB involvement.
Please watch for a Virtual Ward Forum in the Spring on an Update on Planning & Development within the Ward.
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Committee Meetings This Week
Wednesday, March 2 - Planning & Priorities Committee - 4:30pm -Agenda
- 5.1 Report From Trustees Appointed to the Ontario Public School Boards' Association - To be presented
- 6.1. Re-Appointment of Two Citizen Directors on the Toronto Lands Corporation
- 7.1. Combating Hate and Racism - To follow
- 7.2. Revised Plan for Annual Reports on the Multi-Year Strategic Plan
- 7.3. Administrative Site Review: Update
- 7.4. COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery Plan Update: March 2022
- 7.5. 2022 RBC Canadian Open: Permit Use Richview Collegiate Institute
- 7.6. Trustee Determination and Distribution: 2022 Municipal Election
- 7.7. Accommodation of Students From Residential Developments at 41 Roehampton Avenue, 89 Roehampton Avenue, 25 Holly Street, and 50 Dunfield Avenue
- 8. Written Notices of Motion
- 8.1. Student Trustee Governance (Trustees Laskin and Aarts, on behalf of Student Trustees Woo and Dadhich and Indigenous Student Trustee Shafqat)
Thursday, March 3 Special Finance, Budget & Enrolment Committee 4:30 - Presentation and Approval 2022-23 School-based Staffing Allocation - To be presented
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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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Combatting Hate - Virtual Ward Forum March 7
We have learned of yet another horrific display of antisemitic hate last week and I am heartsick. This makes educating about hate all the more important and I will continue to hold us accountable and support the efforts of staff along with the Jewish Heritage Committee.
I hope you are able to join as we discuss the resources that were shared with educators last week to support their work in learning and addressing racism and hate, at our next Virtual Ward 8 Forum - Combatting Hate - How Educators Can Use Resources to Address Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression on Monday, March 7, 2022 from 6:30 – 8:30pm.
Please join us for a panel discussion with an opportunity for Qs and As. The panel members will share their experiences, from both the classroom and system perspectives. The flyer can be downloaded for posting.
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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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Black Student Summer Leadership Program
The Black Student Summer Leadership Program is back! This seven-week paid leadership program provides Black students with mentorship and experiential learning opportunities to explore a variety of academic and career fields.
Eligibility:
- Black-identifying TDSB student (current, graduating or returning)
- Grades 10 – 12
- Must be available for pre-employment training once a week for 1.5 hours (April 7 – May 26)
- Must be 16 as of July 1, 2022
- Must be available to commit to the program full-time (July 4 – August 9)
Registration Deadline: February 28, 2022
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ADVANCE Canada's Black Music Business Collective Information Session
The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement in collaboration with ADVANCE Canada's Black Music Business Collective invites Black identifying-students in Grades 11 and 12 who are interested in career opportunities in the music industry to attend the ADVANCE information session: February, 28 2022, 6-7PM. Register https://bit.ly/cebsaadvanceinfo.
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When Learning is Hard What do you do?
Northern School Council is hosting a presentation by two engaging experts in the field of learning differences on March 1 at 7pm. The presentation is not age-specific and addresses how to support students with learning differences of all ages, whether identified or not.
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Questions About COVID-19
Sinai Health Foundation invites you to join us for a virtual panel taking place on Tuesday, March 8 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., hosted by Melanie Ng of Breakfast Television and City News. This virtual session will feature an expert panel, including Dr. Erin Bearss, Dr. Andrew Morris, and Dr. Howard Ovens answering the most common questions surrounding COVID-19 and what to expect as we approach March Break and the Spring season. Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. RSVP Now.
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Continuing Education Programs
Learn4Life
Registration for Learn4Life courses (General Interest Programs for Adults 18+ and Seniors) opens February 23. For information regarding classes, please visit www.learn4life.ca to view the Learn4Life -Frequently Asked Questions. Registration opens on the website: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 8:30 AM. Classes Begin: Saturday, March 26, 2022.
In our efforts to accommodate learners who are not able to register using the online registration system, the Learn4Life team can make arrangements for in-person registration, by appointment only, starting Wednesday February 23, 2022. Learners scheduled for an appointment will be required to complete the COVID-19 Screening Self-Assessment Questionnaire prior to entering the TDSB building. Everyone must follow the Toronto Public Health Guidelines by wearing a mask and physically distancing. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing us at communityprograms@tdsb.on.ca with the subject line: In-person Accommodation.
International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Programs
International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program is an enriching learning experience for K-8 students to learn a new language and discover other cultures. Open to all TDSB and non-TDSB students, programs are currently offered online and there is no language background necessary. Registration is ongoing and can be done online by visiting www.ileprograms.ca.
Adult ESL
Starting in February, we anticipate a gradual opening of classes for in-person learning at several locations across the city, subject to Toronto Public Health Guidelines. Masking and social distancing protocols will be implemented. Online classes will continue to be available as an option for learners. For more information, please visit: www.ESLToronto.ca or call 416-338-4300.
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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 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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