Hello Ward 7 Community:

I hope you are well and in good spirits. I'm encouraged to see so many folks focused on joy, well-being, and meaningful work in our communities. I had wonderful conversations with students during Local Government Week, and heard a number of good news stories from our schools. A few are included below.

To help support student and community well-being, TDSB staff have developed a video series and related resources that offer coping strategies during war and conflict. They have also developed Affinity Wellness videos are great culturally-responseive resources which you'll find on the same page. Our Hindu Heritage Month theme — The World is One Family — is a timely one that centres on connection. November is also Indigenous Education Month when students learn from Indigenous perspectives on treaties, Indigenous leadership, resistance, resurgence, brilliance and creativity. Families are invited to follow the TDSB Hindu Heritage Commitee and Urban Indigenous Education Centre on X (formerly Twitter) to participate in the learning.

Back in the boardroom, October committee meetings were particularly productive. I've included summaries of key decisions from the November 1st board meeting related to child care funding, Bill 98, French Immersion enrollment data, and more below. I'll also speak to these topics at the November 20th Ward Council & Commmunity Meeting. See details below and feel free to join us.

Happy Diwali to all who are celebrating! Continue to take care of yourselves and others.

Yours in Community,

Debbie King

debbie.king@tdsb.on.ca

twitter.com/debbiekingphp

instagram.com/debbiekingphp/

Updates: November 1 - 14, 2023

IN PARKDALE—HIGH PARK SCHOOLS:

Annette Street JSPS LLC Dedication
Raptors Coach visits Parkdale Collegiate Institute
Girls Government at Runnymede JSPS and Swansea JSPS
Remembrance Day Ceremonies

PARENT/CAREGIVER ENGAGEMENT

Ward Meeting Notice
Community Meetiing: Active Student Travel on 'the Hill"

ACROSS THE TDSB:

Grade 8 to 9 Transition & High School Info Nights
Central Student Interest Program Applications
Out of Area Attendance Applications
Early French Immersion Applications
Indigenous Education Month
Hindu Heritage Month
Days of Significance

FROM THE BOARDROOM / MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Board Meeting Highlights

RESOURCES and EVENTS

Black Student Success Committee Tea and Talk
Education Critic's Clean Air for Kids Town Hall Recording
Legislative Page Program
Music Counts Grant
P HE Canada Healthy Schools Empowerment Grant
Youth Action Climate Gran

Annette Street JSPS Library Dedication

I was honoured to attend the Annette Street Public School Library Learning Commons Dedication, which fittingly fell on Canadian School Library Day. The school's library space was recently revitalized, in part, with a generous donation from former student, Mark Krakowski. Mark's donation to the school was inspired by one teacher, Anne Linklater, who made a great impact on him as a newcomer. It's a wonderful example of strength of teacher-student relationships and of community engagement. A plaque honouring Anne Linklater will placed at the school.

PCI Junior Girls Basketball team with Coach Rajakovic and Raptors mascot

Toronto Raptors' Coach Visits Parkdale Collegiate

The Junior Girls Basketball team at PCI got a surprise (courtesy of MLSE Launchpad) pre-game visit and pep talk from Raptors Head Coach Darko Rajakovic and Mascot ahead of their final season game. As part of the Raptors visit, the PCI team was given tickets to the Raptors season home opener. The girls went on to win their game against Harbord Collegiate!

Group of former program participants with MPP Karpoche

Girls Government at Runnymede and Swansea JSPS

Girls Government is a program run by MPP Bhutila Karpoche, to introduce young women to the political environment, get politically active, and consider politics as a career option. This is a non-partisan initiative that was launched in 2008 and has been implemented in ridings across Ontario by MPPs from all political parties. Once a year, grade 8 girls from a junior public school in Parkdale–High Park participate. This year's program will include girls from Runnymede JSPS and from Swansea JSPS. Learn more about the program here.

Group shot of Runnymede PS staff and special guests

Remembrance Day Ceremonies

I was honoured to attend the Runnymede JSPS Remembrance Day assembly, and look forward to attending the Swansea Town Hall ceremony on November 11th. Along with formal ceremonies, Remembrance Day is commemorated with "They Walked These Streets. We Will Remember Them" events in Bloor West Village. The project, created by two TDSB teachers, includes the stories of soldiers who served in the First and Second World Wars and who attended churches and schools all around our community.The names on your honour rolls are the names of those who are featured in our project. For more information, contact Katy and Ian at theywalkedthesestreets@gmail.com.

Ward Council & Community Meeting

Our next meeting will be held virtually on Monday, November 20th from 6:30-8:30pm. This is great opportunity to connect with school council and advisory committee reps on topics of interest; as well as, to ask questions, discuss Board items, and suggest presentation topics with myself and Superintendent Altosaar. Get more information and RSVP on my Ward page.

Community Meeting: Active StudentTravel on St. Mark's Road aka "The Hill"

School council representatives from the Warren Park and Runnymede Village area are invited to participate in a community discussion about safe and active student travel on St. Mark's Road aka "the hill"- on Tuesday, November 14th at Lambton House. Please check your email inbox or contact me for information.

Main entrance of Ursula Franklin Academy

Grade 8 to 9 Transitions & High School Open Houses

On November 1st, TDSB launched the Grade 8 to 9 Transitions process for the 2024 school year. The Beyond 8 Website contains information, resources, links and dates for the Grade 8 to 9 transition process. Families are encouraged to join us between November and January for organized open houses and information sessions aimed at aiding your decision in choosing the right school for your child. These events are tailored to provide information for parents/guardians/caregivers and students. Below are secondary schools within Parkale-High Park and their corresponding open house dates. Learn more about all TDSB open house events here.

Humberside Collegiate Institute: Dec 12 @ 6:30pm
Parkdale Collegiate Institute: Nov 13 @ 7pm
Ursula Franklin Academy: Nov 14 @ 5pm (registration required)
Western Technical-Commercial School: Nov 15 @ 6:30pm
Runnymede Collegiate Institute: Nov 21 @ 6:30pm

Central Student Interest Programs 2024-2025

There are a variety of elementary central student interest programs and secondary central student interest programs offered at the TDSB! Applications for these programs opens on Monday, November 6, 2023 and close on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 4 p.m. To learn more about each program, review program and online application requirements, get dates for upcoming open houses and view webinar recordings, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/csip.

Note: Central Student Interest Programs are available at Ward 7 schools as follows:

Arts: Western Technical-Commerical School

Open house: Nov 15 @ 6:30pm

International Bacclaureate: Parkdale Collegiate Institute

Open house: Nov 13 @ 7pm

Integrated Technology: Ursula Franklin Academy

Open house: Nov 14 @ 5pm

Math, Science and Technology: Runnymedie Collegiate Institute

Open house: Nov 21 @ 6:30pm

Out-of-Area Applicatons

Students have the opportunity to access schools outside of the school that is designated to serve their home address by applying for Out-of-Area Admissions. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability and program suitability. The status for applying to schools will be available by the end of the first week of November. The Out-of-Area Admissions application will become available online after the Winter break. Learn more about Out-of-Area Admissions here.

Early FI image with application open and close datse

Early French Immersion Application

As a reminder, applications for Early French Immersion (JK entry) open on November 6th. Learn more about the application process here.

Orange background with yellow bird and title

Indigenous Education Month

November is Indigenous Education Month at the Toronto District School Board! The TDSB is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (TRC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This month places emphasis on creating opportunities to learn from Indigenous perspectives on treaties, leadership, achievements, resurgence, futurities, and creativity. The Urban Indigenous Education Centre will host virtual events to support students and staff to learn from Indigenous Peoples. To learn more and review resources, visit the UIEC website.

Poster with drawing of the earth, a flower, and bird

Hindu Heritage Month: The World is One Family

The TDSB is proud to recognize Hindu Heritage Month during the month of November. Hinduism is one of the oldest living religions which have flourished for over 10,000 years. It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions, teachings and values that are integral to Hinduism and practiced by millions around the world today.

This year’s theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" is a Sanskrit word in Hindu dharma that means, ‘The World is one Family.’ It is based on the spiritual idea that every human being is born with a divine spark and is a part of one divine universal consciousness. This ancient message of oneness aims to promote friendliness, acceptance, compassion, and a sense of belongingness toward all others, despite differences of culture, languages, or thoughts. The word Vasudhaiva means “earth” and therefore this message of caring and compassion is also meant for all living creatures and the non-living environment.

During the month of November several Hindu Heritage Month educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Hindu traditions. These offerings include primary students having an opportunity to engage in an author reading and various workshops. Families can follow @tdsb_HHM on X (formerly Twitter) for daily messages throughout the month of November.

Days of Significance

Days of signifance for the first half of November are listed below. To reference the full November or 2023-24 listing, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/daysofsignificance

Nov 1: All Saints Day
Nov 1: Karva Chauth*
Nov 1: Samhain*
Nov 2: Crowning of Emperor Haile Selassie
Nov 4: Descending Day of Lord Buddha Buddhism
Nov 6 - 10: GLSEN Ally Week Gay
Nov 6 – 10: Treaties Recognition Week
Nov 7: Inuit Day
Nov 8: National Indigenous Veterans’ Day
Nov 11: Remembrance: Veterans’ Day
Nov 12: Diwali
Nov 14: World Diabetes Day

Photo of Trustee King delivering remarks in the boardroom

Board Meeting Highlights

Following are select advocacy updates and highlights from the November 1 Board meeting. You can review a summary of all decisions here.

Status of Child Care (Funding)

The Chair of the TDSB sent a public advocacy letter to the Minister of Education regarding our significant funding concerns related to child care services across the city. For more detailed information regarding the Board’s concerns, please review the letter posted on our public webpage.

Consultation on Accelerated Apprenticeship Pathways

The Ministry of Education is launching consultations to receive feedback on possible models for an accelerated apprenticeship pathway, starting in Grade 11.The Board decided that the Chair respond to the Ministry of Education consultation, on behalf of the Board rejecting possible models that would remove students from public school boards prior to the completion of a high school diploma, and instead, supporting models for apprenticeship pathways that allow persons under 18 to remain a part of public school board programming with supports to complete their secondary school diplomas at the same time as their peers; among other requests. Organizations interested in submitting feedback as part of the consultation can do so until November 24, 2024. Learn more here.

Supporting Newcomer/Refugee Students and Families

Following the staff report, Trustees approved a business arising motion which resolves that: the Director establish a plan for adherance to policy P061 Students Without Legal Immigration Status; and that the Chair write the Ministry of Education and Federabl government requesting additional support.

French Program Enrolment Annual Report

Following the staff report on enrollment in Core French and French Immersion (FI) programs, I moved a business arising motion which resolves that: the Director to provide an overview of demographics for students enrolled in French Immersion programs across the TDSB. It also seeks further information where schools with FI programs have seen a change in LOI ranking. This information will help evaluate progress made on improving equity of access and student representation in immersive French programs.

Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy 2023-2032

The Board decided that the Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy 2023-2032 and Annual Planning Document 2023-2024, as presented in the report, be approved.The Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy (LTPAS) provides an approach to program and accommodation planning with a ten-year timeframe that allows for responsiveness and flexibility in a changing environment by including an annual cycle of review. It is guided by two principles: equity of access, and efficient and flexible learning space. Current and upcoming studies involving Ward 7 schools are:

Boundary Change Study (Underway)

As part of the Secondary Program Review, explore the legacy technical and commercial attendance areas and rationalize the program scope of the schools where these legacy boundaries currently exist. This review includes Central Technical School, Central Toronto Academy, Western Technical-Commercial School, Danforth CTI, Northern SS, and Victoria Park CI.

Pupil Accommodation Review (2023-24)

Subject to the lifting of the moratorium, explore a review with Oakwood CI, Jarvis CI, Forest Hill CI, York Memorial CI, Humberside CI, North Toronto CI, and Bloor CI to address declining enrolment and underutilization at Oakwood CI. Due to the area impacted by this review, there may be additional schools included as the scope of potential changes evolves.

Pupil Accommodation Review (2024-25)

Explore a review with Runnymede CI, Humberside CI, York Memorial CI, and Western Technical School to address underutilization at Runnymede CI. This review will also consider options to address current and projected accommodation pressures at Humberside CI, which is within close proximity to Runnymede CI.

Pupil Accommodation Review (TBC)

Explore a review of Parkdale CI, Humberside CI, Western to address underutilization in the area.

Organizational Board Meeting: Wednesday, November 15

Next Regular Board Meeting: Wednesday, December 6

Screen grab of virtual town hall particpants on zoom

Clean Air For Kids Town Hall

On October 30th, Education Critic, Chandra Pasma held a virtual town hall. Among the panel were TDSB Trustees di Dovitis and Ehrhardt. You may recall that in August I seconded a motion by Trustee Ehrhardt to reduce respiratory viruses in schools. Watch the town hall recording here.

Legislative Page Programs

Being a Legislative Page means being a part of Ontario’s parliamentary traditions. This hands-on learning experience is open to Gr. 7 & 8 students from across the province. Applications are being accepted until November 15. Learn more and apply today

Music Counts Grant

MusiCounts supports all approaches to music education through the MusiCounts Band Aid Program and the MusiCounts Slaight Family Foundation Innovation Fund. These programs grant up to $20,000 for the purchase of instruments, equipment, and resources to make music education accessible, sustainable, and inclusive for all youth in Canada. Deadline: December 5, 2023. Learn more at musiccounts.ca and speak to your school staff if this might be of benefit at your school. Last year, Runnymede CI was able to update instruments with funding from this program.

Youth Action Climate Grant

Calling all TDSB students! City of Toronto grants of up to $1,000 will be available to student groups who want to take on climate action projects in their schools and communities. Applications for grant funding are now open and the deadline to apply is November 20, 2023. The EcoSchools central team is available to support student groups to develop their action projects and assist with best practices for grant writing proposals.

Toronto has an ambitious strategy to address the climate emergency and accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040. Achieving net zero emissions will require big changes in how we live, work, and travel. For more information about the grant program, visit Youth Climate Action Grants. Deadline: December 11, 2023.

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