Hello Everyone,
Thank you to all who responded so promptly to the online registration last week. It is important for central and local staff to have accurate numbers for in-school attendance and for remote learning in the Virtual School so that classes can be put together and staff can plan. With the online registration now closed, schools have been busy following up with families who have not yet been in touch to indicate whether their children will be going to school in class or virtually.
Thank you to all who joined our ward forum on August 27th. At the forum our Ward 9 Parent Involvement Advisory Committee representatives D. Williams, Cecile Farnum, and Andrew Waters presented the toolkit that they have put together for School Councils. I hope that you and your school councils will find this incredible resource very useful. It’s called Building Positive School Climates During COVID-19 and you can link to the google doc here:
Over the next few days, all of our school staff are back and our schools are being readied to welcome students back next week. I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy these last few days of summer and are continuing to stay safe and well.
In community, Stephanie
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Wash your Hands.
Watch your Distance.
Wear your Mask.
Save Lives.
"And, as I have asked since the beginning of this pandemic, please continue to take care of each other." Dr. Eileen De Villa
Important Links:
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Returning to School
The Return to School webpage (see pictures above) has been updated with new information on wearing masks/face coverings, including advice and videos on proper use, care and storage of masks. There is also more information to help you prepare for the first day of school, including check lists for elementary and secondary, updated resources, supports for mental health, a detailed plan on return to school and information on response plans for Covid-19.
Please click on the links below that will bring you right to the information -
As we prepare to open our schools in September and welcome back students and staff, we are doing everything possible to ensure the health and safety of all school community members, while also providing the best academic experience possible for students, supporting mental health and well-being and considering the needs of families and staff. Thank you for your continued patience as we all work through the challenges.
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Update on COVID-19 - Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health (Sep 2, 2020)
"As we approach back to school, it often feels like a natural fresh start for many of us. So for today's update I'll share my advice for a safer return to school and safer socializing.
Back to school is a time of year typically filled with excitement. This year, many are feeling uneasy about this. Some may be worried about their child's ability to follow directions for physical distancing and wearing a mask. Others may be concerned about bringing the virus home to grandparents or other vulnerable relatives.
I've been asked if I'm sending my kids back to school this fall. The answer is yes, however, my youngest is in high school so the decision is a little simpler for my family. I know that everyone needs to make decisions that are best for their children and unique family circumstances.
For some who live with elderly family members or have health conditions, these decisions aren't necessarily straightforward.
If you are sending your kids back to school there are ways to help them prepare:
- Help them practice wearing a mask at home, so they can get comfortable with this before going into the classroom;
- Teach them how to put their mask on properly, how to wear it and how to take it off;
- Make sure your child's mask fits comfortably and covers their nose, mouth and chin;
- Send at least two clean masks with your child to school each day and explain to them when they should change their mask;
- Send two bags to store clean and dirty masks separately; and
- Remind your child not to share or trade their masks with their friends.
You can also help prepare your kids by explaining how school will be different this year:
- Teach them how to wash their hands, practice physical distancing and wear their mask;
- Remind them you can sense a smile in someone's eyes even under a mask. So they should greet their friends with a big smile, a wave from a safe distance and not share their food or other personal items; and
- Create a routine to screen your child for symptoms of COVID-19 before school each day.
It's also important to watch for signs of stress or anxiety in your child. They may have a lot on their mind and they may or may not talk about it. Remind them that it's important to think about COVID-19 and their actions when they're at school, but let them know that it won't be this way forever.
Let them know that it might be a little bit like looking both ways before crossing the street, or wearing your seatbelt, because it's all about their safety and good habits to protect them. Ask them about their day so they can share their feelings. For example they may be worried that a friend got too close, or that someone wasn't wearing their mask the right way.
More than ever it's especially important to keep your children at home if they're sick. It's also very important for everyone to get the flu vaccine this fall.
While many of us are preparing to send our kids back to school, many of us are also looking forward to squeezing in that last little bit of summer fun this weekend. While you are doing this, I ask that you please be careful while you are socializing. The choices we make this Labour Day weekend have the potential to affect us all in the weeks and months ahead...
The truth is that the only safe way forward is to keep following our public health measures: wash your hands, watch your distance and wear your mask. Everyone doing their part is what has kept Toronto from experiencing outbreaks like we're seeing in other cities. I cannot emphasize enough just how critical our behaviour today is in determining what happens next...
So please, as you are outside and enjoying these last days of summer, I ask that you all take my advice seriously:
- Stick to one bubble of up to 10 people;
- Avoid crowds, closed spaces and close contact with people outside your bubble because the risk of infection is high;
- Wash your hands;
- Watch your distance; and
- Wear your mask.
And, as I have asked since the beginning of this pandemic, please continue to take care of each other."
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Registration Results
Parents/guardians for 247,583 students (173,220 elementary and 74,363 secondary) were contacted by email and/or phone to register. In total, parents/guardians for 89% (218,025) of elementary and secondary students responded. Schools are now in the process of reaching out directly to parents/guardians who did not respond to the registration emails or phone calls.
Elementary (K-8)
- 90% of parents/guardians of all elementary students responded to the registration process
- 70% (107,601) indicated an in person option
- 30% (47,462) indicated a virtual school option
Secondary (9-12)
- 78% of parents/guardians of all secondary students responded to the registration process
- 78% (49,181) indicated an in person option
- 22% (13,781) indicated the virtual school option
Please see the school-by-school breakdown of the registration results as of September 4, 2020:
Note: The percentages listed in these reports include parents/guardians who did not participate in the registration process in order to help us in reaching out to those who have yet to indicate a choice for fall. For example, where 72% of parents who participated in the registration process indicated that their children would return to school, this percentage decreases to 64% when including those who have not responded.
It is my understanding TDSB research will be analyzing the results. The Globe & Mail wrote an initial story on this Friday. “This issue of advocating for a safe and equitable return to school, it’s not about advocating for one’s own community or one’s own child... This only works if we’re advocating for something that’s going to support everyone.” These are real concerns that must be addressed.
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Elementary Staffing
To serve 47,462 students in the Elementary Virtual School will require in excess of 2000 classroom teachers. (Please note that these registration numbers are based on 90% of elementary parents/guardians completing the registration but also include projections that are required to facilitate the staffing process).
Staffing allocations for in-school have been completed and were sent out to principals Friday. Based on the responses from families we were able to achieve the following caps in the elementary panel for staff allocation:
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TDSB Identified High Priority Schools (based on TPH and other criteria)
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* Original projection for JK/SK was 27
Since the teacher allocation is based on caps, should one or two additional students register at a school in September and all classes are at the cap for their grades, they would be placed in one of these classes — thereby exceeding the cap. Should a large number of students register at a school, staff would look to see if additional teachers could be allocated.
Schools are now in the process of adjusting their staffing models (i.e. class configurations and teaching assignments) for students who will be attending in-person learning. We appreciate that the timelines to do this are quite short and want to thank our Elementary Principals and Vice-Principals for the heavy lifting that is needed over the upcoming days in order to welcome students and staff back to school. And we thank teachers for their patience. This is not the same process as previous years with reorganization happening at the beginning of the year. It is my understanding staff will not be "surplus" based on usual processes, but reallocated to either another school or the Virtual School - and they would return to their home school.
Staff confirm as we finalize the registration numbers in Virtual School, we continue to work on the Special Education staffing that is dependent on student placement by program and level of support. Also, as previously indicated, wherever possible, staff at the Virtual School will try to keep students from the school and same specialized programs together.
Finally, staff are working over the long weekend to try to figure out teaching for the virtual school and getting classes set up. They don't know exactly when information can be shared with families, but it will also be as soon as possible.
We expect to understand more on timelines at our meeting Wednesday - I will live tweet as I can.
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Special Committee of the Whole This Week
The Toronto District School Board is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. Due to the closure of all schools and administration sites at the Toronto District School Board, all standing committee and regular board meetings will be held virtually and broadcasted live to the public. Click here at the start time to view - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings.
Committee of the Whole (Special Meeting - Wednesday, September 9, 2020 - 4:30 p.m. Electronic Meeting The purpose of the meeting is to consider back to school plans and a private personnel matter.
4. Back to School Plans - To be presented
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School Council Operations
School councils provide a way for members of the school community to provide advice to and consult with the principal, and to advise the school board on education matters.We need parent/caregiver and community voice. But due to Covid-19 and school closures last Spring, adjustments were made to school council meetings to balance the varying essential needs and circumstances being faced by family/caregivers. In order to respond effectively during COVID-19 and a hybrid face-to-face and virtual school reopening, staff will be consulting with the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC), school council members and Principals on a school council operations plan for the 2020-2021 school year for both in-school and Virtual School. In the meantime, interim operations protocols are being developed in consultation with PIAC to support the effort of in-school councils who have resumed operations. I hope to have more information to share next week.
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Director of Education Search
The Toronto District School Board is in the process of recruiting its next Director of Education. This process is being led by a Trustee Director Search Committee, in partnership with Mandrake, an executive search firm.
The Trustee Director Search Committee is made up of 11 elected trustees. This committee was selected to represent the four different Learning Centres; provide oversight, guidance and direction in the selection of the new Director of Education; and represent the TDSB and all of its stakeholders. This committee will also interview and select candidates for final approval for hire.
Mandrake has been retained as an external executive search firm to run and manage the recruitment process. Their role is to provide advice to and represent the interests of the Trustee Director Search Committee. They will also play a role in interviewing and assessing interested and qualified candidates.
Below you will find more information about the process, including key dates, consultations, how to apply and contact information.
Timeline (Please note that dates are subject to change)
September
- Stakeholder Consultations
- Recruitment Commences
- Target: September 24 – Job Posted
October
November
- Candidate Interviews and Assessment
- Candidate Selection
Consultations / Information Sessions
Stakeholder Consultations
Various TDSB stakeholders will have the opportunity to participate in an electronic survey that will inform the specific job criteria, accomplishments, experience and background that will be used to create the candidate profile for recruitment. Stakeholders include: leadership staff, trustees, union and federated leaders, Community Advisory Committees, the Special Education Advisory Committee and the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee. Trustees will also be reaching out to community members in each of the four Learning Centres. This information will also inform the candidate profile for the next Director of Education.
Informational Webinar
- Monday, September 14, 2020. (Save the Date)
- Please check back soon for more details.
Public Delegations
- Wednesday, September 16, 2020. (Save the Date)
- Please check back soon for more details. Delegation Process
How to Apply
The Director of Education position is expected to be posted on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. This date is tentative and subject to change. Please check back soon for more information.
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Every Child Matters - Orange Shirt Day
What is the Sept. 30 virtual event? Designed for students in Grades 5 through 12, this virtual event provides an opportunity to learn first-hand from Residential School Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists and leaders from nations and cultures across the country. Educators can select the events they wish to livestream for their students and download free educational resources. This national gathering is hosted by the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation and will bring together a diverse and inspiring program of Truth and Reconciliation activities to coincide with Orange Shirt Day. As Canadians, we are called upon to take action to learn, share and celebrate, and to build a better country together!
What will the event include? The agenda for the event will be available later this summer, which will include special guests and performances. Be sure to register now to be the first to know.
Who is participating? This is an opportunity to learn first hand from Residential School Survivors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists and leaders from nations and cultures across the country.
When you register, you will be joining hundreds of thousands of Canadian youth for this extraordinary and live virtual event to support and encourage meaningful Reconciliation across Canada.
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The UARR will be holding a total of four Education Forums targeted for each of the following regions: Toronto, Durham, York and Peel. You are invited to join in, having an open and honest conversation about the concerns related to racism in schools within each region. Please share this event amongst your networks!
Racial Equity in Education: Toronto
- Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Racial Equity in Education: York Region
- Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Racial Equity in Education: Peel
- Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Racial Equity in Education: Durham
- Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 6:00 pm
This online forum is open to all concerned educators, activists, advocates, parents/guardians, students and all members of the community who want to engage in an open dialogue about the unique systemic challenges radicalized students continue to encounter in our schools. There will be discussion on how the school boards and the provincial government can address these issues directly and immediately in order to better support our racialized students.
The UARR also wants to collectively identify a few key recommendations for systemic change within the school boards that can result in better educational opportunities and outcomes for all children especially Indigenous, Black and other radicalized children in the system.
Registration for the event will be free with an option to donate what you wish. You can register through the Eventbrite links given above.
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School Year Calendar 2020-2021
The 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.
- First day of classes for all students is September 15 - Elementary entry will be staggered from the 15-17 - For secondary, either Tuesday September 15 or Wednesday September 16 based on the cohort assignment.
- The last day of class for elementary students is June 29
- The last day of class for secondary (full year) students is June 25
- The last day of class for secondary (semestered) students is June 28
Board-wide PA Day
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September 1, 2020
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Board-wide PA Day
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September 2, 2020
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Board-wide PA Day
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September 3, 2020
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Labour Day
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September 7, 2020
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Thanksgiving
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October 12, 2020
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Board-wide PA Day
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November 20, 2020
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Winter Break
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Dec 21, 2020 - January 1, 2021
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Elementary PA Day
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January 15, 2021
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Secondary PA Day (Semestered Schools Only)
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February 2, 2021
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Board-wide PA Day
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February 12, 2021
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Family Day
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February 15, 2021
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March Break
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March 15 – 19, 2021
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Good Friday
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April 2, 2021
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Easter Monday
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April 5, 2021
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Victoria Day
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May 24, 2021
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Elementary School PA Day
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June 4, 2021
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Secondary School PA Day (Full Year Schools)
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June 28, 2021
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Secondary School PA Day
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June 29, 2021
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