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| Happy 2017 Willowdale!
I hope your holidays were restful and revitalizing!
I am looking forward to 2017. My resolutions this year will be made on a daily basis so that I can keep track of them and accomplish good things.
I am especially resolved to ensure that communication with parents / guardians, students and communities is greatly enhanced this year at the Toronto District School Board.
I am also interested in meeting more of you in the community, at school events, in your neighbourhoods, whenever there is an opportunity to connect. I'd love to hear from you directly and find out what's happening. Feel free to contact me, invite me to events and keep me informed about what you feel is important. I'm always available.
With the new Learning Centre model being used at the TDSB, since the beginning of the 2016/17 school year, you may want to let me know if you've seen improvements in the board's responsiveness to student needs, outreach and communication, supports in the classroom and issues of equity - or not. It's important for me to hear from you and work with you to address issues.
This Newsletter contains important information about events, announcments and actions that we can take together in 2017 to help improve education in Willowdale schools and at schools throughout the city. I hope that by working together we can make a real and positive difference for all kids at the TDSB. It is important to me that we do.
Feel free to get in touch with me anytime in 2017 and beyond.
I can be reached by: - EMAIL: alexander.brown@tdsb.on.ca
- TELEPHONE: 647-391-8410 (cell); 416-395-8787 (office)
- Twitter: @AlexBrownWard12
- Facebook: Alexander Brown Tdsb Trustee
Warm Wishes for a Festive and productive New Year,
Alexander Brown, TDSB Trustee - Willowdale.
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January is Tamil Heritage Month at the TDSB
On the occasion of Canada’s 150th anniversary, we acknowledge the enduring presence of our Indigenous communities and recognize the fact that Canada has become home to many communities seeking refuge and opportunities.
The theme for Tamil Heritage Month this year is Roots & Routes. To explore this theme, we are asking the following question: How have your cultural roots, as well as your family’s route(s) to Canada, shaped and continue to shape your identity as a Tamil Canadian today? Through essays, original artwork and public speaking contests, students across the TDSB will be exploring, reflecting on and creatively expressing their answers to this question during Tamil Heritage Month. Learn more about this year's contests.
January 16, 2017
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Scarborough Civic Centre Atrium
January was chosen as it coincides with one of the most important celebrations for Canadians of Tamil heritage, the Thai Pongal harvest festival. For farmers in India and Sri Lanka, January is a time of harvest. Thai Pongal is a celebration that offers thanks to the sun and cattle for a good season and abundant harvest.
Many of the 75 million people who are part of Tamil community around the world, mark Thai Pongal irrespective of their religion.
TDSB proudly marked Tamil Heritage Month for the first time in 2016.
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SAVE THE DATE: All Welcome to attend and participate
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In 2016, the TDSB welcomed more than 240,000 students each day and provided high-quality education from talented and committed educators and school staff. We provided safe and inviting places to learn and work thanks to our caretaking, facility services and skilled trades staff. Throughout the TDSB, whether you’re in a classroom, a school, an office or Board site, the commitment of our staff, teachers, principals and parents has contributed to the success of students we serve.
Here are just a few examples of the work we have achieved this year in support of our students: - Launched the Vision for Learning to provide strategic focus in student achievement, well-being and equity.
- Introduced the Learning Centres to support our collaborative and responsive work.
- Started transforming the learning culture focusing on shared leadership, academic optimism, collaborative inquiry and responsiveness.
- Launched the Integrated Equity Framework to create an equitable school system where all are included, every voice is heard and every experience is honoured.
- Celebrated an all-time high graduation rate of 85%.
- Launched a board-wide campaign in partnership with SmartSAVER to help 50,000 TDSB students access as much as $100 million in free education money through the Canada Learning Bond.
- Facilitated the move and opening of the First Nations School of Toronto at Eastern Commerce CI to ensure the school has appropriate space to provide Indigenous learning experiences and can accommodate its growing student body.
- Opened two new paediatric clinics providing healthcare services to thousands of students (Parkdale Junior and Senior Public School and Chester Le Public School).
- Opened classrooms to over 600 newly arrived Syrian children and youth. We introduced children to the Ontario education system, helped them socialize with TDSB students and ultimately, welcomed the majority of students permanently to the TDSB.
- Served 160,000 learners through Continuing Education’s year-round services, including elementary and secondary schooling, International Languages & African Heritage, youth employment and adult education programs.
- Announced a landmark redevelopment plan that will bring a community hub, new replacement high school and mixed-use development at TDSB’s Bloor-Dufferin lands.
- Implemented a new online permit system to offer a more streamlined user experience. Improved system-wide security and monitoring to ensure continued safety of our staff, students and buildings.
- Provided safe and positive learning spaces through the maintenance and improvement of our buildings:
Designed, tendered and constructed over 1,500 projects totalling a budget of $160M.
Completed 133,921 maintenance work orders.
Completed the new additions to Keele PS and Swansea PS and started the replacement schools for Avondale PS and George Webster PS.
Completed 61 FDK playground projects. - Replaced 2,794,975 square feet of damaged roofs, completed the placement of 301 solar projects on school roofs and is in the process of beginning another 67 solar projects on school roofs.
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This message is IMPORTANT for anyone who relies on Child Care services provided in any one of the four school boards in Toronto including the TDSB, English Catholic, French Catholic and French Board.
Elimination of Childcare Occupancy Grant and Cuts to Fee Subsidies: City of Toronto Budget
BACKGROUND
As part of the City of Toronto Budget 2017, Child Services is recommending phasing out the Childcare Occupancy Grant to school boards to support childcares. The budget also includes a proposed subsidy freeze. This would mean that 75 new fee subsidies that were approved in the 2016 budget would not be implemented in 2017.
The City of Toronto provides funding to childcares located within schools for leasing costs. Without this occupancy grant, school boards will have to recover costs directly from childcare centres. In turn, this will result in fee increases for parents, as childcares will have to recover costs directly from families.
According to information included in the City budget, the reduction will total $2,266,000 for the four school boards in Toronto.
FACTS
The elimination of the City of Toronto childcare occupancy grant and a freeze to subsidized spaces will have a direct impact on affordability, accessibility, and quality of childcare in Toronto.
- Affordability: With the removal of the occupancy grant, fees will increase further, making childcare even more expensive. A recent study showed that 75 percent of families in Toronto already find licensed childcare unaffordable.
- Accessibility: Increasing costs for childcare will result in spaces becoming even less accessible for many families. Licensed childcare is already inaccessible for many families in Toronto due to high fees and lack of availability of subsidies. There are currently over 18,000 children on the waitlist for subsidies in the City of Toronto.
- Quality: An increase in operating costs will put additional administrative stress on childcares, make less money available for improving and expanding programming, while putting financial strain on families.
- The City of Toronto needs to work with the Province and school boards to continue to provide childcare that is accessible and affordable for all families.
ACTION
Share this information
- If you are concerned about the City of Toronto’s elimination of the childcare occupancy grant and cuts to subsidies, share this information and speak with friends, family and other parents in your network and encourage them to take action.
Speak Out against the proposed cuts
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
- January 5, 9, 10, 2017 – Budget Committee Public Presentations (deputations): Deputations are 3-5 minutes long, with an additional five minutes for committee members to ask questions. To register to make a deputation call 416-392-4666 or email buc@toronto.ca.
- Monday, January 9
North York Civic Centre, Council Chamber 5100 Yonge St. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
East York Civic Centre 850 Coxwell Ave. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 10
York Civic Centre 2700 Eglinton Ave. W. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
City Hall, Committee Room 1 100 Queen St. W. 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- February 15, 16 and 17 (optional) - Special Council for Budget
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Notice: Revised Procedure to Speak to the Board at Committee Meetings: TDSB
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| It is important that members of the public can provide information and perspectives to trustees and are actively involved in the Board’s decision-making process. Just before the break we revised our Delegation Procedure (To set out a consistent and easily understandable process for the public to address Committees of the Board through delegations (i.e., by speaking in person or through written submission). Our goal was to make contact with the public - parents - students more accessible.
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Making the Best of Winter Weather at our School
Principals are often asked how we decide whether it's too cold to allow our students out in the schoolyard for recess.
Fresh air and exercise are important for children. It keeps them physically fit, and helps them stay alert all through the school day. Parents can help by making sure their children come to school prepared to spend time outdoors. Hats, mitts, boots and a warm jacket are important to keep students comfortable during lunch and recess.
But extreme cold can be dangerous, and parents want to know that their children will be safe. When the temperature is predicted to drop below -15C, the City of Toronto may declare a cold weather alert. Schools are very sensitive to the needs of our students and pay close attention to the weather, especially when the windchill is below -20 C.
The TDSB Severe Weather Protocol is flexible, so that every principal can make a decision that meets the needs of his or her school. It sets guidelines for when to allow students outside for recess, when to make outdoor breaks shorter, and when to keep students inside altogether.
Cancellation of Buses During Severe Weather
Severe weather conditions may require the TDSB to cancel transportation or, in extreme conditions, close schools. The decision to close schools is made by the Director of Education. In the event transportation is cancelled or schools are closed, the local media will be informed before the beginning of the school day. Tune in to your radio and television news stations for the latest information or visit http://www.tdsb.on.ca.
Continuing Education - Community Programs
Winter Learn4Life classes begin January 14. Take up a new hobby, learn a language, and meet people in your community. Put your hands to work and decorate and glaze your own pottery or sculpture. Take up a sport and stay active this winter.
Continuing Education - Night School Credit Program
Credit courses are offered by the TDSB in 8 night school locations across the city. Classes are held on Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesdays/Thursdays from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Reach ahead, make up a credit or work towards your high school diploma. Registration for the winter semester begins on January 9, 2017. Classes begin the week of February 13, 2017.
Continuing Education
International Languages Elementary and African Heritage Programs
As the world continues to move towards connectivity, learning languages becomes critically important. Encourage your child’s natural curiosity and enroll them in our JK to Grade 8 International Languages and African Heritage program. Visit our website for a school near you. www.ILEprograms.ca @TDSB_ILE
Continuing Education - Learn English with Us
Adults can build literacy and English language skills for FREE for eligible learners. Learn about your community and the services available. We offer a wide range of classes from beginner to advanced to help you improve your conversation skills, further your education, and prepare for citizenship and language proficiency tests.
February is Kindergarten Registration Month
At the Toronto District School Board, our elementary schools offer Full-Day Kindergarten. Our educators recognize that children come to school with diverse backgrounds and rich experiences. Our Kindergarten programs will build upon these experiences and support your child to learn, grow, and succeed. At the TDSB, we believe our youngest learners benefit from engaging in a variety of rich and authentic learning, both indoors and outdoors. Our classroom programs are designed to bring The Kindergarten Program 2016 to life by providing children opportunities to learn through play, inquiry, and exploration. Throughout the two-year Kindergarten program, classroom educators support the children in developing their sense of belonging, well-being, and problem solving skills. Throughout the day, children explore literacy, mathematics, science, physical education and the arts.
To attend Junior Kindergarten in September, children must turn four-years-old by December 31. To register for Senior Kindergarten, children must be five-years-old by December 31.
Visit the Kindergarten website at http://www.tdsb.on.ca/kindergarten to learn more about this program and how to prepare your child for school. Visit your local school during February to register.
Your child's lifelong journey of learning begins at the TDSB!
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Last year was the first time that I hosted the Youth Leadership Program from Toastmasters International for high school students. It was a great opportunity for students to become engaged in public speaking and build leadership skills.
Because of great interest and many inquiries, I will be hosting it again this year. We have not worked out all the details yet but I wanted to give everyone a heads-up that information on it will be coming out soon and I will send out another email specifically for this announcement.
In the meantime, I have attached information about the program here. Feel free to contact me for more information - alexander.brown@tdsb.on.ca
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Minister's Student Advisory Council
Applications for the 2017-18 are open! All students in grades 7-12 at publicly funded schools!
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Summer Jobs with the Ontario Government - 2017
Every year, the Ontario Public Service, related agencies and community groups, provide 5,000 students with jobs across the province. These jobs help Ontario students with limited work experience develop transferable skills, support their career goals and learn more about the Ontario Public Service!
Summer Employment Opportunities are full-time, temporary positions ranging from 7 – 18 weeks between May and September. Click here. All Student job ads will be posted on January 3, 2017. Student jobs will have differing application deadlines. Review the 2017 applications deadlines and apply for the student jobs that you are interested in.
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Community News from Willowdale
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