|  | Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin Chair •Trustee, Ward 11 • Don Valley West
Toronto District School Board
416-395-8787 • Rachel.ChernosLin@tdsb.on.ca |
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COFFEE MORNING POSTPONED
**NEW DATE:
MAY 10th, 9:30am-11am
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| Dear friends,
It is hard to believe we are nearing end of April, though the burst of summer temperatures last week did indeed make us realize summer is fast approaching!
April is a busy time in our schools, with intense learning, evaluation, and extra-curriculars in full swing. For our secondary students, we are also in the midst of mid-term reporting, a particularly intense period for our graduating students!
Over the last few weeks, I have had the pleasure of attending a number of events in TDSB and Ward 11 schools. So many highlights but a few do stand out, including: getting a cricket lesson from female TDSB cricket team members at York Memorial Collegiate Institute; an Iftar dinner at Marc Garneau Collegiate, run by students, for students, with everything from decorations to food organized and created by kids! It was an amazing display of leadership, organizational and managerial skills, and a special shout out must go to the culinary arts and culinary club students and the staff that support them for the amazing dinner they provided for hundreds and hundreds of students, staff and guests, including MPP Stephanie Bowman; and a school filled with love as the TDSB celebrated International Day of Pink at York Mills Collegiate. Joined by Deputy-Mayor McElvie and many others, YMCI held an assembly where we were treated to performances by the orchestra, band and the dance troupe. In addition, the president of the YMCI student council interviewed one of the only remaining members of the Stonewall Riot. This landmark event in New York City in 1969 is widely regarded as the birth of the Pride Movement. All classes that participated in this program did curriculum-based learning in advance to prepare, and the program at York Mills provided all attendees with the historical perspective of this movement and also gave us with an uplifting morning focussing on the importance of empathy, kindness and inclusion.
While schools have been in full swing, our board of trustees has also been busy with committee meetings and governance work. Coming to Board next week are a number of key reports that may be interesting to parents and caregivers to read. Of particular interest, I want to draw your attention to last week's Program an School Services meeting, where trustees heard reports on STEM and Robotics, Special Education, and Guest Artists in School. To read these reports and get a sense of the amazing and rich opportunities for learning in our schools, please click: here.
At the same time that we are seeing deep learning and wonderful aspects of inclusion happening throughout our schools, there is still considerable intolerance and aspects of hate and racism occurring throughout our system. Earlier this week, staff presented our Annual Human Rights Report, detailing 2021/2022 incidents of hate and racism recorded in our reporting portal. Together with a the March 1 Report on our Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy (Executive Summary), which outlines the strategy being developed by our staff to combat hate and racism, it is clear there are concerning incidents in our schools, that staff are working hard to educate and eradicate hate, and that much work remains to be done.
As part of this effort, this past week trustees unanimously passed a motion at committee regarding the development of a strategy to combat Islamophobia. At this meeting, trustees heard from 24 delegates -- made up of students, parents, staff and community members -- who spoke to us about their experiences of Islamophobia in our schools and in the community. This motion ensures this strategy will fall under our overarching strategy to combat ALL forms of hate and racism and is an important marker of our commitment to working with community to ensure all students feel safe, secure and included at school. This motion will make its way to board for final approval on April 26 and I am looking forward to voting again in support.
BUDGET:
As indicated in my last newsletter, the 2023/2024 Budget situation is very concerning. Our initial numbers show a large deficit and without sufficient funding from the government, we risk losing a lot of the progress we have started to make coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. In our recent survey of parents and caregivers about the budget and pandemic recovery, significant concerns remain. This survey was filled out by almost 18,000 parents/guardians/caregivers, and it was clear from the survey that parents remain very concerned about pandemic recovery and believe our students need significant supports! To read more about what we learned from this brief survey, please see the results below.
Earlier this week, and later than usual, the Provincial Government released crucial information about funding for school boards for their 2023/2024 budgets, known as the Grants for Student Needs (GSN's). Our finance staff are currently working through the detailed memorandums to interpret the numbers, and a special meeting of the Finance, Budget, and Enrolment Committee (FBEC) has been scheduled for this coming Monday, April 24. As usual, you can follow the meeting live on our website (from 4:30pm). At this meeting we expect a high level preliminary update about the GSN's and the impact on our Board.
COFFEE MORNING: POSTPONED TO MAY 10
Due to a scheduling conflict that has arisen, my upcoming Coffee Morning of April 26 has been changed to WEDNESDAY, MAY 10. Thank you in advance for your understanding. As we alternate between in-person and virtual meetings, this one will be via Zoom, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Please click for the Flyer and Registration.
Finally, to those who celebrated Passover, Easter and Orthodox Easter earlier this month, I hope you had lovely holidays. To those in our community and beyond observing Ramadan, I hope you have had a productive and wonderful month, and wish you Ramadan Mubarak as you celebrate Eid-Al-Fitr.
This weekend, the Armenian community of Toronto is observing the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. Although I am unable to attend the related event this weekend, I am grateful to Trustee Laskin who will bring greetings on my behalf and on behalf of our Board.
Before I sign off, please below for a number of important reminders, events, and information that may be of interest to Ward 11 and TDSB families.
And, as always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments or concerns, and I look forward to seeing many of you online for our virtual Coffee Morning on May 10!
~Rachel
Rachel Chernos Lin, Chair, Toronto District School Board, Chair and Ward 11 Trustee, Don Valley West
Rachel.Chernoslin@tdsb.on.ca
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2023-2024 Budget: Pandemic Recovery is not over
During the pandemic, all available resources were put toward keeping students, staff and the community safe. The TDSB spent more than $70M 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 $60M 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.
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Parent/Caregiver Survey strongly supports more pandemic recovery funds for the Board
A very impressive number of 17,892 parents/guardians/caregivers responded to our recently held Budget Survey. The results are very clear:
- 69% of TDSB parents / guardians / caregivers believe the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt by their children.
- No fewer than 86% of TDSB parents/guardians/caregivers believe that provincial Learning Recovery funding, provided by the Ministry of Education for the past two years for additional staff to support students, should be continued.
- With TDSB spending more than $70 million during the pandemic on things like smaller class sizes, extra PPE & technology, 90% of TDSB parents/guardians/caregivers believe that the Ministry should fully or partially cover these costs (which instead have depleted all the Board's reserves).
We thank everybody who participated in the survey.
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Multi-Year Strategic Plan - Have Your Say!
The TDSB is renewing its Multi-year Strategic Plan and we invite you to get involved and Have Your Say!Please consider completing the MYSP online survey and visit www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal to learn about a variety of opportunities to contribute.
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TDSB Community Raises $103,792 for Earthquake Relief
On February 6, devastating earthquakes hit regions of Türkiye and Syria, tragically claiming the lives of at least 50,000 people and injuring thousands more. Thousands of people were also left homeless in below-zero temperatures without belongings to keep them warm and protect them from the cold weather. Emergency relief was immediately needed.
Following news of the devastation, the TDSB quickly launched a board-wide fundraising appeal in support of Canadian Red Cross. Thanks to the generosity of the TDSB community, the campaign, which ran until March 17, 2023, raised $103,792.70 to support the Canadian Red Cross in providing immediate relief and ongoing humanitarian assistance to those impacted by the earthquakes. The Government of Canada also matched donations made to Canadian Red Cross (up to $10 million) until February 22, 2023.
On April 17, 2023, I joined Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins in presenting Ifhtia Haque, the Canadian Red Cross Manager of Community Engagement, with a cheque of the TDSB’s donations.
Thank you to all the students, staff, parents/guardians/caregivers and other members of the TDSB community for supporting this important initiative!
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Student Elections: April 24-28
A very important election is coming up for all 2023/2024 high school students! The campaigns for the Student Trustee and Student Senate positions start on April 24, with the votes being cast on April 27 & 28.
Student Senate members and Student Trustees represent the voice of approximately 236,000 students in the Toronto District School Board. They work closely together to empower and promote student voice and engagement across the district.
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TDSB Student Census
The TDSB Student Census is a confidential and voluntary survey that asks 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 improve our schools and system.
The TDSB is asking all parents/guardians/caregivers and/or students to consider filling out a census survey online.
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PIAC Parent /Caregiver Conference: May 6
The Parent Involvement Advisory Committee's annual parent/caregiver conference returns to Earl Haig Secondary School on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Please join as (PIAC) presents Ready Set Engage: Bridging the Gap Part II.
Take the opportunity to meet and network with other parents and caregivers from across the Toronto District School Board, attend workshops that will provide resources in supporting school council work and the well-being and achievement of students.
Topics will range from parent engagement and resources, to basic school council functions, to mental health and well-being.
A new special addition to this year's conference is a theatrical performance themed around mental health and well-being in the learning environment.
This conference is free with breakfast and lunch served. Childcare and bus transportation canl be provided if you register by this Friday, April 21. Registration is open now bit.ly/bridgingthegap2023.
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Internet Safety Workshop: April 27
tdsbHUB.ca, provided by the TDSB's Community Support Workers, is organizing an Internet Safety Workshop together with the Toronto Police Service.
On Thursday, April, 27, 6:30-8:00 pm, you can learn more about how to keep children safe online, focusing on topics like screen time, gaming, sexting, cyberbullying, and more.
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CSW Update with Webinars on Mathematics (April 25) & Council Fundraising (April 29)
Check out the April Community News update from the TDSB's Community Support Workers. Among other things, it contains information on two webinars that will likely be of interest to parents and caregivers:
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Extended Day Program Summer Camp
The Extended Day Program (EDP) is the Board’s directly operated before-and after-school program that runs throughout the school year. Additionally, EDP will be providing summer camp programs from July 4 to August 18, 2023. EDP summer camps will operate in 16 TDSB locations where a need was determined through a parent survey of interest and viability assessment. The EDP summer camps are available to all TDSB students with first priority to those students currently enrolled in the EDP program.
Delivered by TDSB Designated Early Childhood Educators and Early Childhood Assistants, the EDP summer camps provide fun learning opportunities for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 . Students will develop skills such as collaboration, responsibility, problem-solving, creativity, citizenship and leadership through interesting activities, experiences, and excursions.
Information about EDP summer camp, including school locations , fees, and registration, is available on the EDP webpage. Registration started Thursday, April 13.
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Summer Programs and camps 2023 – Registration Now Open!
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Addressing School SafetyThe safety and well-being of all students is of the utmost importance to the TDSB. All students and staff have a right to feel safe at school and work. We continue to take important steps to address school safety, including creating an Expert Reference Panel on School Safety and Student Well-Being and a Safe Schools Audit Team, as well as immediate actions such as piloting new security video technology and running mandatory emergency preparedness training sessions for school-based staff.
As we move forward with these and other actions and introduce new initiatives related to school and student safety, we will continue to share details with the TDSB community. Check the Addressing School Safety web page for ongoing updates.
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Tutoring Update
On the afternoon of March 30, the Ministry of Education announced an extension of the tutoring deadline of March 31. While no additional funds have been provided, school boards are allowed to use unspent funds.
Schools have the opportunity to continue their Continuing Education Tutoring programs, or begin new ones. The TDSB has reached out to existing community organizations, inviting them to submit proposals to extend their programming, or begin new programming from now until June 2023.
If you are aware of a community organization who is interested in offering tutoring support, please contact System Superintendent Diana Panagiotopoulos at Diana.Panagiotopoulos@tdsb.on.ca.
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Heritage & History Months
In April, The Toronto District School Board proudly celebrates Sikh and Hispanic Heritag Latin-America History Month.
Latin-America History Month - This year's theme is (Decolonizing) Latin-America History Month & Beyond: Honouring & Uplifting the Real HXstories and Multiplicities of Our Identities. Several activities are planned for students, staff, and community members.
Sikh Heritage Month - 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.
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2022-2023 School Year Calendar
Mark your calendars! The first P.A. Day is June 2nd (elementary schools only).
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School Year Calendar 2023-2024
In consultation with the School Year Calendar Committee, Toronto Catholic District School Board and other neighbouring Boards it was recommended that Winter Break will be scheduled from December 25, 2023 – January 5, 2024.
On February 27th, Trustees approved the School Year Calendar. It was then sent to the Minister of Education for final approval. The first day of school for students will be Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
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Stay Connected with your school and the board
The TDSB is offering two new ways to stay connected with your school and the TDSB. Learn about opting in for text messages and using the School Messenger app, which provides a faster and easier way to report absences. Learn more.
TDSB UpdateSign-up for TDSB Update and stay informed about recent Board decisions and district-wide news.
Upcoming MeetingsThe next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar on the main webpage of www.tdsb.on.ca. Board and Committee Meetings can be watched online. Follow the TDSBJoin the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter (@TDSB), Facebook (@toronto.dsb) and Instagram (@Torontodsb) accounts.
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If you notice anything at a school that concerns you, please call the TDSB 24-hour Call Centre (416) 395-4620, Toronto Police Services Dispatch (non-emergencies via 416-808-2222), and/or Toronto 311.
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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