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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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This week is #EducationWeek!
Let’s celebrate teaching excellence and student achievement. "Children sitting in the classrooms of today are the citizens, the leaders, and the parents of tomorrow.” - @MaryGordonROE
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In this Issue:
- Happy Eid!
- Children's Mental Health Week
- Education Week
- May is Asian Heritage Month
- May is Jewish Heritage Month
- Hold the Date - May 17th - Education Day
- COVID-19 Reminders
- PIAC Update
- Secondary School Timetable 2022-23
- Excellence Awards are Back!
- TDSB System Calendar
- Policy Consultations
- School Building in Toronto: Where Are We Now? Ward 8 & 9 Virtual Ward Forum - Thursday, May 12, 2022, 6:30-8:00 pm.
- New Invitations - Budget Town Halls - May 19; COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics co-hosted by Councillor Matlow
- Worth Repeating - Be Part of the National Action Plan on Combatting Hate; TDSBcares: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal; Summer School Updates: Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voters Lists?; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
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Happy Eid!
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated to commemorate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Sending all who are celebrating best wishes for good health and well-being to you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak!
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Children's Mental Health Week
This year, the TDSB recognizes Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) from May 2 to 6, 2022. This year's theme is Intersecting Identities and Well-Being.
Follow @TDSB_MHWB Hashtag #CMHW2022
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Education Week
The TDSB recognizes Education Week May 2 to May 6, 2022. It's an opportunity for us to celebrate excellence in education and highlight students and staff. Follow along each day as we profile amazing work in equity, mental health and well-being and supporting student success. Go ahead and follow us on Twitter, too. That's where our schools turn to highlight learning in and outside of the classroom. What great things are you doing? Follow and share online using #TDSBedweek and tagging @tdsb!
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May is Asian Heritage Month
We are proud to celebrate the numerous achievements of Asian-Canadians and their significant role on the global stage. This year our theme is Many Voices United as One.
The TDSB is the largest and one of the most diverse school boards in Canada. Nearly one-quarter of our students were born outside of Canada and collectively we speak more than 120 languages. According to the 2017 TDSB Student & Parent Census 40% of TDSB students self-identified as Asian. During the month of May several opportunities and resources will be offered to our students, staff and to the TDSB community to learn about the traditions, customs, and significant individuals that this heritage brings. They include author readings to our elementary students from Kindergarten to grade 3, panel of speakers to our secondary students and a movie night to all students, staff and the TDSB community.
Please join us for the Asian Heritage Month Virtual Celebration:
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May is Jewish Heritage Month
Throughout the month of May TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee and the Ontario Jewish Archives are offering a lively and historical guided walking tour of Kensington Market to Grade 6 and 7 TDSB students. “A Trip to the Market” is an engaging exploration of the history, music and architecture the market has to offer. This opportunity will connect students to a significant part of Toronto’s local history as a destination for new immigrant groups. The walking tour focuses on the stories of Toronto’s early Jewish community, largely immigrants from Eastern Europe. TDSB’s TUSC (Toronto Urban Studies Centre) staff will guide the groups through the sites, smells, and sounds of the market. Destinations include historical homes, former businesses, and culminates at the beautiful and historic Kiever Synagogue. The tour is 90 minutes and we’ve compressed a lot of material into that time. Before coming on the trip, teachers and students view the video and prepare for what they will see. Follow the Jewish Heritage Committee on Twitter @TDSB_JH and check out resources on the Jewish Heritage Committee website.
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Hold the Date - May 17th - Education Day
As a non-partisan association, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) advocates for and represents the voice of our public school boards on the diverse range of issues that affect students and communities, regardless of which political party forms government.
Throughout the provincial election campaign, OPSBA is encouraging parents, students, seniors, and other members of school communities to learn about the issues impacting Ontario’s public schools, before Election Day on June 2, 2022.
OPSBA is declaring May 18 as Education Day in Ontario. On that day and other dates during the week of May 16 to 20, local candidates from major provincial parties will be invited to local schools and to virtual and in-person all candidates meetings to share their views and answer questions on the issues affecting public education.
Please know due to Committee Meetings at the TDSB on May 18, I have invited the candidates from the 4 major political parties nominated in Eglinton-Lawrence and Toronto-St Paul's to participate in two virtual debates (one per ward) on May 17th moderated by Caroline Alphonso, Education Reporter with the Globe & Mail. Please stay tuned for more information next week as I have asked the candidates to confirm by May 6.
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COVID-19 RemindersPlease Wear a MaskStaff at the Toronto District School Board have developed a new “masking” webpage with more information, including a Questions and Answers section, that will help answer a number of the questions about masking. We have asked all students and staff at its schools to go back to wearing masks inside to help limit the disruption caused by a sixth wave of COVID-19. Face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, frequent hand-washing and physical distancing, can help slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Masks are strongly recommended and effective. Please wear a mask to protect yourself and others, especially those that cannot yet be vaccinated.
Updated Information from TPH
Please get VaccinatedDaily Screening
Mental Health and Well-Being
COVID-19 Case Reporting - Adding TDSB-wide Totals
While the Ministry no longer requires school boards to report on COVID-19 cases in schools, the TDSB continues to notify the school community when a positive case of COVID-19 (confirmed by either Rapid Antigen Test or PCR test) is self-reported to the school.
Starting next week, a TDSB-wide weekly total of COVID-19 numbers will be reported on the COVID-19 Reporting webpage. This, in tandem with the daily COVID-19 notification letters from schools, will further provide our community a comprehensive picture of what is happening locally and system-wide, while preventing stigmatization of particular schools or areas.
Weekly totals will be updated every Tuesday for the preceding week, here is the data from April 29.
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PIAC Update
Ward 8 Parents, Caregivers and Families!
It's Kaydeen and Anshu, your Ward 8 PIAC rep! Wishing you and your families all the best for the Spring and Summer seasons ahead.
I am happy to have the opportunity to once again represent our ward and families at PIAC and contribute to this amazing group of parent volunteers working to support the interests of school councils across the city. It is my pleasure to welcome Anshu Grover, our new co-rep.
Hi Everyone! My name is Anshu Grover and I have recently joined PIAC as the elected co-rep for Ward 8. In these first few months in this role, I have learned so much about all of the wonderful opportunities at the TDSB for parents to have their voices heard. PIAC is one such opportunity but there are so many more. I look forward to supporting all of the schools and families in Ward 8 in whatever way I can, to have our voices considered in the Boards policies, procedures and processes. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss how you can get involved!
PIAC has been working closely with the Parent and Community Engagement Office (PCEO) to resolve the ongoing challenges some school councils are experiencing accessing TDSB emails, ensuring that this important service is available to support your work. We also encourage you to share your thoughts, opinions and ideas through the various nTDSB consultations open currently.
Anshu and I look forward to learning more about the amazing work that you do in your schools and hope to connect with a number of school councils in the last months of the school year.
Be well,
Kaydeen Bankasingh and Anshu Grover
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Secondary School Timetable 2022-23
Staff has confirmed secondary schools will run timetables with a common traditional semester structure for the 2022-23 school year. All schools will run four periods per day with a 60 minute lunch in each semester. In a time of change and uncertainty, it is our hope that this decision will help students plan and prepare for next year, especially students who may be transferring between schools or beginning high school for the first time.
Secondary alternative schools and Adult Learning Centres will continue to provide modified school timetables most appropriate for the learning needs of their students. Consideration was also given to secondary schools with Intensive Support Programs (ISPs), and congregated Special Education sites to run on schedules that best meet these unique environments.
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Excellence Awards are Back!
We are excited to announce the return of the TDSB Excellence Awards for 2022! This year, updated nomination categories are aimed at honouring outstanding individuals and groups who have demonstrated excellence and continued to thrive throughout the past two years. More information and details about the refreshed nomination categories will be shared across the system soon, including on the website at www.tdsb.on.ca/excellence. An award celebration event is planned for June 14 at Forest Valley Education Centre.
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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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Policy Consultations
You are welcome to read the draft policies, provide your comments, including suggestions on the wording and provisions of the draft policies, questions or recommendations using the contact information below.
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Next Ward Forum - May 12, 2022School Building in Toronto: Where Are We Now?
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Budget Town Halls - May 19
Staff have posted budget materials on the TDSB budget website. Staff will continue to update this document following each FBEC meeting throughout May and June.
TDSB will be holding two virtual Budget Town Halls on May 19, 2022 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to ensure that all members of the community have the opportunity to hear directly from staff about the 2022-23 budget and ask questions. Please watch for additional information.
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COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics co-hosted by Councillor Matlow
Every Tuesday 12-4pm until May 10th, Councillor Matlow is co-hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Fairbank Memorial Community Centre with some remarkable partners. To learn about eligibility & details, check out the flyer or contact York-Fairbank Centre for Seniors 416 - 651- 8300 / yorkfairbank@on.aibn.com
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Be Part of the National Action Plan on Combatting Hate
In Canada, diversity is a fact, but inclusion is our national responsibility choice. We know that hatred targeting people based on their race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other personal characteristic, is destructive.
The Government of Canada is taking necessary actions to address the troubling rise of hate crimes and hate groups, not just because of the devastating consequences they have on the victims and their families, but also because they can divide our country and increase insecurity nationwide.
That’s why, the government is launching consultations for the first ever National Action Plan on Combatting Hate. We want to ensure that people across Canada, particularly those with lived experience of hate, have their say in defining how this action plan will deliver tangible change.
Every person in Canada is encouraged to participate. This questionnaire will recognize the voices of those with lived experiences. Including First Nations, Inuit, Métis, Black, Asian, Latinx, Arab, Muslim, Jewish, and racialized and faith-based communities, alongside newcomers, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ persons.
Participation is voluntary and confidential.
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TDSBcares: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal
Since the start of the conflict, a number of schools across the TDSB have been holding fundraisers and collecting donations in support of the ongoing relief efforts in Ukraine. The launch of TDSBcares: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal complements these school initiatives and streamlines the process for schools and central departments to make new or additional donations.
The TDSBcares: Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal will run until May 31, 2022. Tax receipts will be issued by the Canadian Red Cross (for all donations of $1 or more) and UNICEF (for all donations of $10 or more).
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Summer School Program Updates
Continuing Education Secondary Credit Summer Programs - Please note that space is limited and courses may fill up prior to the close of registration.
In Person & Remote Incoming TDSB Grade 8 Summer Reach Ahead Opportunity
TDSB Grade 8 students are eligible to register for the TDSB Continuing Education, In Person or Remote Secondary Full Credit Summer Reach Ahead course, GLD2O1. In-Person & Remote Full Credit High School Program: Students can enroll in one full-credit course that is offered in July, either remotely or in person at multiple locations. Should an announcement be made that only remote learning can take place, in person students need to be prepared to pivot to remote learning.
In Person & Remote Summer Full Credit Adult 18+ Program
Adults can enroll in one full credit course that is offered in July in-person at Yorkdale Adult Learning Centre or remotely. Should an announcement be made that only remote learning can take place, in person students need to be prepared to pivot to remote learning.
Remote Credit Recovery - For TDSB Students ONLY
Current TDSB students have the opportunity to recover one or two credits for the month of July. Remote summer credit recovery courses are open to current TDSB high school students who have taken the course in the past two years but have not earned the credit.
Summer Dual Credit, SWAC and Coop
These programs will be offered during the month of July. Students can register through their day school guidance counsellors. For more information, including registration dates, please visit our secondary summer page.
e-Summer School
The e-Summer program provides full credit courses for secondary school students in Ontario, aged 13-20 years old. e-Summer courses count toward the mandatory graduation requirement for students who entered Grade 9 in the 2020-2021 school year or later. Courses are fully online. Most of the class time is asynchronous with about one hour/day of synchronous, live lessons delivered by the teacher. e-Summer offers two full sessions, one in July and one in August. Mandatory program orientation for students takes place online for one hour in the week before the course begins. e-Summer course count toward the new graduation requirement of two e-Learning credits.
Elementary Summer SchoolThe focus of the Elementary Summer School Program is to continue student learning and engagement through the month of July. Programs, embedded in Literacy and Numeracy, are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the local school focus. Programs are offered in-person to students in K to Grade 8, from July 4 to July 29, 2022.
Registration Information - Program Dates: July 4-29, 2022 - Registration is online. Program delivery method is in-person this year. One remote (online) program is available. Please see full list of programs.
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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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