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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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In this Issue -- Vaccinations
- 2024-25 Budget
- Budget: Let us Know Your Thoughts
- TDSB Earth Hour 2024
- TDSB Summer Music & Art Camps 2024
- Committee Meetings This Week
- P021, Fundraising Policy: Phase 5
- Ramadan Continues
- Recent Advocacy Motions
- Policy Consultations
- Reporting Hate - In Our Schools and In Our Communities
- New Invitations - Virtual Educational Sessions - OP/TP; Backpack and School Supplies Drive; Summer Company Grant; Identify 'N Impact Awards
- Worth Repeating - Excellence Awards! OPSBA Awards; Greek Heritage Month; Pride Month 2024 T-Shirt Design Contest; Need for Aquatic Instructors; Please Keep Safe... and Keep Others Safe; Useful Links; 2023-2024 Calendar; 2024-2025 Calendar; Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report; Community Safety & Support
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Vaccinations
Measles is increasing and spreading in every region of the world. It can cause a fever, rash, runny nose, red eyes & more. It spreads through the air and close contact when a person infected with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes. If you think you have the virus, stay home & contact your doctor. Learn more: http://toronto.ca/measles-fact-sheet.
Vaccines are available from your primary health care provider or at a TPH community clinic for school-aged children, by appointment. Visit TPHbookings.ca for more information.
All children attending school between ages 4 to 17 need to be immunized according to Ontario's Immunization Schedule. If you are unsure of your child’s vaccination status, check their yellow card (Ontario Immunization Record), TPH’s Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) or by speaking with their primary health care provider.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines
We are still in the midst of respiratory illness season, and it is not too late to get vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu. Both of these vaccines continue to be available at your local pharmacy and doctor’s office. The updated COVID-19 vaccine better protects against the new Omicron XBB variant. You can get the updated COVID-19 vaccine if you are aged six months and older and it has been at least six months since their last COVID-19 dose or infection (whichever is longer). It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time or around the same time. Learn more about where to get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine.
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2024-25 Budget
Section 231 of the Education Act requires school boards to adopt a balanced budget.
As the 2024-25 budget process continues, there are several important meetings upcoming and we encourage parents/ guardians/caregivers, staff, and the wider community to learn more and engage in the budget process.
This Tuesday, March 19 at the Finance, Budget, and Enrolment Committee (FBEC), staff will present their options to balance the 2024-25 budget.
When this year's budget process began, the projected financial position was a deficit of $34.8M. Since then, staff have updated some of the projected revenues and expenditures that bring the updated projected financial position to a $20.8M deficit - that means staff are looking at reductions of $20.8M in order to balance. Appendix F - Updated Financial Position.
Included in the Report is Appendix E - 2024-25 Budget Summary by Department showing the variances between budget years.
What is clear about staff options is their ongoing support of protecting programs and services for students - Appendix D - Major Areas Where Board is Spending More Than Funded.
I can support many of the staff options as they are based on structural reorganization and efficiencies (reorganizing Adult Education, change to permits, staffing, school renewal and sick leave) - others I cannot support through a budget process (elimination of General Interest Programs, increased user fees or transportation costs for Outdoor Education) - and others I support but not this year as it would be without appropriate notice (removing the pause on IB Fees).
I also strongly support the addition of Vice-Principals and Safety Positions which I had been advocating for since the beginning of this budget process - and I support the flexibility for staff to add in additional staff to support inclusion.
Structural Deficit
The TDSB's projected financial position will continue to be a deficit. In addition to the provincial government underfunding benchmarks since amalgamation, the structural deficit is compounded by a combination of other factors including higher wages, aging facilities, transitioning from COVID, escalating costs and inflation. In addition, the demand for mental health and special education services for students in addition to investing in safe schools have led to increased necessary staffing. Yes – TDSB chooses to support programs and services others may deem non-essential – but these are essential to Toronto’s communities.
Students in Toronto need the province to fully-fund expenditures that are out of the Board control. As noted in the graphic above, there are predominantly four areas responsible – three of the four – underfunding of statutory benefits, replacement costs for sick leave and the inability to close underutilized schools are provincial. We know OPSBA continues to advocate for these issues – but specifically for TDSB, it is worth repeating that prior to central provincial bargaining in 2014, the TDSB teacher grid was higher than the provincial average. Since 2014, TDSB supplements provincial funding received for teachers and this increases every year – in 2023-24, the amount that is underfunded is projected to be $22.3M.
Education is worth it - we need the provincial government to cover the real cost. And until they do, any TDSB deficit should be offset by monies owed to the Board.
Next Steps
As noted below, the following week, on Tuesday, March 26, FBEC is for public delegations and members of the public are welcome to attend to speak in person or to submit a written delegation. And on Wednesday, March 27, staff will present recommendations on the 2024-25 operating budget at FBEC. Learn more and access all meeting agendas. A Special Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 2 for approval of the 2024-25 operating budget.
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Budget: Let us Know Your Thoughts
Register to address the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee on March 26, 2024. Learn more and register here. Please note: the deadline for delegations to be considered is 12 p.m. on Monday, March 25.
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TDSB Earth Hour 2024
I am happy to share that the TDSB is once again participating in Earth Hour.
On Friday, March 22nd at 2:00 PM TDSB schools and offices are asked to go as electricity-free as possible for ONE HOUR.
Earth Hour presents a great opportunity to raise awareness focused on energy conservation and climate change. Wherever possible, our schools and offices will turn off all interior lighting except necessary emergency lights, any non-essential electronics and powerbars. Energy reduction will again be tracked at each TDSB school, with the top 25 Elementary and Secondary schools getting a shout out. Let’s make this year our biggest energy reduction ever!
This Earth Hour on March 23rd, millions around the world will be turning off the lights and speaking up why nature matters. Families and community members can participate from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. Consider registering your actions or event at the Global Earth Hour website.
Share your #TDSBEarthHour actions with @EcoSchoolsTDSB. Tell us if your school is already going beyond Earth Hour itself! Do students take an active role in organizing the campaign? Inspire and challenge other schools across the city.
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TDSB Summer Music & Art Camps 2024
We are excited to announce that registration for our summer music camp in Toronto 2024 is now open! Explore your musical talents and creative flair at the TDSB Summer Music and Art Camps! Our camps welcome young artists and musicians of all skill levels, offering diverse programs including band, orchestra, strings, and personalized instruction. It's a chance to develop your skills, build friendships, and celebrate in an exciting final concert.
Join us for a summer of music-making, artistic expression, and endless fun! For more information and details, click here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Summer-Programs/TDSB-Music-Camps
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Committee Meetings This Week
Special Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - March 19, 2024 - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom Agenda - 5.0 Proposed Options to Balance the 2024-25
Governance and Policy Committee - March 20, 2024 - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom Agenda- 5. Staff Reports
- 5.1 P067, Learning Opportunities Index Policy Review, Phase 3
- 5.2 P021, Fundraising Policy, Phase 5
- 5.3 P072, Workplace Violence Prevention, Phase 1 - Annual Review
- 5.4 P048, Occupational Health and Safety Policy, Phase 1 - Annual Review
- 6. For Information Only
- 6.1 PR686, Revised Barbeque Safety Procedure [4681]
- 6.2 PR743, Employee Interim Measures Pending Investigation: New Procedure
Special Planning and Priorities Committee - March 21, 2024 - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom Agenda 9 (TBC)
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P021, Fundraising Policy: Phase 5
The revised Fundraising Policy (P021) is before the Governance and Policy Committee (GPC) Wednesday. On May 3, 2023, staff provided preliminary revisions at the GPC before proceeding with public consultation. A pre-consultation survey was conducted with the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) in Spring 2023 for one month to obtain initial feedback. An extended term of public consultations was initiated on May 29, 2023 and concluded on October 20, 2023.
Revisions to the Policy (see Appendix A) include:
- Updated definitions;
- Commitment to equity through a proposed System Priorities Fund (formerly the Central Equity Fund) - To facilitate improved equity of resources among schools, a System Priorities Fund will be maintained to redirect undesignated donations from external sources and/or for schools to voluntarily direct surplus School Generated Funds.
- Alignment with Ministry guidelines; and
- Provisions regarding online donations.
What hasn't changed is the school principal is ultimately responsible for all fundraising activities conducted in the name of the school, including school council activities and will have financial oversight of all school generated funds. Fundraising activities must be accountable and transparent, with school/student councils and their local school communities being informed about how fundraising proceeds are used by the school and funds must be raised for a designated purpose and used for that intended purpose. In addition, school generated funds will be used within a two-year period unless specified for a specific project or use. Please let me know if you have any questions.
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Ramadan Continues
Ramadan is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity that exists within our school communities. For many Muslim students (and staff), observing Ramadan through fasting brings a great sense of fulfillment and community. Please see these shared tips that schools can use to support students who are observing and promote inclusion throughout Ramadan.
For more information on the duty to accommodate, please click here.
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Policy Consultations
We Want to Hear From You
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is committed to open and inclusive policy decision-making and values community input and participation through consultation. Consultation is a two-way communication process between the Board and external participants, including students and their parents/guardians, school councils, advisory committees, community members, different levels of government, service agencies, professional organizations and union partners. The objective of consultation is to gather public input regarding options, alternative courses of action, as well as to identify unintended effects for various participants and to find solutions.
Positive Organizational Culture and Inclusive Workforce (P029) (revised Employment Equity Policy)
Objective:
- To affirm the Board’s commitment to establishing transparent and consistent employment practices while upholding human rights and based on the principles of equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression and fairness; and
- To support a commitment to fair hiring practices based on qualifications while fostering a workforce that reflects, understands and responds to the diversity of the students that TDSB serves.
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Reporting Hate
In Our Schools
If you are a staff or a student or a parent/caregiver, and you are a victim of/or witnessing an incident of racism, bias, or hate in our schools, please report it to the school's principal, who has a duty to investigate all incidents. Each time an incident takes place in a school, it is to be recorded in a portal which then begins a system response. We have a responsibility to educate against hate. For more information, please visit the webpage for Reporting an Incident of Hate or Discrimination Involving or Impacting Students. If you experience it, or witness it, report it. Please.
Complaints regarding social media postings should be sent directly to the TDSB's Human Rights Office at humanrightsoffice@tdsb.on.ca. The intake process is being centralized in the Human Rights Office to ensure for consistency of process.
In Our Communities
Report any allegations of hate-motivated crimes to police for investigation at 416-808-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. We will not tolerate any intimidation, harassment, or hate-motivated behaviour aimed at specific communities. You can also call 1-800-222-TIPS to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Toronto Police provide new online option to report hate-motivated graffiti
Toronto Police Service is launching a new option for the public to provide information to police about hate-motivated graffiti in their neighbourhoods. The web form, available on the Service’s website, provides an additional avenue for the public to alert police to hate-motivated graffiti, so officers can attend, gather evidence and arrange for the hate-motivated graffiti to be removed as quickly as possible. This reporting mechanism will be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please remember TDSB's Mental Health and Well Being Professional Support Staff (PSS) are here to support your mental health and well-being and to help you navigate the tools and resources you may need. Please see resources on their website.
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Virtual Educational Sessions - OP/TP
Join TDSB Occupational & Physiotherapy Services
for their virtual office hours for parents/guardians/caregivers on March 20 @ 11:30am-12:30pm!
Special topic that will be discussed this session will be "It’s Time To Get Dressed - Everyday Dressing Skills and Strategies"
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Backpack and School Supplies Drive
This year’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive will run from March 1, 2024 to the end of September 2024. Individual donors and companies can help our students by making a monetary donation and/or a donation of new backpacks and school supplies. Tax receipts are available for these donations.100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations go to benefit our students. NOTE: Due to potential health & safety, hygiene, sorting and storage limitations, the TDSB can only accept new items. For more information about how to donate new items, please contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.
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Summer Company Grant
Are you an Ontario student with a business idea? The Summer Company program supports eligible young student entrepreneurs, aged 15 to 29, looking to launch and operate a small business during the summer. The Summer Company program provides:
- Business fundamentals training
- Group and one-to-one mentorship sessions with a trained business professional
An opportunity for a grant of up to $3,000 to help launch your small business
For more information, review the program overview and detailed guidelines. Begin the process by April 1.
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Identify 'N Impact Awards
The City of Toronto through the Toronto Youth Cabinet (TYC) will be holding our 25th Anniversary Gala and Identify 'N Impact Awards this year where we will honour the contributions that Black, Indigenous and equity deserving youth make to Toronto. Youth between the ages of 13 to 27, who either live, work or go to school in the City of Toronto are eligible to receive an award. Deadline is March 29, 2024. Click here.
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Excellence Awards!
Every year, the TDSB Excellence Awards help shine a light on the stories of extraordinary staff commitment, and we are delighted to announce that nominations for the Excellence Awards 2024 will open on February 27, 2024. The Excellence Awards align with our shared system priorities and help highlight TDSB staff’s efforts to foster joy, engagement and belonging in our schools, workplaces and communities as a foundation for academic achievement, student success, and service excellence.
We want to know about the TDSB staff you know who are inspiring students, innovating the curriculum, championing digital transformation, creating inclusive schools and workplaces, and working behind the scenes to support operational excellence.
We welcome nominations from anyone – staff, students, parents/caregivers or community members – please submit through the Excellence Awards website during the nomination period between February 27 and April 5, 2024.
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Greek Heritage Month (GHM)
During the month of March, several activities will be shared to mark GHM. The theme for this year is: “Greek Thought and Civilization: From Myth to Logos”
«Eλληνική Σκέψη και Πολιτισμός: Από τον Μύθο στον Λόγο»
GHM 2024 Calendar of Daily Activities.
- Join us on Friday, March 22 for a Social Event at Floga Restaurant: GHM Social Event
- Join us on Sunday, April 7 at 1:30 p.m. for the Greek Independence Day Parade on the Danforth (meet at 15 Phin Avenue at 1 p.m.).
- Join us for the GHM Closing Event on Saturday, April 13th at the Greek Community Centre at 30 Thorncliffe Park Drive from 1 to 3 p.m.
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Pride Month 2024 T-Shirt Design Contest
Pride Month 2024 is just around the corner, and the TDSB Pride Planning Committee is excited to announce the T-Shirt Design Contest. The winning design will be featured on hundreds of TDSB Pride 2024 T-shirts, proudly worn by all members of the TDSB contingent during the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024. The TDSB Pride 2024 T-shirt Design Contest is open to all TDSB students of any age. The deadline for design submissions is April 10 at 11:59 p.m.
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Need for Aquatic Instructors
In order to operate swim programs in our schools with pools, we need two on-site aquatic instructors. Sadly, the TDSB has had a shortage of aquatic instructors since schools reopened from COVID. If you know of any aquatic instructors, please, have them complete the application - the board has been advertising and I have been advertising on Twitter since the end of last year. Here’s the link directly to the posting for applicants to apply. https://tdsb.sabacloud.com/Saba/Web_spf/CA1PRD0033/jobs-Support/career/jobdetail/jobrq000000000002580. Thanks!
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Please Keep Safe... and Keep Others Safe
Layers of protection work to help reduce virus spread. For example:
😷wear a well-fitted mask
🧼wash hands often
🏠stay home if sick
💨choose well ventilated spaces
🛡️stay up-to-date with your vaccines
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2023-2024 Calendar
Please ensure you check these dates before scheduling events. Please also note the PA Day originally scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024 has been rescheduled and will now occur on Monday, April 8, 2024.
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Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report
Please contact 311 if you see dogs in school grounds so they can log the concerns and please also call TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620. Tracking the concerns will allow us to build the case for increased surveillance.
At our recent Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, the staff report confirmed the following -
Dogs on school properties have been an ongoing challenge for many years despite the “no dogs permitted” signage. There have been examples of dog owners taking their dogs off leash or even leaving their dogs unattended in a school yard, or within the kindergarten or childcare enclosures. There have been incidents of off-leash dogs chasing as well as biting students, members of the public and staff. Dog feces and disposal bags are frequently left on the school grounds impacting the student use and enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Signage is posted near the entrances, such as gates or openings in the school ground fencing (refer to Appendix A for a copy of the signage) that clearly indicates TDSB school grounds are private property and dogs are not permitted on school board property. Section 6.10 in PR523, Access to School Premises prohibits canines on TDSB properties at any time (except service animals).
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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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