Hello, Ward 7 Community,
Happy February, Happy Chinese Heritage Month, and Happy African Heritage (Black History) Month.
February is a celebratory month for many families. And for all of us, an opportunity to enrich our understanding of identities that shape our school communities. It’s also budget planning time for the city and province with many voices conveying the critical need to support young people and invest in communities.
I hope the learning opportunities, program information and TDSB news included here are helpful references to your family throughout the month.
Yours in community,
Debbie
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Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria
The people of Türkiye and Syria continue to be in our thoughts following an earthquake that has tragically claimed thousands of lives and injured thousands more. As the search and rescue effort continues, our students, staff and their families here in Toronto who are waiting to hear from loved ones are also in our thoughts. The TDSB has launched a board-wide campaign to raise funds for earthquake relief. Thanks to the Government of Canada, all donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be matched until February 22, 2023. To learn more and/or to donate, please visit the Canadian Red Cross website.
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African Heritage (Black History) Month
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Chinese Heritage Month
Chinese Heritage Month is proudly recognized in February each year. This year’s theme is Year of the Rabbit: Kind, Generous, and Harmonious. During this month, several learning resources and educational opportunities are provided to our students and staff to further enhance their knowledge of the Chinese heritage. For more information, please follow @tdsbChineseHM.
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Muslim and Black Excellence
Islamophobia and anti-Black racism continue to be present in the education system. Confronting hate requires all of us to learn and take action, together. In its ongoing work, the TDSB has collaborated with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) to offer student learning and staff professional development. In addition, families can register for the webinars Building an Understanding of Anti-Black Islamophobia on Feb 21st.
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Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
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Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis and Inuit Voices
I am pleased to share with you that Trustees approved a motion that will require secondary students to take the Grade 11 English course “Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis and Inuit Voices.” The course, created by the Ministry of Education, has been taught with great success for many years. With this approval, TDSB staff will now prepare a report, to be presented to the Board of Trustees this June, with additional details on the implementation of the course including timelines on when students and staff can expect this course to be made available across the system. To learn more, please click here.
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Save the Date: EnVision Conference
The annual EnVision Conference (in-person) will be from Tuesday, February 28 to Wednesday, March 1 at Oakwood Collegiate Institute. The focus of this year's conference is 2SLGBTQIAP+ Indigenous, Black and Racialized Joy, Intersections, and Futurity.
All 2SLGBTQIAP+ elementary and secondary students, as well as their allies/co-conspirators are invited come together in collective care to address biphobia, homophobia, and transphobia. There will be keynote speakers, workshops on a continuum for those beginning their journey in allyship and those who would like more support in student action. The entire conference will be an opportunity for students to share the multiple ways gender and sexual diversity can be celebrated within the Toronto District School Board.
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Reminder: Kindergarten Registration
Registration for English Kindergarten programs began this month. The TDSB is looking forward to welcoming you and your child at school in September! 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. For more information about the Kindergarten program and registration requirements, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/kindergarten.
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Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application
The TDSB offers a wide range of elementary alternative schools available to students. I encourage you to research schools and programs to learn about the educational philosophy and distinct pedagogy. Students may apply for up to two elementary alternative schools.
The online application for admission for September 2023 will be closing on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 4 p.m.
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Communications Survey for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers
Keeping you informed and engaged is important to us at the TDSB. We want to hear from you about what we are doing well and what we could be doing better when it comes to communication. Please take a few minutes to complete the anonymous survey to help us best communicate with you. Survey will be open until February 17, 2023.
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Inclement Weather
Winter weather is here! With our cold Canadian winter comes snow, ice, and severe weather. It is occasionally necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs. Occasionally, severe weather forces the closure of our schools and administrative offices. Visit the website to learn more about Snow/Cold Weather and the Procedure for Severe Weather.
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February 20 is a Statutory Holiday
Please note, there will be no classes on Monday, February 20 to reflect the province-wide statutory holiday called Family Day. The holiday occurs on the third Monday in February of each year for the purpose of emphasizing and celebrating the importance of families taking time to be together.
For more information about the school year calendar visit https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Calendar/schoolyearcalendar.
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Stay Connected with your School
The TDSB now offers two new ways to stay connected with your school and the TDSB. Learn more about opting in for text messages and using the School Messenger app, which provides a faster and easier way to report absences.
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Upcoming Meetings
The next Ward 7 council meeting is tentatively scheduled for Monday, February 27 and will be confirmed and communicated as soon as possible.
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
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City and Provincial Budget Consultations
This budget cycle, the ways and extent to which levels of government coordinate recovery efforts will have immense impact for a generation of children that have experienced years of disruption to learning and play. At this critical time, it is my hope and expectation that the Toronto District School Board, City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario can work collaboratively towards a vision for healthier and more affordable communities. Learn more about priorities that support student well-being, and city and provincial budget development.
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Follow the TDSB
Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
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