Learning Model Selection for 2021-22

As COVID-19 cases continue to decline and we continue to see significant progress in vaccinations of youth, we anticipate most families selecting in-person learning for their children. The entire scope of the Selection Form process will take place from August 5 to 12, 2021 and families will receive a link to the online Selection Form via email on August 5. Those who do not have an email address on file with the TDSB will be contacted by phone to complete a Selection Form.

Toronto District School Board (TDSB) will be asking families to complete an online Selection Form for In-Person or Virtual Learning in mid-August. More information will be sent to you on this shortly.

In August, families will have up-to-date information on the status of the pandemic and vaccinations for school staff and students, and will be in a better position to make an informed decision. The TDSB will also be in a better position to provide information about health and safety measures in schools for in-person learning and more details about how live, online virtual learning will be delivered. All information and the selection form will also be made available on the TDSB website https://www.tdsb.on.ca/School-Year-2021-22/Selection-Form.

Education Accessibility Standards

The K-12 Education Accessibility Standards Survey. The Ontario Government is currently gathering feedback from the public on the initial recommendations in this area that have been prepared by the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee and posted for public comment. This new video will help you better understand the report, and how and why you should provide feedback. I encourage you to watch the video and to fill out the survey.

Budget 2020-21

The operating budget will be brought forward to our last Board meeting of the school year for final approval. Please review the document again so that you are best prepared to ask questions and have discussions about the contents. The budget is and will always be a key decision for the Board, and I look forward to our discussions.

TDSB Human Library Podcast – Episode 6 and 7

Episode 6: On the Frontlines: Supporting Educator Well-being in Equity Work
This episode tackles the toll equity work can take on its disruptors. We talked with Dr. ABC about how those within equity work should put their well-being first. Listen Now.

Episode 7: The Time is Now: Reimagining the Kindergarten to Industry Pipeline

In this episode, Lisa Cole speaks to educators about the need to reimagine how we see educational systems not as pipelines and pathways, but as ecosystems. Listen Now.

Update on Modified Semester Calendar

The TDSB continues to consider details of the modified semester for all secondary schools and has now finalized the school year calendar and daily schedule that all secondary schools will be following.

In the modified semester, students will take four courses, two each during alternating weeks. They will continue to be cohorted but will now be part of four cohorts, one for each class. Toronto Public Health supports this model as the 48 hour gap between the two weekly cohorts will limit potential spread of COVID-19.

The modified semester allows students and teachers to build relationships face-to-face over a longer period of time. It also offers a slower pace of learning compared to the originally-proposed quadmester model.

We will continue to be responsive to the guidelines outlined by Toronto Public Health and will update you if further changes are required.

Continuing Education’s 2021 Summer Programs Update

Attached you will an update on various summer programs from Continuing Education.

Also attached is more information about the upcoming Parent/Caregiver Webinar Series.

Please note that the health and well-being of TDSB students, staff and families is our top priority, and as such, all summer programs will be offered remotely (online) for summer 2021.

Virtual School Newsletters

Please find attached the June 2021 edition of the Elementary and Secondary Virtual School (VS) Family Newsletters. These newsletters are also posted on the Elementary Virtual School web page at www.tdsb.on.ca/Virtual-School/Virtual-School-Elementary and the Virtual Secondary School web page at www.tdsb.on.ca/Virtual-School/Virtual-School-Secondary

Administration Changes

The following are the known leadership changes in Ward 19 schools effective September 1, 2021:

Cedarbrae CI - Vice-Principal - Ambeika Sukhram will replace Melissa Spencer
Cedarbrook PS - Vice-Principal - Varsha Jalpesan will replace Bella Karsh
Eastview PS - New Principal - Michael Sanders & Vice Principal - Daniel Noel will replace Ixchel Bennett
Galloway PS - Principal - Brian Bennett will replace Riaad Lachporia
Maplewood HS - Vice Principal - Andaluza Nagy returning from Virtual School
Military Trail PS - Principal - Cheryl Boi-Doku will replace Sohail Shaikh
Willow Park JPS - Principal - Sherron Grant will replace Sheila Smalley
Woburn CI - Vice-Principal - Daniel Lee will replace Zoran Pejovic

Return of Borrowed Student Devices

In preparation for the start of the 2021-22 school year, families that borrowed devices (e.g. iPad, Chromebook, Internet Hub) from the TDSB or local school are asked to return them. Devices and all power cables, cases and chargers that were delivered with the device can be returned to any TDSB school between Monday, June 14 and Friday, July 2 (for elementary schools) and Friday, July 9 (for secondary schools) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. All devices that are not returned by July 2 will be administratively locked, preventing student login. These devices will need to be returned when school resumes in September. Students enrolled in a TDSB summer program may continue using the device for the duration of the summer program and should return the device in September. If you have any questions, please contact DeviceReturns@tdsb.on.ca.

NOTE: Rogers Connected for Success offers low cost, high-speed internet and many TDSB families may qualify for the program. Please click the following link for more information on pricing and eligibility requirements.

School Year Calendar 2021-2022

First day of classes for students is September 9, 2021
First day back from Winter Break is January 3, 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

Please remember to check the Days of Significance Calendar before setting school events.

Over the summer, or at any time, if you notice anything at a school that concerns you, please call the TDSB Security Call Centre (416) 395-4620 and the Toronto Police - non-emergencies can be reported by calling ‪416-808-2222.

If you have questions for me, do not hesitate to e-mail at zakir.patel@tdsb.on.ca.

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