Hello and Happy Spring!
I hope you're enjoying the warmer, brighter days and many celebrations April brings. Happy Easter and Chag Pesach Sameach to those celebrating over the next few days.
I appreciate that spring is a time of grounding and renewal. Similarly, my work as Trustee is rooted in community and improved outcomes. The conversations I have during school visits, council meetings and events inform my decisions in the boardroom. Recently, I've heard concerns about underfunding and staffing allocations; seen more interest in culturally-responsive partnerships; and was touched by the community support following a heartbreaking tragedy in our ward. The updates below are opportunities for continued parent/guardian input and collective care to support students, staff and families, including:
Yours in community,
Debbie King
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Observing Ramadan
I wish all who are celebrating Ramadan peace and blessing through the holy month. The TDSB recognizes the significance of Ramadan as one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar. School staff have received tips and considerations for meeting the duty to accommodate under the Ontario Human Rights Code and TDSB’s Human Rights Policy (P031). They have also been encouraged to invite students who are observing Ramadan through fasting to let them know if they need any support or accommodations. Learn more here.
If you have questions or concerns about your child(ren)s needs, please contact your teacher or principal.
If you are planning parent/community meetings, it is important not to schedule them on April 20-21 when Eid will be celebrated. Please also remember that not all Muslims fast. Avoid making assumptions about needs and instead, make sure you speak to individuals and include them in your event and meeting planning.
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Heritage Month Celebrations
April is Latin-America History Month at the TDSB! During the month of April, several activities are planned for students, staff, and community members. We invite everyone to join us to kick-off Latin-America History Month with a virtual launch. This year the theme to mark Latin-America History Month is (Decolonizing) Latin-America History Month & Beyond: Honouring & Uplifting the Real Hxstories and Multiplicities of Our Identities. Follow @TDSBLAHM on Twitter for more information.
We are also celebrating Sikh Heritage Month! We are inviting all TDSB community, students, and staff to join our virtual Sikh Heritage Month launch to recognize the contributions of Sikh Canadians. 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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2023-2024 Funding and Budget Development
Our 2023-24 Budget Process is currently underway. Every year, this process begins with staff allocation, which is guided by a number of factors, including student enrolment, collective agreements, class sizes caps and averages, and the TDSB’s commitment to equity, student achievement and well-being.
This year, a number of additional factors, including the elimination of Ministry funding provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted our budget and staff allocation.
TDSB Chair & Director Request Reimbursement ofPandemic Costs:
On March 22, 2023, TDSB Chair Rachel Chernos Lin and Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins issued a joint letter to the Minister of Education requesting that the government reimburse the Board for pandemic costs.
During the pandemic, all available resources were put toward keeping students, staff and the community safe. The TDSB spent more than $70 million 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 $60 million 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.
In addition, the letter also outlines the Board’s concerns regarding the pandemic funding that the Ministry plans to end for 2023-24. This funding of $31.5 million allowed TDSB to put an additional 485 staff resources into the system. This included teachers, social workers, child and youth workers, caretaking and vice-principals, among other categories, and we are worried about the ramifications to student well-being with the reduction of this funding. Cutting this funding now seems reckless and harmful to students. Read more in the joint letter to the Minister of Education issued by the TDSB Chair and Director.
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Advocate for fully funded schools: - Read full letter advocating for reimbursement of pandemic costs
- Check out TDSB financial facts
- Attend the April 13 ward council meeting with guest: MPP Bhutila Karpoche. RSVP here
- Look out for a brief survey requesting feedback on pandemic impacts
- How have chronic underfunding, staffing cuts, and well-being issues impactied your family? Share your impact story with me and continue to follow for more advocacy tools to come.
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Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Renewal
We are beginning the process to renew the MYSP which guides how we work every day to transform student learning, create a culture of well-being, provide access to learning opportunities, allocate resources strategically and build strong partnerships. TDSB plans to build on the foundation of our current plan with updated goals that are relevant to our current context, measurable and integrated to ensure every student has equitable access to programs, resources and opportunities that support their academic success and well-being. Throughout the next several months there will be a variety of opportunities to have your say and contribute to the renewed Multi-Year Strategic Plan, including a virtual ward forum held jointly with Trustees Dawson and Williams on April 27, 2023. Learn more here.
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Student Census
The TDSB Student Census is a confidential and voluntary survey that asks our 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 us improve our schools and system. We are asking all parents/guardians/caregivers and/or students to consider filling out a census survey online. Detailed information about the Student Census and consent process was shared directly with parents/guardians via email during the week of March 27. For more information, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/census and read the Student Census Questions and Answers.
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Tutoring Update
Tutoring across the TDSB continues to be successful on all fronts. Online tutoring is a growing success with an increasing number of students accessing the services. It continues to be available for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 who are looking for some extra help with their work, or who are looking for different ways to engage academically.
I’ve also heard positive accounts of in-person tutoring at schools across the ward and have good news to share. We have just learned that the Ministry of Education funding for tutoring programs that was set to end March 31, has been extended until June. No additional funds have been allocated however TDSB is able to continue school-based tutoring using unspent funds.
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Ward 7 French as a Second Language Advisory Committee (FSLCAC) Representative Nominations
The French as a Second Language Advisory Committee (FSLCAC) is a parent advisory committee of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) here to support parents and to be your voice on French programs at the Board.The FSLAC is comprised of parent representatives and alternates elected by each ward council, a parent co-chair elected by FSLAC parent members, a trustee co-chair and designated TDSB staff. Its mission is to consult with and advise the Board on French as a Second Language matters. As a Board community advisory committee, the FSLAC will contribute to the work of trustees and staff. This partnership of trustees, staff and parents will foster excellence and growth in FSL programs at the Board.
The Ward 7 Representative or Co-Representatives can be a parent from Early French Immersion, Middle French Immersion or Core French. If you are interested in being our Ward 7 FSLCAC rep, please complete the nomintation form here before April 13th.
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Motions, Meetings and Delegations
Motions for consideration at board committees this month include Review of the Guest Artist Program (Apr 12) and Addressing Islamophobia (Apr 19). Do you have lived or professional experiences on these issues as they related to our schools? Feel free to share them with me. You can also consider delegating to the board of trustees in-person, in writing or by phone at the respective committee meetings. Learn more here.
Apr 12: Program and School Services Committee
Apr 19: Planning and Priorities Committee
Apr 25: Parent Involvement Advisory Committee
Apr 26: Regular Board Meeting
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Elementary Summer School 2023 Registration
Looking to build your child’s literacy and numeracy skills? Elementary Summer School registration is now open! Programs developed by the local summer school principal and reflecting the local school focus, will be offered in-person from July 4 to July 28, 2023 for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8. Programs are available at two Ward 7 schools: Dr. Rita Cox – Kina Minagok Public School and Parkdale Junior & Senior Public School. One remote program will also be available, this year. For more information, including a full list of schools and online registration forms, visit the summer school program page.
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Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference Call for Workshop Proposal
The Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference happening on October 21 and 22, 2023 is seeking proposals for virtual and hybrid (in-person or streaming) workshops, micro-sessions, and panel presentations. The conference provides an opportunity to highlight innovation and high-impact strategies for partnering, collaborating, and nurturing parent/caregiver partnerships and alliances. I encourage you to submit your proposal now! Please note, the submissions deadline is April 11, 2023. Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca for further information.
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International Day of Pink
Wednesday, April 12
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BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop
Friday, April 14
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Virtual Film Screening: Scarborough
Monday, April 17
I adore and highly recommend this film! Join the Urban Indigenous Education Centre, the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, and the Equity, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression team for a virtual screening of Scarborough followed by a conversation with the author and screenwriter of the novel and adapted film, Catherine Hernandez! Scarborough the novel employs a multitude of voices to tell the story of a tight-knit neighbourhood under fire: among them, Victor, a Black artist harassed by the police; Winsum, a West Indian restaurant owner struggling to keep it together; and Hina, a Muslim school worker who witnesses first-hand the impact of poverty on education. Scarborough shows the love and perseverance communities can foster, lifting up families to overcome the obstacles placed in their way.
Audience: Caregivers, Community, Staff
Date: April 17, 2023
Time: 6 – 9 p.m.
Register here
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In Memory of Gabriel Magalhaes
My condolences to all family, friends and neighbours grieving the loss of Gabriel Magalhaes. His tragic death has devastated not only our community but parents, students and folks across the city. Gratitude to Keele Street PS alumni families for organizing the candlelight walk that united the community in love, peace and Gabriel’s memory. A Go Fund Me page has been set up by Andrea Magalhaes' colleagues and all donations will support bereavement costs.
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