This Week's Update- We Remember
- Ward Forum - Mental Health & Well-Being During COVID-19
- Ward 8 Community Meetings This Week
- Highlights from the March Board - Advocacy
- City of Toronto v. Attorney General of Ontario
- United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racism - March 21, 2021
- Making Good Trouble*
- The Midtown Toronto Storm Sewer Relief Project
New Invitations - School Council Virtual Town Hall Conversation II Tuesday, March 16, 6:30pm
- EnVision Conference
- EECOM 2021 Exploring the Nature of Cities April 21-24, 2021
Worth Repeating - TDSB Earth Hour 2021
- Prime Minister's Awards Deadline Extended
- Connect with Professional Support Staff
- Connect with a Child and Youth Counsellor
- EDC Hearing
- TDSB Summer School Registration 2021
- Virtual Consultations Procedure (PR731)
- Policy Consultations
- Download the COVID-19 App
- School Year Calendar
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We Remember...
“A year ago today we reported the first COVID-19 case in Toronto. Today is an anniversary that most of us wouldn’t want to mark as we remember the 2,324 friends, colleagues and loved ones who have lost their lives in our community to COVID-19. A lot has happened over this past year that has been one of the most challenging ones our city has faced. Despite these challenges, I remain incredibly proud and grateful for the many ways residents have stepped up to meet and overcome these challenges together and the resilience that our community continues to demonstrate. I would also like to extend my deepest thanks and appreciation to my team at Toronto Public Health and colleagues throughout the health system for all they continue to do to keep our city healthy and safe. Hope is on the horizon, but we are not out of the woods yet, so please continue to stay home as much as you can and please continue to take care of each other.”
– Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health
"We recognize the deep loss, anxiety & isolation the pandemic has caused for many in our communities. @tdsb will continue to provide support in any way we can. I also want to share our gratitude for the innovation & adaptability of students, staff & families as we learn together."
– Karen Falconer, Acting Director, TDSB
– TDSB
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Ward Forum - Mental Health & Well-Being During COVID-19
Thank you again to Shameen Sandhu, System Leader Mental Health & Professional Support Services who presented at our last ward forum. For those of you unable to make the meeting, please click here for the presentation.
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Ward 8 Community Meetings This Week- Monday, March 15, 2021 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. - Staff will be presenting latest plans at a virtual meeting for the Baycrest Public School community relocation to the former Sir Sandford Fleming Academy. For more information about this project and to register for the meeting, please click direct link. Read the Community Invitation Letter.
- Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. - Public Meeting re PART - Grade change study to expand Armour Heights PS from JK-6 to JK-8 Please see the Community Invitation Letter. For more information about this review and to register for the meeting, please visit direct link.
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Highlights from the March Board - AdvocacyCommunity Use of Schools Community Advisory Committee: Focus on Youth Advocacy
The Board decided: That the Chair send a letter to the Minister of Education:
- to advocate for funding for the Focus on Youth program and the restoration of the Priority Schools Initiative and the Community Use of Schools funding, to support free permits and positions of Community Use of Schools Coordinator, for 2021 at 2018 funding levels;
- to request that the Ministry of Education make an announcement in the spring 2021 regarding plans for funding the Focus on Youth, Priority Schools Initiative and Community Use of Schools funding;
- that the funding for the Focus on Youth, Priority Schools Initiative and Community Use of Schools be provided on an annual on-going basis and be included in the Grants for Student Needs.
School-Based Staff Allocation 2021-2022: Teachers and Support Staff
The Board decided: Whereas, staff has presented the following recommendations for school-based staff for 2021- 2022 for in-person learning, based on the direction of the Ministry of Education, which asked school boards to plan for no COVID-19 funding at this time;
Therefore, be it resolved:
- A. That the following allocation of school-based staff for 2020-2021 as set out in the staff report be approved...
- B. That should additional measures and/or resources be necessary to protect the health and safety of staff and students, the government of Ontario be requested to fully fund all additional COVID-related resources that may be necessary to support student learning, well-being and mental health during the 2021-22 school year;
- C. That the Chair write to the Minister of Education regarding the request at Part B and to reiterate the Board’s request in its letter dated January 26, 2021 strongly advocating for:
- i. the reimbursement of reserve funds and other pandemic-related costs from the 2020-21 school year, so that school boards can maintain their reserves and recover from budget pressures related to unfunded pandemic costs;
- ii. funding from the province to ensure the continued physical and mental health and safety of the Board’s students and staff in its schools and classrooms;
- iii. an early response to staff with the required information to allow adequate time to plan accordingly;
- D. That the Director present a report on the success of the Board’s advocacy above, as part of the 2021-22 Budget process.
Access to Paid Sick Days to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
Therefore, be it resolved:
- (a) That the Chair write to the provincial Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Minister of Health and Minister of Education to ask the Government of Ontario to:
- i. require employers in Ontario to provide no less than five paid sick days annually to workers, after three months of employment, through amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 or through a different mechanism;
- ii. provide necessary funding, fiscal relief, and/or supports to employers so that all workers in Ontario have access to no less than ten paid sick days annually in the event of a declared infectious disease emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic;
- iii. ensure all workers in Ontario have access to protected and paid emergency leave so that care can be provided to children, parents, or other family members who may become ill;
- (b) That, in addition to the Board’s advocacy to the government of Ontario to take action on the matters above, the Director of Education work with TDSB employee groups regarding local implementation.
- immediate implementation of voluntary asymptomatic testing of staff and students in congregated settings and ISP who are exempted from the closure order; and
- immediate access to vaccinations for all education workers and teachers working in congregated settings and ISP.
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City of Toronto v. Attorney General of Ontario
Summary - On May 1, 2018, elections began for Toronto City Council and for trustees of the Toronto District School Board. The elections were based on 47 wards. After nomination periods closed and during the course of the election, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario enacted legislation reducing the number of wards from 47 to 25, changing ward boundaries, and reducing the number of city councillors to 25. This disrupted election campaigns. The City of Toronto and two groups of private individuals applied to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice seeking orders restoring the 47 ward structure and challenging the constitutionality of the Better Local Government Act, 2018, S.O. 2018, c. 11. Toronto District School Board was added as an intervening party to the multiple court proceedings and additionally challenged changes to Regulations under the Education Act, RSO 1990, c. E.2, which required it to realign its ward boundaries to the 25 ward structure. On September 10, 2018, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice issued an order declaring that the legislative changes infringed s. 2(b) of Charter of Rights and Freedoms and were of no force and effect. On September 19, 2018, the Court of Appeal for Ontario issued an interim stay of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice’s decision. The elections proceeded based on 25 wards with the revised boundaries. On September 19, 2019, the Court of Appeal allowed an appeal and set aside the Ontario Superior Court of Justice’s decision.
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United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racism - March 21, 2021
Toronto District School Board commits to standing up against discrimination and acts of racism in all of its forms. Anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Asian racism, antisemitism and xenophobia, whenever and wherever they occur. Now more than ever, we need to work together, to build a more just and inclusive world for all of us.
This year to honor the International Day for the Elimination of Racism, the United Nations has chosen its theme, “Youth Standing Up Against Racism” using the hashtag, #FightRacism, which aims to foster a global culture of anti-discrimination and calls on each and every one of us to stand up against racial injustice. This year in the TDSB, we are using this day to send out a united message on all school message boards and virtual spaces.
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Making Good Trouble*
In celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racism and Discrimination, the Urban Alliance On Race Relations, Labour Community Services and the Toronto and York Region Labour Council will be hosting a discussion on how we can dismantle racism in our society.
* Slogan of John Lewis, legendary Civil Rights Leader
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The Midtown Toronto Storm Sewer Relief Project The City of Toronto, through CreateTO, has contacted the Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the TDSB) about the possibility of a construction project to expand the current underground infrastructure System at Memorial Park (off Chaplin Crescent near both Forest Hill Collegiate Institute and North Preparatory Jr Public School). This project would support the Midtown stormwater management initiative, which planned to address the historical Forest Hill neighbourhood basement flooding issues. The project would expand the underground storm water system currently under the Memorial Park site. A report outlining the project and asking for approval for TLC to negotiate an agreement with the City will come to the Planning and Priorities Committee on April 6, 2021 and then to the TDSB Board for approval on April 21, 2021.
A key part of the negotiation process with CreateTO will be to ensure there is a safety plan to keep students and staff safe and on site during construction, as well as a plan to mitigate student and community disruption during the project.
Please note that Councillor Mike Colle and I will be working together to inform the community of next steps from both the board and the City.
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School Council Virtual Town Hall Conversation II Tuesday, March 16, 6:30pm
Please click here for more information:
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EnVision Conference
Join us virtually at the 2021 EnVision Conference TDSB's conference for 2SLGBTQI+ students and their allies on Tuesday March 30th, Wednesday March 31st, and Thursday April 1st!
This year the conference focuses on 2SLGBTQI+ Black and Indigenous Activism and Wellness. The EnVision Conference provides middle and high-school students with the opportunity to honour and celebrate 2SLGBTQI+ communities, as well as discussing issues they face across Ontario and engage in anti-homophobia and anti-transphobia work. Students use various platforms to ask questions and explore ways to celebrate gender and sexual diversity in schools and beyond.
EnVision is most appropriate for students who are part of, or who want to start a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA), Gender Justice Group, Equity Club or other groups of students interested in advocating for social justice and healthy relationships in schools. The conference is free and is open to TDSB middle and high school students.
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EECOM 2021 Exploring the Nature of Cities April 21-24, 2021
The Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) is Canada’s only national and bilingual network for environmental learning that works strategically and collaboratively to advance environmental learning. Since 1995, EECOM National Conferences have been among the largest annual gatherings of environmental learning stakeholders in Canada, and provide outstanding professional development and networking opportunities.
With most of the world’s population living in urban areas, helping citizens understand their impact on their environments is key to making cities more sustainable and livable. EECOM 2021’s theme Urban Environmental Education is well-timed to address growing concerns about the climate crisis. EECOM 2021 is being chaired by EcoSchools Canada, the Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE), and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Sustainability Office. It will be based out of the University of Toronto.
There is at least one session involving students on Friday April 23rd – 1:00 – 2:00 pm – Youth Forum: Climate Leaders of Tomorrow - Grades 7-12 classes from across Canada have participated in Learning for a Sustainable Future's virtual Climate Action Youth Forums throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Each class participated in interactive virtual kickoff, speaker and workshop events that engaged them in climate issues, equipped them with skills and knowledge, and empowered them to take action. Please join us as four classes share their exciting climate action projects.
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TDSB Earth Hour 2021
Earth Hour is a world-wide celebration where millions of people around the world turn off their lights for one hour to tackle the dual challenges facing the planet – climate change and loss of nature.
During Earth Hour, TDSB schools and offices are asked to go as electricity-free as possible for ONE HOUR. Wherever possible, our schools and offices will turn off all interior lighting except necessary emergency lights, and minimize fan use. In 2011, we saw our highest reduction in energy usage (29.9%.) at schools and offices. In 2017, we came close to our best ever reduction in energy use at 28%. Can we improve upon that reduction this year?
Join TDSB schools and offices on March 26, from 2 – 3 p.m., as we celebrate Earth Hour by turning off unnecessary lights and unplugging electronic devices. Additionally, families and community members can participate on March 27, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, please visit the TDSB webpage for Earth Hour 2021. Tweet this year’s #EarthHour actions using @EcoSchoolsTDSB.
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Prime Minister's Awards Deadline Extended
Canada’s educators are showing resilience and commitment to students in the face of COVID-19.
Do you know an exceptional teacher or early childhood educator? Consider nominating them for a 2021 Prime Minister's Award! This program honours innovative and outstanding elementary and secondary school teachers and early childhood educators who are helping prepare Canadian youth for the challenges of tomorrow. The nomination deadline has been extended for the 2021 competition until April 27, 2021.
Looking for inspiration? Check out previous teaching and early childhood education award recipients. 2021 nomination packages are available at www.pma.gc.ca. The nomination deadline is April 27, 2021 at 11:59 a.m. (Pacific Time).
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Connect with Professional Support Staff
Every Tuesday morning from 10-11am and Thursday evening from 7-8pm you are invited to join our virtual office hours to connect with staff from the TDSB Professional Support Services. PSS colleagues are here to support our Caregiver community on the topic of mental health and wellbeing.
Click the link and click on either Tuesday or Thursday to connect. Mental Health matters.
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Connect with a Child and Youth Counsellor
Every Friday from 12-1pm, students to connect virtually with a Child and Youth Counsellor and have an opportunity to talk about their mental health, relationships etc
- Sign in with your TDSB email on Friday’s from 12pm - 1pm
- No registration required Meeting ID: 925 8258 8047
- Password: ICYC
Mental health matters.
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EDC Hearing The EDC (Educational Development Charges) hearing is also now set to take place on March 25, 2021 at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Divisional Court), commencing at 10:00 am. In the hearing, TDSB seeks to have the court declare certain provisions of the Education Act regulations invalid and permit TDSB to charge Educational Development Charges. More information about the EDC case can be found on the TDSB website. The Court hearing will be conducted via Zoom and a link will be provided by the court shortly prior to the hearing date for anyone who wishes to observe the hearing.
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TDSB Summer School Registration 2021
The focus of the 2021 Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program is to address student learning gaps and to continue student 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 to students in K to Grade 8, from July 5 – 30, 2021. Registration is online. A list of schools and registration information will be added in the coming weeks here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Elementary-Summer-School.
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Virtual Consultations Procedure (PR731)
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Policy Consultations
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. Please see revised the Policy Review Schedule.
New Consultations
Human Rights Policy (P031) - Deadline: April 5, 2021 - Draft Revised Policy - Email: Anu.Sharma2@tdsb.on.ca Objective: To protect, promote and advance the human rights of all TDSB members to learn, function and work in an equitable, accessible, respectful and inclusive environment free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of the prohibited grounds of discrimination specified in this Policy and protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. To enhance the capacity of the TDSB to meet its positive human rights obligations, including to proactively identify, address, and prevent all forms of discrimination, including individual and systemic discrimination.
Workplace Harassment Prevention for Non-Human-Rights-Code Harassment (P034) - Deadline: April 5, 2021 Draft Revised Policy - Email: Ros.Salvador@tdsb.on.ca Objective: This Policy is designed to promote a healthy, respectful and supportive work environment. It highlights conduct that may amount to non-Code workplace harassment (i.e., harassment that is not covered by the Board’s Human Rights Policy or the Human Rights Code) and outlines the system’s shared responsibility for fostering a harassment-free workplace. The goal is to prevent non-Code workplace harassment from taking place and, where necessary, to investigate and respond to instances, potential instances, and complaints of such behaviour in a fair, timely and effective manner.
On-going Consultations
Parent and Community Involvement Policy - Objective: To establish a framework for building and supporting parent and community involvement in the Toronto District School Board. We are currently reviewing P023 – Parent and Community Involvement Policy and are inviting feedback from our community as we develop the first draft of the policy. Learn more, and share your voice, at www.tdsbengage.ca
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Download the COVID ALERT APPTogether, let's limit the spread of COVID-19. COVID Alert is an additional tool to protect yourself and your loved ones. COVID Alert helps us break the cycle of infection. The app can let other app users know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear. That way, we can take care of ourselves and protect our communities. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html. Please note, unfortunately, the app is only available on certain phones/operating systems.
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School Year Calendar 2020-2021The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1 to June 30, inclusive and has now been approved by the Ministry.
The last day of class for elementary students is June 29
Secondary Quadmester Calendar
- Quad 3: Feb 8 - April 22
- Quad 4: April 23 - June 28
Note: Passover 2021 will begin in the evening of Saturday, March 27 and ends in the evening of Sunday, April 4. Ramadan 2021 will begin in the evening of Monday, April 12 and ends in the evening of Wednesday, May 12.
PA Days & Holidays Remaining
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April (formerly March) Break
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