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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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February 19, 2023 Happy Family Day Long Weekend!
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In this Issue -- Proposed School Year Calendar 2023-24
- OHRC Statement on Code Obligations of Education Officials
- 2023-24 - TDSB's Challenging Budget
- Addressing School Safety
- Math Strategy Update
- Committee Meeting This Week
- Mental Health and Well-Being
- Toronto Public Healt
- Ward 8 Virtual Forum - March 2nd - What Does Hate Look Like
- New Invitations - Join us; St Paul's Summit; Excellence Awards 2023 to Celebrate Staff Dedication; Let's Connect; Save the Date: EnVision Conference
- Worth Repeating - Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria; TDSB Student Elections 2023-24; African Heritage Month; Chinese Heritage Month; Parent/Caregiver Engagement; English Kindergarten Registration; More Joy!; Ignite: tdsbCREATES Visual Arts and Film Exhibit Opening; Winter Clothing Drive; Useful Links; PSS Virtual Drop-In Hours; We have a Poop Problem!; School Year Calendar 2022-23; Community Safety & Support
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Proposed School Year Calendar 2023-24
Regulation 304 requires that there be a minimum of 194 school days between 1 September and 30 June, including a maximum of ten examination days for secondary schools and a maximum of seven Professional Activity (PA) days. It also establishes the dates for the Winter Break and the Mid-Winter Break.
Each year, the Ministry of Education provides direction to school boards in determining their calendar for the following school year. In February, a School Year Calendar committee with representative membership (Appendix A) convened to develop recommendations around the 2023-2024 School Year Calendar. In consultation with the School Year Calendar Committee, Toronto Catholic District School Board and other neighbouring Boards it was recommended that Winter Break will be scheduled from December 25, 2023 – January 5, 2024.
Assuming this is approved, the first day of school for students will be Tuesday, September 5, 2023. Please note, the key dates have been reviewed by the Board's Equity Team.
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OHRC Statement on Code Obligations of Education Officials
The Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) issued a statement Thursday on the Code obligations of education officials (see below). Education leaders across the province, including staff and Trustees at TDSB have been targets for upholding the dignity and human rights of individuals and groups using different tactics. As this important statement explains, this is a code-based duty. We will not waiver.
The OHRC is aware and concerned about the increasing violence targeted at education officials for doing human rights work, adhering to the obligations set under the Ontario Human Rights Code (Code) and implementing government policy. The OHRC’s revitalized strategic plan, Human Rights First: A plan for belonging in Ontario, commits to improving the accountability of duty-holders in the education sector and building public awareness of and capacity to respond to manifestations of hate. The OHRC is firmly committed to improving public understanding of human rights to foster a human rights culture in the province of Ontario. The OHRC is aware that many duty-holders across the public school system have made efforts toward advancing and maintaining the human rights of everyone by using resources which address discrimination, including anti-Black racism, homophobia, and hate. However, it continues to hear about the increasing violence targeted at education officials for doing human rights work.
Duty-holders, such as the Ministry of Education and school boards, have a legal duty to ensure that education is provided in manner consistent with the Code. Also, the Code requires that people engaged in this work be able to do so without being subjected to discrimination and harassment and without fear for their safety and security.
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2023-24 - TDSB's Challenging Budget
Section 231 of the Education Act requires school boards to pass a balanced operating budget each year. Budgets are intended to align both human and financial resources to system priorities. School boards are required to submit their annual balanced operating budget to the Ministry of Education by June 30th of each year.
At this past week's Finance and Budget Enrolment Committee, staff presented TDSB's 2023-24 Projected Financial Position - a forecasted deficit of $61M - like all school boards in Ontario we are funded by enrolment and a decline in enrolment, means less funding. Along with the fact that we have no more working funds or reserves to put against a deficit, and we also expect $31.5M of pandemic funding from the province that paid for 458 staff positions will be removed, and with changes in expenditures makes for a very difficult budget process.
So many issues are created by the education funding model based on assumptions and benchmarks that have never worked for TDSB and so many other OPSBA boards. If the pandemic costs incurred by the Board of $70M were reimbursed by the Ministry, the TDSB would have additional reserves to support its current financial shortfall. Over the pandemic (2020 – 2023) the Province of Ontario provided $1.6 billion in direct payments to families and an additional $365M in direct payments for tutoring, however education and childcare received only 2% of the province’s pandemic spending. Further, in November of 2022, the Provincial government committed to funding one third of Toronto’s municipal, pandemic-related operating budget shortfall of $700M. How is this fair for school boards? And as we have no control over statutory benefits and sick leave costs, we moved a motion that the Chair and the Director write to the Ministry of Education and the Provincial government to request that the provincial government: i. repay the pandemic costs incurred by the TDSB in order that they can deliver the programs and services students require for academic success and well-being; and ii. fund the actual costs of statutory benefits and sick leave.
The motion will come to Board on March 8. Please review the staff's slide presentation for yourself and please stay involved in our budget process. We need your advocacy.
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Addressing School Safety
A drive by shooting outside of Weston Collegiate Institute last week has left a student in critical condition - our thoughts are with the student, family and all the Weston CI community. Special thanks to staff at the school who responded so quickly and to the police who quickly arrested those involved.
Director Colleen Russell-Rawlins repeated the TDSB's concerns and the importance of a whole community approach to addressing school safety in an article in The Toronto Star following the incident. A number of TDSB initiatives have been implemented including an Expert Advisory Panel on Safety and Well-Being that has just begun to meet. Both the Chair and the Director have been actively involved in advocating for broader solutions, funding and new approaches to addressing the serious issue of violence among youth. We need all levels of government involved and we need specific and directed funding. What will not help, in any way, is removal of funding for staffing and supports in schools.
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Math Strategy Update
The TDSB is committed to providing mathematically rich, meaningful and inclusive learning opportunities for students to foster an appreciation of mathematics and develop students’ identities as lifelong math learners. The TDSB Mathematics Action Plan (2019) achieves this goal by building capacity and content knowledge, ensuring coherence, differentiating assessment and instruction, challenging streaming and promoting inclusion, and engaging parents, families, and communities. The math strategy supports high-quality mathematics pedagogy through the TDSB’s commitment to equity, inclusion and anti-oppression. It engages all students as math learners, including students with special education needs and students facing systemic barriers in their math learning, thus building a culture in schools where there is a high expectation that all students are capable math learners.
An update on the plan will be presented at Committee this week and highlights a few of the system projects supporting rich learning taking place within schools.
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 - Program and School Services Committee - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom - Agenda- 5.1 2SLGBTQ+ Community Advisory Committee Report, January 31, 2023
- 6.1 School Year Calendar 2023-2024
- 6.2 Math Strategy Update
- 7.1 Review of the Guest Artist Program (Trustees Shan and Chernos Lin on behalf of Trustee Nunziata)
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Mental Health and Well-Being
Winter Well-Being guide for 2022/23 created by the TDSB's Mental Health and Well-Being Committee has been updated to provide ongoing resources and ideas for Families/Guardians to promote mental and physical wellness during the winter months. Resources are culturally relevant and responsive with resources for students with Complex Needs. The Guide is translated into the top 21 TDSB languages spoken which is accessible here (Well-Being Guide).
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 for ages 5-29 for anonymous care from professional counsellors. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
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Ward 8 Virtual Forum - March 2nd - What Does Hate Look Like?
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Join us
WBCA, together with Storytelling Toronto, we invite you to attend an evening with Master Storyteller Sheila Arnold. Ms. Arnold is an award-winning storyteller who is performing at our free Zoom event on February 21 at 8 PM.
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St Paul's Summit
Join the politicians in Toronto-St Paul's for a discussion about arts and culture on Sunday, February 26 from 4-5:30. Join from Facebook.
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Excellence Awards 2023 to Celebrate Staff Dedication
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 2023 will open on February 27, 2023.
Last year, the Excellence Awards were modified to align with our shared system priorities and help highlight TDSB staff’s efforts to foster joy, engagement and belonging in our schools as a foundation for academic achievement and student success, while eliminating disproportionate outcomes for students. Nomination categories also reflect our shared commitment to innovation, creativity, equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression, Indigenous rights and human rights.
We welcome nominations from anyone – staff, students, parents/caregivers or community members – please watch for more information next week and make your submissions during the nomination period between February 27 and March 31.
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Let's Connect
Let’s Connect is a mental health and well-being virtual series that allows us to come together to share ideas and resources. The Let’s Connect series will respond to questions and discuss wellness for parents, caregivers, guardians and students at various times throughout the school year. These conversations will be led by our TDSB Professional Support Services staff and Mental Health and Well-Being Leads.
We acknowledge parents & caregivers as important partners with TDSB. We recognize the connection between equity, mental health and well-being for all. We prioritize equity and inclusion for all students and families from an anti-oppressive and anti-racist stance. Check out all of our Mental Health and Well-Being Resources, too, including our Virtual Drop-In Hours.
Upcoming Webinar- Wed, Feb 22nd, 7-8:30 pm Let’s Connect - Parent Voices “Feel Good February (Flyer)” Creating Opportunities For Connection & Exploring Happiness Special Guest - Dr. Amy Gajaria, Psychiatrist-CAMH
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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. For more information, click https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Equity-Anti-Racism-and-Anti-Oppression/EnVision-Conference.
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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. 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.
TDSB Professional Support Services staff have created resources to help support students & families who may be experiencing a range of emotions now & in the days ahead. Please reach out to your school principal should you require additional support.
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TDSB Student Elections 2023-24
The TDSB will be accepting applications for Student Senate and Student Trustee positions for the 2023-2024 school year on Monday, February 13, 2023. Student Senate and Student Trustees represent the voice of approximately 247,000 students in the Toronto District School Board. They work closely together to empower and promote student voice and engagement across the district. Key Dates: • February 21, 2023 – Application Deadline • April 24 to 28, 2023 – Campaigning Period • April 27 to 28, 2023 – Voting Period • September 2023 – 10-Month Term Begins For more information about the roles and responsibilities of the different positions, and the application and elections process, visit our website.
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African Heritage Month at the TDSB – February 2023
During the month of February, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) proudly recognizes African Heritage (Black History) Month. It is an occasion to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of peoples of African descent to Canada and the world. The chosen theme for 2022-2023 is Black Joy.
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Chinese Heritage Month at the TDSB – February 2023
TDSB’s Chinese Heritage Month is proudly recognized in February each year. During this month, several learning resources and educational opportunities will be provided to our students and staff to further enhance their knowledge of Chinese Heritage.
In addition to Lunar New Year - The Year of the Rabbit, this year, the Chinese Heritage Committee selected a second theme: Honouring a Legacy of Conviction and Fortitude to mark the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 (known as the Chinese Exclusion Act). PowerPoint presentation. Please follow us on twitter @tdsbChineseHM.
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Parent/Caregiver Engagement
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English Kindergarten Registration Continues in February!
Registration for all English TDSB Kindergarten programs begins in February. We look 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. Families can begin the registration process online or visit their school in person to register. Information and detailed instructions about the registration process is available online at www.tdsb.on.ca/kindergarten. Please know you can also register for JK in an alternative school program or a school open to out of area attendance.
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More Joy!
A 30-minute after-school family literacy series Every Wednesday until March 8th from 7:00 to 7:30pm.
For more information, contact a Community Support Worker.
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Ignite: tdsbCREATES Visual Arts and Film Exhibit Opening
tdsbCREATES is a board-wide Arts initiative that connects local artists with schools to foster creativity and celebrate student voice. This exhibition of student work is from the Media and Visual Arts tdsbCREATES mentorship program. Learn more about tdsbCREATES. Opening: February 15, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Exhibit: February 11 – March 1, 2023 Where: Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw St.
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Winter Clothing Drive
Newcomer students are adjusting to their first Canadian winter and can benefit from your generous support. The students need proper winter outerwear such as coats, boots, mitts and hats to be able to attend school. This year’s Winter Outerwear Drive will run from October 2022 to the end of February 2023. Learn more: bit.ly/3gZOwxx
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PSS Virtual Drop-In Hours
We are here to help you in any way we can. Our Professional Support Services team offers monthly virtual drop-in times where you can connect directly with a staff member to help answer questions and provide support to help you and your child.
Wednesdays once a month: from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Virtual Drop in Hours
Virtual Drop-In Hours for Students with Special/Complex Needs
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We have a Poop Problem!Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
A reminder to dog owners (and I know not all of you have kids at school). Dogs are not allowed on school property at any time. Many people are surprised to learn that TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property. Section 6.10 PR523 Access to School Premises prohibits canines on our properties “at any time” (except service animals).
Please respect children’s play spaces.
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School Year Calendar 2022-23
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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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