Ward 3 Update - October 2023
Dear Ward 3 students, families and community members, wishing you all the best this fall. Below you can find some updates along with an invitation to our ward forum happening Tuesday October 17th from 6:30 to 8:30 via ZOOM. Please register through the link on the invitation to join us for a discussion on the renewal of our Multi Year Strategic Plan.
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Celebrating Good News
I encourage you to read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including:
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Register Now! Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference
You are invited to join us for the Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on October 21 and 22, 2023. This year’s conference is focused on Joy in the Journey of Learning and will be a weekend full of presentations. Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca for more information and to register to attend.
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Labour Negotiations Updates
School boards and unions share a commitment to public education and work together towards positive labour relations. The collective bargaining framework for the education sector features a two-tier bargaining process, involving both central and local bargaining. Learn more about the process.
Information will continue to be updated on the website. There are no further updates this past week.
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Enrolment Confirmed
Year after year, TDSB's planning department estimates enrolment - it is that enrolment we base staffing on. Projections in March, in comparison to our projections for September 30, confirm we are currently 0.6% above the headcount projection in the elementary panel (EVA Unverified Enrolment Report - Elementary by Ward), 1.7% above the head count projection in the secondary panel (EVA Unverified Enrolment Report - Secondary by Ward), and 0.9% above the projected headcount system-wide. Year over year, our enrollment projections are incredibly accurate. Unfortunately, even with this system-wide accuracy, fluctuations in school-based enrolment means reorganization - and we understand that causes disruption for many. We expect a full report on enrolment in November.
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Early French Immersion Application Process begins November 6
All students eligible to begin Junior Kindergarten in September can join the Early French Immersion (EFI) program. Students with varying learning styles and linguistic backgrounds can be successful in French Immersion. Proficiency in multiple languages opens doors of opportunity for students!
The application to the Early French Immersion program for 2004-25 will remain an online process managed by the TDSB’s Central French Department, and applications must be completed online between November 6 and December 1, 2023. An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all eligible on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. Interested families can apply via the Application Link.
Please visit the TDSB French website to view a video that provides information about the TDSB French Language programs as well as the application and placement process in the Early French Immersion and the Middle French Immersion programs. More information about the Early Immersion Program is available in 22 languages, or visit the Information Sessions website for related links to join a live Zoom webinar about the application process.
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Changes to Central Student Interest Programs for 2024-25
Please find below an outline of the changes to the Central Student Interest Programs and the application process for the Fall of 2023 (September 2024 Admission).
Programs
Arts: There are two (2) new Secondary Arts Programs starting at Westview Centennial SS and Woburn CI. The former CyberARTS programs now fall under the Arts category of programs. The staff at Etobicoke School of the Arts and Earl Haig SS have structured their program pathways to support more interested applicants. All of the program descriptions can be found on the Central Secondary Arts CSIP webpage.
Math, Science and Technology (MST): To help meet the high level of interest, eight (8) new MST Programs have been established across the TDSB. The programs will better serve the East end of the city. Further details about the new programs will be added to the Central MST website in the upcoming weeks.
Elite Athlete: Elite Athlete programs will continue to provide the scheduling that is needed to support athletes training at high levels of competition. As admission to these programs is entirely based on ability, they will not be included as part of the Central Student Interest Program application and grouping. A separate centralized application is being developed for January 2024.
Applications
Program Choice: Applicants can apply to one program choice. This is called their Primary Choice. Applicants may also include an alternate program choice in their application.
• Example 1: Jamal applies to Etobicoke School of the Arts for their Contemporary Arts program as his primary choice. He then chooses Visual Art at Central Tech as his alternate choice.
• Example 2: Mila applies to TOPS at Marc Garneau as their primary choice. They then choose MaST at Danforth CTI as their alternate choice.
Alternate choices will only be considered after all primary choices from the city of Toronto have been considered. If an applicant is accepted to their primary application, they will not be considered for their alternate application. If an applicant is offered a spot in their alternate choice, they will remain on the waitlist for their primary choice.
Expression of Interest
All applicants are expected to submit an “Expression of Interest” in their application. The Expression of Interest is required for the application to be considered complete. It will be verified for completion centrally. Accepted file formats include: DOC, DOCX, PDF, TXT, RTF, XLS, XLSX, BMP, GIF, JPEG, PNG or a link to an accessible, shared document/video/file.
Priority for Historically and Currently Underserved Groups
First Nations, Métis and Inuit applicants will be placed into their primary choice program when applying for the entry grade. When applying for other grades, First Nations, Métis and Inuit applicants will be considered before all other applicants. Applicants identifying as Black, Middle Eastern and Latina/o/x will be considered for priority seats reflective of their representation within the TDSB.
Resources
The Arts Courses in the Secondary Schools Search Tool shows students and their families the current Arts course offerings available to students at their local Secondary School. Students can search by school or by Arts area.
Staff have developed new webpages on TDSBWeb for Secondary Program and Admissions. Resources, documents, links to PowerSchool/SIS resources and a list of dates and timelines can be found on the pages created for Out-of-Area Admissions, Central Student Interest Programs (Schools with Programs) and Central Student Interest Programs (all sending schools).
Secondary Central Student Interest Programs and Schools: Timelines & Open Houses begin November 1st. Check here for dates/times.
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TDSB Job Fair on October 28th
The Toronto District School Board is excited to host the 2023 TDSB Employment Opportunity Fair! Join us virtually on Saturday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn more about the hiring process and meet with recruitment staff to discuss the exciting career opportunities at Canada’s largest and most diverse school board! To register for the TDSB Employment Opportunity Fair, please complete this Google Form.
We’re currently recruiting for the following areas:
- Elementary Teaching opportunities for all areas, with high needs in:
- French, Special Education (Blind and Low Vision; Deaf and Hard of Hearing), Native Languages and Native Studies
- Secondary Teaching opportunities for all subject areas, with particular needs in: Technological Education, Business, Computer Studies, French
- Support Staff, On-call replacement opportunities are available for:
- Special Education programs, Educational and Special Needs Assistants, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Educational Assistants
- Noon Hour Assistants
- Lunchroom Supervisors
- Early Childhood Educators (Regular Programs and Bilingual English/French)
- School Based Safety Monitors
- Office Support Staff
- Aquatics - Lifeguards and Swim Instructors
- Child & Youth Workers
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Professional Learning for School Council Chairs/Co-Chairs, Members, Principals and Vice Principals
Each year the Parent/Caregiver and Community Engagement Office (PCCEO) provides opportunities for School Councils across the system to support the important work of School Councils. Please refer below for all upcoming events and log in details.
Module 1 School Council Chairs: The Basics Leading your School Council begins by understanding the legislation that guides your work. This module will explore what Regulation 612 says about the Council mandate, membership, roles and responsibilities, and the mandatory actions every Council is required to carry out. We will also begin our exploration of Chair as leader by looking at the seven responsibilities of this position. October 10th 7:30-9:00 or November 13 6:30-8:00
Module 2 School Council Chairs: Leading Meetings Chairing a School Council meeting can be stressful or fulfilling - or a bit of both. Building on module 1, we examine how Chairs may lead effective meetings. We begin with agendas, minutes and reports, then move into decision making, working with committees and valuing volunteers. We end with the responsibility many Chairs hope to avoid - dealing with conflict. Here’s a hint: it doesn’t have to be awful. October 11 6:30-8:00 or November 14 6:30-8:00
Module 3 School Council Chairs: Leading an Inclusive Practice School Councils represent the parent/caregiver community, the WHOLE community. But much of their work follows old practices established by the dominant communities. This module looks at those traditions and then begins to disrupt the notion of “the hard to reach” parent/caregiver. Beginning with relationships and communication - the keystones of successful engagement - we will investigate strategies for consultation that “go to the margins”. October 26 6:30-8:00 or November 15 6:30-8:00
Module 4 School Council Chairs: Leading Effective Engagement This series of modules ends where we began - the Council mandate for effective engagement for student achievement. What is meaningful engagement and why is it important? After a brief review of the significance of relationships and communication, we will explore strategies to build the capabilities of your parents/caregivers to support their children’s learning, building connections between school and home, and an interesting way to consult with your community throughout the year. It’s about valuing parent/caregiver knowledge and teacher knowledge. How might Chairs lead this exciting path to collaboration? November 6 6:30-8:00 or November 16 6:30-8:00
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School Council Innovation Grant 2023 - 2024
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We Have a Dog ProblemCurrent by-law rules don’t work for school grounds. As a result, many dog owners disregard our signage and don’t seem to care that children play on that same grass! With limited resources the TDSB must rely on dog owners to be responsible and unfortunately, so many aren’t.
Please respect children’s play spaces
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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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Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Renewal
The TDSB wants to hear from you! Please consider taking the time to complete the and share your thoughts about what the TDSB’s priorities should be for 2023-2027. To learn more about how to contribute, please visit: www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal.
Please join us next week for a Ward Forum on Tuesday Oct 17th; 6:30 - 8:30 via ZOOM speaking to and gathering input on the new Multi-Year Strategic Plan. REGISTER HERE to let us know you will be attending and if you require any accommodation to participate in this discussion. Please note, this meeting is specifically only for parents/guardians and caregivers in TDSB Wards 1, 2, and 3. There will be additional meetings held by the other wards. Thank you!
See below poster for details.
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Professional Activity (PA) Days Update
As you know, during the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. Starting this school year, boards of education are now required to publicly share detailed information about PA Days, as outlined in Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 151. Please note, all information and details will be posted to www.tdsb.on.ca/PAdays at least 14 days in advance of the scheduled PA Day.
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Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Conference
I am happy to inform you that the second annual Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) Conference: Creating Possibilities for Black Students in K-12 Education and Leadership is taking place Saturday, October 28th at York University. Join us for 16 exciting research presentations that focus on themes such as Black student experiences in K-12 education; transforming student learning and more! For more information and to RSVP, please view our RSVP Form and our flyer.
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TDSB Recognizes National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
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Islamic Heritage Month at the TDSB
The TDSB proudly recognizes Islamic Heritage Month (IHM) during the month of October. This year’s theme is Salaam: Joy, Excellence, Belonging. We are thrilled to offer several educational opportunities that are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Islamic traditions and customs. To learn more about Islamic Heritage Month and how you can get involved please visit the Islamic Heritage Month webpage.
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Somali Heritage Month at the TDSB
We are proud to recognize Somali Heritage Month during the month of October. This year the committee is continuing to expand on the selected theme Educate. Elevate. Excel. Several educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Somali traditions and customs. To learn more, visit the Somali Heritage Month webpage.
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Steps to Address Your Questions and Concerns
Here at the TDSB, we are always open to hearing your questions and concerns and make every effort to address them as quickly as possible. Your child's classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school's principal, the school superintendent, and me, your Trustee! For more information, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/Contact-Us/Steps-to-Address-Questions-Concerns.
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Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - Finance, Budget & Enrolment Committee - 4:30pm - Boardroom - Agenda - 5.1 Contract Awards Operations
- 52 Contract Awards Facilities
- 5.3 Update on Honoraria for Trustees
- 5.4 Comments on Regulation Changes Disposition of Surplus
- 5.5 2024-25 Grant for Student Needs Consultation by Ministry of Education
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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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