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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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"This year, like last year, my Oscars for best actor and actress go to teachers who stayed completely calm in front of their students even though they were breaking down internally."
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In this Issue:
- Supporting the Ukrainian Community
- April is Sikh Heritage Month
- April is Latin-America History Month
- April is Hispanic Heritage Month
- Ramadan Mubarak
- COVID-19 Reminders
- Addressing School Safety
- Student Attendance, Safe Arrival and Safe Departure Policy (P085)
- Share Your Voice About Parent and Caregiver Engagement
- TDSB Virtual Secondary School - Registration & Course Selection Update
- Ministry of Education New Online Learning Graduation Requirement
- TDSB System Calendar
- New Invitations - Join the Conversation: Islamophobia & Its Impact on Muslims & Muslim Youth; ThriveSMH 2022; Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence
- Worth Repeating - Secondary Credit Programs Summer School July 2022; Elementary Summer School; Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voters Lists?; Backpack and School Supplies Drive; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
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Supporting the Ukrainian Community
Our thoughts continue to be with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community here in Toronto. Read the Director's full statement and read tips that may be helpful for parents/caregivers whose children are experiencing difficulties.
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April is Sikh Heritage Month
Sikh Heritage Month is proudly recognized at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) during the month of April since 2016 as the Board of Trustees voted to designate April of each year as Sikh Heritage Month making the TDSB the first school board in Canada to do so. This designation matches the recognition by the Province of Ontario that proclaimed Sikh Heritage Month Act in December 2013, and the recognition proclaimed by the Government of Canada on April 30, 2019. Sikh Heritage Month is recognized nationally across Canada.
This year our theme is Come to learn, go to serve; the goal of education is to serve humanity. Sikh Canadians have lived in Ontario since the turn of the twentieth century. They have made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of Ontario and their traditions and culture continue to be a vibrant part of every aspect of life for Canadians today.
We are inviting all TDSB community, students, and staff to join our virtual Sikh Heritage Month launch to recognize the contributions of Sikh Canadians. Join us for a remarkable afternoon of information and celebration (see flyer or below for full details).
An interactive slideshow is available that provides numerous books/resources and other items to gather information about the Sikh heritage.
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April is Latin-America History Month
Latin-America History Month is proudly recognized at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) during the month of April as a result of a motion passed through our Board of Trustees in 2016.
This year the theme to mark Latin-America History Month is (DeColonizing) Latin-America History Month & Beyond: Learning about our collective pasts through the art of healing.
During the month of April, several activities are being planned for students, staff, and community members. Elementary students will also be provided with the opportunity to learn about the art of healing and the powerful tool that music brings with Ruben Beny Esguerra, a Canadian musical artist and poet based in Toronto. Ruben Beny Esguerra has been nominated twice for a JUNO Award (2018 JUNO Awards in the World Music Album of the Year category and just nominated for the 2022 JUNO Awards in the Global Music Album of the Year category.)
Learning about careers in various fields, our students will have the opportunity to connect with accomplished Latin-America leaders and acquire information about their educational and professional journey to success. In addition, secondary students will further their learning on art as a form of healing by attending a workshop hosted by a member of the Afrolatinx community.
Please join us! Please follow us on Twitter @TDSB_LAHM
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April is Hispanic Heritage Month
During the month of April the TDSB recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month. In March 2010, our TDSB Board of Trustees voted that April be designated as Hispanic Heritage Month at the Toronto District School Board.
As stated in the Hispanic Heritage Month Act, (May 5, 2015): "Ontario is home to more than 400,000 first-, second- and third-generation Canadian of Hispanic origin. As early as 1914, Canadians who originated from 23 Hispanic countries began immigrating to the province and today the Hispanic community is one of the fastest growing in Ontario. Hispanic-Canadians represent a dynamic community that has made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Province of Ontario. By proclaiming the month of October as Hispanic Heritage Month in Ontario, the province recognizes the rich contributions of Hispanic-Canadians to our social economic, political and multicultural fabric. Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the outstanding achievements and contributions of Hispanic people in the province."
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Ramadan Mubarak
Ramadan is one of the most important months for the religion of Islam. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which is a lunar calendar based on the cycles of the moon. In 2022, Ramadan is likely to begin in Canada on the evening of April 2 and ends on May 2. During Ramadan, Its a time for Muslims fasting (abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset for 29-30 consecutive days), prayer, reflection and community. CBC Kids has a good explanation of Ramadan. Please keep in mind that students observing may need different supports during this time. For more information, check here. To all observing, Ramadan Mubarak.
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COVID-19 RemindersPlease get VaccinatedVaccine Opportunities for Students
Children aged 5 to 11 years (must be 5 years old at time of vaccination) can receive their first or second dose in this kid-friendly environment. Individuals 12 years of age and older can receive their first, second or third (booster) dose. You can schedule an appointment to attend the clinic or you can walk-in without an appointment.
Instructions for booking -
- Go to the TDSB scheduling webpage https://schoolclinic.parentinterview.com .
- Enter this Access Code: city2022 and click "Sign In".
- Fill in your contact information and click "Continue to Make Appointments". Note: Parents/Guardians please select “Other” from the "Position" menu.
- Click on the Clinic Location that you want to schedule an appointment for.
- Click on the time at which you wish to have your appointment.
- Print out, email or copy down your schedule.
If you have questions concerning vaccinating your child, please visit the Toronto Public Health website or call them at 416-338-7600.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Stay kind and stay safe.
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Addressing School Safety
The TDSB is committed to safe schools that are caring, safe, welcoming and respectful. All students have a right to feel safe at school and all caring adults in our schools work to protect students, build positive relationships, create connections, solve problems, and promote respect. Student safety is a priority in the TDSB.
We have a strong foundation for school safety that we have progressively built on for years. We have among the most evidence-based and equity-informed policies and procedures to support student safety and well-being. We have made ongoing and significant investments to resources, staffing and programs, including a recent investment of $5.9 million for additional staff.
On March 23, 2022, Trustees' held a Special Board Meeting to discuss student safety, focusing on what work has been done and how we can continue to improve. Trustees' approved a motion that the Chair write to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of Ontario, the Mayor of the City of Toronto and the chairs of Toronto school boards to request the creation of a partnership table between all three levels of government and Toronto school boards. Click for more details.
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Student Attendance, Safe Arrival and Safe Departure Policy (P085)
Policy consultation is a very important part of this process and we want to hear from our communities about this draft policy. Some of the areas we are particularly interested in hearing about are:
- Parent/Guardian and student experience with the current safe arrival procedures;
- The use of technology and the best way to communicate with parents/ guardians regarding safe arrival and departure; and,
- Feedback on interventions and strategies to support students and families with attendance issues, and current barriers that may exist.
The policy consultation will run from March 25 to May 9, 2022. TDSB community members can engage in this process and provide feedback through an online survey or by attending a public consultation webinar:
- April 7, 2022 (1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.)
- April 7, 2022 (7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)
- April 13, 2022 (7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)
This feedback will be used to inform the draft policy, which will then be presented to Trustees for review and approval in June 2022. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey and for sharing your feedback. Your voice is important and will help us ensure our policy meets the needs of staff, students and families.
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Share Your Voice About Parent and Caregiver Engagement
The Parent and Community Involvement Policy (P023) is currently being revised. The revised draft Parent and Community Involvement Policy (P023), renamed to the Parent and Caregiver Engagement Policy (the “Policy”) aims to establish a framework for shared responsibilities of parents, caregivers, the Board, and the trustees for the implementation of effective strategies to increase and improve effective parent and caregiver engagement in the Board.
We are reviewing our current Parent and Community Involvement Policy to help set standards, improve consistency and further develop meaningful approaches to parent and family engagement. We want – and need – to hear from you. Your voice will help us revise this policy in a way that is meaningful, relevant and valuable to you, our parent community.
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TDSB Virtual Secondary School - Registration & Course Selection Update
Students and parents/caregivers/guardians had an opportunity to register for Virtual Learning for the full 2022-2023 school year from March 7 to March 21, 2022. Registration for Secondary Virtual School (VSS) is now complete and there is no opportunity to switch in either direction between In-Person and Virtual Learning, change their request or be added to VSS. There are approximately 1500 students who registered for the TDSB Virtual Secondary School (VSS). This week, students and parents received information on how to select their courses for VSS, and will be supported by a dedicated team of Guidance counsellors.
My understanding is about 3500 elementary students also selected virtual learning and classes are currently being formed - information will be shared as soon as possible.
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Ministry of Education New Online Learning Graduation Requirement
The Ontario Ministry of Education has introduced a new graduation requirement for secondary students, which requires students to complete two e-Learning credits as part of the 30 credits required for graduation with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The new requirement applies only to students who entered Grade 9 on or after September 1, 2020. Those students are generally now in Grade 9 or Grade 10. A parent/caregiver or student (18 years of age or older or 16 or 17 years of age and withdrawn from parental control) may opt out of the new e-Learning graduation requirement by completing and submitting the TDSB opt-out form.
Staff are currently working on a plan for the 2022-23 school year and will share information with students and parents/caregivers shortly, which will include details regarding the opt out process/form.
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TDSB System Calendar
There are many ways for parents/guardians and school community members to get involved, learn, connect and participate in TDSB activities and events. Visit this page often and see what's coming up!
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Join the Conversation: Islamophobia & Its Impact on Muslims & Muslim Youth
On Thursday, March 31, 2022, 6:30pm - As the author of Under Siege Islamophobia and the 9/11 Generation, Dr. Zine will be exploring Islamophobia and what the experiences of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism have been like for Muslim children and youth. Register in advance for this webinar: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JktCes9kQW27JipU-ak8KA.
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ThriveSMH 2022
ThriveSMH (Thrive School Mental Health) is a group of passionate students from across the Ontario. We work within School Mental Health Ontario (SMH-ON) to amplify the voices of students and supports equitable school mental health. We focus on ways to reduce stigma and promote mental health in Ontario schools. Students in Grades 7-12 - find out more!
We will be hosting two open house events over Zoom on Tuesday, April 5 and Wednesday, April 6 from 5 to 6 pm ET (4 to 5 pm CT). You do not have to come to both – the same information will be shared at each open house. These will give you a chance to meet some members of the team, ask questions, and learn more about what we do. For more information https://smho-smso.ca/jointhrivesmh/.
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Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence
Nominations for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence, Excellence in STEM & Excellence in Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education are extended to April 21. Educators show unparalleled resilience & commitment in the face of COVID-19. Nominate an educator who goes above & beyond!
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Secondary Credit Programs Summer School July 2022
The Toronto District School Board offers summer school credit courses to all high school students and adults with current prerequisites. Students may take a new credit, or retake a course previously taken to upgrade a mark. Parents/Guardians and students must consult with their day school guidance counsellor regarding course selections and pre-requisite courses.
Registration opens April 19 at 9:00am. Continuing Education Secondary Credit Summer programs have mandatory attendance daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday to Friday for the duration of the program you register for.
Please check the website for updated information.
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Elementary Summer School
The focus of the Elementary Summer School Program is to continue student learning and 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 in-person to students in K to Grade 8, from July 4 to July 29, 2022. This year, one online (remote) summer school program will be available.
Registration Information - Program Dates: July 4-29, 2022 - Registration is online. Program delivery method is in-person this year. One remote (online) program is available. Please see full list of programs.
Most classes run for three (3) hours from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., except for four (4) full day sites that run 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. which include: Alexander Stirling, Flemington, Rose Avenue and Yorkwoods.
Please note, there are limited spaces available for both in-person and remote (online) programs. The remote (online) program is NOT associated with a particular school. Students who are registered will be grouped by grade and assigned an online teacher.
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Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voter List?
The upcoming year will be a busy one for Ontario voters, with the Ontario Provincial Election and Municipal and School Board Elections happening just a few months apart. Are you on the voter's list?
For the Ontario Election on June 2, 2022. Ontario residents can visit Elections Ontario - Voter Registration to add, update or confirm your information on the voters list for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, Canadian citizens and residents of Ontario; Register of Absentee Voters for voters temporarily living outside Ontario who intend to return to the province; or Ontario Register of Future Voters for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds who will be automatically added to the voters list when they turn 18.
For the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections on October 24, 2022, Ontario residents can visit Voterlookup.ca at any time to find out whether their information is accurately reflected for inclusion on the Preliminary List of Electors for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections. Eligible electors can also update their information, add a name to an address, or change their school support for electoral purposes. Let's be ready.
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Backpack and School Supplies Drive
This year’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive will run from March 1, 2022 to the end of September 2022. Individual donors and companies can help our students by making a monetary donation and/or a donation of new backpacks and school supplies. Please contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca for more information about how to donate new items. Tax receipts are available for these donations. Donate now.
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Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
Dogs are not allowed on school property at any time. Many people are surprised to learn that City of Toronto By-Laws and TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property.
Please respect children’s play spaces. And please do not verbally abuse TDSB caretaking staff - I am hearing that when members of the public and caretakers onsite try and inform dog owners, they are met with threats and intimidation.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- The last day of class for elementary students is June 30, 2022
- The last day of class for secondary students is June 29, 2022
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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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