Hello Parents, Guardians, Caregivers and Community:
I hope you are well and safely navigating the weather today.
It’s been wonderful to see our schools buzzing with science fairs, spirit weeks, movie nights, heritage events, tournaments and more! Thank you to all the students, staff and families who bring these events and experiences to life. I hope the March Break provides you time to rest, reconnect and look forward to Spring.
The boardroom has also been busy as trustees and senior staff discuss 2023-2024 budget development, renewal of the multi-year strategic plan, and various motions to support achievement and well-being for all students. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on these important topics through school council, ward and consultation meetings over the next few months.
Yours in community,
Debbie King
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March Break – March 13 - 17, 2023
Enjoy March Break! As a reminder, there will be no classes from Monday, March 13 to Friday, March 17, 2023. All schools will be closed. We look forward to welcoming back all students on Monday, March 20.
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Caste Oppression
Trustees are taking the first steps in addressing caste-based oppression in Toronto schools. Caste-based oppression is experienced by various faith communities in South Asia, the Caribbean and parts of Africa and East Asia and there have been documented cases here in Toronto. To help address this, Trustees are requesting that the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) assess and provide a framework for addressing caste oppression in a public education context and have asked staff to report back with more information when the OHRC has provided feedback.
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2023-24 Budget & Staff Allocation 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. The Board continues to advocate to the Ministry of Education to provide adequate and sustainable funding to support student achievement and well-being. To find out more, please click here.
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Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Renewal We are beginning to renew our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and we invite the entire TDSB community to get involved and share your voice. The renewal process will build on the foundation of our current strategic plan and there will be a variety of opportunities to share your thoughts and ideas in the coming months. Please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal to learn more and for ongoing updates.
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Elementary Summer School 2023 – Registration Now Open! Looking to build your child’s literacy and numeracy skills? Elementary Summer School registration is now open! The focus of the 2023 Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program is to continue student engagement through the month of July. Programs, which are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the local school focus, are offered in-person to students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, from July 4 to July 28, 2023, in various locations around the city. This year, one remote program will also be available.
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Continuing Education Programming at the TDSB
Did you know we offer a wide variety of Continuing Education at the TDSB? I encourage you to explore learning opportunities available for children, families, adults, and visitors:
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Greek Heritage Month We are proud to recognize Greek Heritage Month during the month of March. During this month, several learning resources and educational opportunities are provided to our students and staff to further enhance their knowledge of the Greek culture. To learn more about what is happening in our system, please continue to monitor @TDSB_GHM on Twitter for the latest updates.
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High Water Levels Brings Increased Risks The first hint of warming weather and the promise of spring thaw can bring extreme danger to the shores and surfaces of streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes. The Toronto and Region Conservation monitors hazardous ice conditions as thaw begins and are reminding everyone to be very careful around all bodies of water.
As warmer temperatures arrive, stream banks become increasingly slippery and unstable. Lake and river ice weakens, becoming thinner or with higher flows breaking with little or no warning. During this time, the potential for flooding and ice jamming is high.
Higher, faster-flowing water and extreme cold temperatures combine to create increased dangers on or near rivers, streams and ponds for people wishing to enjoy the seasonal changes. I ask all parents and caregivers to keep children away from stream banks, ponds and lakes. Please be careful and stay safe!
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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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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 https://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, April 26, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
You can find previous and upcoming ward council meeting information here.
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Upcoming Academic Parent Engagement
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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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