Hello Ward 7 Parents, Guardians, Caregivers and Community:
Just like that, we are two weeks into the new school year!
Hopefully, everyone is feeling settled and enjoying a smooth start to September. It’s been an exciting beginning here in Parkdale–High Park. We’ve welcomed four new Principals plus Vice-Principals, teachers and staff to our schools. Many students returned to freshly painted halls, a new playground, or other completed facility projects at their schools. And it’s great to see school calendars filled with team try-outs, fall fairs and school council meetings. These are great ways for you and your children to engage in your school community. Continue to check communications from your school for upcoming activities.
There's so much to share.
As a TDSB parent myself, I understand there's a lot of information coming your way. In addition to communications from your school, TDSB Connects provides system-wide news. In my (approximately) bi-weekly updates, I'll share more about:
- what's happening at the Board and Ward 7 schools,
- how to engage on Board and education issues,
- advocacy and resources that support TDSB students
I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Stay posted for a schedule of monthly parent engagement events and Ward meetings, beginning in October. We'll also have opportunties to meet at school council and community events throughout the year. (If you're attending the Bloor West Village Toronto Ukranian Festival this weekend, say hi!)
Until then, I hope these updates help you succesfully navigate the rest of the month.
Yours in Community,
Debbie King
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Newsletter Content – September 15 2023
IN PARKDALE—HIGH PARK SCHOOLS:
ACROSS THE TDSB:
FROM THE BOARDROOM:
PARENT/CAREGIVER ENGAGEMENT:
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International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Registration
Currently, the TDSB offers the opportunity to learn 52 different languages inclusive of the African Heritage program. These programs are offered after school or on Saturday mornings. Registration for after-school language classes begins next week. Sign up for in person classes at the Ward 7 schools below, or request to add a program at your school. The TDSB will open an African Heritage class where there is community interest and a commitment by families to enroll at least 23 students in the program. For more information, visit the ILE-AH site here.
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Reorganization
Why is my child's class so large? Will it be fixed?
In late spring of every year, the TDSB plans for the number of students expected to attend school the following September. We then allocate the number of teachers required for each school and class, based on projected enrollment. The number of teachers required in each school and class is primarily determined by class size limits as per Regulations in the Education Act or through Collective Agreements.
- JK/SK - the average size in each school year of the classes of a shall not exceed 26; the class size limit is 29, however, in each school year, 10 % or less of the classes may have a class size that exceeds the class size limit, but that does not exceed 32.
- Grade 1-3 – There is a class size cap of 20, however, 10% of these classes can have up to 23 students.
- Grades 4-8 – The average size in each school year shall not exceed 24.5; there is no maximum class size.
- Grades 9-12 – Secondary school class caps are specified in the Workload Accord negotiated between the Board and OSSTF District 12. Class caps vary based on the course type (i.e., Academic, Tech, College, Workplace, Special Education, etc.). These class caps must be honoured before the end of October.
Class sizes can either be larger than average or smaller than average at the beginning of each new school year, as planning is done 6 months in advance. If your child is in a large class, please know that in September, schools review the actual number of students attending schools and in each class, and the number of teachers who were allocated to each school.
This year, the count date is during the third week of September - after this date schools will be provided with an understanding of system reorganization and will inform affected classes as soon as possible.We anticipate that classroom reorganizations will be complete the week of October 2, 2023.
Balancing the teacher-pupil ratio is absolutely necessary to ensure more equitable access to learning opportunities for all students. The TDSB will make every effort to better balance our schools with as little disruption to your child’s learning as possible. However, for some students this may mean being assigned to a new teacher, a different class or, in some cases, in elementary school, a mixed grade.
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Combined Grades
Why are there split classes? Why is my child in a split class?
Combined grades (sometimes called ‘split grades') is the practice of creating classrooms made up of two different grades of students. For example grades 2 and 3.
Principals organize Combined Grades when the numbers of students don't match the numbers of the teachers and to provide additional placement opportunities. For example, there may be 29 Grade 3's and 11 Grade 4's. School staffing committees facing these lopsided numbers may use Combined Grades to balance out and meet class size restrictions and to have more than a singe placement opportunity for each grade of students.
Class make-up is very carefully thought out by school staff. Even though schools have to work within certain restrictions, each and every child is placed with consideration to the whole child. Likewise, individual needs are also balanced with class dynamics and the needs and compatibility of the group. Some of the other factors taken into consideration are the teacher, classroom size, gender, work habits, emotional development, special education needs, English language development, grade being taught, etc.
Just as in same-grade classes, teachers in combined grades use a wide range of teaching strategies to make sure they cover all of the curriculum expectations. Students in a Combined Grade follow expectations for their specific grade. Children in a Combined Grade spend time learning as a whole class, in small groups and individually. Sometimes they will be grouped based on a specific task and other times the teacher will group them based on their learning needs.
Your child will be challenged at their own academic level. It is both the teacher's and principal's responsibility as educators to provide your child with a challenging, yet not frustrating program. As always, speak to your classroom teacher or principals for information about your child's learning.
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National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day 2023
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Supporting All Students
On August 28th, it was reported Minister Lecce said that "Parents must be fully involved" in student's decision to change pronouns. It is important to note that since 2011, the TDSB has provided TDSB Guidelines for the Accommodation of Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Students and Staff to schools and departments to help support students and staff. It states that all students have the right to be addressed by a preferred name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity.
With regard to students requesting their chosen name or pronoun, the vast majority of cases would involve the students’ parents/guardians/caregivers, however in a limited number of circumstances where the student has identified a safety concern, this information would not be shared until the student’s concern has been addressed. For some children school is the safest place in their lives. I, for one, will continue to support this TDSB policy - so far, there has been no ministry mandate or direction on the subject.
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OHRC Statement: No Room For Hate in Schools
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Transition from Zoom Video Conferencing
To maximize financial resources, TDSB Zoom licensing will change for the 2023-2024 school year. Effective September 8, 2023, Microsoft (MS) Teams and Google Meet will be the video conferencing tools available to all staff and community advisory committees. Licensed Zoom accounts will continue to be available for one more school year to support work with school councils.
Google Meet is provided to TDSB at no additional cost through our Google Workspace for Education licensing. It is accessible through http://meet.google.com, iOS or Android apps.
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Update from Toronto Public Health (TPH)
At the last Board Meeting, Dr Vinita Dubey, the Associate Medical Officer of Health for TPH provided an update as we begin the school year.
With regard to COVID-19, the key messages were to get vaccinated in the Fall with the new flu and COVID booster when available to prevent serious illness and if sick, stay home! She noted that as respiratory virus activity increases this Fall, a well-fitted, high-quality mask in crowded indoor settings with poor ventilation may be important, but as of now, masks are not mandated.
Her second topic was on vaccinations from Grade 7-12 students. She noted that even with catch up efforts last year, the rates are still way down and she urged all parents/caregivers to ensure their child's vaccinations were up-to-date. Grade 7 & 8 will be offered these vaccines in school and Grades 9 to 12 who missed these vaccines can still get them for free at a TPH immunization clinic. TPH will continue with their catch-up efforts in 2023-24 and will continue to send letters to parents and students with vaccinations outstanding.
Finally she noted that School Liaison Public Health Nurses (SLPHN) can receive consultation, resources and referrals from SLPHNs. And TPH's Dental Screening Program and Student Nutrition Programs are also back. Get more information here.
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Update from SafeTO
At our August 30th Board Meeting, we also heard from Mohamed Shuriye, Director, Community Safety and Wellbeing and Scott Mckean, Manager, SafeTO and Justice Centres from the City of Toronto. We were updated on the collaboration between the school boards and the City to support community safety and well-being. The work ahead involves onboarding of the TDSB Centrally Assigned Principal, recruitment of TDSB Research Coordinator and then co-developing a workplan. We will continue to provide updates.
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Board and Committee Meetings
Meeting Highlights:
Facility contracts awards presented at recent Finance, Budget and Enrollment
(FBEC) meetings for projects in Ward 7 schools include:
- Windows and doors at Indian Road Crescent PS
- Pool Foundation and Grounding Restoration at Runnymede CI
Motions considered and carried by Trustees at recent meetings include:
- Reducing Respiratory Viruses in Schools (Ehrhardt/King)
- Mental Health and Psychoeducational Assessments (Williams/Sriskandarajah)
Next Meeting Dates
- Planning and Priorties Committee Meeting: Wednesday, September 2
- Regular Board Meeting: Wednesday, September 27
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School Council Elections
Now, more than ever, your voice and your capabilities are needed - by your child, your school, your community, and your fellow parents/caregivers.
In September, your school will be looking for parent/caregiver members to be elected to your School Council. The School Council’s role is to help our families support their children, advocate for a high quality of education, and an accountable education system for our children.
If you can’t commit to being a School Council member, please consider attending meetings. Your experiences, ideas, and knowledge must be heard. Help make your school a safe, welcoming, and inclusive learning environment for all members of our school community. For more information, please see flyer below and visit the School Council section at tdsbhub.ca.
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Parents as Partners Conference
I encourage you to join us for the Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on October 21 and 22, 2023. This year’s conference is focussed on Joy in the Journey of Learning and will be a weekend full of presentations. Saturday's keynote speaker is Dr. Gholdy Muhammad. Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca for more information.
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Fundraising Policy Consultation
The Fundraising Policy (P021) is currently being reviewed. The policy supports the TDSB’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and financial viability and promotes student learning opportunities when planning and implementing fundraising activities.The objective of the policy is to outline expectations and provide directions to TDSB staff and members of school communities when planning and implementing fundraising activities.
To provide some context:
Please read the draft Fundraising Policy posted for your review/comment and provide feedback via the online survey or by email to businessdevelopment@tdsb.on.ca on or before October 10, 2023.
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Volunteer Vulnerable Sector Checks
We are grateful for parent, caregiver and community volunteers in our schools. All Principals, Vice-Principals and School Administrators have been provided with a Volunteer Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) Request Letter to provide school volunteers. The screening process has also been streamlined, and applications can now be submitted directly. Please contact your school office for more information.
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Back to School on the TTC
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Pedestrian Safety Tips
I encourage you to teach your children the rules of the road - starting when they're young. Think of it as gradually training your children about safety until all the connections are in place. By the time your child reaches age ten, and can act independently, the road safety rules will be second nature. Children under ten should be accompanied by adults or older children when crossing the street. At this age, their judgment and perceptual skills are still immature, yet they often eagerly try to cross streets on their own in order to demonstrate some independence. Learn more by visiting the City’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan webpage.
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City of Toronto Fall Recreation Program Registration is Open!
Registration for Fall recreation programs at Parkdale—High Park community centres are now open. After-school Recreation Care (ARC) and Community Leadership (CLASP) program registration at Masaryk-Cowan Community Centre is ongoing. Explore and register for programs here.
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Model Parliament for High School Students
Do you have a child in Grade 10-12 who is interested in the Legislative Process? Do they want the chance to debate their own legislation in the Legislative Chamber? Learn more and consider signing up here.
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Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information on TDSB Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
Follow me on social for education, Board and community news!
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