Dear Parents and Guardians,
Anti-Black racism, violence, oppression and harassment against members of the Black community has been present for multiple generations. The recent incidents of racial discrimination and injustice against members of the Black community has been extremely difficult and heartbreaking to witness. My solidarity is with the Black community on a local, national and international level. My hope is that these incidents have motivated all of us to reflect on our personal and collective responsibilities in confronting anti-Black racism and other forms of hate. I encourage all of you to learn more about systemic racism against Black individuals and have conversations at home with your kids or with members of your community on ways to be allies with and support the Black community.
As your trustee I commit to continue to work towards an equitable Board. I recognize that systemic racism manifests and reproduces itself in policies, discourses, and everyday practices. It gets coded and embedded into curriculum, hiring practices, and other policies. It is our collective duty to speak up when we see it. An equitable school system benefits all of us. Better citizens make better neighbours.
June is National Indigenous Peoples History Month
During the month of June, people across the country mark National Indigenous Peoples History Month in recognition of the rights, histories, contemporary realities and extraordinary achievements of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The unique cultures and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are celebrated nationally and locally.
On June 21st, the TDSB also recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day. June 21st is a day of significance for many Indigenous Peoples in the country we call Canada today. It marks the day when the Sun is closest to the Earth. It is the longest day of the year and the shortest night. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples celebrate Summer Solstice. It is a time that reminds us to remain grounded, humble and appreciative. It is usually celebrated by coming together with family and community for a feast, although ceremonies and traditions are being marked in different ways this year due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional foods are an important aspect of the feast as they signify connection to the land and animals.
June is Pride Month
June is Pride Month at the TDSB! It’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity and raise awareness among all staff and students about the rich culture and history of our LGBTQ2S community. The TDSB strives to be a leader in supporting our LGBTQ2S community. We continue to make changes at the system level to ensure an equitable and inclusive system for everyone.
TDSB Reaches Local Agreement with Education Workers
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has reached a tentative agreement with the Board’s 17,700 education workers who are represented by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 4400.
CUPE Local 4400 represents a wide range of support staff at the TDSB including office and clerical staff, Designated Early Childhood Educators, Educational Assistants, Instructors, Caretakers and Lunchroom Supervisors.
Local negotiations are ongoing with elementary teachers and occasional teachers represented by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), secondary teachers and occasional teachers represented by the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), Professional Student Services Personnel (PSSP) represented by OSSTF and staff represented by the Maintenance & Construction Skilled Trades Council (MCSTC).
Mental Health and Well-Being
School Reopening Plans and Upcoming Survey
A TDSB School/Work Reopening Committee has been established to consider what the reopening of schools and administrative buildings will look like when it is safe to do so. While the final direction and health and safety requirements will come from the Ministry of Education, Toronto Public Health and/or other public health agencies, the committee is reviewing issues in a number of critical areas. A TDSB survey for parents/guardians will be shared during June to seek input for reopening plans.
Secondary Program Review
Student Transportation
Elementary Summer School
Our elementary summer school program focus is to close the achievement and well-being gap and to continue student engagement into July. Programs for students in Grades 3 to 8 will be delivered from July 6 to 31, 2020 from 9am to 12pm. French programs will also be available for students currently in a French Immersion or Extended French Program. Remote synchronous learning will be offered. There is a possibility that learning may move from remote learning to in-class learning environments in accordance with the ongoing guidance of the Ministry of Education. Registration is online and is currently open to the public. More information is available at www.tdsb.on.ca/summer
International Languages Elementary/African Heritage
The International Languages Elementary/African Heritage Program offers language classes to students Kindergarten to Grade 8. Classes will run from July 6 to 31, 2020 from 1:30 to 4pm. A minimum of 23 students is required to open a language class. Remote synchronous learning will be offered. There is a possibility that language learning may move from remote learning to in-class learning environments in accordance with the ongoing guidance of the Ministry of Education. Registration will be online and open on Monday, May 25, 2020. More information is available on www.ileprograms.ca.
