Ward 9 newletter header

Happy New Year!

Wishing you and your families a wonderful new year and decade!  I hope this letter finds you all well and thank you for taking the time to engage with all of the important happenings in our ward 9 schools and community.
Jean Lumb Public School Opens in City Place Community
I have a story to tell you. Back in 1994 the City of Toronto signed an agreement with the Canadian National Railway. This agreement allowed the City to collect revenue from new developments in the railway land area in order to fund the construction of a community center, childcare center, and two elementary schools. Later, an agreement between the City of Toronto, the TDSB and the TCDSB was established that enabled both boards to lease the land from the city.

Fast forward to January 6th, 2020. On that day we opened the new Jean Lumb Public School to students and families! This is the first newly built school in the TDSB in over two decades. And it happened because of the foresight and legislative tools that our city counsellors and the school board had in 1994.

This is above all a story of partnership and collaboration and community. I believe that this is also why it is so apt that the namesake of our new school is Jean Lumb. Jean Lumb was a community leader and the first Chinese Canadian woman to receive the Order of Canada. She did so much for the Chinese community and her advocacy was important both in Toronto and across the country. In particular, she was recognized for her role in changing Canada’s immigration laws.

The core focus of the new school is global competencies. We can’t think of a better way to weave the legacy of Jean Lumb into the life and breath of the school. Jean lumb was an incredible global citizen. We know the students of our new school are also incredible global citizens!

We really look forward to the grand opening of the whole complex (including the community centre) in the spring.  In the meantime, I hope all of the Jean Lumb students are enjoying their new space and WALK to school

January 16 Ward Forum

At our Building Positive School Climates Ward Forum on Thursday January 16th, we had a panel of three great Principals talk about initiatives at their schools: Ogden’s Recess Rangers program which is a student-led conflict resolution initiative, Jean Lumb’s Peer Mentors program, and The Island School’s belonging initiative.  The meeting was hosted by PIAC Co-Chair and Ward 9 Parent, D. Williams.  We also welcomed two new Ward 9 Steering PIAC Representatives; Andrew Waters from Dewson P.S as the Ward 9 PIAC Representative and Cecile Farnum from Brock P.S. as the  Ward 9 PIAC Alternate Rep.
Parent Engagement Opportunities in Ward 9

Ward 9 Steering Committee: We are so lucky to have such an engaged parent community here in Ward 9! I am fortunate to have the advice and leadership of a small group of volunteers who help provide input and guidance to me in communications to parents, setting topics for ward forums, and agenda-setting and chairing ward forums. If you interested in joining in, please get in touch with me. We typically meet at ward forums and do most of our work over email so the time commitment is fairly light! 
We would like to welcome Andrew Waters from Dewson P.S to the Ward 9 Steering Committee for 2020.

Next Equity Committee Meeting: Save the date for February 4, 7-9pm at Oakwood CI for our second Ward Equity Committee meeting. At our first meeting in November we met and brainstormed a wide range of topics that the committee can work together on. I have booked TDSB staff from our equity and parent engagement office to join us at our next meeting. I am deeply grateful to all of the parents who joined us at our first meeting and so generously shared. I look forward to seeing you all again at our next meeting.  

Vision Zero and Community Safety at Regal Road P.S.
Regal Road P.S. School Council held conversations about school and traffic safety with Deputy Mayor/City Councillor, Ana Bailao and Ward 9 School Trustee, Stephanie Donaldson.
I want to thank this community for their engagement and passion.  We have so much opportunity to increase road safety in this neighbourhood.  I look forward to continuing to work with families and the school to keep our kids safe. I'm grateful to Councillor Ana Bailao for her partnership and attention to safety.
Labour Update
All updates on labour negotiations will be posted on the TDSB website as they are available -https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Labour-Negotiations.  Please check regularly and get in touch if you have any questions.
Take Action: Ontario Parent Action Network
@parentaction4ed

Many parents have asked me what they can do to support teachers and eduction workers.  The Ontario Parent Action has many resources and a new pledge that you can use to take action in your community.
French Programs Update

French Immersion Application/Placement Update

As you may already know, the deadline for SK French Immersion online applications has passed (December 6, 2019). This year, we had 4,018 on-time, online applicants; the most we have ever received. In comparison to last year, we have had an increase of 490 applicants; an increase of 14% overall across TDSB. 

Placements began shortly after the close of the application process. Due to the large volume of applications, it will take a number of weeks for all the families to hear. We encourage families to check their email frequently, including their junk mail. It is important to remember that not all families in a given area will receive their offers of placement at the same time, but all will receive one. Please be reminded while admission to the Early French Immersion (SK entry) program is guaranteed at the entry points to all on- time applicants, admission to a specific school is not guaranteed if the school reaches capacity and given the number of applicants in our Ward, there will be redirections. Please also note that the final entry for French Immersion at SK and the first entry for French Immersion at JK will be September 2022.

Applications for Junior Extended French which begins in Grade 4 must be completed online between January 6, 2020 and January 31, 2020. Please note that this will be the last entry class for this program as it will be transitioning out - Grade 4 Immersion Program will continue. There will be NO gap in access to Grade 4 entry to intensive program. Students in Grade 3 in 2019 will apply to Junior Extended French for September 2020, and students in Grade 3 in 2020, will apply to Middle French Immersion for September 2021.

The grade 7 Extended French program offers students who have successfully completed three years of Core French the option to enter into a more intensive program in grade 7. These students spend approximately 40% of their day in French classes at the Extended French school. The attendance area for an Extended French school is created by "associated" English feeder schools. To locate the Grade 7 entry Extended French school in your area, you must first confirm the English school for your home address, then visit our Extended French Location Finder. Applications should be submitted directly to the Extended French school by January 31, 2020 Please note that this will be the last entry class for this program as it will be transitioning out but  the Grade 4 Immersion Program will continue.
For more information, click here - 
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Elementary-School/School-Choices/French-Programs/Other-Programs
2020-21 Budget

At the December 12 Board, staff shared a report Update on 2020-21 Education Funding Engagement Guide Consultation. At the time, we had not heard any information on the actual GSN consultation – but on December 18, Minister of Finance Rod Phillips launched the first of a series of budget consultations that will run across Ontario throughout the months of January and February. The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs will hold Pre-Budget Consultation public hearings in Toronto on January 17, 2020 and in Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay, Kitchener-Waterloo, Belleville, and Niagara during the week of January 20, 2020. As she did last year, Chair Robin Pilkey has indicated a desire to speak to the committee and will share our response. It is still not clear if there will be a separate GSN 2020-21 consultation or guide.

As noted in the preliminary report, the TDSB will continue to focus is on the following areas of interest excerpted from the report.

Transportation - In the absence of provincial funding benchmarks for transportation, school boards have no guidance to support a change in service expectations and the inequity among coterminous boards is left unaddressed because boards will continue to use transportation as a means to compete for students. In addition, the TDSB is advocating that transportation for students with special needs be identified and funded separately. The Ministry’s review of transportation services and funding that started three years ago, has not reported out on its findings yet. 

Renewal Funding Backlog - It is imperative that the province commit to providing predictable and sustainable funding for school repairs so that the TDSB can continue to implement our long-term plan for renewal, lower our current $3.9 billion repair backlog and modernize our schools. Current industry standards are that 2 to 4% of the replacement value of buildings should be budgeted for renewal expenditures. Costs in high density urban boards for maintenance and construction work are significantly higher than either suburban or rural boards and this should be taken into consideration in establishing construction benchmarks.

Education Development Charges - In our view, the same way that developers pay for services such as roads, transit, water, sewer infrastructure and community centres, they should also contribute to education. In other words, growth should pay for growth. Section 10 of Ontario Reg. 20/98 does not serve the purpose of either the Education Act or the original purpose of EDC funding, which was meant for new developments to fund new school sites. Without the restrictions found in Section 10 of Ontario Reg. 20/98, the TDSB would qualify for EDCs and generate revenue of approximately $400 million over the next 15 years, which would help us meet growth-related infrastructure needs. 

Class Sizes - We urge the Ministry to: Commit to listening to the results of the Ministry consultation on secondary school class size and pay close attention to the analysis you are now getting regarding the impacts on programs, course offerings and student supports; Put on hold the decision to increase average class sizes in high schools and put on hold the reductions to high school teachers until such time that there is system wide and school-board-by-school board data on the impact on high school programs and course options and the concern school boards have with regard to the potential negative impact on graduation rates; and, Compensate boards, including the TDSB, whose collective agreements require a smaller average class size in Grades 4-8 than the average class size level being funded by the Ministry of Education

E-Learning - The TDSB has serious concerns with the government’s plan to introduce mandatory e-learning courses for all secondary students. The TDSB is not against e-learning, recognizing that it plays an important role in our system. We are, however, concerned about the mandatory nature of this plan, the timing and the general lack of information available for parents/guardians, students and staff.

Challenging Streaming - The TDSB is committed to setting high expectations and increasing access to programming for all students. These principles must begin in the early years and include changes to special education programming and student discipline, transitions to secondary school and Grades 9 and 10 programming. It is important that the Ministry commit to providing additional funding in these areas so that we and other boards can continue to increase student achievement and help students to be successful in their chosen academic program. 

Supply Staffing - The current funding levels do not adequately support school boards actual costs in all areas of staffing.  School boards need further funding support to address this shortfall.
2019 / 2020 Parent Reaching Out Grant (PRO Grant) Allocation

The Ministry changed the PRO GRANT program from an application-based funding model to an allocation-based grant provided to each school board. School boards received a predetermined funding amount for parent engagement projects. 
TDSB was allocated $133,405.35 for projects that demonstrate a commitment to respecting the role of parents in students’ educational experiences which is about 1/3rd of what schools received last year. All funds must be spent and reported to the Ministry by June 15, 2020. The Board, at its meeting on November 27, 2019, approved the allocation as follows: 

Learning Network / Centre & Ward Engagement ($103,405.35) 
Learning Centre Executive Superintendents will consult with Superintendents of Education, Trustees and the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee Representatives to identify initiatives that fall within the following areas: Supporting and enhancing school council capacity; Enhancing the efficacy of families around mental health and well-being, equity or achievement and/or Engagement of diverse families and school councils in the School Improvement Process (e.g. workshops/training for families)


2020 Parents as Partners (PAP) Conference ($30,000)
PAP is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2020 and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at The Toronto Congress Centre. The day will offer families/guardians the opportunity to participate in day long learning, sharing and networking with families, staff and community partners. The day will feature a keynote address, informative workshops and a vendors’ marketplace of local associations and agencies which provide many different kinds of support for children and families. Please hold the date now!

In spite of some of the difficult budget decisions the Board has had to make, the Arts at the TDSB are flourishing, thriving, and resilient. The TDSB is highlighting this commitment by launching a new webpage called, Spotlight on the Arts. You can find the webpage here  https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Your-School-Day/Curriculum/The-Arts
As noted on the site, Arts education is an essential part of school for students of all ages and we are highlighting some of the most dynamic programming and sought-after programs and schools. Whether dance, drama, media arts, visual arts or music, the TDSB provides students with an incredible variety of options and the opportunity to learn from creative and dedicated staff. That said, equity of access is a major commitment of the Board and we continually review programs and teaching strategies in elementary and secondary schools to ensure that a strong curriculum is being delivered in all areas and serving all students in the best way possible.
On the webpage Chair Robin Pilkey shares a critical message - while highlighting the Board's investments in the arts, she also makes it clear there were budget reductions to all programming in the TDSB and how we must work together to protect the overall quality of public education and the funding we need to provide our students with the programs, services and opportunities they need to succeed. You can find the Chair's full message here https://youtu.be/qunczORHNJM.

Basketball Net Pilot Project Update

In June 2019, the Board initiated a pilot project to keep basketball nets up at all TDSB schools in order to provide increased access to recreational opportunities.  This was a departure from our current practices at a number of sites, where nets were removed at the end of each day. Our basketball pilot ended the beginning of December and staff have begun to review the pilot project, including a review all of the community feedback received. Next steps and recommendations will be part of a staff report tracking to the January Committee of the Whole meeting.  

Global School Play Day - Feb 5, 2020

Restoring unstructured play to a generation of kids! 
You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” -Plato
Last year, on February 6, 2019, the Fifth-Annual Global School Play Day continued to spread around the world. Over 535,000 young people from 72 nations were registered by their administrators or teachers to participate. Schools from around the world stood together to say, “Unstructured play is a vital part of proper child development!”
Official Twitter Account - @GSPlayDay  Hashtag: #GSPD2020
Global School Play Day Official Website - www.globalschoolplayday.com

2019 - 2020 School Council Learning Opportunities

Each of your offices has a binder of resources for School Councils that you are welcome to borrow - and hopefully by the end of the week a USB key with the same information to make it easier to search and print from. Learning opportunities have been organized for School Council 101, ByLaws and Effectiveness. Please find below the dates, times, locations and share broadly.
Date LC Location Time Room Topic
Jan 9 4 Central Tech 6:00 – 9:00 102 School Council 101
Jan 16 1 John Polanyi 6:00 – 9:00 117 School Council ByLaws
Jan 23 2 Drewry SS 6:00 – 9:00 102 School Council ByLaws
Jan 28 3 Woburn CI 6:00 – 9:00 105 School Council ByLaws
Feb 4 4 Central Tech 6:00 – 9:00 102 School Council ByLaws
Feb 13 1 John Polanyi 6:00 – 9:00 120 School Council Effectiveness
Feb 20 2 Drewry SS 6:00 – 9:00 102 School Council Effectiveness
Feb 26 3 Woburn CI 6:00 – 9:00 105 School Council Effectiveness
Mar 5 4 Central Tech 6:00 – 9:00 102 School Council Effectiveness
And the presentations from PIAC's Ready. Set. Engage. Event from November 16 are now posted online.

Policy Consultations

We Want to Hear From You
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is committed to open and inclusive policy decision-making and values community input and participation through consultation. Consultation is a two-way communication process between the Board and external participants, including students and their parents/guardians, school councils, advisory committees, community members, different levels of government, service agencies, professional organizations and union partners. The objective of consultation is to gather public input regarding options, alternative courses of action, as well as to identify unintended effects for various participants and to find solutions. 
Current Policy Review Schedule - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/PolicyReviewSchedule.pdf

Attendance at Schools Outside of Designated Attendance Area (formerly Optional Attendance) (P013) As per the Secondary Programs Review and the TDSB Policy Review Schedule, the Optional Attendance Policy is currently being reviewed. We are asking all members of the TDSB community for feedback on the proposed draft.
Closes - February 03, 2020
Draft Policy - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/docs/Draft%20-%20P013%20-%20Post%20for%20Consultation.docx
Survey - https://surveys.tdsb.on.ca/index.php?r=survey/index&sid=556612&lang=en
Email: secondaryreview@tdsb.on.ca
Objective: To provide policy direction about access to schools outside a student’s designated attendance area. The Optional Attendance policy allows students to apply to schools other than their designated school by home address. This is possible because there is excess capacity at some schools across the system. This has afforded students choice of school and program as well as enabled students to remain with cohorts if a family changes residence. However, optional attendance has prevented equity of access and has created an imbalance of enrolment in our secondary schools (under and over-utilized schools). It has also created an environment where schools are forced to compete with each other to attract more students in hopes of increasing their enrolment.

2020-2021 Optional Attendance 

Information on Optional Attendance https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Elementary/OptionalAttendance
Please note that not all programs/schools are open to Optional Attendance if you do not live in the school's catchment area. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability and program suitability. The procedures, conditions and timelines relating to optional attendance are described in the Optional Attendance Policy and the Optional Attendance Operational Procedure.
Each year in December, schools are classified as limited or closed to optional attendance based on the space they have available for the upcoming school year.
Elementary Schools (applying for September 2020 admission)
For the form, click here http://ppf.tdsb.on.ca/uploads/files/live/91/2033.pdf Applications must be received by Friday, February 14, 2020.
Secondary Schools (applying for September 2020 admission)
For the Form, click here http://ppf.tdsb.on.ca/uploads/files/live/98/455.pdf  Applications must be received by Friday, January 31, 2020.
Note: It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to deliver this application (no faxed or scanned copies) to the school or schools of choice.
NOTE - the Optional Attendance Status for 2020 - 2021 has now been updated on the school websites. Find your school here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Find-your/School

Secondary Program Review

The vision of the Secondary Program Review, which will address both under and over-utilized schools, includes fewer schools with strong programming and increased access to courses that support all pathways. In order to achieve that, the Board will consider potential consolidation and/or relocation of schools, re-purposing secondary school buildings to address other system needs, and different models of school organization (e.g. full-year programming).
To learn more about the Secondary School Review, please read the Questions and Answers  https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Secondary-Program-Review/Questions-and-Answers.
The Jack Talk - Bloor CI - Feb 5, 2020

School Year Calendar 2019-2020

The 2019-2020 school year at the TDSB begins on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 following the Labour Day long weekend. For more information about important dates and holidays for the upcoming school year, please refer to the 2019-20 School Year Calendar.

The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, inclusive.
  • The last day of class for elementary students is June 25, 2020
  • The last day of class for secondary (full year) students is June 23, 2020
  • The last day of class for secondary (semestered) students is June 23, 2020
PA Days & Statutory Holidays
  • School resumes January 6, 2020
  • Elementary PA Day  January 17, 2020
  • Secondary PA Day (Semestered Schools only) January 30, 2020 
  • Board-wide PA Day February 14, 2020
  • Family Day  February 17, 2020
  • March Break  March 16 to 20, 2020
  • Good Friday  April 10, 2020     
  • Easter Monday  April 13, 2020
  • Victoria Day  May 18, 2020
  • Elementary School PA Day  June 5, 2020
  • Secondary School PA Day (Full Year Schools only) June 24, 2020
  • Secondary School PA Day  June 25, 2020
  • Board-wide PA Day June 26, 2020
Also please note - 
  • Passover begins sunset of  Wednesday, April 8, 2020 and ends nightfall of Thursday, April 16, 2020
  • Ramadan 2020 will begin in the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2020 and ends in the evening of Saturday, May 23, 2020 (dates may vary)
  • Eid al-Fitr 2020 will begin in the evening of Saturday, May 23, 2020
EQAO
Gr. 9 Math: 1st Semester: January 13-24, 2020
Gr. 9 Math:  2nd Semester: June 2-15, 2020
OSSLT:  March 31, 2020
Primary/Junior EQAO:  May 19-June 1, 2020

Also please note Days of Significance - click for the complete list 2019-2020
You may also find this Days of Significance Resource Guide helpful
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