Dear families, staff, and community of Beaches - East York:
Two weeks ago a devastating house fire on Gainsborough Rd took the lives of four community members, including a young TDSB student, and displaced three households. We are deeply saddened by this loss to our school and community. The outpouring of support has been tremendous. I want to extend my gratitude to our neighbours and TDSB staff who have been supporting the fire victims and the community through this tragedy.
Families who need additional support can reach out to TDSB Social Work and Professional services through their school’s Principal or find resources online through the TDSB or the city (www.211Central.ca).
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In person learning resumes Tuesday, February 16
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March Break postponed to April
The Ministry of Education announced past week that March break has been postponed until the week of April 12th. Read the Provincial news release.
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Staff Covid-Updates: Toronto Public Health Presentation; Switching between school models; Funding; Preparing for 2021-2022
Senior Staff provides regular updates about the impact of Covid-19, typically on Tuesdays during special Planning & Priorities meetings.
The last update was on Tuesday, February 9, and contained:
Board & Committee meetings can be (re)watched online in the webcast archive.
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IN THIS NEWSLETTER
- In the Month of February
- Chinese Heritage Month; Lunar New Year
- African Heritage Month; Black History Month
- Carnival; Winterlude
- Ward 15 & 16 Forum: Building an Anti-Racist School Community (Feb.18)
- Live Presentation: Stronger than Hate (Feb.25)
- TDSB Programs
- Early French Immersion – Late Applicant Opportunity
- Kindergarten Registration
- International Languages Elementary and African Heritage Programs
- Adult ESL - Parent & Community Engagement
- PRO Grant Applications Now Open
- Community Support Workers: TDSBHub.com, Updates, Resources, and Events
- TDB Human Library
- PCEO/PIAC Conversation Series
- Parent Conference Recordings
- ETFO and TDSB create resource to address Anti-Asian Racism - Community News
- Winter Walk Day
- 211 Day & Toronto 211
- Canada Agriculture Day
- Beaches-East York Councillor Newsletter
- Continuing Education - Community Programs - TDSB Board Room
- TDSB’s first Human Rights Report 2018 - 2020
- New Student Senate
- TDSB Reports, Motions, and Policy Consultations
- Hepa Filter & Ventilation Update
- 2021-2022 Budget Process
- Policy Consultations
- Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule - Worth Repeating
- Calendar
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We are in the coldest part of winter and there is much to celebrate in the month of February, including:
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Chinese Heritage Month and Lunar New Year
- Chinese Heritage Month: 2021 is a year of the Ox, starting February 12th and lasting until January 31st, 2022. To all celebrating, 心想事成 Xīn xiǎng shì chéng. May all your wishes come true!
Are you celebrating the Lunar New Year? We are looking for parents of TDSB students to interview for a podcast series on celebrating cultural holidays during #COVID19. For more info, please contact welcoming@tdsb.on.ca.
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African Heritage Month & Black History Month
Carnival and Winterlude
These events go online for 2021. Adapting to the pandemic the organizers of Carnival de Quebec and Ottawas’ Winterlude have developed online programs to celebrate winter with virtual tours, concerts, and family activities.
Follow the festivities online:
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Ward 15 & 16 Forum: Building an Anti-Racist School Community
On Thursday, February 18, Trustees Aarts and Story will host part 2 of their anti-racism and anti-oppression workshop series.
Workshop Part 1 Notes & Presentation:
How to Join the Ward Forum:
- Register at least 24 hours before the meeting
When registering, you will be able to submit your suggestions, comments and questions in advance.
Meeting links and dial-in numbers will be sent to your email address on the morning of the ward forum.
Need more info? Email Maxeen.Paabo@tdsb.on.ca or call 416-395-8787.
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Thu. Feb. 25 (1 - 2 pm): Live Presentation: Stronger than Hate
A presentation by the Toronto District School Board’s African Heritage Committee, Jewish Heritage Committee, Liberation75, USC Shoah Foundation, and Peel District School Board.
Hosted by Dr. Stephen D. Smith, with Special Guests:
- Max Eisen, author of “By Chance Alone”;
- Joe Wilson Jr., Author of “The 761st “Black Panther” Tank Battalion in World War II;
- John L. Withers II, Author of “Balm in Gilead”
More information:
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Early French Immersion – Late Applicant Opportunity!
(deadline: February 26!)
As you know, the application deadline for Early French Immersion was November 27, 2020. For a variety of reasons, the application numbers were lower than usual, leaving space in some areas for late applicants. For that reason, for families still interested in the Toronto District School Board's Early French Immersion Program (begins in Senior Kindergarten), the online application portal, PARS, remains open until February 26.
Consideration for late applicants will be done centrally after all the on-time applications have been accommodated, space permitting. Late applications that cannot be accommodated will be held on a late waitlist by date of the application.
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Kindergarten Registration
Registration for all TDSB Kindergarten programs begins in February. We look forward to welcoming you and your child at our school in September!
To attend Junior Kindergarten in September, children must turn four-years-old by December 31 (born in 2017 or before). To register for Senior Kindergarten, children must be five-years-old by December 31. You may choose to register in person at the school or begin the process online.
For more information about the Kindergarten program and registration requirements, please visit the Kindergarten web page.
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International Languages Elementary and African Heritage Programs
The International Languages – Elementary / African Heritage Program is offering online language classes to students (TDSB and non-TDSB), from Kindergarten to Grade 8. One day each week, students have live face-to-face interactive lessons with their instructor and classmates for approximately 30 minutes. Activities are focused on building student’s abilities in oral communication, reading and writing.
Visit www.ILEprograms.ca for more information. Twitter: @TDSB_ConEd.
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Adult ESL
Gaining proficiency in English is a critical skill for many newcomers to our city. Every year, nearly 20,000 adults benefit from the TDSB's English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. Through general language training, and a host of specialized courses, we serve learners at all levels - from those with little or no formal education to those with postsecondary degrees. Currently, all Adult ESL classes are online.
Visit www.ESLToronto.ca for more information. Twitter: @TDSB_ConEd.
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Parent Engagement: School Councils PRO Grant, CSW Hub & more
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PRO Grant Applications Now Open
School Councils may submit one Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grant request, for up to $1,500, to support initiatives/activities that engage parents/caregivers (including virtual), and builds School Councils’ capacity around Human Rights, Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Indigenous and Anti-Black Racism.
Applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2021. Applications must be submitted virtually using the application and submission form and will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Please apply early, funds are limited.
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Community Support Workers: TDSBHub.com, Updates, Resources, and Events
TDSB Community Support Workers (CSWs) support communities in our Model Schools, work with community agencies and the city, and also develop broader resources for families.
You can join our CSWs every Tuesday morning (9-11am) their “CSWs Live” webinars (open for all).
Read the CSW LC4 update letter (week of February 15th) and check out the new TDSBHub.com website with engagement -, community -, and wellbeing resources for all schools and families. Among events on the CSW alendar:
- Feb.17 (6:30 - 8:30 pm): Navigating the School System: For Parents/Caregivers of Black Families - Session 2
- Feb.19 (7 - 9 pm) : BFCN Black History Month Workshop & Celebration
- Feb.25 (10 - 11:30 am): Skills for Change “Wellness and Support”: 2021 Parenting Psychoeducation Campaign
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TDSB The Human Library
The TDSB Human Library: Conversations around Equitable, Anti-Racist, and Anti-Oppressive Practice is a podcast series on topics related to Equity, Anti-Racism, and Anti-Oppression in education. Each 15 minute podcast invites listeners to critically reflect on their pedagogy, reimagine engagement, and partner with the community to improve student well-being and achievement.
Among the future topics: African Canadian experiences and the Curriculum; Understanding and Addressing Anti-Asian Racism; Centring Black LGBTQ+ students in the Classroom; Supporting Positive Racial Identity in Early Years; Understanding Judaism and Jewish Cultures.
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PCEO/PIAC Conversation Series
Everybody is invited to join the TDSB for a series of engaging and informative Conversations on topics we heard you want to learn more about. Hear from leading experts and participate in question and answer sessions online. These conversations are jointly hosted by the TDSB's Parent and Community Engagement Office (PCEO) and the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee.
The Conversations web page will have announcements of all upcoming Conversations, as well as links to past Conversations so everyboy can (re)watch them. The Conversations are also streamed (and archived) on the PCEO YouTube Channel.
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Parent Conference Recordings
Did you know that almost all sessions and workshops of the two Parent Conferences that were held in the Fall are now available online? You can find them here:
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ETFO and TDSB create resource to address Anti-Asian Racism
The Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) and Toronto District School Board (TDSB) have partnered to develop Addressing Anti-Asian Racism: A Resource for Educators, a resource to empower educators to take action against anti-Asian racism. Read more in the report of the launch event on February 9.
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Winter Walk Day
In February we usually celebrate Winter Walk Day, however the pandemic, virtual, and remote learning means looking for alternate ways to be active. It is still important to get outside and engage in “active transport” (walking, wheeling, running, cycling, skating, skiing) to get around.
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211 Day & Toronto 211
February 11th was 211 Day, which we share to raise awareness of the community and personal support services available across Toronto. 211 is a free, confidential helpline that is available 24/7, 365 days a year (including holidays) in 150+ languages. Call 2-1-1 or visit www.211Central.ca. Text and email communications also available.
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Canada Agriculture Day
Canadian Agriculture Day is recognized on February 23rd. Learn more about farming, agriculture, and food production across the country on the AgricultureMoreThanEver.ca website.
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Beaches-East York Councillor Newsletter
Please see Councillor Bradford’s newsletter for for updates on volunteer opportunities, community events, grant applications, and community resources, including:
- TD Park People Grants - Applications Open
- Co-Op Housing Federation of Toronto - Diversity Scholarship
- Good Neighbour Project
- Beach Interfaith Lunch Program - Donations Needed
- East End Arts - Gen Z-ines
- Community Solidarity Against Racism in Construction - CSARC
- Bangladeshi Canadian Community Services - Free PPE for Essential Workers
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre - Popup Testing
- Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
- Icemaster’s Family Day Scavenger Hunt
- Main and Danforth Laneway Project Launch - Community Meeting
- Toronto Pearson Propeller Project (2020 Nest Fund in support of Black & Indigenous led organizations)
- Local Spotlight
- Supporting the Victims of the Gainsborough Fire
- St. Brigid and St. Anne Joint Food Bank
- Supporting Our Community Organizations
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Continuing Education - Community Programs
Online Learn4Life offers the opportunity for Toronto community members to take up a new hobby or learn a language from home. Stay active with our many fitness classes or gain knowledge on how to invest in the stock market. Classes are for adults 18+ and seniors.
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TDSB’s first Annual Human Rights Report 2018-2020
This brand new report will be discussed at the Program and School Services Committee meeting on February 17th (4:30pm - live webcast). Challenges experienced in the TDSB are often mirrored from societal challenges, including in the area of human rights. The incidence of racism and bigotry has increased in the greater community and this is also reflected in our schools. Anti-Black racism exceeds other forms of hate but there have also been concerning increases in homophobia, antisemitism, and anti-Indigenous racism. This report contains critical data and a plan of action to address, prevent, and remedy the impact of racism in our schools. In order for our TDSB students and staff to flourish we have a duty to create schools and workplaces that are free of discrimination, harrassment, and hate.
- Employment Equity (P029)
- Human Rights Policy (P031)
- Workplace Harassment Prevention Policy (P034)
- Equity Policy (P037)
- Caring and Safe Schools Policy (P051)
- Accessibility Policy (P069)
- Workplace Harassment Prevention and Human Rights Procedure (PR515)
- Reporting and Responding to Incidents of Racism and Hate Involving or Impacting Students in Schools (PR728)
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Introducing the New Student Senate (2020-21)
Student Senate elections took place online in January, with a significant increase in voting this year (~3000 ballots cast).
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TDSB Reports, Motions, and Policy Consultations
Learn about some of the recent Motions and initiatives from the TDSB Board of Trustees:
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HEPA Filter & Ventilation Update
TDSB Staff recently compiled a most current list of the ventilation and current HEPA distribution by school. The Province recently the Ministry of Education just released a portion of Federal funding for ventilation to support the re-opening of schools.
Details are in the attached document, along with fundraising options, and the position of Toronto Public Health on Air Purification Systems.
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Policy Consultations
The TDSB reviews policies on a 4-year cycle (or as needed based on changes to Legislation or linked policies). Staff are currently seeking public feedback on the following policies:
- P023, Parent and Community Involvement Policy (Policy review)
- Specialized Schools and Programs Policy (New policy)
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Learning Centre 4 (LC4) Virtual School Contacts
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Community Advisory Committees and Statutory Advisory Committees
There are 12 TDSB Advisory Committees which provide advice to the Board on a variety of topics. All TDSB Advisory committee meetings are held once per month and are accessible to the public. Parent and community participation is strongly encouraged. Please contact the assistant or staff lead for each committee if you would like to attend or would like more information on the Advisory Committees web page.
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School Year Calendar 2020-2021
The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1 to June 30, inclusive and has been approved by the Ministry.
The last day of class for elementary students is June 2
Secondary Quadmester Calendar:
- Quad 3: Feb 8 - April 22
- Quad 4: April 23 - June 28
Remaining PA Days & Holidays:
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