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| Shelley Laskin, Trustee Toronto District School Board Ward 8: Eglinton-Lawrence & Toronto-St Paul's 416-395-8787 Shelley.Laskin@tdsb.on.ca
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In this Issue -- Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria
- Communication Survey for Parents/Guardians/ Caregiver
- Lost & Found: A Children's Literacy Initiativ
- Rescinding of Suspension/Expulsion Retention Letter
- TDSB Student Census Updat
- Revised Student Attendance, Safe Arrival and Safe Departure Procedures (PR707A: Elementary) and (PR707B: Secondary
- TDSB Student Elections 2023-24
- A New Saturday Tutoring Opportunity
- Committee Meeting This Week
- Mental Health and Well-Being
- Toronto Public Health
- School Year Calendar 2022-2
- Ward 8 Virtual Forum - March 2nd - What Does Hate Look Like
- New Invitations - Redirection Meeting re Whitney, Eglinton & John Fisher; Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement; Let's Connect; Save the Date: EnVision Conference
- Worth Repeating - African Heritage Month; Chinese Heritage Month; Parent/Caregiver Engagement; English Kindergarten Registration Continues in February; More Joy; tdsbCREATES; CampTO; Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application; Elementary and Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions; Winter Clothing Drive; Useful Links; PSS Virtual Drop-In Hours; We have a Poop Problem!
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Please Remember - PA Day Friday, February 17 and Family Day, February 20th - no school for elementary and secondary students.
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Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria
The people of Türkiye and Syria continue to be in our thoughts following an earthquake that has tragically claimed thousands of lives and injured thousands more. As the search and rescue effort continues, our students, staff and their families here in Toronto who are waiting to hear from loved ones are also in our thoughts. The TDSB has launched a board-wide campaign to raise funds for earthquake relief. Thanks to the Government of Canada, all donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be matched until February 22, 2023. To learn more and/or to donate, please visit the Canadian Red Cross website.
TDSB Professional Support Services staff have created resources to help support students & families who may be experiencing a range of emotions now & in the days ahead. Please reach out to your school principal should you require additional support.
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Communication Survey for Parents/Guardians/ Caregivers
One of the reasons I put out a weekly update is to keep you informed and engaged.
From a system level, keeping you informed and engaged is important to the TDSB. We want to hear from you about what we are doing well and what we could be doing better when it comes to communication. Please take a few minutes to complete the anonymous survey to help us best communicate with you. Survey will be open until February 17, 2023.
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Lost & Found: A Children's Literacy Initiative
Lost & Found is a new national storytelling project, led by the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation and funded by the Government of Canada, in collaboration with a diverse coalition of mental health and child-serving organizations. The project helps children connect with their own emotions and experiences by providing stories of their own pandemic experiences, which will allow them to better understand and engage with their communities. Stories will be archived to help future generations understand what the COVID-19 pandemic was like for Canada’s children and their families.
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Rescinding of Suspension/Expulsion Retention Letters
As you are aware, the TDSB continues to address and eliminate systemic barriers that potentially lead to a bias of how students are perceived. To that end, TDSB Trustees passed a motion on November 11, 2020 instructing staff to create a retention schedule for all suspensions and expulsions, both recent and historic. Two weeks ago, TDSB Principals began receiving email messages from the Caring and Safe Schools database related to rescinding either a student’s recent or historic suspension/expulsion documentation. These messages contained letters informing families that their child’s suspension/expulsion documentation has been rescinded. Principals are asked to ensure that the rescinding letters for students under the age of 18 are to be sent home by placing them in an envelope addressed to the parent of that child. Should you have any questions, please speak to your child's principal.
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TDSB Student Census
The TDSB Student Census was first administered in 2006 and this year will be the fourth administration. This work has been recognized by the Ministry of Education and other organizations for the comprehensive and evidence-informed approach to improvement. The TDSB Student Census has been designed to gather information about students’ perceptions and identities including participation in school activities, safety, well-being, mental health, outdoor learning, etc. When students share their experiences, staff are then able to better develop school and system programs to better support them and eliminate the barriers to learning and positive school experiences.
As you may recall, the Student Census was paused in November to complete the expected review. This review is nearing completion and staff are currently working to finalize materials. Currently, the Student Census is tentatively planned to be launched at the end of March, with information shared with families immediately following March Break and students expected to complete the surveys throughout the month of April. Stay tuned - your support is appreciated.
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Revised Student Attendance, Safe Arrival and Safe Departure Procedures (PR707A: Elementary) and (PR707B: Secondary)
On June 29, 2022, the Board of Trustees approved the Student Attendance, Safe Arrival and Safe Departure Policy (P085). Subsequently, staff began the review of its two associated procedures (PR707A and PR707B) and Executive Council approved the revisions on January 24, 2023 and they were presented for information at Governance and Policy Committee on February 8, 2023.
Changes to the procedures include:
- Adherence to the principles of equity as per the Equity Policy (P037);
- Provisions regarding culturally responsive supports and interventions to address student absenteeism and lateness;
- Provisions directing further automation of the collection and processing of student attendance information (Web Attendance) and other updates regarding SIS and the School Messenger App;
- Provisions regulating student safe departures/dismissals and changing the Policy title to include safe departure;
- Unique attendance taking scenarios including attendance taking in virtual learning environments;
- Updating Institutional Accountability section to include daily responsibilities of teachers, including occasional teachers;
- Alignment with the Board’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Actions and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation.
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TDSB Student Elections 2023-24
The TDSB will be accepting applications for Student Senate and Student Trustee positions for the 2023-2024 school year on Monday, February 13, 2023. Student Senate and Student Trustees represent the voice of approximately 247,000 students in the Toronto District School Board. They work closely together to empower and promote student voice and engagement across the district. Key Dates: • February 13, 2023 – Application Opens • February 16, 2023 – Information Session • February 21, 2023 – Application Deadline • April 24 to 28, 2023 – Campaigning Period • April 27 to 28, 2023 – Voting Period • September 2023 – 10-Month Term Begins For more information about the roles and responsibilities of the different positions, and the application and elections process, visit our website.
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A New Saturday Tutoring Opportunity
Continuing Education has approved a pilot Saturday morning program at Deer Park Jr/Sr PS, 23 Ferndale Ave (a few blocks from St. Clair Subway). It is intended to be another ‘arm’ of the TDSB tutoring initiative, funded through Provincial efforts to support learning recovery in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They will be offering support with Literacy, Mathematics, STEM, Early Reading and Foundational Skills, through fun, interactive and engaging lessons developed by OCT teachers.
It will run for 6 weeks, from Sat, February 18 through Sat, March 24, from 9:30-12:00pm at Deer Park. Should you have any questions, please reach out to Nadine.Clarke@tdsb.on.ca as she will be administrating the program. Click here for registration form.
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 - Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom - Agenda- 5.1 Environmental Sustainability Community Advisory Committee Report, February 7, 2023 Climate Action as a Budget Driver Contract Awards
- 6.1 Contract Awards, Operations
- 6.2 Contract Awards, Facilities
- 6.3 Construction Tender Award: Addition, Renovation and Childcare at Hollywood Public School
- 6.4 Design Consultant Contract Award: Classroom and Childcare Addition to David Lewis Public School
- 7. 2023-24 Strategic Budget Drivers
- 8. 2023-24 Projected Financial Position - Section 231 of the Education Act requires school boards to pass a balanced operating budget each year. Budgets are intended to align both human and financial resources to system priorities. School boards are required to submit their annual balanced operating budget to the Ministry of Education by June 30th of each year. Prior to the pandemic Toronto District School Board (TDSB) had a structural deficit that could not be addressed during the pandemic, as resources were needed to support student and staff safety and continued learning. Structural deficits occur when a school boards budgeted expenditures are greater than the grants and revenues the Board receives. While the Ministry of Education did provide significant investments during the pandemic to school boards, TDSB used approximately $69M of Board resources to support the continued learning and safety of both students and staff during the pandemic, in such areas as reducing class sizes, additional technology and additional PPE. (Note: the province has not reimbursed TDSB for these funds - we has asked for full reimbursement as has the Ontario Public School Board Association). Majority of these investments were achieved to in-year savings and directing resources from such areas as supply costs and energy savings during the shutdowns of schools, transportation savings, and staffing redeployments. Had the Board not invested these funds to support the students and staff there would have been operational savings that would have resulted in increased working funds. The Preliminary Operating Financial Position is a deficit of $61M.
- 9. Financial Facts: Revenue and Expenditure Trends February 2023
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Mental Health and Well-Being
Winter Well-Being guide for 2022/23 created by the TDSB's Mental Health and Well-Being Committee has been updated to provide ongoing resources and ideas for Families/Guardians to promote mental and physical wellness during the winter months. Resources are culturally relevant and responsive with resources for students with Complex Needs. The Guide is translated into the top 21 TDSB languages spoken which is accessible here (Well-Being Guide).
Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 for ages 5-29 for anonymous care from professional counsellors. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
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Toronto Public Health
We can all help reduce the spread of illnesses by wearing a mask at school. All TDSB students, staff, and visitors are encouraged to follow Toronto Public Health's recommendations to help reduce the transmission of illness in our school communities.
Learn more on how you can reduce virus spread when caring for someone or a child who has COVID-19 or another respiratory virus.
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School Year Calendar 2022-23
Please note the School Year Calendar 2023-2024 is due to the Ministry by March 1, 2023.
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Ward 8 Virtual Forum - March 2nd - What Does Hate Look Like?
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Redirection Meeting re Whitney, Eglinton & John Fisher
We would like to remind everyone about the virtual public Boundary Review Meeting (Zoom) to take place Monday February 13 at 6:30 pm, to discuss boundary changes for Whitney Junior PS, Eglinton Junior PS, and John Fisher Junior PS. Since September 2018, Whitney’s catchment area has slowly added and now includes 10 residential towers from the Yonge/Eglinton area. Due to increased enrolment and limited space at Whitney, some changes need to be implemented and we cannot continue in the same way. It is being recommended that 8 of the 10 residential towers be returned to their local schools, as those schools, Eglinton Junior Public School and John Fisher Junior Public School, can now accommodate additional students. Any students that currently attend Whitney are welcome to remain and continue until they graduate. Siblings of current Whitney students would also be permitted to attend Whitney. All families would also have the choice to return to their local schools, Eglinton Jr PS or John Fisher Jr PS. Participants must pre-register to join the meeting. For more information about this review and to register for the meeting, please visit: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Bk1P_5QQQ5Gbs2NMrXaW3w
The FAQ document has been uploaded to the TDSB review website and can be found at the following link: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Strategy-Planning/Search-All-Reviews/id/179
We look forward to providing additional information and answering questions that evening.
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Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement offers a variety of programming for students, staff, and families. I welcome you to join the following upcoming events: Legacy and Excellence of Black Muslims (February 13 at 6 p.m.) - As part of an ongoing learning series for TDSB students, staff and families, the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement is collaborating with the National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) to provide co-developed learning experiences centring the experiences and identities of Muslims and promoting anti-Islamophobia education and strategies within school communities and classroom environments. This workshop offers a historical overview of the excellence, resilience, and resistance of Black Muslim communities globally. Attention will be given to the untold stories of Black Muslim trailblazers and contemporary changemakers. The workshop will conclude with practical resources and recommendations to promote the ongoing affirmation and recognition of the achievements and wide-spanning contributions of Black Muslims within our local and global communities.
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Let's Connect
Let’s Connect is a mental health and well-being virtual series that allows us to come together to share ideas and resources. The Let’s Connect series will respond to questions and discuss wellness for parents, caregivers, guardians and students at various times throughout the school year. These conversations will be led by our TDSB Professional Support Services staff and Mental Health and Well-Being Leads.
We acknowledge parents & caregivers as important partners with TDSB. We recognize the connection between equity, mental health and well-being for all. We prioritize equity and inclusion for all students and families from an anti-oppressive and anti-racist stance. Check out all of our Mental Health and Well-Being Resources, too, including our Virtual Drop-In Hours.
Upcoming Webinar- Wed, Feb 22nd, 7-8:30 pm Let’s Connect - Parent Voices “Feel Good February (Flyer)” Creating Opportunities For Connection & Exploring Happiness Special Guest - Dr. Amy Gajaria, Psychiatrist-CAMH
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Save the Date: EnVision Conference
The annual EnVision Conference (in-person) will be from Tuesday, February 28 to Wednesday, March 1 at Oakwood Collegiate Institute. The focus of this year's conference is 2SLGBTQIAP+ Indigenous, Black and Racialized Joy, Intersections, and Futurity.
All 2SLGBTQIAP+ elementary and secondary students, as well as their allies/co-conspirators are invited come together in collective care to address biphobia, homophobia, and transphobia. There will be keynote speakers, workshops on a continuum for those beginning their journey in allyship and those who would like more support in student action. The entire conference will be an opportunity for students to share the multiple ways gender and sexual diversity can be celebrated within the Toronto District School Board. For more information, click https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Equity-Anti-Racism-and-Anti-Oppression/EnVision-Conference.
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African Heritage Month at the TDSB – February 2023
During the month of February, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) proudly recognizes African Heritage (Black History) Month. It is an occasion to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of peoples of African descent to Canada and the world. The chosen theme for 2022-2023 is Black Joy.
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Chinese Heritage Month at the TDSB – February 2023
TDSB’s Chinese Heritage Month is proudly recognized in February each year. During this month, several learning resources and educational opportunities will be provided to our students and staff to further enhance their knowledge of Chinese Heritage.
In addition to Lunar New Year - The Year of the Rabbit, this year, the Chinese Heritage Committee selected a second theme: Honouring a Legacy of Conviction and Fortitude to mark the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 (known as the Chinese Exclusion Act). PowerPoint presentation. Please follow us on twitter @tdsbChineseHM.
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Parent/Caregiver Engagement
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English Kindergarten Registration Continues in February!
Registration for all English TDSB Kindergarten programs begins in February. We look forward to welcoming you and your child at school in September!
To attend Junior Kindergarten in September, children must turn four-years-old by December 31. To register for Senior Kindergarten, children must be five-years-old by December 31. Families can begin the registration process online or visit their school in person to register. Information and detailed instructions about the registration process is available online at www.tdsb.on.ca/kindergarten. Please know you can also register for JK in an alternative school program or a school open to out of area attendance.
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More Joy!
A 30-minute after-school family literacy series Every Wednesday until March 8th from 7:00 to 7:30pm.
For more information, contact a Community Support Worker.
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Ignite: tdsbCREATES Visual Arts and Film Exhibit Opening
tdsbCREATES is a board-wide Arts initiative that connects local artists with schools to foster creativity and celebrate student voice. This exhibition of student work is from the Media and Visual Arts tdsbCREATES mentorship program. Learn more about tdsbCREATES. Opening: February 15, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Exhibit: February 11 – March 1, 2023 Where: Artscape Youngplace, 180 Shaw St.
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Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application Update
As you know, the TDSB has a wide range of elementary alternative schools available to students. This year, the application process is being managed centrally (in the past it has been managed by individual schools) and includes an online application form. The online application for admission for September 2023 will be open from Monday, January 16 at 4 p.m. to Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 4 p.m.
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Elementary and Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions Applications Update
The applications for Out-of-Area Admissions launched at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 9, 2023 and have now closed for both elementary and secondary.
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Winter Clothing Drive
Newcomer students are adjusting to their first Canadian winter and can benefit from your generous support. The students need proper winter outerwear such as coats, boots, mitts and hats to be able to attend school. This year’s Winter Outerwear Drive will run from October 2022 to the end of February 2023. Learn more: bit.ly/3gZOwxx
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PSS Virtual Drop-In Hours
We are here to help you in any way we can. Our Professional Support Services team offers monthly virtual drop-in times where you can connect directly with a staff member to help answer questions and provide support to help you and your child.
Wednesdays once a month: from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Virtual Drop in Hours
Virtual Drop-In Hours for Students with Special/Complex Needs
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We have a Poop Problem!Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
A reminder to dog owners (and I know not all of you have kids at school). Dogs are not allowed on school property at any time. Many people are surprised to learn that TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property. Section 6.10 PR523 Access to School Premises prohibits canines on our properties “at any time” (except service animals).
Please respect children’s play spaces.
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Community Safety & Support
If you should you ever see any suspicious activity around school buildings after school hours, please contact 311, Toronto Police Services Dispatch at 416-808-2222, or the TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620.
If you or a family member is in crisis, please contact Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868 or get support right now by texting CONNECT to 686868.
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