Last Week of the School Year
Hard to believe this is the last week of school - please know how grateful I am to each of you for the role you play in supporting public education - as planning for September continues as does the Board budget process I will continue with weekly updates as long as there is information to share - I hope you get time to enjoy the summer break. Stay healthy.
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Class of 2020
Congratulations to all students transitioning from junior to middle school and from middle school to high school - and to all the students graduating from grade 12 and our adult day schools - thank you to the parents and caregivers who encouraged you and partnered with your schools... and to all the staff - administration, teachers and education workers who supported your journey. The changes required by the Covid-19 pandemic do not diminish your accomplishments - we are all proud of you and wish you every continued success.
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National Indigenous Peoples DayOn June 21st, the TDSB 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.
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Director of Education Letter - Ministry Guidelines on Returning to School in September
Friday, June 19, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Today, the Premier and Education Minister announced the Government of Ontario’s guidelines for the return to school in September. School boards across Ontario are being asked to prepare for three possible scenarios that will depend on the public health situation at the time:
- Normal school day routine with enhanced public health protocols: Students going to school every day, in classes that reflect standard class size regulations.
- Modified school day routine: Based on public health advice, an adapted delivery model has been designed to allow for physical distancing and cohorts of students. Under this model, school boards are asked to maintain a limit of 15 students in a typical classroom at one time and adopt timetabling that would allow for students to remain in contact only with their classmates and a single teacher for as much of the school day as possible. This model would require alternate day or alternate week delivery to a segment of the class at one time.
- At home learning: Should the school closure be extended, or some parents choose not to send their child back to school, school boards need to be prepared to offer remote education. Remote education should be delivered online to the greatest extent possible, including the establishment of minimum expectations for students to have direct contact with their teacher at the same time on a regular basis, also known as synchronous learning. Synchronous learning can be used as part of whole class instruction, in smaller groups of students, and/or in a one-on-one context.
TDSB has been exploring and planning for all of these possibilities over the past several weeks and will now work towards finalizing plans, based on today’s announcement. To further assist and inform our plans, the TDSB is asking parents/guardians, staff and students to share their thoughts about planning for September by completing online surveys. This important feedback will help guide the TDSB’s work as we determine plans for September. Please access the Parent/Guardian Survey here and the Grade 7 to 12 Student Survey here.
School boards have been asked to submit their plans to the Ministry of Education by August 4, 2020 and the TDSB is committed to sharing plans with school communities once they’re approved, prior to the start of school. We want to ensure that all students and families are well prepared and know what to expect when returning to school in September. As always, we will continue to update you when additional information becomes available.
PLEASE NOTE: Reported on CP24
On Friday, Lecce said that school boards will be asked to prepare three scenarios for the fall, ranging from online learning only to a full resumption of in-class instruction. Lecce said individual boards and local public health officers will able to decide what option to select depending on the risk posed by COVID-19 in their communities. On Saturday, however, the education minister told CP24 that he has “directed” boards to at least start with an “adapted model,” wherein students would attend in-person classes on alternating days or weeks and be “cohorted” into groups of no more than 15. He said that a region-by-region approach could then begin in October in recognition of the fact that “the risk of COVID-19 is not linear” and will vary from board to board.
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Wash.Distance.Save Lives.Please wash your hands.
Keep physical distance.
Stay healthy.
Save lives.
We are all in this together.
"The power to change the story is entirely in our hands. So thank you, thank you to the residents of our city, thank you to business owners, thank you all for doing this, but we can still do better, we must do better, and we need your help to get there." Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health
Other Important Links:
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Summary of Decisions from Board Meeting of June 17
There were significant decisions made by the TDSB at its meeting last Wednesday -
Trustees unanimously approved funding to create a new TDSB Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. It is the first of its kind in public education in Canada. It is one of TDSB’s responses to dismantle anti-Black racism within the school board and improve both experiences and outcomes for Black students. The creation of the Centre is also responsive to the voices of the Black communities who consistently advocated for deeper systemic change from the TDSB.
“The TDSB has a number of supports and initiatives across the system focused on supporting Black students, however the existing efforts are not enough. We must continually reassess our progress toward the eradication of anti-Black racism and hold ourselves accountable for meaningful change.” - Robin Pilkey, Chair, TDSB
“It is critical that the Centre hold a mirror up to us as leaders about the ways in which anti-Black racism manifests itself in TDSB so we can become more responsive to and accountable for dismantling it while simultaneously providing a space of hope, agency and change for Black students and their families.” - Colleen Russell-Rawlins, Associate Director, Equity, Well-Being and School Improvement
“Though we have made changes in our structures, processes and system, it has clearly not been enough and we need to do more to support the achievement and well-being of Black students in TDSB. The new Centre of Excellence will provide another way for us to not only confront anti-Black racism, but to be more accountable to Black students and their families.” - John Malloy, Director, TDSB
Trustees approved a motion calling on the Ministry of Education to incorporate Genocide education as compulsory learning. As part of the motion, Chair of the Board Robin Pilkey will make the following requests to the Minister of Education:
- That the Genocide: Historical and Contemporary Implications (CHG381), Grade 11, Locally Developed Course in TDSB, be accredited as part of the Ontario Curriculum as a “university” or “mixed” course.
- That genocide examples are a comprehensive study as part of the mandatory Canadian History Since World War I Grade 10 course; and,
- That the province convene a working group of experts to look critically at the Ontario curriculum to ensure that students graduate with a better understanding of human rights, and how to protect those rights and take effective action if they or others experience hate, racism or others forms of discrimination and violence.
“Now more than ever, we – as part of the public education system – have the responsibility to educate against hate. Our calls to action to the Ministry of Education will help ensure that students have the necessary knowledge of past atrocities so that they can actively fight against hatred of all forms, now and into the future.”- Robin Pilkey, Chair, TDSB
“Genocide education is critical in fighting against intolerance, racism and hate. The TDSB looks forward to working with the Ministry of Education to ensure that Genocide education is compulsory learning for students across the province.” - John Malloy, Director, TDSB
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Grants for Student Needs (GSN) Announcement
On Friday, the Ministry of Education released the Grants for Student Needs (GSN) memorandum, technical papers and EFIS forms (detailed grant calculation template), as well as the Priorities and Partnership Funds (PPF) – formerly EPO grants – which are focused grants for specific initiatives.
Staff’s initial analysis of the overall GSN announcement did not see any significant changes other than an additional investment for mental health and technology; funding to support the negotiated collective agreements; additional funding to support supply costs; a reduction to transportation fuel costs for 2019-20 but no significant changes to transportation in 2020-21; and funding to offset educational software licensing.
It is important to note at this time no additional funding for cleaning and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been provided in the GSN for COVID19 increased costs.
There is no change year over year in the announced PPFs. As for capital, renewal funding increased slightly as did the School Condition Improvement (SCI) funding.
Staff are working on a more detailed report that will be presented to the Special FBEC on June 23. Over the coming weeks, staff will work to prepare a detailed financial projection for 2020-21 outlining changes in revenue and expenses. The report will also outline the impact of COVID-19 on TDSB operations in 2020-21 and include an update the financial projection for 2019-20. This report will come to the Special FBEC on July 7.
Important dates in the budget process include:
- June 23 - 12 p.m. Special FBEC - Presentation of report on GSN Funding Memorandum
- July 7 - 12 p.m. Special FBEC - Presentation of report on 2020-21 Financial Position and draft budget. This presentation will include costing of transitional supports for September start-up to support students and staff and Presentation of draft Capital Budget for 2020-21
- July 8 - 1p.m. and 7 p.m. Virtual Town Halls - This would be an opportunity for stakeholders to hear a presentation on the draft budget and to provide feedback
- July 9 - 12 p.m. Special FBEC - This meeting would be to receive a report on the Virtual Town Halls; Written or virtual delegations to the Budget Committee
- July 15 - 12 p.m. Special FBEC - Review of Draft budget and feedback on considerations for adjustments based on community feedback
- Aug 5 - 12 p.m. Special FBEC - Presentation of the final draft budget and supporting document for approval
- Aug 6 - 3:30 p.m. Special Board - Approval of 2020-21 Operating and Capital Budget
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A Timely Opportunity - Stronger Than HateAs we near the end of the school year students, families and staff have participated in many webinars – The Shoah Foundation (Steven Spielberg’s Foundation) - has put together this incredible program on Monday which now, more than ever, will be relevant and memorable.
If you don’t know Akim’s story please read this article he wrote.
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Join Us!TDSB families are invited to join us 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 in these three sessions jointly hosted by the TDSB’s Parent and Community Engagement Office and PIAC.
Mental Health, Well-Being & Routines in the Early Years
Speakers:
• Ann Douglas, Author Happy Parents, Happy Kids and Parenting Through the Storm
• Afroze Anjum, Psychologist, TDSB
Moderator: Heather Johnson, Social Work, TDSB
Monday, June 22, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8 pm
Mental Health Well-Being and Routines in Adolescents & Teens
Speakers:
• Dr. Amy Cheung, Psychiatrist Sunnybrook
• Scott St. Marie, Keynote Speaker, YouTuber & Podcast Host
Moderator: to be confirmed
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Talking Race With Your Children
Speakers:
• Dr. Kang Lee, OISE
• Vidya Shah, Associate Professor, York University
Moderator: Michelle Munroe, Co-ordinator Family Engagement, TDSB
Friday, June 26, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
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Delegation Process - Addressing a CommitteeDelegation requests will still be accepted during the closure of all schools and administrative sites at the Toronto District School Board; however, oral delegations to address a committee of the Board will be presented by phone. To submit a delegation request (written or oral), please refer to the information here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations and email delegates@tdsb.on.ca. If your request is approved, further details will be provided to you via email.
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Upcoming Committee Meetings
The Toronto District School Board is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. Due to the closure of all schools and administration sites at the Toronto District School Board, all standing committee and regular board meetings will be held virtually and broadcasted live to the public. Click here at the start time to view - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings
Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (Special Meeting) Tuesday, June 23, 2020 12:00 p.m. Electronic Meeting
- 4. Budget Matters
- 4.1 Report on the Grant for Student Needs Funding Memorandum - To be presented
Committee of the Whole (Special Meeting) (Electronic Meeting) Tuesday, June 23 4:30 p.m. The purpose of this meeting is to provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Board on the continued implementation of services during school closures, creating a successful path to the post-COVID reopening of schools and other potential learnings from the pandemic period.
- 4. Report From the Director of Education (Oral Update)
- 5. Report From the Chair of the Board (Oral Update)
- 6. Report From Representative on the City's Board of Health (Oral Update)
- 7. Report From the Directors on Ontario Public School Boards' Association (Oral Update)
- 8. Report From the Chairs of the Governance and Policy Committee, the Program and School Services Committee, the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (Oral Update)
- 9. Report From Representatives on the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee and the Special Education Advisory Committee (Oral Update)
- 10. Reports From Student Trustees (Oral Update)
- 11. Emergency Motions (to be presented)
- 12. Other Questions, Insights and Advice From Trustees to Staff (to be presented)
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Scaffolding Finally Being Removed from Eglinton
It has been a few years since scaffolding was erected at Eglinton Jr PS to protect the building (and those inside it) from construction. According to the latest Eglinton Crosstown Update, from June 22 – June 24 the final sections of the scaffolding will be removed. Crosslinx have retained a TDSB approved contractor, to remove the scaffold and to repair the holes created by the attachment to our building façade. They have consulted to another TDSB roofing contractor to ensure that the supports they required at roof level are removed properly. In addition, we have retained a consultant, to review the work and ensure that it is executed properly. Thank you to the entire Eglinton community for your patience during the on-going construction.
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Davisville/Spectrum Rebuild Schedule
As noted in the letter the schedule includes delays caused by the Covid-19 mandatory shutdown by the provincial government, as well as time to remobilize the construction site once the shutdown was lifted. The reopening increased safety measures for construction sites, including enhanced safety measures and physical distancing requirements have also impacted productivity. There are also concerns regarding the availability of sufficient trade staff as the General Contractor (GC) and the sub-contractors recall staff to this particular project. Finally, the GC indicated that there are challenges with the supplies of materials and equipment, both within Canada and abroad, that have increased lead times in the supply chain. The impacts are reflected in the construction schedule. Again, as noted in the letter, using the construction trade strikes from last summer as an example, every week of work stoppage translated into a 3-week delay in the completion of the project. Based on this estimate, the revised schedule from the GC represents a fair adjustment to project completion.
The school will welcome students September 2021. We will continue to keep the community updated through regular monthly updates posted on both the Davisville and Spectrum website.
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Secondary Program Review Interim Report
The Secondary Program Review Interim Report, shared with Trustees in May 2020, highlights the issues, gaps, and needs facing our system that are impacting our ability to support this vision. And, while the report offers some preliminary concepts for discussion, it is not a set of recommendations on school closures or a roadmap to a one size fits all approach to our schools. Using comprehensive and data-rich information, including enrolment and population projections, this report acknowledges where we have been, where we are and where we could go, all while respecting and protecting many of the successful schools and programs that exist right across our system. A Summary Guide has been developed to help navigate the Interim Report. The complex and comprehensive report is divided into four appendices. Click here https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mihLxCilt86nCCEetnEKyw6lvBGvM25W/view.
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School Year Calendar 2020-2021
Pending Ministry Approval
The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1 to June 30, inclusive.
First day of classes for all students is September 8, 2020 (please note there is no school for students on September 4)
- The last day of class for elementary students is June 29, 2021
- The last day of class for secondary (full year) students is June 25, 2021
- The last day of class for secondary (semestered) students is June 28, 2021
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