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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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"While some of my privileges have been sacrificed or suspended during this global pandemic, I have never felt that my rights have been infringed upon. I feel like my responsibilities have been called upon. Responsibility to family, community, nation, world. All. My. Relations." - @charlenebernie
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In this Issue:- Administrative Changes
- COVID-19 Update
- Toronto Public Health – New COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
- TDSB to Provide Medical Masks for all Students
- Director's Annual Report 2021
- Reporting Absences
- Elementary Switching Update
- Update on Secondary Semester 2
- 2-1-1 Day
- Community Use of Schools Permit - Further Update
- Committee Meeting this Week
- TDSB System Calendar
- Policy Consultations - Naming Schools, Special-Purpose Areas, and Teams (P047)
- Key Dates - School Year Calendar 2022-23
- New Invitations - Climate Action Summit; The Pursuit of Educational Freedom for Black and Racialized Students, with Dr. Bettina Love; Additional Opportunities
- Worth Repeating - February is African Heritage Month & Chinese Heritage Month; February is Kindergarten Registration; School Open Houses and Information Nights; Optional Attendance 2022-2023; Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voters Lists?; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
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Administrative Changes
Principal and Vice-Principal Changes in Ward 8
Staff changes were approved at Board on February 2. The following are the leadership changes in Ward 8 schools:
- McMurrich Public School - Colin Pinkney has been promoted to Superintendent of Education at the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board. Natalie Vine, Principal at JR Wilcox CS has been transferred to Principal, McMurrich Public School effective February 3, 2022.
- JR Wilcox Community School - Deanna Cape, Vice-Principal at Glenview Sr School has been promoted to Principal at JR Wilcox CS effective February 22, 2022. We are in the process of finding a replacement for Ms. Cape to begin at Glenview on February 22, 2022.
Warm wishes to Colin as he begins his new role - and congratulations to Deanna on her promotion and to Natalie with her transfer. We have great community schools with engaged students, parents/caregivers and communities and excellent staff who value equity, learning and well-being… hope you will continue to enjoy your time supporting students, staff and community in our schools.
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COVID-19 UpdateVaccines have always been about public health. Please get vaccinated. Get your children vaccinated.
And please continue to follow all other public health measures - self-monitor, wear a mask that fits, wash your hands frequently, distance where possible and stay home if not feeling well. Sincere appreciation and gratitude to all health care professionals - let's all do what we can within our own power to ensure they can continue to support us.
How to Book a Vaccine- Learn more about vaccines for children and youth, including how to book and prepare for your child's vaccination appointment (Ministry of Education)
- Visit the How to Get Vaccinated webpage by Toronto Public Health
- Kids Health First -- developed by the Children's COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Table in Ontario - Although the recommended second dose is 8 weeks after the first dose, my understanding is parents can give informed consent for their child (5-11) to receive their second dose sooner when they book at the provincial booking centre - 1-833-943-3900.
- Please see A Parent's Guide to Vaccination.
- Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and youth? You can book an appointment with the COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service (VSC) to speak with a Registered Nurse to get answers to your questions. Appointments are available Monday to Friday.
- To cut through the confusion, family doctors have come together to help patients and the public make sense of the current COVID rules and realities. The 'Confused about COVID? Family doctors answer your questions' series offers patients and the public trustworthy advice about protecting their health and how family doctors can help.
Book a vaccine appointment online at the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button on toronto.ca/covid-19 or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).
Vaccine Hunters - Do-it-yourself resource for finding vaccine related info. Find details on eligibility, appointments, walk-ins, pharmacy search tools, vaccine receipts + more!
Vaccine Opportunities for Students
School vaccination clinics during the school day will continue to be established in consultation with Toronto Public Health (TPH) and Hospital partners. We are working in partnership with TPH to distribute vaccine consent forms and gauge interest in attending a vaccination clinic at the school. The first step of this process is sending consent forms to parents/guardians to measure their school community’s interest.
Students aged 5 to 11 require written parental or guardian consent in order to participate in a vaccine clinic that would operate at school, potentially without parents present. It is important to note that participation in school-based clinics is voluntary. No child aged 5-11 will be vaccinated at a clinic without parent/guardian consent.
If you are interested in having your child vaccinated at a school clinic, please read, print, sign and return the consent form to have your child participate in an upcoming vaccine clinic, and return it to your school by Tuesday, February 8. Schools will have limited paper copies available if you are unable to print a copy. All returned consent forms will be provided directly to TPH and/or the health care organization running the vaccination clinic. TDSB will not be reviewing the consent forms.
Pending interest from parents/guardians in your child’s school, TPH and/or the health care organization will decide whether a vaccination clinic will be held at your school. Further details will be shared at that time. Filling out the consent form does not guarantee that a clinic will be held.
If you have questions concerning vaccinating your child, please visit the Toronto Public Health website or call them at 416-338-7600. If your child is already scheduled to receive a vaccine within the next 1-2 weeks, that appointment should be honoured.
Vaccine Opportunities for StaffEducation and child care staff can now book appointments at 10 health clinic locations across the GTHA. Appointments for any of these clinics can be scheduled through the dedicated FH Health booking website. The TDSB continues to work with Toronto Public Health and other local health partners to provide additional vaccine opportunities for staff.
Update on Screening Procedures
Please review and become familiar with the screening tool including the second page which provides direction on isolation measures in a variety of scenarios based on age and vaccination status. Please complete the TDSB Health Pass or Health Screening App daily. Anyone who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or is a confirmed positive case must self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status.
Update on the Implementation of Mandatory ProcedureThere are approximately 643 staff members seeking creed-based exemption requests. Of those, approximately 543 are school-based and 100 are central. As they are currently meeting the requirements of the vaccine procedure and are awaiting a decision on their exemption request, they would continue to be able to attend work. Creed is a prohibited ground of discrimination under the Human Rights Code. https://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/policy-preventing-discrimination-based-creed. The OHRC policy statement on vaccination states, “At the same time, the OHRC’s position is that a person who chooses not to be vaccinated based on personal preference does not have the right to accommodation under the Code. The OHRC is not aware of any tribunal or court decision that found a singular belief against vaccinations or masks amounted to a creed within the meaning of the Code. While the Code prohibits discrimination based on creed, personal preferences or singular beliefs do not amount to a creed for the purposes of the Code.” We are therefore required by the Human Rights Code to consider these requests (the procedural component). Part of the consideration process is to collect information from the employee in order to determine whether the accommodation request is based on a creed or a personal preference/singular belief.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Virtual office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays
"After a day of protest, let’s come back to the Toronto story. It’s one of unity. 2.7 million Torontonians (90.6% of people 12+) have received a vaccine. Torontonians of every age, every background and from every neighbourhood have stepped up to protect each other. Remember that." - Joe Cressy
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Toronto Public Health – New COVID-19 Vaccine Resources
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TDSB to Provide Medical Masks for all Students
At the last Board Meeting on February 2, Trustees approved a motion to purchase Level 3 medical grade masks for TDSB students. While students may continue to wear their own mask as per the TDSB’s COVID-19 Mask Procedure, one medical mask per day will be made available to all students until the end of the school year should they wish to wear them. This action is in line with doing everything we can to support in-person school. For more information, please read the news release.
“Medical masks can be cost-prohibitive for many families. By providing medical masks, the TDSB is ensuring that all students have access to high-quality PPE and greater protection against COVID-19. We continue to urge the Ministry of Education to fully fund and reimburse school boards for all pandemic costs, including providing medical masks for students.” - Alexander Brown, Chair
“Building on the TDSB’s stringent COVID-19 health and safety measures, we are taking another step to ensure safer spaces in which to learn. The goal is to ensure medical masks are available to students in the very near future to not only provide enhanced protection, but to provide students and their families with greater peace of mind.” - Colleen Russell-Rawlins, Director of Education
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Director's Annual Report 2021
"I am encouraged by how we are using this experience as an opportunity to reflect and to act to transform education, without losing sight of our core commitments to achievement, equity and well-being. As we reflect on the past two years, we are rethinking how we approach education, create authentic human connections, and be more purposeful about ensuring students’ lived experiences and identities are respected in their learning. We are considering how we improve our focus on eliminating discrimination and how we change based on evidence-based practice and community voice. And through all this, we remain steadfast in our commitment to Indigenous education and implementing the Calls to Action.
As you read through this Director’s Annual Report, you will see that amazing work continued in 2021. We focused on being responsive to students’ needs, particularly their well-being as the toll of the pandemic and its far-reaching impact became more evident. We worked to support, engage and connect with students and our staff remained flexible, resourceful and sensitive to our communities’ needs."
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Reporting Absences
As you know, the Ministry of Education is collecting staff and student absence data from each school on a daily basis. Each day, they then post a combined absence percentage on their website. In order to bring more clarity to absence reporting data, the TDSB will now be posting school-by-school absence information on our website that will break down the information by students and staff including exact numbers and percentages. Any discrepancy in numbers between the TDSB data and the data reported on the Ministry website is related to the time the information is collected each day. In addition to providing more clarity, this will also help us respond to periodic media requests asking for similar data.
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has developed a parent/guardian letter that speaks to general COVID-19 information that can be sent to the school community when the threshold of 30% has been reached, however there is no need to distribute this letter if the absences are known not be related to COVID-19.
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Elementary Switch Update
The switch date between in-person and virtual for elementary students is scheduled for February 22, 2022. School staff have confirmed requests with parents/caregivers and are now working through the reorganization that may be required. Please see the number of switch requests below:
- In-Person to Virtual = 3197
- Virtual to In-Person = 2108
The Elementary Teaching Office and the Virtual Learning Team have worked with Principals and School Superintendents on facilitating these requests. Despite this large volume of requests with students departing and arriving, only 16 schools will require a teaching staffing adjustment (addition or subtraction of a teacher) while 14 schools will require a Designated Early Childhood Educator staffing adjustment. Please watch for information from your Principal.
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Update on Secondary Semester 2
- School days previously designated as Exam Days will continue to support Credit Rescue activities. Consistent with Semester 1, students will not write examinations in Semester 2 of the 2021-2022 school year.
- End of Semester evaluations will be in the form of culminating activities and rich tasks.
- Parent/Guardian-Teacher Interviews provide an opportunity to share important information about students to support their success at school. Interviews will be scheduled virtually on a date determined by each school.
If you have any questions about the information above, please contact your school directly. We continue to follow all Ministry of Education and Toronto Public Health guidance with regard to COVID-19 including masking, physical distancing to the greatest extent possible and daily health screening.
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2-1-1 Day
February 11th is 211 day! Whether you need support finding food, housing, or navigating COVID-19 measures, help starts with 211. Dial 2-1-1 to connect with programs near you.
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Community Use Permits - Further Update
As you know, we previously shared that community permits would resume on February 22, 2022. Given pandemic-related staffing challenges, there was a concern about the board’s ability to support these permits with the additional work and short term reductions in caretaking staff. However after further review, staff are able to open schools to permits at an earlier date. Weekend permits (pools included) will now be available from February 12, 2022 and weekday permits from February 14, 2022. A letter was sent to all permit holders on Tuesday February 1, 2022 to notify them of this change of plan.
The change to February 12, 2022 continues to follow the provincial government’s recently announced plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions which includes resumption of indoor recreational activities. Usage will be restricted to common areas such as gymnasiums, cafeterias, and auditoriums. Similar to the fall permit structure, there will be a limit of one group per school per night and 2 groups on the weekends, to allow time for enhanced cleaning to occur between and after each permit use. Priority will be given to Not for profit groups serving children, youth, and seniors. The Permit Unit is reviewing the number of participants for each permit. Vaccination clinics will take priority over community use permits.
Permit holders will be required to submit a Vaccine Attestation form for every permit and all participants must provide proof of vaccination to partake in a permit activity (12+).
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, February 9 - Governance & Policy Committee - 4:30pm -Agenda
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TDSB System Calendar
There are many ways for parents/guardians and school community members to get involved, learn, connect and participate in TDSB activities and events. Visit this page often and see what's coming up!
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Policy Consultations - Naming Schools, Special-Purpose Areas, and Teams (P047)
Please read the current draft of the proposed policy and complete the survey. You are welcome to provide your comments, including suggestions on the wording and provisions of the draft policies, questions or recommendations using the contact information below.
Objective: To establish guiding principles and criteria for the naming and renaming of schools, special-purpose areas, and teams consistent with the Board’s Mission, Values and Goals Policy (P002) and the Equity Policy (P037) commitments.
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Climate Action Summit
Calling all TDSB Youth EcoTeams and Staff!
Join us on Wednesday, February 16th from 9-11:45 am EST.
The Summit will help you become actively involved in taking equitable climate action that will help slow down climate change and contribute towards achieving the TransformTO targets.
You will learn how to get started by exploring five interconnected climate action strategies outlined in the TDSB's new Youth Climate Action Guide. You will also learn how your team can apply to the Youth Climate Action Grants from the City of Toronto to launch and support your actions. Register http://tdsbyouthclimatesummit.eventbrite.com.
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The Pursuit of Educational Freedom for Black and Racialized Students, with Dr. Bettina Love
Dr. Bettina L. Love is an award-winning author and the Athletic Association Endowed Professor at the University of Georgia. Her writing, research, teaching, and educational advocacy work meet at the intersection of education reform, anti-racism, carceral studies, abolition, and Black joy. She is the author of We Want to Do More Than Survive: Abolitionist Teaching and the Pursuit of Educational Freedom. This presentation is in collaboration with the African Heritage Month Committee and the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement.
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Student Equity Collective
The TDSB Student Equity Collective is still accepting applications! Students in Grades 7 to 11 who are interested in a unique leadership opportunity that will address racism, hate and discrimination in the TDSB can apply until Feb 11!
Tkaronto Indigenous Youth Council
Calling all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students! Join the Tkaronto Indigenous Youth Council (TIYC), a group of Indigenous youth from across the TDSB that come together to make positive change in their community and support one another in the process. See link for details.
Free Skills Upgrading Classes for Adults in Toronto
Community Services is operating free Essential Skills Upgrading (ESU) classes remotely for adults in the community. Individuals seeking to upgrade math, reading/writing or computer skills so they can pursue more education or employment should visit upgrademyskills.ca.
English Instruction for Adult Newcomers with Free Childcare
The TDSB’s Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) classes is the largest LINC provider in Canada. All sites provide free care for newcomer children, so adult newcomers can gain English instruction without worrying about costly childcare. Visit linctoronto.ca to learn more.
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February is African Heritage Month & Chinese Heritage Month
During the month of February, the Toronto District School Board proudly recognizes African Heritage 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 2021-2022 is NIA: Walking in Our Purpose. Learn more. Follow AfricanHeritage365 @tdsbAfricanHM
The Toronto District School Board is proud to recognize Chinese Heritage Month (CHM) during the month of February. We encourage everyone to participate and make our Chinese Heritage Month spectacular. This year’s theme is Year of the Tiger – Brave, Compassionate, Adventurous, and Optimistic. Learn more. Follow Chinese Heritage Month @tdsbChineseHM.
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February is Kindergarten Registration Month
Registration for all TDSB Kindergarten programs (except French Immersion) is on now. You may choose to register using the online registration system or Virtual Face to Face, via Zoom.
Children who will be four by December 31, 2022, can start Junior Kindergarten in September 2022. Please note: Only parents or legal guardians can register a child for TDSB programs. Find your school.
There is a separate process to apply for optional attendance. Please contact alternative schools or elementary academies directly for more information about requirements and the registration process.
Please also note the application for the Early French Immersion program was in November and is complete for September 2022. More information available at www.tdsb.on.ca/french.
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School Open Houses and Information Nights
Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Please note that some schools are hosting “live” virtual open houses that families can join in real time, during the specified date and time. Please check this page regularly, as schools will continue to post information about virtual open house dates/times and available pre-recorded information sessions. You can view the prerecorded sessions at any time by clicking the link provided. If you have questions about a specific school or open house, please contact the school directly for more information.
TDSB alternative schools are open and free to any resident of Toronto. Space in alternative schools is limited and students can apply to attend on optional attendance. The application process is different for each alternative school.
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Optional Attendance 2022-2023
Students who reside within the City of Toronto have the right to attend a school which is designated to serve their residential address. The "Find Your School" section of the website identifies the designated schools for each residential address. Students also have the opportunity to access schools outside of the school that is designated to serve their residential address by applying on optional attendance. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability and program suitability. Most schools in Ward 8 are closed to Optional Attendance.
If you are planning to apply to a TDSB Elementary school through the Optional Attendance process, please visit the TDSB Optional Attendance webpage to get up to date information.
Elementary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:- February 11, 2022 Optional attendance forms due at elementary school
- March 04, 2022 Deadline for parents/guardians to be informed of the status of the application request
- March 25, 2022Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer
Secondary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:- February 11, 2022 Date for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the application request
- February 22, 2022 Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer via email and submit course selections via MyBlueprint
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Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voter List?
The upcoming year will be a busy one for Ontario voters, with the Ontario Provincial Election and Municipal and School Board Elections happening just a few months apart. Are you on the voter's list?
For the Ontario Election on June 2, 2022. Ontario residents can visit Elections Ontario - Voter Registration to add, update or confirm your information on the voters list for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, Canadian citizens and residents of Ontario; Register of Absentee Voters for voters temporarily living outside Ontario who intend to return to the province; or Ontario Register of Future Voters for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds who will be automatically added to the voters list when they turn 18.
For the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections on October 24, 2022, Ontario residents can visit Voterlookup.ca at any time to find out whether their information is accurately reflected for inclusion on the Preliminary List of Electors for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections. Eligible electors can also update their information, add a name to an address, or change their school support for electoral purposes. Let's be ready.
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Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
Dogs are not allowed on school property at any time. Many people are surprised to learn that City of Toronto By-Laws and TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property.
Please respect children’s play spaces. And please do not verbally abuse TDSB caretaking staff - I am hearing that when members of the public and caretakers onsite try and inform dog owners, they are met with threats and intimidation.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- The last day of class for elementary students is June 30, 2022
- The last day of class for secondary students is June 29, 2022
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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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