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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 -- Hold the Date - November 16 from 7-9 - Ward Forum - Literacy and Math across our schools
- Indigenous History Month
- Hindu Heritage Month
- Labour Negotiations Updates
- Grade 8 to 9 Transitions and Student Interest Programs Webinars and Resources
- Update from TPH
- Student Walkouts
- Combatting Hate in our Schools
- Combatting Hate in our Communit
- Speaking with Students About Tragic Events
- Board Meeting This Week
- Halloween - Stay Safe
- New Invitations - HEW 2023; Raise a Reader Part 2 - Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 6:30 to 8pm;
- Worth Repeating - Early French Immersion Application Process begins November 6; Central Student Interest Programs for 2024-25; Professional Learning for School Council Chairs/Co-Chairs, Members, Principals and Vice Principals; Youth Climate Action Grants – Deadline to Apply, November 20, 2023; Legislative Page Program - Applications Open! Here to Help - Kids Help Line; Winter Outerwear Drive; Useful Links; We Have a Dog Problem; 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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| Hold the Date - November 16 from 7-9
Ward Forum - Literacy and Math across our schools.
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Indigenous History Month
November is Indigenous Education Month at the Toronto District School Board.
Throughout the month, students, staff, and community members honour a number of important days to deepen knowledge, to learn from our shared histories, and to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples.
It is important to remember to center First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities across the TDSB every day. This month places emphasis on creating opportunities to learn from Indigenous perspectives on treaties, leadership, achievements, resurgence, futurities, and creativity. The TDSB is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (TRC) and th.e United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Below is a list of significant dates throughout the month of November:
- Treaties Recognition Week is November 5-11
- November 7 is International Inuit Day
- November 8 is National Indigenous Veterans Day
- November 16 is Louis Riel Day in Ontario
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Hindu Heritage Month
The TDSB is proud to recognize Hindu Heritage Month during the month of November. Hinduism is one of the oldest living religions which have flourished for over 10,000 years. It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions, teachings and values that are integral to Hinduism and practiced by millions around the world today.
This year’s theme "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" is a Sanskrit word in Hindu dharma that means, ‘The World is one Family.’ It is based on the spiritual idea that every human being is born with a divine spark and is a part of one divine universal consciousness. This ancient message of oneness aims to promote friendliness, acceptance, compassion, and a sense of belongingness toward all others, despite differences of culture, languages, or thoughts. The word Vasudhaiva means “earth” and therefore this message of caring and compassion is also meant for all living creatures and the non-living environment.
During the month of November several Hindu Heritage Month educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Hindu traditions. These offerings include primary students having an opportunity to engage in an author reading and various workshops.
Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter) for daily messages throughout the month of November: @tdsb_HHM.
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Labour Negotiations Updates
School boards and unions share a commitment to public education and work together towards positive labour relations. The collective bargaining framework for the education sector features a two-tier bargaining process, involving both central and local bargaining. Learn more about the process.
This past week - October 26, 2023 – The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) and the Ontario government held final negotiations on Wednesday, October 25. Some progress was made; however, there are no talks scheduled for the near future. The arbitrator will decide on monetary items, including the amount of wage increases. Local discussions will continue until March 2024 and any items not agreed to will also be sent to binding arbitration. Learn more about the stages of the collective bargaining process.
Information will continue to be updated on the website.
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Grade 8 to 9 Transitions and Student Interest Programs Webinars and Resources
On November 1, 2023, the TDSB will launch the Grade 8 to 9 Transitions process for the 2024 school year. There are several important events and links being highlighted here for you and your communities.
Beyond 8 Website - contains information, resources, links and dates for the Grade 8 to 9 transition process.
Out-of-Area Admissions Website - the status for applying to schools will be available by the end of the first week of November. The Out-of-Area Admissions application will become available online after the Winter break.
November 1, 2023 - Grade 8 to 9 Transitions Webinar - Registration link Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are asked to register for the event prior to the Webinar. Requests for interpretation services can be made in the registration form by Friday, October 27, 2023.
November 2, 2023 - Student Interest Program Webinar - Registration link Parents/Guardians/Caregivers are asked to register for the event prior to the Webinar. Requests for interpretation services can be made in the registration form by Friday, October 27, 2023.
Recordings of both webinars will be posted on the PCEO YouTube Channel and links will be made available on the TDSB websites listed above.
The Central Student Interest Program application will open on Monday, November 6 and remain open until 4 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023. The applications are not considered on a first-come first-served basis; parents/guardians and caregivers are encouraged to attend Open Houses and consider their options prior to submitting an application.
Support sessions are scheduled for November 14 (4 to 5:30 p.m.) and November 22 (7 to 8:30 p.m.). The links to the online Zoom sessions are available on the CSIP Google calendars on the CSIP website. Applicants are also encouraged to contact their current school for technical support or access to technology. TDSB staff will be available to answer questions about the application should applicants require assistance. Staff will not be able to answer specific program and/or school-based questions. Families are encouraged to attend Open Houses for school- and program-specific information.
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Update from TPH
On Friday, Toronto Public Health (TPH) asked the TDSB to distribute a message regarding a number of steps that can be taken to help keep children and others safe from an increase in respiratory viruses among children, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza and COVID-19. For more information, please click Respiratory Viruses: Information for Parents & Caregivers
And in case you missed it, anyone 6+ months can book an appointment to get their updated #COVID19 & yearly #flu vaccines at TPH clinics starting next week. Book now - toronto.ca/immunization. You can also get them at some pharmacies & doctors offices.
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Student Walkouts
Last week we witnessed student-led walkouts at a few TDSB secondary schools organized by students in support of Palestinians. TDSB was not involved in organizing these walkouts, nor were schools in a position to permit them or stop them from occurring. There were no schools in Eglinton-Lawrence or Toronto-St Paul's that participated. Students were asked to express themselves individually and collectively in constructive, respectful and responsible ways and were advised to hold any walkout/protests off school property. Students under the age of 18 required parental permission to leave class and students were marked absent. It is my understanding that Professional Support Services staff were present at schools during the walkout to support students and staff as needed.
Not all walkouts went as planned, and I am sure there will be more. Some posters, chanting and slogans although may be protected as free speech, were harmful to Jewish students and staff.
Many of us on the TDSB hold a variety of different views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but we cannot be defined by our differences. We must be defined by our humanity and our duty of care. It is my hope that there are many things most of us agree on: we condemn the Hamas terrorism on innocent civilians in Israel on October 7th, 2023; we want to see all hostages returned home safely; we mourn all loss of civilian life in Gaza and Israel; innocent civilians must be protected; hate towards any one group is not acceptable; and we want a peaceful resolution to the violence.
As incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia rise in our communities and in our schools, I, for one, will recommit to do everything in our ability to be more precise in our actions and strengthen our determination – to eliminate hate by educating against hate, racism and intolerance – in order to achieve an equitable, quality education, and fostering academic excellence for every student.
I stand behind this aspirational statement from the Update on Toronto District School Board’s Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy, March 2023 – TDSB understands the urgency of immediately responding to hate and racism perpetrated against students and staff on the basis of their race, religion and intersectional identities. As the TDSB works towards addressing the needs of communities, honouring their distinct voices and lived experiences, the Board remains dedicated to building equitable environments that focus on working collaboratively towards a better future for all.
Because of the current situation, I am repeating the messages below.
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Combatting Hate in our Schools
If you are a staff or a student or a parent/caregiver, and you are a victim of or witnessing an incident of racism, bias, or hate in our schools, please report it to the school's principal, who has a duty to investigate any such incidents. Each time an incident takes place in a school, it is to be recorded in this portal which then begins a system response. We have a responsibility to educate against hate. For more information, please visit the webpage for Reporting an Incident of Hate or Discrimination Involving or Impacting Students. If you experience it, or witness it, report it. Please.
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Combatting Hate in our Community
On Wednesday, police reported 15 antisemitic hate crimes and 5 Islamophobic hate crimes. ate crimes have no place in our city. Report any allegations of hate-motivated crimes to police for investigation at 416-808-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. We will not tolerate any intimidation, harassment, or hate-motivated behaviour aimed at specific communities. You can also call 1-800-222-TIPS to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Please also report to the following -For incidents that are related to Jewish Hate
Empowering you to instantly report an online or real-world hate incident in the palm of your hand, 24/7. Confirmed data is anonymously documented and allows B’nai Brith to take concrete action. Download the anti-hate app. If you have been the victim of an antisemitic incident, we encourage you to fill out the form or call our Toll Free Anti-Hate Hotline at 1-800-892-BNAI (2624)
For incidents that are related to Muslim Hate
If you believe you have been the victim or witness of discrimination, harassment, or a hate crime, please fill out and submit an Incident Report Form with as much detail as possible. NCCM advocates on behalf of those who identify as Canadian Muslims and who have experienced anti-Muslim discrimination, hate or bias domestically.
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Speaking with Students About Tragic Events
Sadly, when tragic events happen here in Toronto or around the world, we know that some students may experience a wide range of reactions and emotions. TDSB Professional Support Services staff have prepared the following tips that may be helpful for parents whose children are experiencing difficulties:
- Bring up the topic at a time and place where a discussion can occur. If there are distractions, a shortage of time or if either you or your child are too tired or busy, it is likely the conversation will be interrupted.
- Begin by listening. Let your child tell you what they believe they know, how they learned it and how they are feeling. Don’t rush to correct or reassure. Allow them to finish their thoughts. Open-ended questions are better than specific ones. It is better to ask, “How are you feeling about what happened?” than “Are you scared because of what happened?” You can be a bit more specific if general questions fail.
- Respond to what your child tells you. Their concerns may be specific or general, concrete or abstract, closely related to the events or related very little. Address what they are concerned about. Don’t overload children with information or solutions. Talk to them with ideas they can handle at their age. If you help them with their concerns today they will likely share more in the future.
- It is normal for people to try to make sense of things when a serious loss occurs. Allow your child to share his or her ideas and speculations. Help them to separate what they know from what they are guessing about.
- Limit exposure to media coverage as it can become overwhelming.
- Be aware that new stresses may open old wounds. When a child is confronted with a crisis, losses and upsets from the past may be remembered. The child may or may not wish to talk about these old issues.
- Talk about specific things you can do to make your child feel secure.
While tragic events can be extremely upsetting, it can be helpful to remind children that this type of event is very rare. - Children deal with stress in many different ways and at different paces. While children may not wish to talk today, they may wish to talk in weeks or days to come. Follow up discussions may be helpful.
Parents, students and staff are encouraged to contact their school principal for more information about additional supports through our Professional Support Services department.
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Board Meeting This Week
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Board - 7:00pm Public Session - Boardroom - Agenda
- 15.1 Integrity Commissioner Code Complaint Investigation Report re Trustee Dennis Hastings: Code Complaint IC-24080-0523
- 16.1 Governance and Policy Committee, Report No. 6, October 4, 2023
1. P031, Human Rights Policy: Annual Review
2. Policy Review Schedule for the 2023-2024 to 2027-2028 School Years
- 16.2 Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Report No. 15, October 11, 2023
1. Contract Awards, Operations
2. Contract Awards, Facilities
3. Update on Honoraria for Trustees
4. Comments on Regulations Changes – Disposition of Surplus Property and Schools on a Shared Site
5. 2024-25 Grant for Student Needs Consultation by the Ministry of Education
- 16.3 Program and School Services Committee, Report No. 6, October 18, 2023
1. Parent Involvement Advisory Committee: School Councils and Advisory Committees Communication Tools
2. Annual Enrolment in Early and Middle French Immersion Programs 2023-2024 and Core French Programs 2022-2023
3. Business Arising: French Immersion Programs Student Enrolment Demographics
4. Early Years Literacy Intervention Model, New Ontario Curriculum, Language: Grades 1 to 8 and New Grade 9 English Curriculum (ENL1W) Implementation Update
5. Supporting Newcomer/Refugee Students and Families
- 16.4 Planning and Priorities Committee, Report No.10 , October 25, 2023
1. Capital Revitalization Strategy: Framework and Guiding Principles
2. Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy 2023-2032
3. Business Arising: Consultation on Accelerated Apprenticeship Pathways
4. Support for the Ontario Human Rights Commission's Request for a Provincial Anti-Hate Strategy
5. Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation
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Halloween - Stay Safe
Each year, Halloween is marked in a variety of ways in school communities across the TDSB. Students can choose whether or not to participate in Halloween related activities. Many schools in our Ward hold Halloween parades around the community - it really is a highlight! Please remember, costumes should support safe, welcoming, and dynamic learning spaces.
If you're driving on Halloween, please remember to slow down, get rid of distractions, and enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
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HEW 2023
From November 1-9, join us to explore contemporary approaches to Holocaust education and remembrance in innovative ways, delving into issues and dialogues that offer new perspectives on this nuanced and essential history.
Holocaust Education Week was founded in 1982, under the auspices of the Holocaust Remembrance Committee, part of the former Toronto Jewish Congress. Its formation and continuation is in great part due to the hard work of a group of dedicated Holocaust survivors whose passion and commitment to Holocaust education paved the way for its future success.
HEW was one of the first formalized Holocaust education and awareness initiatives in Canada. Now called Neuberger Holocaust Education Week, it is recognized by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) as a best practice in the field and known for its world class programming. Click here for all public programs https://torontoholocaustmuseum.org/events.
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Raise a Reader Part 2 - Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 6:30 to 8pm
We are thrilled to continue our journey of exploration into the wonderful world of reading with you. This upcoming session will equip you with even more valuable strategies to support your child's reading development at home, enabling them to surpass their potential and instill a love for reading.
Part 2 Overview:
- Shared Read-Aloud and Reading Strategies
- The Importance of Reading
- Interactive Breakout Sessions - Choose from K-2 (French), K-2 (English), Special Education, Grade 3-6, and Grade 7-8 sessions to engage more deeply in tailored reading strategies.
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Early French Immersion Application Process begins November 6
The application to the Early French Immersion program for 2004-25 will remain an online process managed by the TDSB’s Central French Department, and applications must be completed online between November 6 and December 1, 2023. An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all eligible on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. Interested families can apply via the Application Link.
Please visit the TDSB French website to view a video that provides information about the TDSB French Language programs as well as the application and placement process in the Early French Immersion and the Middle French Immersion programs. More information about the Early Immersion Program is available in 22 languages, or visit the Information Sessions website for related links to join a live Zoom webinar about the application process.
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Central Student Interest Programs for 2024-25
Secondary Central Student Interest Programs and Schools: Timelines & Open Houses begin November 1st. Check here for dates/times.
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Professional Learning for School Council Chairs/Co-Chairs, Members, Principals and Vice Principals
Each year the Parent/Caregiver and Community Engagement Office (PCCEO) provides opportunities for School Councils across the system to support the important work of School Councils. Please refer below for all upcoming events and log in details.
Module 1 School Council Chairs: The Basics Leading your School Council begins by understanding the legislation that guides your work. This module will explore what Regulation 612 says about the Council mandate, membership, roles and responsibilities, and the mandatory actions every Council is required to carry out. We will also begin our exploration of Chair as leader by looking at the seven responsibilities of this position. November 13 6:30-8:00
Module 2 School Council Chairs: Leading Meetings Chairing a School Council meeting can be stressful or fulfilling - or a bit of both. Building on module 1, we examine how Chairs may lead effective meetings. We begin with agendas, minutes and reports, then move into decision making, working with committees and valuing volunteers. We end with the responsibility many Chairs hope to avoid - dealing with conflict. Here’s a hint: it doesn’t have to be awful. November 14 6:30-8:00
Module 3 School Council Chairs: Leading an Inclusive Practice School Councils represent the parent/caregiver community, the WHOLE community. But much of their work follows old practices established by the dominant communities. This module looks at those traditions and then begins to disrupt the notion of “the hard to reach” parent/caregiver. Beginning with relationships and communication - the keystones of successful engagement - we will investigate strategies for consultation that “go to the margins”. November 15 6:30-8:00
Module 4 School Council Chairs: Leading Effective Engagement This series of modules ends where we began - the Council mandate for effective engagement for student achievement. What is meaningful engagement and why is it important? After a brief review of the significance of relationships and communication, we will explore strategies to build the capabilities of your parents/caregivers to support their children’s learning, building connections between school and home, and an interesting way to consult with your community throughout the year. It’s about valuing parent/caregiver knowledge and teacher knowledge. How might Chairs lead this exciting path to collaboration? November 6 6:30-8:00 or November 16 6:30-8:00
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Youth Climate Action Grants – Deadline to Apply, November 20, 2023
Calling all TDSB students! City of Toronto grants of up to $1,000 will be available to student groups who want to take on climate action projects in their schools and communities. Applications for grant funding are now open and the deadline to apply is November 20, 2023. The EcoSchools central team is available to support student groups to develop their action projects and assist with best practices for grant writing proposals. For more information about the grant program, visit Youth Climate Action Grants.
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Legislative Page Program - Applications Open!
Applications for the spring 2024 term are now open until November 15th, 2023.
This unique educational program for Ontario students enrolled in Grade 7 or 8 at time of application with an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher). It provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over the province. For more information https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/programs/about-page-program.
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Here to Help - Kids Help Line
As conflict around the world continues, we’re here for anyone who may need support in their language. We offer phone counselling through trained interpreters in over 100 languages including Arabic, Hebrew, Yiddish, Ukrainian, Russian and more by calling 1-800-668-6868. Talking to someone about what you’re going through can be difficult, especially if you don’t use the same language. That’s why Kids Help Phone is providing our phone counselling in over 100 languages, with the help of trained interpreters. It’s all free, confidential and available 24/7 in Canada. No ID required.
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Winter Outerwear Drive
One in every three children lives in poverty right here in our city and too many children come to school without proper clothing to keep them warm during the winter months. In addition, many TDSB students are new to Canada and this may be their first time experiencing a Canadian winter. The TDSB holds an annual Winter Outerwear Drive to help ensure that all students have warm winter outerwear to get to and from school, and are prepared to participate in all of the fun outdoor activities winter has to offer. You can support our students and their families by making a donation to provide warm winter coats, pants, hats, gloves, and boots. This year’s Winter Outerwear Drive will run from October 2023 to the end of February 2024. 100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations go to benefit our students. Tax receipts are available for these donations. Contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca for more information about how to donate new outwear items. Please donate here.
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We Have a Dog Problem
Current by-law rules don’t work for school grounds. As a result, many dog owners disregard our signage and don’t seem to care that children play on that same grass! With limited resources the TDSB must rely on dog owners to be responsible and unfortunately, so many aren’t.
Please respect children’s play spaces.
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2023-2024 Calendar
Please ensure you check these dates before scheduling events.
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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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