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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 -- Measles
- Need for Aquatic Instructors
- People & Culture - Updating Employee Services
- Budget: Public Engagement Opportunities
- 2024-25 Budget
- Excellence Awards!
- OPSBA Awards
- Committee Meeting This Week
- Preliminary Report on the Review of the Legacy Technical and Commercial Boundaries
- Status of Child Care Centres in the Toronto District School Board
- Motion - Ban Ads for Gambling
- Reporting Hate - In Our Schools / In Our Communities
- New Invitations - Challenging Stories Special Event - February 28, 7-8:30pm; Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #2 Special Education & Inclusion; Building Mathematical Minds (Part 2) - March 6 at 6:30; Breaking Down Barriers To Mental Health in Black Communities with Trey Anthony - Community, Caregivers, Staff and Students (Gr. 7-12) - March 7 from 6-7: Level Up Middle School Engineering Science Fair; Summer Company Grant
- Worth Repeating - Come Learn With Us! February is Kindergarten Registration Month; Chinese Heritage Month; African Heritage (Black History) Month; Before- and After-School Program (BASP) Interest Survey Now Open; Winter Well-Being Guide; Winter Outerwear Drive; Please Keep Safe... and Keep Others Safe; Get Your Kids' Immunizations Back on Track; Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline; Useful Links; 2023-2024 Calendar; 2014-2025 Calendar; Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report; Community Safety & Support
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Measles
During the pandemic, some people may have missed their measles vaccinations and should make sure they are up-to-date with their vaccines. Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating one lab confirmed case of measles. The measles vaccine is available at your doctor’s office or at a TPH community clinic for school-aged children. Due to travel, measles still occurs in Canada. Anyone born before '96 who hasn't had measles should check their immune status—you might think you're immune, but not be. Two doses were introduced then. Let's eradicate measles again!
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Need for Aquatic Instructors
In order to operate swim programs in our schools with pools, we need two on-site aquatic instructors. Sadly, the TDSB has had a shortage of aquatic instructors since schools reopened from COVID. If you know of any aquatic instructors, please, have them complete the application - the board has been advertising and I have been advertising on Twitter since the end of last year. Here’s the link directly to the posting for applicants to apply. https://tdsb.sabacloud.com/Saba/Web_spf/CA1PRD0033/jobs-Support/career/jobdetail/jobrq000000000002580. Thanks!
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People & Culture - Updating Employee Services
The TDSB has recently announced that Employee Services is being renamed People and Culture. But this is not simply a name change. The change to “People and Culture” reflects a long overdue step to meet current human resource professional practices. “Employee Services” describes an outdated “personnel” function that no longer meets the needs of the system. This change represents an important shift in our approach towards how we recruit and support our staff at TDSB. Whether it is staff in front of students, or supporting other staff centrally, people make up over 84% of our budget.
An operational review of the department - which was approved years ago but delayed due to the pandemic - was long overdue and was required to address stakeholder concerns and significant operational challenges within the department that impacted the ability to effectively serve schools and the system. The review and consultant was selected via an RFP process approved by the Board of Trustees. Multiple stakeholders including Trustees, unions, and associations supported and participated in the consultation process and provided helpful feedback during the review. The cost of the operational review of the department did not come from school budgets, it was covered by funds already earmarked for board operations.
The successful implementation of the transformation will enable it to serve the needs of the system more effectively. The rebranding and transformation to People and Culture is a very positive change for TDSB (in fact we are catching up - most Human Resources Departments in government and private industry transformed over a decade ago). I am hopeful, that in the future, staff will experience the positive impact the changes will have made.
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Budget: Public Engagement Opportunities
Rewatch Budget Town Halls
You can watch the Town Halls that were recently held here -Tuesday and Wednesday
Public Delegations
We welcome members of the public to bring forward issues and concerns they have through a delegation, which is addressing a committee of the Board of Trustees (by speaking or submitting a written statement). Register to address the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee on March 26, 2024. Learn more and register here. Please note: the deadline for delegations to be considered is 12 p.m. on Monday, March 25.
Budget Survey
Updated Budget Schedule - see below
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2024-25 Budget
Section 231 of the Education Act requires school boards to adopt a balanced budget. According to the Ministry, “when preparing and adopting budgets (estimates) for the fiscal year (September 1 to August 31), school boards are required to ensure that estimated expenses do not exceed estimated revenues unless any in-year deficit can be covered by accumulated surplus of a prior year and the in-year deficit is less than 1% of the school board’s operating budget.” We begin this year's budget process with a deficit of $34.8M. Staff removed one-year funding from that total, but at last week's Finance and Budget Enrolment Committee Meeting two motions have the potential to change that -
- Addition of Vice-Principals Allocation and Safety Positions - Laskin/MacLean
Be it resolved that in preparation of the detailed options to balance the 2024-25 Budget that will be coming to a Special FBEC on March 19, that staff reconsider assumptions presented to Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee on January 29, 2024 in preparation of the projected 2024-25 Financial Position, specifically the removal of the Vice Principal positions added through the 2023-24 budget process and the safety positions that were added in January 2023. - Requesting Increased and Sustainable Funding for Student Safety in High Priority Neighbourhoods for the 2024-2025 Budget & Beyond - Chernos Lin/MacLean
Whereas, advocacy by our Board led to Ministry of Education funding of $1.8M for the 2023-2024 budget for violence prevention work supporting partnerships between community organizations and schools in high priority neighbourhoods; and
Whereas, the Enhanced Student Safety Funding Grant allocated through the 2023-2024 Priorities and Partnerships Fund expires in March 2024; and
Whereas, this community partnership work with schools and students is making a significant difference for TDSB students, yet needs in priority areas remain high; and
Whereas, March Break and spring programming is at risk without emergency funding for these programs;
Therefore, be it resolved that
1. That the Chair write a letter to the Minister of Education requesting immediate attention to the Enhanced Student Safety Funding Grant, to ensure programs continue this spring and through the 2024-2025 school year. As much of this work is proactive, that the letter also requests this funding be moved into the Grants for Student Needs to ensure stable and predictable funding into the future given the high need for such programming.
2. That letters be sent to all community partners supported by the 2023-2024 Enhanced Student Safety Funding Grant requesting these organizations also write to the Minister of Education requesting renewal funding for 2024-2025 and beyond to ensure proactive work can be realized to its full potential.
The two motions above, are critical to the success of students - staff will continue to review all areas of the budget where spending exceeds funding. Staff will report back to Trustees regarding feedback from the Town Halls on March 4, 2024. Staff will then come back to a Special Meeting of FBEC on March 19th with a detailed budget showing options to balance which is their obligation.
There is no question there continues to be a shortfall between what the province provides and what TDSB students need. The City of Toronto got a new deal from the Province. Don't our students deserve the same?
I encourage you to participate in our public consultations, which are an important part of this budget process. There are at least four areas that are outside of the Board's control that contribute to the deficit:
- Statutory Benefits - We ask that the Ministry provide additional funding to support costs (e.g. employer portion of CPP, EI, OMERS) which the Board has no control over.
- School Closure Moratorium - Since 2017, there has been a moratorium on school closures imposed by the Ministry. The TDSB requests that the school closure moratorium be lifted so that boards can review schools with low student enrolment that face programming challenges that limit our students' choices as well as a financial burden to the Board.
- Increased Supply Teacher Costs - Supply costs, premiums and LTDI claims continue to increase. To address increasing costs in these areas, school boards require resources to manage absenteeism, and to ensure staff have the support and accommodations they need to return to work.
- Difference Between Actual TDSB Teacher Costs and What the Ministry provides - Since amalgamation, there is a gap between provincial funding and the actual salaries of TDSB teachers - the province must review the salary and benefit benchmarks.
Please visit the budget website for more information. Budget surveys and new information will be posted as they become available so please visit often.
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Excellence Awards!
Every year, the TDSB Excellence Awards help shine a light on the stories of extraordinary staff commitment, and we are delighted to announce that nominations for the Excellence Awards 2024 will open on February 27, 2024. The Excellence Awards align with our shared system priorities and help highlight TDSB staff’s efforts to foster joy, engagement and belonging in our schools, workplaces and communities as a foundation for academic achievement, student success, and service excellence.
We want to know about the TDSB staff you know who are inspiring students, innovating the curriculum, championing digital transformation, creating inclusive schools and workplaces, and working behind the scenes to support operational excellence.
We welcome nominations from anyone – staff, students, parents/caregivers or community members – please submit through the Excellence Awards website during the nomination period between February 27 and April 5, 2024.
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Committee Meeting This Week
Planning and Priorities Committee - Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Board Meeting - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom Agenda - 5.1 OPSBA Directors' Report 6. Toronto Lands Corporation Reports
- 6.1 Toronto Lands Corporation 2022-2023 Annual Report
- 6.2 Disposition of Scarlett Heights Property, 15 Trehorne Drive
- 6.3 Strategy to Address Growth and Intensification - Update
- 6.4 Community Partnership Opportunities to Enhance Sports Fields
- 7.1 Status of Child Care Centres
- 8.1 Preliminary Report on the Review of the Legacy Technical and Commercial Boundaries
- 9.1 Ban Ads for Gambling (Trustees Laskin and Aarts)
- 9.2 Review Process on Literature Review on Meritocratic Perceptions of Public Education and Diverse Learning Opportunities (Trustees Pei and Hastings)
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Preliminary Report on the Review of the Legacy Technical and Commercial Boundaries
Staff are presenting their preliminary recommendations for feedback from the Board and will submit final recommendations to the Trustees for approval at the Planning and Priorities Committee meeting on April 11, 2024, and the Board meeting on April 17, 2024. The schools involved in this review are Central Technical School, Central Toronto Academy, Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute, Northern Secondary School, Victoria Park Colligate Institute and Western Technical-Commercial School. These six schools have regional boundaries that govern admission to the schools. The regional boundaries are a legacy from the pre-amalgamation school boards in Toronto when these schools had distinct technical and commercial programs that students were streamed into.
After extensive consultation and analysis, it is staff’s view that that these legacy technical and commercial boundaries should be dissolved to improve equity of access for all students in the TDSB. Staff’s preliminary recommendations are that:
- a) The legacy technical and commercial boundaries for Central Technical School, Central Toronto Academy, Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute, Northern Secondary School, Victoria Park Collegiate Institute and Western TechnicalCommercial School be dissolved for the purposes of admission to the schools beginning in September 2025;
- b) Central Technical School, Central Toronto Academy, Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute and Western Technical-Commercial School become Secondary Schools Without a Boundary, accessible to all students in the City of Toronto, effective September 1, 2025; and
- c) The Three-Year Transition Plan outlined in Appendix H be implemented.
Please read the full report here and let me know your questions to ask on Wednesday.
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Status of Child Care Centres in the Toronto District School Board
The 17 TDSB child care capital projects that have Approval to Proceed (ATP) to tender from the Ministry of Education are still under consideration, however there is a risk these projects will not be able to proceed. These 17 child cares are projected to create over 1,000 child care spaces in areas throughout former Scarborough and in West/Northwest Toronto, with the highest demand for subsidized childcare. Unfortunately, significant delays by the Ministry in giving our Board ATP, combined with Ministry benchmarks that do not reflect current construction costs has left the Board unable to proceed without significant additional funding from the Ministry. The estimated project costs will exceed the recent funding approved by the Ministry of Education by 43% for these 17 child care centres.
In addition to these 17 projects, TDSB is also awaiting for Approval to Proceed from the Ministry for an additional 11 planned child care capital projects. These projects have been in various stages of approvals since 2017, and similar to the 17, have been planned in areas of the City where there is disproportionate availability of licensed child care to families with young children.
TDSB is committed to moving forward with its planned capital projects but cannot do so in the absence of required Ministry funding. Despite TDSB’s commitment in 2020 to put forward an additional $14.3M from the Board’s Proceeds of Disposition to get these projects off the ground, along with recent media coverage, and a letter to the Minister from the Chair of the Board, on November 28th, 2023 Minister Lecce told The Trillium that the latest offer was a "final 25 per cent." Furthermore, the Minister reported that “It's up to them [the board] now to make that decision, we'll respect it and while they do their thing, we're going to keep building child care in a much quicker fashion.” Click for the full report.
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Motion - Ban Ads for Gambling
Since sports betting was legalized in 2021, there has been a proliferation of gambling advertising—on television, radio and social media, in venues and on players’ uniforms with iGaming in Ontario reporting 1.6M active bettors. Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey indicates that 2% of Canadians aged 15 or older have a gambling problem and can lead to significant harm, including runaway debt, stress to families, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even suicide. Research shows that the restriction of ads can prevent or minimize the harms from gambling, especially among youth and other vulnerable groups, Because school boards are dedicated to preserving and improving the mental health of students, my colleague Michelle Aarts and I are moving the following Motion at PPC Wednesday. Be it resolved that:
- a) That the Toronto District School Board support the Campaign to Ban Ads for Gambling call for the prohibition of advertisements for gambling in the same way that ads for tobacco and cannabis have been restricted;
- b) That the Chair write to elected provincial and federal political leaders to advocate that legislation be enacted to ban advertising for gambling in all media, particularly that which is seen by great numbers of children;
- c) That this resolution be shared with the Ontario Public School Boards' Association, in support of the Bluewater District School Board’s resolution and call to action from December 2023 supporting the advertising ban.
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Reporting 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 all incidents. Each time an incident takes place in a school, it is to be recorded in a 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.
Complaints regarding social media postings should be sent directly to the TDSB's Human Rights Office at humanrightsoffice@tdsb.on.ca. The intake process is being centralized in the Human Rights Office to ensure for consistency of process.
In Our Communities
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.
Toronto Police provide new online option to report hate-motivated graffiti
Toronto Police Service is launching a new option for the public to provide information to police about hate-motivated graffiti in their neighbourhoods. The web form, available on the Service’s website, provides an additional avenue for the public to alert police to hate-motivated graffiti, so officers can attend, gather evidence and arrange for the hate-motivated graffiti to be removed as quickly as possible. This reporting mechanism will be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please remember TDSB's Mental Health and Well Being Professional Support Staff (PSS) are here to support your mental health and well-being and to help you navigate the tools and resources you may need. Please see resources on their website.
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Challenging Stories Special Event - February 28, 7-8:30pm
Liberation75 is hosting a session on practical strategies for teaching the Holocaust in Grade 6 classrooms using video games. Join a discussion with Luc Bernard, developer of the first Holocaust-themed video game, The Light in the Darkness, and creator of the first Holocaust museum within a game, The Voices of the Forgotten (Fortnite). Learn how these free games can teach students about the Holocaust. Register here.
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Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #2
Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to offer their second engagement session for parents/guardians/caregivers this year.
Please see the below for details:
Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #2
Morning Session - Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Webinar Link
Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #2
Evening Session - Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Webinar Link
If you require a language interpreter, please send in your request by February 20th to SpecialEd@tdsb.on.ca.
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Building Mathematical Minds (Part 2) - March 6 at 6:30
Part 2 promises to deepen the strategies introduced in Part 1, fostering an enriching environment where you will be able to engage in math problem-solving strategies, ask questions, and gain increased confidence in supporting your child(ren) with their homework. Register now to extend the mathematical exploration and collaboration – let's build a foundation for positive math experiences together! Register here.
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Breaking Down Barriers To Mental Health in Black Communities with Trey Anthony - Community, Caregivers, Staff and Students (Gr. 7-12) - March 7 from 6-7:30
The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement will be hosting a session during Black Mental Health Week 2024 with award-winning playwright, actor, and wellness expert Trey Anthony ‘Da Kink in My Hair’.
Honouring the theme for this year, ‘Growth and Reflection,’ we invite parents, caregivers, students (Gr. 7-12) and community members to join Trey as she delves into important topics such as the stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities. Register here.
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City of Toronto Spring Recreation Programs
The City offers thousands of low-cost & affordable recreation programs. From painting classes to karate to pickleball and cooking classes, there’s something for everyone. Find the spring programs online & get ready to register on March 5 & 6:
http://toronto.ca/SpringRec.
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School Mental Health Assist - A Spark of Art
ThriveSMH presents "A Spark of Art," a virtual art gallery for Ontario public school students in grades 7–12. Submissions open until March 31. Please email submissions to eigor@smho-smso.ca.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with the students in your network.
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Level Up Middle School Engineering Science Fair
The Science Fair provides students with the chance to collaborate with peers, receive feedback from industry professionals, and showcase their solutions to real-world challenges.
Contact Kirusha Srimohanarajah, P.Eng
Education Chair, PEO Kingsway Chapter at kirushasri@gmail.com for a comprehensive registration guide that includes everything teams need to get started, from registration procedures to preparing a compelling pitch.
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Summer Company Grant
Are you an Ontario student with a business idea? The Summer Company program supports eligible young student entrepreneurs, aged 15 to 29, looking to launch and operate a small business during the summer. The Summer Company program provides:
- Business fundamentals training
- Group and one-to-one mentorship sessions with a trained business professional
An opportunity for a grant of up to $3,000 to help launch your small business
For more information, review the program overview and detailed guidelines. Begin the process by April 1.
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Come Learn With Us!
English Kindergarten Registration is Now Open - TDSB schools provide a rich learning environment for all children to learn and grow. In the Kindergarten program, your child will develop their skills and abilities through inquiry and intentional play-based learning that includes math, science and literacy. Teachers and early childhood educators plan learning experiences where children are actively engaged in learning and thinking creatively.
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. Learn more about Kindergarten at the TDSB. If you would like to register a student to begin school immediately, please visit the registration page.
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Chinese Heritage Month
TDSB’s Chinese Heritage Month continues this month. This year we celebrate the Year of the Dragon: Majesty, Brilliance, Confidence, Leadership.
Congratulations to Sophia Zhang, grade 3 student from John Ross Robertson Jr PS has been selected as the winning poster in the first-place category (Kindergarten – Grade 3) in the Chinese Heritage Month Poster Challenge. Please learn more here.
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African Heritage (Black History) Month
We are proud to continue African Heritage (Black History) Month through February.
This year’s chosen theme is Our Black Is… Our Black Is Resilient, Community, Beautiful, Unity, Joy, Self-Determination, Excellence, Empowering, Purpose, Brilliance, Engaging, Creative, Belonging, Tenacious, Powerful, Faith, Audacious, Powerful, Me…Learn more.
View Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement's menu of offerings during the month of February. Please join us!
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Before- and After-School Program (BASP) Interest Survey Now Open
In alignment with P.022 Early Learning and Care Policy, the TDSB recognizes Before- and After-School Programs (BASP) are an integral part of Early Years learning. These programs also play an important role in supporting our students, families, and school communities.
The TDSB would like to better understand the Before- and After-School Program (BASP) needs of Kindergarten to Grade 6 children. Families who are interested in a fee-based BASP at schools that currently do not have a program are able to express their interest.
Please note, completing this survey does not guarantee that a BASP will be offered at your child’s school. If there is sufficient initial interest, families will be notified, and a separate registration to determine viability will take place through a third-party licensed before- and after-school program.
Families who have questions about this survey and would like to speak to one of our team members may contact the TDSB Child Care Services Office at 416-394-2072 option 2 or CCS@tdsb.on.ca. For more details, click here.
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Winter Well-Being Guide
The Guide is filled with activities, games, wellness tips, identity affirming resources and community agencies to support wellness for all students, caregivers/guardians, families, and school communities over the winter months. Created by Professional Support Services Staff who are part of the Mental Health and Well-Being Committee, the TDSB Mental Health Leads and the System Leader for Mental Health and Professional Support Services, this Guide provides accessible resources and has been translated into the top 20 TDSB spoken languages. Also from TDSB Psychology please see the December issue of Hearts and Minds: December Newsletter.
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Winter Outerwear Drive
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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Please Keep Safe... and Keep Others Safe
Layers of protection work to help reduce virus spread. For example:
😷wear a well-fitted mask
🧼wash hands often
🏠stay home if sick
💨choose well ventilated spaces
🛡️stay up-to-date with your vaccines
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Get Your Kids' Immunizations Back on Track
Routine vaccinations play an important role in keeping your child safe against serious infections. Get your kids’ immunizations back on track by booking an appointment for any missing vaccines at a community clinic.
Book now: http://TPHBookings.ca
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Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline 9-8-8 - On November 30, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC ) through the Canadian Radio and Television Corporation (CRTC) announced a national three digit Mental Health and Suicide Prevention hotline number, 988. Learn More.
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2023-2024 Calendar
Please ensure you check these dates before scheduling events. Please also note the PA Day originally scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024 has been rescheduled and will now occur on Monday, April 8, 2024.
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Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report
Please contact 311 if you see dogs in school grounds so they can log the concerns and please also call TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620. Tracking the concerns will allow us to build the case for increased surveillance.
At our recent Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, the staff report confirmed the following -
Dogs on school properties have been an ongoing challenge for many years despite the “no dogs permitted” signage. There have been examples of dog owners taking their dogs off leash or even leaving their dogs unattended in a school yard, or within the kindergarten or childcare enclosures. There have been incidents of off-leash dogs chasing as well as biting students, members of the public and staff. Dog feces and disposal bags are frequently left on the school grounds impacting the student use and enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Signage is posted near the entrances, such as gates or openings in the school ground fencing (refer to Appendix A for a copy of the signage) that clearly indicates TDSB school grounds are private property and dogs are not permitted on school board property. Section 6.10 in PR523, Access to School Premises prohibits canines on TDSB properties at any time (except service animals).
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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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