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Ramadan MubarakFrom Ramadan Tips for Non-Muslims Ramadan (pronounced Rum-ah-dhaan)
is one of the five pillars of Islam, so mandatory for all Muslims who are *able* to fast. The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It’s important to Muslims, because it is the period of time in which the holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. It can last between 29 and 30 days, and the dates vary each year based on moon-sighting methodology. In 2019, it will begin in the evening of Sunday, May 5 (the first day of fasting is Monday, May 6). During the day, Muslims abstain from eating and drinking. The fast begins before sunrise at a meal called “suhoor”, and ends at sunset, with “iftaar”. At the end of 29-30 days of fasting, there is a big celebration called Eid-ul-Fitr. To all those observing, wishing you peace. Ramadan Mubarek. For those interested, I found this fact sheet embedded in the earlier referenced deck - Ramadan Fact Sheet for Teachers.
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Children's Mental Health WeekMay 6-10, the TDSB recognizes Children’s Mental Health Week. This week, the TDSB recognizes Children’s Mental Health Week. Encouraging, noticing and highlighting caring and kind interactions in our schools is the focus this week at the TDSB. The sense of caring for others and being cared for is one of the most powerful protective factors for mental health and well-being. Providing a caring, inclusive school climate improves academic achievement and resiliency. To learn about how to be #TDSBgoodegg, click here.
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Education Week 2019
This week is also Education Week - we have a world-class public education system - do not forget that - yes, we can always improve and must to ensure students that have been marginalized and traditionally underserved are provided with supports they need to succeed.
"Ontario has created a broad set of enabling conditions including comprehensive early learning and childcare system and strong cultural commitment to the importance of education." From OECD Report 2011
That is why we are so concerned as an education system with recent government decisions. A properly funded and supported public education is worth fighting for - our society depends on it. Policy and funding decisions should be made in support of student achievement and well-being based on evidence and data. Teachers and education workers are professionals who deserve respect.
The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) has a wonderful website that highlights issues, includes shareable graphics (like the ones below) and information on how to take action https://www.knowmore.ca/.
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Follow-up from Racist IncidentsSadly, not all students feel welcome and supported in our schools. The Director, Associate Directors and Executive Officer of Human Rights and Indigenous Education provided this message to the system Friday night - Some of you may have heard about some concerning incidents in one of our schools that were shared on social media this week that, at different times, included an act of violence and a report of the previous use of a racial slur. We have communicated with the school community this afternoon and in that letter, we outlined that the TDSB has clear policies and procedures that guide us when responding to incidents such as these. In this specific case, there were gaps in how the procedures were followed and for that, we apologized.
As a system, we know that anti-Black racism exists within our schools and communities. We remain committed to identifying, challenging and overcoming it. In the days ahead, we will provide additional resources and further clarity about how to fulfill the responsibilities we have as staff when incidents of anti-Black racism such as the use of a racial slur occurs. This process will also ensure that incidents of anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, anti-Asian racism, and other forms of racism and discrimination against racialized groups, such as Sikhs, Roma, and people from Latin America as well as homophobia, transphobia, the discrimination faced by those with physical and intellectual disabilities are also addressed. This information will be shared with staff, students and families in order to build trust and establish a common understanding about what to expect when these egregious acts take place in our schools and workplaces. Only when our schools and workplaces are free from racism and other forms of discrimination, can learning and well-being improve. I was made aware of the March incident at Glenview Sr PS and the follow-up regarding consequences and conversations with the families. I was informed of the postings on Instagram on Thursday afternoon - I have responded to all direct e-mails but I chose not to respond to tweets I was tagged in. I have, however, posted both the letter to the Glenview community and the Director's message to the system. Specifically for the Glenview community - beginning Monday morning, we will have staff supports in the school this week including Student Equity Program Advisors and Social Workers so that students have the opportunity to share how they are feeling and discuss next steps. These are TDSB staff who are part of our Professional Student Services and are specifically trained to support students - parents are encouraged to tell their children that these are safe adults to talk to. We will also continue to work with students, parents, staff, and the community specifically around anti-Black racism to support a positive dialogue by: - engaging the Student Council and School Council to provide opportunities for learning about anti-Black racism and anti-oppression; and
- providing professional learning for staff on both relevant policies and procedures, and our own power, privilege and bias.
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Chair Urges Province to Consult on Public Health, Pause CutsOn Friday, May 3, 2019, Chair of the Board Robin Pilkey issued a letter to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care, the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and the Minister of Education, as well as Toronto Members of Provincial Parliament, urging them to hold off on implementing the cuts to Toronto Public Health until there can be further consultation and a full discussion about the known possible and impacts. For more background information, please refer to the news release.
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2019-2020 BudgetThe TDSB conducted an online budget survey in March and early April with more than 15,000 people providing their input into the budget priorities. On April 26, the Ministry of Education announced funding cuts to school boards across Ontario and those cuts equalled approximately $21.2 million for the TDSB. This, in addition to the Board’s structural deficit, means that trustees will need to reduce spending in the 2019-20 budget by $54.4 million. A further report was presented to Trustees at a Special Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (FBEC) on April 29. With the unexpected Ministry funding cuts, the Board will be considering a budget reduction plan that is being developed by staff. After this plan is presented to the Board of Trustees on May 13, parents/guardians and all stakeholders will have an opportunity to present their views to the Board’s Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee in writing and in person. Remaining Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee Meetings (FBEC) re Budget
- May 13, 2019 Monday 4:30 p.m. Presentation of Draft 2019-20 Capital Budget and Presentation of Draft 2019-20 Operating Budget
- May 15, 2019 Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Hold for Delegations and Additional Budget Discussions
- May 27, 2019 Monday 4:30 p.m. Hold for Delegations and Additional Budget Discussions
- June 11, 2019 Tuesday 6:00 p.m. Approval of 2019-20 Budget for Operating and Capital
Speak to the FBEC - You are welcomed to make a presentation in person to FBEC or send us your written comments. Meetings have been scheduled for May 15 and 27 after the Operating Budget is public specifically to hear from you. Both meetings begin at 4:30 p.m. in the TDSB Boardroom. Additional meetings may be scheduled. For information, please click https://www.tdsb.on.ca/leadership/boardroom/delegations. You can also email your comments to us. Please use the subject line “TDSB Budget Consultations”. All comments must be submitted by June 3, 2019.
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PIAC POST - What you can do...
Education is a partnership involving students, parents, teachers, principals, staff, trustees, school boards, government, and the community. The Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) is committed to strengthening this partnership and is committed to assisting parents and school councils in ensuring student success in education. In their latest PIAC POST, PIAC speaks to Supporting Parents as Partners in Education - APRIL 2019 | VOL 18 - 19 | ISSUE (SPECIAL EDITION: CHANGES TO PUBLIC EDUCATION) in response to the many questions PIAC has received from parents about the proposed
Provincial Government education cuts. They have put together some information on what has happened to date and resources on how you can have your say. It is replicated below, but for the complete text, please click here for the Accessible Version.
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Let your voice be heard at the Ministry
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TDSB Committees This Week
Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Wednesday, May8, 2019 4:30 p.m. Committee Room A, 5050 Yonge Street
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Policy Consultations
We would like to know your thoughts about our policy decisions by inviting you to our policy consultations. Please click on the policy of your interest to see the current draft. 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. Excursions Policy (P033) Closes May 24, 2019 Draft Policy - Email: michel.leblanc@tdsb.on.ca
Objective:
Outlines the requirements for organization and execution of out-of-school excursions and field trips within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) system and; establishes the Board’s commitment to and a basis for the full and equitable inclusion of all students in curriculum-based excursions while ensuring that all barriers to access are removed and that safety, accountability and transparency are paramount.
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Romeo baby-o baby-oForest Hill Collegiate Institute has qualified for a provincial theatre showcase in Brantford, May 8 to 11. The school’s production of The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet, by Peter Bloedel, is one of just twelve that will be performed at the Ontario National Theatre School (NTS) Festival, and the only one from the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). “I’m so proud of our students and staff and their incredible creativity and dedication,” said Principal Reiko Fuentes. We're proud too!
The full story is available online.
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School Year Calendar 2019-20The 2019-2020 school year at the TDSB begins on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 following the Labour Day long weekend. For more information about important dates and holidays for the upcoming school year, please refer to the 2019-20 School Year Calendar.
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Hiring Students! Focus on Youth TorontoThis week, the Ministry of Education confirmed funding and we are excited to launch Focus on Youth Toronto (FOYT) for summer 2019! Last summer, 585 students were provided with employment opportunities across the city. Focus on Youth Toronto (FOYT) supports high quality programs for children and youth in Toronto's priority areas and provides employment and leadership opportunities for the youth in these communities. Students will be employed at more than 50 not-for-profit organizations across the city.
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School Year Calendar 2018-2019The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, inclusive.- The last day of class for elementary students is June 27, 2019
- The last day of class for secondary (full-year) students is June 25, 2019
- The last day of class for secondary (semestered) students is June 26, 2019
2018 - 2019 Dates to Remember: Official Holidays and PA Days
Remaining PA Days & Statutory Holidays
- Victoria Day May 20, 2019
- Elementary School PA Day June 7, 2019
- Secondary School PA Day (Full Year Schools only)* June 26, 2019
- Secondary School PA Day June 27, 2019
- Board-wide PA Day June 28, 2019
- Ramadan 2019 will begin in the evening of Sunday, May 5 and ends in the evening of Tuesday, June 4 (Dates may vary)
- Eid al-Fitr celebrated at the end of Ramadan will begin on Tuesday, June 4
EQAO - The following dates have been established:
- Gr. 9 Math: 2nd Semester: June 5-18, 2019
- Primary/Junior EQAO: May 21-June 3, 2019
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