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Ramadam Mubarak
"For the world’s more than 1.6 billion Muslims, Ramadan marks a period of fasting from dawn until dusk (including abstaining from both water and food), prayer and alms giving. Fasting, alms giving and prayers are all part of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. Ramadan ends each year at the beginning of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, which will likely fall on either July 4 or 5. A major feast known as Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan " To all those observing beginnign tomorrow, I hope you have a blessed Ramadam. "Ramadan Mubarak!"
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Petition to Support for Bill C-241, An Act to Amend the Excise Tax Act (School Authorities)
Further to last week's update, just to let you know that petition e-389 has been published and will be open for signature for 120 days. Should you wish to join me in signing, the Petition details follow:
Petition to the House of Commons
Whereas:
- School authorities are funded through taxpayer dollars;
- The Government of Canada collects GST on goods and services purchased by school authorities, then refunds 68 percent; and
- The remaining 32 percent is a tax on tax.
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to support Bill C-241 which seeks to have the full 100 percent of GST collected by the Canada Revenue Agency refunded to Canadian school authorities.
To sign petition e-389, the webpage may be found by clicking here.
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Meetings this Week - for the Agenda and Reports, click here
Policy Review CommitteeTuesday, June 7, 2016, 4 p.m. Committee Room A, Main Floor, 5050 Yonge Street - Policy Development Work Plan for Recognition of Culturally Significant Observances
- Property Tax Exemptions Policy
- Severe Weather Policy Discussion
- Concussions Procedure
- Policy Review Approval Process
Program and School Services Committee Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 5 p.m. Committee Room A, 5050 Yonge Street - Opportunity for Oral Updates From Co-Chairs of Community Advisory Committees
- Annual Update: Enrolment in French Immersion/Extended French Programs 2016/2017
- Update on the Implementation of the Schools First: Child Care Capital Retrofit Policy
- Phase Two Regulatory Changes Under the Child Care and Early Years Act
- Changes to the Ontario Curriculum Following the Premier’s Response to the Truth and Reconciliation Report
- Health and Mental Well-being Committee Report
- New Motions
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Statement of Ontario’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
I know the TDSB has a motion on our books to deliver curriculum and has strongly supported OPSBA's postion for mandatory elementary and secondary curriculum components in First Nations, Métis and Inuit history that includes treaty education, the history and legacy of residential schools and the impact of the Indian Act. OPSBA's advocacy paper is in accord with the calls for action in the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in that it proposes a mandatory continuum on First Nation, Métis and Inuit history in Ontario's curriculum. Now, with the latest government announcement, the intent that every Ontario student will learn about the government policies and legislation that gave rise to residential schools, their ongoing impact, as well as the contemporary realities of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples will become reality.
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Communication - "Listening and Being Heard"
Education Today is an award-winning publication with over 25 years of exposure and positioning in the education field. The magazine profiles accomplished individuals who share their views on education and children and presents information and current issues for students, teachers and trustees.
I am proud to be quoted in an article called “Listening and Being Heard” by Kim Arnott… “Good communication is an essential skill for trustees. Three Ontario public school board trustees provide tips on communications strategies and share how they keep the connections between themselves, their colleagues and their constituents running smoothly”. If you are interested, there will be a copy in the school office next week.
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New Invitations...
Ontario Gr 7s, 10 days left to register & apply for fall 2016 Page Program
Each year approximately 140 young students from across Ontario are selected to participate in the Legislative Page Program. This unique educational experience open to all Ontario students enrolled in grades 7 or 8, provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action, and to learn about the history and traditions of the Legislative Assembly.
The program is designed for outgoing, high-achieving, community-involved students who have demonstrated responsibility and leadership. Legislative Pages meet key parliamentary and political figures, and learn first-hand about Ontario’s Parliament and the legislative process. They also have the opportunity to forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over Ontario.
Selected students are excused from their school to serve their term of duty as Legislative Pages. While at Queen’s Park, they are under the direction of the Page Program Coordinator who is a certified Ontario teacher.
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Canada 150 Art Tree Project
The Art Tree project hopes to engage all of Canada in community Art Shows during the Canada 150 celebrations. The Art Show would be composed of Art Trees created by any group who wishes to commemorate their members and heritage. Our Facebook page is the home of Canada’s Virtual Art Tree Show and competition. FOr more information, please click here http://www.arttreeproject.ca/.
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Worth Repeating...
The Fix Our Schools campaign (www.fixourschools.ca) is a grassroots, non-partisan, parent-led campaign focused on ensuring safe, well-maintained school buildings in Ontario. Please mark down June 9th, 6-9 pm on your calendars to join members of the Fix Our Schools working group at a family-friendly campfire at Dufferin Grove Park! This is a great opportunity to meet other parents engaged in this important campaign and find out more/exchange ideas on how we can work tougher to Fix Our Schools! Marshmallows and hot chocolate will be served. For more information, contact info@fixourschools.ca.
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TDSB's first system-wide on-line School Council Survey is closing June 13th, 2016
School Councils play a critical role in making our schools great learning environments for every TDSB student. Between Monday, May 9th and Monday, June 13th, we're asking all TDSB School Councils for their input so that we can better support the important work they do.
The School Council Survey was developed in collaboration with the TDSB Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) to:
- assess the current status of School Council operations across the Board
- identify areas of effective practice and areas needing further attention or support; and
- guide next steps for improvement.
It is available on-line until Monday, June 13, 2016. *** Please note that only one survey form should be completed per School Council, by the Co/Chair or an active council member, and submitted on behalf of the whole School Council group. Aggregate group responses will be tabulated and shared with School Councils.*** The collected data will also be used by the Board’s Parent & Community Engagement Office (PCEO), Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) and Trustees to better support the work of our School Councils.
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| Dates to Remember
FRI JUN 10
Elementary School PA Day
Secondary School PA Day * full-year schools only
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