Happy #Nowruz to all those celebrating the Persian New Year this weekend and Happy first day of Spring! In this update:
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The TDSB is committed to standing up against discrimination and acts of racism in all its forms. This includes anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Asian racism, antisemitism, and xenophobia, whenever and wherever they occur. Now, more than ever, we need to work together, as a staff, students and families, to build a more just and inclusive world for all of us.
This year the United Nations has chosen the theme “Youth Standing Up Against Racism” using the hashtag, #FightRacism, which aims to foster a global culture of anti-discrimination and calls on each and every one of us to stand up against racial injustice. "This year, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination highlights the important role of youth. I appeal to young people everywhere to teach the world that all people are born equal." - UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Making Good Trouble*
In celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racism and Discrimination, the Urban Alliance On Race Relations, Labour Community Services, and the Toronto and York Region Labour Council will be hosting a discussion on how we can dismantle racism in our society.
Join on March 21st from 3pm - 5pm. Register here: tinyurl.com/IDERD2021
In the wake of the horrific shooting on Tuesday evening in Georgia, the thoughts of the students and staff of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) are with the victims, their loved ones, and Asian communities in the Atlanta area and beyond. Of the 8 people who lost their lives, 6 were Asian women. The shooting occurs at a time when acts of anti-Asian racism and violence are rising — here in Canada, in the U.S. ,and internationally. In our schools and workplaces across the city, TDSB staff work to identify, interrupt, address, and report acts of racism, discrimination, and hate. This is an important and crucial step in ensuring our schools are safe and caring spaces for everyone to learn and work. In the wake of this most recent violent attack, our resolve is strengthened to do all we can to engage students, staff and families in the vital work of building inclusive and compassionate communities. Full Statement Here.
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TDSB Human Rights Report 2018-2020
In its Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP), the TDSB outlined its commitment to ensure that every student receives a great education by having equitable access to programs and resources and increased opportunities to succeed. A key action item of the MYSP is to create a culture where Human Rights moves beyond conflict management and towards a greater focus on education, understanding, and system transformation. As part of its ongoing work the Human Rights Office has released its first annual Human Rights Report 2018-2020. This is the first report of its kind across the Canadian education sector and is a critical resource for staff and families to understand the current environment within our Toronto schools and communities, and to understand how the TDSB is moving forward to address racism and discrimination.
The work of the TDSB Human Rights Office is supported and guided by the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Human Rights Code is a provincial law that gives everybody equal rights and opportunities without discrimination in areas such as jobs, housing, and services. The Code’s goal is to prevent discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected grounds and protect the rights of historically and presently marginalized groups. You can find a full list of protected grounds in the TDSB Human Rights Policy.
Policy Consultations - Human Rights
The TDSB reviews policies and procedures on a four year cycle, or sooner based on new information, best-practices, or changes to Legislation. The policy review process includes mandatory consultation with stakeholders and the public. Staff are currently seeking feedback on
- Human Rights Policy (P031) - Deadline April 30th
- Workplace Harassment Prevention for Non-Human-Rights-Code Harassment (P034) - Deadline April 30th
- Parent and Community Involvement Policy (P023)
- Specialized Schools and Programs Policy (New Policy)
For more information, links to the proposed revisions, and contact information, please visit the TDSB Policy Consultations website
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Building an Anti-Racist School Community
Thank-you to all those who have participated in our school council workshops on equity and anti-racism. We are grateful for the proactive conversations and outreach being done by our local schools and will continue to host conversations to broaden the work of our schools and school councils. Thank-you to those who have also shared ideas for future meetings.
Please find below links to the presentations and minutes from the workshops to date:
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Bolt Foundation Scholarship Panel - March 22nd at 6pm
There are many opportunities for Experiential Learning across the TDSB including Technology, Skilled Trades, Apprenticeships, and High Skills Majors. This is a great opportunity for elementary and high school students, and their families, to learn about dynamic learning and career options across the skilled trades sectors and learn more about scholarship opportunities from the Bolt Charitable Foundation. Please register here to join the discussion.
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New TDSB Outdoor Learning Portal
We are excited to launch a new online, outdoor learning portal for staff and families in the TDSB. This portal, driven by a motion from the Board of Trustees, brings together information, ideas and resources to help support and encourage learning in the outdoors.
The TDSB has a long history of supporting outdoor learning, both through its EcoSchools program and Toronto Outdoor Education Schools (TOES). While many educators already integrate the outdoors into their daily learning, the pandemic has encouraged all of us to look beyond the walls of classrooms and residences and find innovative and creative ways to learn outside. Learn more about how you can promote outdoor learning as an educator, caregiver or member of the school community. The Family Resources area of the site provides tips for preparing for the weather, resources for why and how to get started as well as a comprehensive list of activities for families to enjoy together in the city.
The website will continue to be updated with new information and resources and will continue to serve as a hub of ideas and innovation that educators use not only in the coming months, but for years ahead. Click here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/learningoutdoors
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COVID Update - Asymptomatic Testing for TDSB schools, and Pop-up Testing for East York
Asymptomatic testing is important - The TDSB continues to work with the Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) and testing partners to offer asymptomatic testing to our school communities. Testing options include take-home tests, mobile testing sites, and on-site testing in schools. For the on-site testing in schools, there are two models:
- a hub model where one school hosts schools within the same neighbourhood
- an individual school testing model
If testing is happening in or for your school, your school principal will communicate this information to you. For more information, including weekly updates on schools that have been identified for asymptomatic testing, the school selection process, and parent consent, please visit the TDSB webpage for Asymptomatic Testing
Our LIHNs are also encouraging anyone who feels they need testing to go get tested. Testing is available locally through Michael Garron Hospital and its 'Pop-up' testing sites, including at the South Riverdale Community Health Centre March 20th - 22nd (955 Queen St. E.). For more information visit: https://www.tehn.ca/covid19/covid-19-assessment-centre
TDSB COVID Resources:
TDSB staff are continually updating resources for schools and families as Public Health and Ministry guidance evolves, and to make resources more user-friendly. For updates on screening, protocols, and news items please visit: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/In-Person-Learning
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TDSB Mental Health & Wellbeing Toolkits
Mental Health Virtual Drop-ins - You can connect directly with staff from TDSB Professional Support Services to explore ideas regarding your child or youth's mental health and well-being:
Students - Connect with a Child and Youth Counsellor
Every Friday from 12-1pm, students can connect virtually with a Child and Youth Counsellor and have an opportunity to talk about their mental health, relationships, etc.
- Sign in with your TDSB email account on Friday’s from 12pm - 1pm
No registration required - Zoom meeting ID: 925 8258 8047
Password: ICYC
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Ontario Literacy Test (OSSLT) Update
This year, EQAO is field testing a new online OSSLT. Participation in this field test is not mandatory and the TDSB has decided not to participate. This means that eligible students will write the OSSLT during the 2021-22 school year. This decision not to participate in the field test was made with the best interests of students and families in mind and is consistent with a number of other school boards in Ontario. More information can be found here.
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Good News Stories from Ward 16 Schools
Our Schools are doing great things all year and we're especially grateful for the work of staff and the creativity of our students in doing great things this year. Some of our local schools have forwarded stories to share with the Ward. Please see the attached document for details about
- Social Justice at G.A. Brown and Black History Newspaper
- Mental Health & Wellbeing at Presteign Heights
- Letters of Love to Seniors
- "March Fake" at Parkside Elementary and Bowmore Rd P.S.
- Les lutins de Malvern
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TDSB Summer School Registration 2021
Planning for Summer School 2021 has begun. Detailed information is anticipated to be available after March 22nd on the Summer School Website.
Registration for the 2020/21 e-Summer School Program will be updated in April, 2021. Please check this page for updates: https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/elearning/e-Summer-Online-Program.
The focus of the 2021 Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program is to address student learning gaps and to continue student engagement through the month of July. Programs, embedded in Literacy and Numeracy, are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the local school focus. Programs are offered to students in K to Grade 8, from July 5 – 30, 2021. Registration is online. A list of schools and registration information will be added in the coming weeks here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Elementary-Summer-School
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TDSB Advocacy & OPSBA Advocacy Day 2021:
In addition to internal decisions about programs, policies, and funding the Board of Trustees advocates for the funding and initiatives that support student, staff, and community wellbeing and success. Recent Board decisions can be found below:
- The Chair of the Board requested immediate implementation of voluntary asymptomatic testing of staff and students in congregated settings and ISP who are exempted from the closure order; and
- immediate access to vaccinations for all education workers and teachers working in congregated settings and ISP.
Community Use of Schools Community Advisory Committee: Focus on Youth Advocacy
The Board decided: That the Chair send a letter to the Minister of Education:
- to advocate for funding for the Focus on Youth program and the restoration of the Priority Schools Initiative and the Community Use of Schools funding, to support free permits and positions of Community Use of Schools Coordinator, for 2021 at 2018 funding levels;
- to request that the Ministry of Education make an announcement in the spring 2021 regarding plans for funding the Focus on Youth, Priority Schools Initiative and Community Use of Schools funding;
- that the funding for the Focus on Youth, Priority Schools Initiative and Community Use of Schools be provided on an annual on-going basis and be included in the Grants for Student Needs.
Access to Paid Sick Days to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
The Board decided :
- (a) That the Chair write to the provincial Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Minister of Health and Minister of Education to ask the Government of Ontario to:
i. require employers in Ontario to provide no less than five paid sick days annually to workers, after three months of employment, through amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 or through a different mechanism;
ii. provide necessary funding, fiscal relief, and/or supports to employers so that all workers in Ontario have access to no less than ten paid sick days annually in the event of a declared infectious disease emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic;
iii. ensure all workers in Ontario have access to protected and paid emergency leave so that care can be provided to children, parents, or other family members who may become ill;
(b) That, in addition to the Board’s advocacy to the government of Ontario to take action on the matters above, the Director of Education work with TDSB employee groups regarding local implementation.
OPSBA Advocacy Day:
The purpose of Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Advocacy Day meetings are to re-introduce OPSBA and its priorities to the government and the opposition parties. It is also an opportunity to increase and elevate the overall awareness of the association and its advocacy efforts. Following the provincial meetings, OPSBA Directors representing the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) reached out to their local government MPPs to set up a virtual meeting. The following document was developed to highlight various issues that are impacting the Board and ways that government could help alleviate them
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Upcoming Events:
PIAC and the Parent & Community Engagement Office are hosting a series of webinars of interest to TDSB families. Upcoming sessions:
- Screenagers Next Chapter -- Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience Screening
Speaker: Screening followed by facilitated conversation with Director Delaney Rushton
Thursday, March 25, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
- Navigating Life’s Highs and Lows for Teenage Girls
Speaker: Lisa Damour, PhD
Thursday, April 8, 2021, 6:30 p.m.
Updates and links to the events can be found on the Conversation Series Website
Earth Hour at the TDSB
Join TDSB schools and offices on March 26, from 2 – 3 p.m., as we celebrate Earth Hour by turning off unnecessary lights and unplugging electronic devices. Additionally, families and community members can participate on March 27, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, please visit the TDSB webpage for Earth Hour 2021. Tweet this year’s #EarthHour actions using @EcoSchoolsTDSB.
EnVision Conference 2021
Join us virtually at the 2021 EnVision Conference for 2SLGBTQI+ students and their allies on Tuesday March 30th, Wednesday March 31st, and Thursday April 1st! This year the conference focuses on 2SLGBTQI+ Black and Indigenous Activism and Wellness. The EnVision Conference provides middle and high-school students with the opportunity to honour and celebrate 2SLGBTQI+ communities, as well as discussing issues they face across Ontario and engage in anti-homophobia and anti-transphobia work.
EECOM 2021 Exploring the Nature of Cities April 21-24, 2021
The Canadian Network for Environmental Education and Communication (EECOM) is excited to be streaming their annual conference online in 2021! The focus is on Urban Environmental Education – with most of the world’s population living in urban areas, helping citizens understand their impact on the environments in which they live is key to making cities more sustainable and livable.
TDSB Board Meeting Calendar and Links to Live Webcasts:
School Year Calendar 2020-2021
The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1 to June 30, inclusive and has now been approved by the Ministry.
The last day of class for elementary students is June 29
Secondary Quadmester Calendar
- Quad 3: Feb 8 - April 22
- Quad 4: April 23 - June 28
- Note: Passover 2021 will begin in the evening of Saturday, March 27 and ends in the evening of Sunday, April 4. Ramadan 2021 will begin in the evening of Monday, April 12 and ends in the evening of Wednesday, May 12.
PA Days & Holidays Remaining
- Good Friday - April 2, 2021
- Easter Monday - April 5, 2021
- April (formerly March) Break - April 12-16, 2021
- Victoria Day - May 24, 2021
- Elementary School PA Day - June 4, 2021
- Secondary School PA Day - June 29, 2021
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