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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 -- Days of Significance
- Accountability
- Toronto Public Health Back to School Informatio
- Labour Negotiations Update
- John Filion Appointed as Chair of TLC's Board of Director
- Committee Meetings This Wee
- Mark Your Calendar: Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conferenc
- New Invitations - City of Toronto Recreation Programs; Fall Outdoor Learning Resources & Opportunities; Youth in Policing Initiative; 2023 - 2024 Welcome Back School Council Town Hal
- Worth Repeating - Back to School Tips; MYSP Ward Forum; Continuing Education Programs - Fall 2023; TDSB Backpacks & School Supplies Drive; Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants; Model Parliament for High School Students; Fundraising Policy Consultation; Useful Links; We Have a Dog Problem; 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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Days of Significance
The TDSB creates a Days of Significance Calendar that highlights secular and creed-based observances and holidays, significant events and celebrations, public holidays, and other important dates. These should be considered when planning educational events, tests, exams and other activities. It is not comprehensive or exhaustive - and as it is currently under review, no changes will be made to the current calendar. It has been my practice to highlight commemorative, cultural and religious days that are recognized by many in the community. I apologize in advance if I miss days significant to you.
This coming week, Friday is the International Day of Democracy, Rosh Hashanah begins Friday evening and Sunday is the official day for the Terry Fox Run, although many of our schools will do it throughout the week.
To Jewish students, staff, families and community members celebrating Rosh Hashanah, Happy New Year 5784! Rosh Hashanah begins Friday evening September 15 and ends in the evening of Sunday, September 17.
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance for thoughts and deeds from the year before that culminates in Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement which begins the evening of Sunday, September 24 and ends in the evening of Monday, September 25. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two “High Holy Days” in the Jewish religion. May this time of reflection and renewal bring you hope... and the recommitment to do good, and may this New Year be filled with peace, health and happiness, and sweet moments for you and your family. L’shanah Tovah!
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Accountability
It is important to remember, in spite of the noise, TDSB is an accountable organization - to that end, along with the Director's Annual Report, Director Colleen Russell-Rawlins has made public the Associate Directors’ Letters of Responsibility - they are on the TDSB website. Each begins with the same preamble -
The TDSB, along with many other school boards, has undergone unprecedented change these last few years, yet our focus on our students and their achievement remains resolute. The year ahead presents an opportunity to promote joy, engagement, and belonging in our schools to create the foundation for academic achievement and student success. To support this important work, we will require an unwavering focus on results which directly impact academic achievement, in preparation for the continued success of our students in life and work. The Associate Director will advance the TDSB Vision for Learning and Vision for Service, as well support the achievement of provincial education priorities, by transforming the TDSB into a higher performing, more responsive and more accountable organization.
Please read them for yourself - know that academic achievement guides our priorities - and understand the important work happening at the system level.
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Toronto Public Health Back to School Information
As you prepare your child to return to school in September, here is some important health information from Toronto Public Health (TPH) for the upcoming school year. This information was shared with parents and caregivers Friday.
Please make sure that you read their advice on how to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses and communicable diseases - especially the advice to stay home if you are sick!
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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.
Information will continue to be updated on the website. There are no further updates from those reported last week.
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John Filion Appointed as Chair of TLC's Board of Directors
LAST UPDATED - SEPTEMBER 5, 2023
The Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) is pleased to announce the appointment of John Filion as Chair of its Board of Directors. The appointment was approved by the Toronto District School Board at its August 30 meeting.
John has an accomplished public service career spanning 40 years. His leadership roles during 31 years as a North York and Toronto City Councillor include being Chair of the Toronto Board of Health for 13 years and chairing the Toronto Planning Committee. Prior to his time on Council, John chaired the North York Board of Education. More recently, he was vice-chair of the Toronto Audit Committee and vice-chair of TOLive.
“We have a great team at TLC ready to create opportunities to modernize schools as part of a broader city-building exercise,” Filion said. “I’m excited to be part of it.”
In addition to Filion, the TLC Board of Directors includes citizen members Payman Berjis, Igor Dragovic, Aleem Punja, TDSB Trustees Shelley Laskin, Zakir Patel, Manna Wong, Dennis Hastings, and TDSB executive staff Stacey Zucker and Leola Pon.
The TLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Toronto District School Board, providing real estate, leasing and land use planning expertise. Its mandate includes identifying modernization opportunities and using the value of TDSB properties to support the building of new schools as part of broader community building initiatives.
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Committee Meetings This Week
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 - Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - 4:30 PM - Boardroom - Agenda
- 5.1 Contract Awards, Operations
- 5.2 Contract Awards, Facilities
- 5.3 Proposed 2024-25 Budget Development Schedule
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Mark Your Calendar: Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference
I encourage you to join us for the Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on October 21 and 22, 2023. This year’s conference is focussed on Joy in the Journey of Learning and will be a weekend full of presentations. Visit www.parentsaspartners.ca for more information.
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City of Toronto Recreation Programs
Here are their top three tips to help you get ready:
1. Choose programs & make note of the barcode numbers
2. Check registration start dates (September 12 or 13)
3. Get your Family & Client Numbers
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Fall Outdoor Learning Resources & Opportunities
For the season ahead, we’re pleased to provide this ‘top 10’ list of actions to take to enhance your outdoor learning practice.
For even more excellent opportunities, we encourage you to connect with our Outdoor Learning Partners in your region or area of interest! For all the tips and links -https://outdoorlearningstore.com/2023/08/15/top-10-for-fall/
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Youth in Policing Initiative
The Toronto Police Service’s Youth in Policing Initiative program is currently hiring for the 2024 Winter/Spring After-School program! This program enhances the link between the police and the neighbourhoods we serve. This initiative gives young people an opportunity to develop job skills while fostering positive partnerships with the Toronto Police Service. Youth ages 15 to 18 who reside in the city of Toronto are employed through the summer and throughout the year, working alongside police officers and civilian staff in a wide range of roles. The program is not unique to Toronto, as it was created and funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, and is now used throughout the province.
Our applications close on September 30th, 2023. Click here.
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2023 - 2024 Welcome Back School Council Town Hall
Please join us on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. We will be hosting a Welcome Back Town Hall for School Council members, parents/caregivers, and Staff who are interested in learning about tools, resources, and upcomingopportunities for School Councils. The conversation will highlight:
- TDSB's standards of operations for School Councils
- School Council Communication Tools
- School Council Funding
Click on the link to register. Interpretationis available. If you require interpretation, please indicate this on your registration, no later than, Monday, September 25, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. (noon). For further inquiries, please contact PCEO@tdsb.on.ca.
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Back to School Tips
Here are some helpful tips for managing back to school worries:
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TDSB is Renewing its Multi-Year Strategic Plan - Join our Ward Forum on October 3rd from 6:30-8:30
TDSB is Renewing its Multi-Year Strategic Plan
All members of the TDSB school community are invited to Have Your Say!
We encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities to contribute to the conversation. Learn more at: www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPRenewal
Please REGISTER HERE to let us know you will be attending and if you require any accommodation to participate in this discussion.
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Continuing Education Programming
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TDSB Backpacks & School Supplies Drive
We know that backpacks and school supplies can be expensive and represent a difficult purchase for some students and families. I encourage you to participate in TDSB’s Backpack & School Supplies Drive. The drive will run until the end of September. We are accepting donations of new products, including backpacks (gender neutral coloured with no commercial logos preferred), lunch bags, crayons, calculators, notebooks and basic school supplies. If you are interested in supporting this great cause, please complete an online donation form. For more information contact BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.
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Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants
The Neighbourhood Climate Action Grants aim to increase awareness and engagement on climate action at the local level by funding resident-led projects, activities and events that:
- Reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change
- Educate and engage the public on climate change and climate action
- Advance the principles, priorities and actions of TransformTO Net Zero Strategy and the Toronto Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy
Youth, school-based groups, and parent councils can receive up to $7500 for emission reduction projects & educational initiatives like repair clinics, swap events, carpooling challenges, and lobby displays. Groups will be matched with a local community organization to trustee the funds. Applications are open until September 15, 2023. Click for more information.
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Model Parliament for High School Students
Are you in Grade 10-12? Are you interested in the Legislative Process? Do you want the chance to debate your own legislation in the Legislative Chamber? Then sign up for our Model Parliament program. Applications will be accepted until October 15, 2023. See our website for more info: ow.ly/h5FE50JNXMA
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Fundraising Policy Consultation
The Fundraising Policy (P021) is currently being reviewed. It supports the TDSB’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and financial viability and promotes student learning opportunities when planning and implementing fundraising activities. The Policy is aligned with the Education Act and the Ministry of Education’s Fundraising Guidelines.
The objective of the Policy is to outline expectations and provide directions to TDSB staff and members of school communities when planning and implementing fundraising activities.
Please share with us your thoughts, questions and recommendations through the online survey or by email to businessdevelopment@tdsb.on.ca on or before October 10, 2023.
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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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