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Jan 27, 2020 – One Book Event – Launch of Hana’s Suitcase on International Holocaust DayThe TDSB is committed to creating a school system and workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. Ensuring we provide opportunities for students and staff to learn about Holocaust and genocide prevention education supports our continued efforts to combat Antisemitism and all forms of hate.
In recognition of TDSB’s participation in Liberation75 and thanks to the TDSB Jewish Heritage Committee, in partnership with Indigo and Second Story Press, all Grade 6 students (more than 17,000) throughout the TDSB received a copy of Hana’s Suitcase. This book is an excellent resource for introducing children to the Holocaust and is Canada’s most awarded children’s book including one from the United Nations and “the Ultimate Silver Birch Winner” in Ontario. It has been translated into more than 40 languages, produced as a stage play, and is the subject of a prize-winning radio documentary and feature-length documentary film. Tomorrow, January 27, 2020, International Holocaust Day from 10-11 we will be hosting a "One-Book Event" - this year marks the 75th anniversary of liberation from Auschwitz which is where Hana Brady died. The live event will feature Heather Reisman - Founder and Chief Executive of Indigo Books and Music; and Lara Hana Brady - niece of Hana Brady, who is the keeper of family artifacts, including some that belonged to Hana. It will be live webcast for Grade 6 classes across the system.
Please click here Monday at 10 to join our grade 6 classes in learning. “The core learning future generations must acquire, in addition to the facts of Holocaust history, will be to recognize the impulse to genocide, how and why it starts...and the known consequences of silence and indifference.” https://www.tdsb.on.ca/stream/livewebcastHS.html
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Bell Let’s Talk Day is Wed, January 29Bell Let’s Talk is a multi-year charitable program dedicated to the promotion and support of mental health across Canada. Since 2010, Bell has committed over $100 million to support a wide range of mental health organizations, large and small, from coast to coast to coast focusing on anti-stigma, care and access, workplace mental health and research.
On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell will donate more towards mental health initiatives in Canada by contributing 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet, social media video view and use of our Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. For more information, please click https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/.
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Information About Coronavirus
Please check the @tdsb website for a letter from Toronto Public Health
As always, it is important to remember to cough into your sleeve, wash your hands as washing your hands properly can help prevent the spread of the germs and if you feel sick, stay home and/or seek medical advice.
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Labour UpdateOn-going job action continues to affect our school communities – both elementary and secondary. This week the Director made the difficult decision not to issue term one report cards for all elementary students and we were forced to close schools on Monday (elementary) and Tuesday (secondary) due to walkouts. Secondary students will receive report cards; however, no written comments will be provided. The TDSB will not be affected by any ETFO strike this week and OSSTF has announced that walkouts for all secondary schools will be put on hold while students write exams.
From a system perspective, please note that if parents/guardians need a more informed update on their child’s marks and school progress, they can contact their principal or teacher directly. In the meantime, we will continue to keep the TDSB community updated on labour negotiations via email, social media and our webpage – www.tdsb.on.ca/labour.
Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Update - January 21: As ETFO teachers will not be entering marks, learning skills and/or comments electronically as a result of the job actions, the TDSB is not able to produce Term 1 report cards or the Kindergarten Communication of Learning for elementary students. Read the parent/guardian letter regarding term 1 report cards for more information.
Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) Update: January 23: As per the sanctions, secondary teachers will be inputting student marks electronically, but will not be writing comments. As a result, semester one report cards will be produced for secondary students with marks only and distributed following the completion of the semester. Read the parent/guardian letter regarding term 1 report cards for more information.
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Committee Meeting This Week
Committee of the Whole - Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. Boardroom, 5050 Yonge Street
Agenda Items
5. Reports From Trustees Appointed to the Ontario Public School Boards' Association
- 5.1 OPSBA Directors' Report (To be presented)
6. Toronto Lands Corporation Reports
- 6.1 Extension of Term of Toronto Lands Corporation Directors
- 6.2 TLC Management Report, November 2019 - That the report, Management Report to the Board, November 2019, be received and forwarded to TDSB for information. This report serves to inform the Shareholder on matters of interest and work in progress on specific project files within the TLC portfolio as directed by TDSB. This report serves as the quarterly communication link between TLC and Trustees in compliance with the Shareholder’s Direction.
7. Staff Reports
- 7.1 Secondary Program Review: Update #3 - It is recommended that the third update on the Secondary Program Review be received.
- 7.2 Pupil Accommodation Review for George Harvey Collegiate Institute and York Memorial Collegiate Institute: Initial Staff Report - It is recommended:
a) That a pupil accommodation review be established for George Harvey Collegiate Institute and York Memorial Collegiate Institute; and
b) That the review proceed as a modified pupil accommodation review process as per the Accommodation and Program Review Policy P068. - 7.3 French-as-a-Second-Language Programs Review: Update #2 - This second update for the French-as-a-Second Language Recommendations highlights ongoing initiatives, activities and those that have taken place since the October 16, 2019 Committee of Whole meeting.
- 7.4 Transportation Update on Changes to Bell Times in 2020-21 - While we understand that changing bell times will be difficult for some families and communities initially, we feel that this option maintains the level of transportation services for our students and is the best solution in the long run. Without these changes other reductions to services would have to be found in other areas of the Board to balance the budget. The projected impact of changing bell times and making routes more efficient will be approximately $2.5M in annual savings. In the analysis of this plan provided by our software vendor, Georef, the following
parameters were put on the changes:
1. Bell times would be in the following ranges:
a. Morning bell times would be between 8:15 and 9:15am
b. Afternoon bell times would be between 2:45 and 3:45pm
2. No change in bell times would be greater than 30 minutes
3. Only full size (big bus) vehicles were considered that were configured to carry 70-72 students or 41 students -
- 7.6 Basketball Net Pilot Project Update - It is recommended that.
1. Basketball Nets remain up at all locations unless the location meets the approved criteria.
2. Basketball Nets be removed nightly at locations where one of the following criteria is met:
The basketball court is located within 25 feet of an adjacent home.
There is lighting that the TDSB cannot control, which allows play after dusk.
The courts are designed for children and are being used by adults.
3. Staff to review the availability of alternative areas for play in neighbourhoods being considered for daily net removal.
4. Where there is insufficient alternative play areas in the neighbourhood, consideration be given to:
a) Basketball nets remaining up Monday to Friday until 6 pm
b) Relocation of nets to existing paved play areas where noise disruption can be reduced.
8. Written Notices of Motion
- 8.1 Information on Immunization (Trustees Aarts and Donaldson) - Therefore, be it resolved:
(a) That the Chair write to Ontario’s Minister of Health, the Minister of Education, and Health Canada to request:
(i) that the Provincial and Federal governments provide resources and funding to enhance digital record-keeping that will reduce the administrative burden on schools and streamline notification to families;
(ii) that the Provincial and Federal governments provide resources and funding for enhanced education for parents and school communities about immunizations, including but not limited to, resources targeted specifically at the most vulnerable communities;
(b) That the Director strengthen the Board’s communications to support the provision of information about immunizations, such as:
(i) updating the Board’s website and resources for Kindergarten and General Registration to include links to the Toronto Public Health online vaccination reporting website,
(ii) working with Toronto Public Health to facilitate greater access to public health community resources, including existing educational resources and schoolbased supports for parents, teachers and schools.
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Winter Walk Day - Feb 5!On Wednesday, February 5th, 2020 – Let’s get more kids walking and wheeling to school! Bundle up, walk and roll to school, and enjoy the winter season! On February 5th, join schools across the country in celebrating Winter Walk Day. Visit the Ontario Active School Travel website for resources including posters and event ideas. Show us how you're celebrating!
Share your Winter Walk Day event with us by tweeting @EcoSchoolsTDSB using the hashtag #WinterWalkDay.
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Skilled Trades SecretsThe event is taking place on Thursday, January 30th, 2020 in the auditorium at Central Technical School, 725 Bathurst St., from 6:30-8:30 pm.
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a program for students that opens the door to work in apprenticeship occupations through the cooperative education program. Students have an opportunity to be registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.
Limited parking is available in the school parking lot on Borden St. The school is easily accessed by subway - use Bathurst station and walk south on Bathurst.
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Worth Repeating -
Additional Ward Forum on P023 ConsultationI look forward to seeing you at the next Ward Forum on February 6 where Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin and I welcome Director John Malloy.
In addition, my colleagues Trustee Alexandra Lulka and Trustee Alexander Brown, will host a consultation on the Parent and Community Involvement Policy (P023) Review. on March 5. Join in person in the Boardroom at 5050 Yonge St or join virtually! For those who would like to be part of the conversation just go to www.tdsb.on.ca/Laskin to stream the ward forum live (beginning at 7:00pm) and for instructions to send in your comments. We will be joined by Michelle Munroe, Central Co-ordinator, Parent and Community Engagement - Families are invited to join a conversation about how we can effectively support family and community engagement in the TDSB. Share your voice about our Parent and Community Engagement Policy.Please hold the following Ward Forum dates to engage with other parents/caregivers -
- February 6, 2020
- March 5, 2020
- April 28, 2020
- June 2, 2020
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Come Learn With Us!Starting school is an exciting time for your child. Our schools provide a rich learning environment for all children to learn and grow. Registration for those born in 2016 begins in February.
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.
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Parents are Invited to Participate in Vice-Principal Interviews
The Toronto District School Board currently includes a Parent Representative on Vice-Principal Interview Committees and is seeking interested parent volunteers to be part of the interview team. The interview team is composed of one superintendent, two principals and one parent representative. In order to participate in the Spring 2020 Vice-Principal interview process, parents are required to:
2. Attend a training session scheduled for February 11, 2020, between 6 to 7:30 pm, at the Board’s main office on 5050 Yonge Street
3. Be available all day to participate on two of the planned interview dates as listed below:
- Tuesday, February 25, 2020
- Wednesday, February 26, 2020
- Tuesday, March 3, 2020
If you are interested, please complete the survey which closes on January 24, 2020.
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Invitation to Join Toronto-St Paul’s Youth CouncilAs the Member of Parliament for Toronto-St. Paul’s, Carolyn Bennett invites the youth of our community to be part of her Toronto-St. Paul’s Youth Council, an exciting opportunity for youth to have their voices heard.
The Toronto-St. Paul’s Youth Council will be composed of young Canadians between the ages of 15-24 who will meet several times each year with her and her office to discuss important issues that matter to youth and our community. You will work together to create community projects that will help make a positive impact on Toronto-St. Paul’s.
The youth that are chosen will gain valuable leadership skills, have their voices heard, and can earn volunteer hours. Each member will also earn a certificate at the end of the Youth Council.
To join the Toronto-St. Paul’s Youth Council, the participants need to visit https://forms.gle/8ms6unTNVP2rm7f97 to apply and fill out the application. The deadline for applications is Friday, February 7th 2020.
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Secondary Program Review and Optional Attendance Policy: Virtual Public Consultations – January 30, 2020We have held four public meetings on both Optional Attendance Policy (P013) and Secondary Program Review in November 2019 and you can review this presentation here. Two virtual public consultation meetings are scheduled for Thursday, January 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Join the 1:00 p.m. session here. Join the 7:00 p.m. session here. To learn more, please click here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Secondary-Program-Review
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Global School Play Day - Feb 5, 2020
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2019 - 2020 School Council Learning OpportunitiesEach of your offices has a binder of resources for School Councils that you are welcome to borrow - and hopefully by the end of the week a USB key with the same information to make it easier to search and print from. Learning opportunities have been organized for School Council 101, ByLaws and Effectiveness. Please find below the dates, times, locations and share broadly.
Date LC Location Time Room Topic
Jan 28 3 Woburn CI 6:00 – 9:00 105 School Council ByLaws
Feb 4 4 Central Tech 6:00 – 9:00 102 School Council ByLaws
Feb 13 1 John Polanyi 6:00 – 9:00 120 School Council Effectiveness
Feb 20 2 Drewry SS 6:00 – 9:00 102 School Council Effectiveness
Feb 26 3 Woburn CI 6:00 – 9:00 105 School Council Effectiveness
Mar 5 4 Central Tech 6:00 – 9:00 102 School Council Effectiveness
And the presentations from PIAC's Ready. Set. Engage. Event from November 16 are now posted online.Save the date! Join us for the Parents as Partners Conference on Saturday, March 28, 2020! This all-inclusive conference is organized by TDSB parents for TDSB parents, guardians and caregivers. Participate in workshops, network with parents and community agencies and learn new strategies to support your child’s success. Registration opens soon.
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Policy ConsultationsWe Want to Hear From You
Attendance at Schools Outside of Designated Attendance Area (formerly Optional Attendance) (P013) As per the Secondary Programs Review and the TDSB Policy Review Schedule, the Optional Attendance Policy is currently being reviewed. We are asking all members of the TDSB community for feedback on the proposed draft.
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2020-2021 Optional Attendance
Note: It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to deliver this application (no faxed or scanned copies) to the school or schools of choice.
Secondary Program ReviewThe vision of the Secondary Program Review, which will address both under and over-utilized schools, includes fewer schools with strong programming and increased access to courses that support all pathways. In order to achieve that, the Board will consider potential consolidation and/or relocation of schools, re-purposing secondary school buildings to address other system needs, and different models of school organization (e.g. full-year programming).
French Programs UpdateFrench Immersion Application/Placement Update
Applications for Junior Extended French which begins in Grade 4 must be completed online between January 6, 2020 and January 31, 2020. Please note that this will be the last entry class for this program as it will be transitioning out - Grade 4 Immersion Program will continue. There will be NO gap in access to Grade 4 entry to intensive program. Students in Grade 3 in 2019 will apply to Junior Extended French for September 2020, and students in Grade 3 in 2020, will apply to Middle French Immersion for September 2021.
The grade 7 Extended French program offers students who have successfully completed three years of Core French the option to enter into a more intensive program in grade 7. These students spend approximately 40% of their day in French classes at the Extended French school. The attendance area for an Extended French school is created by "associated" English feeder schools. To locate the Grade 7 entry Extended French school in your area, you must first confirm the English school for your home address, then visit our Extended French Location Finder. Applications should be submitted directly to the Extended French school by January 31, 2020 Please note that this will be the last entry class for this program as it will be transitioning out but the Grade 4 Immersion Program will continue.
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High School Information NightsTo help you make an informed decision when choosing a school, TDSB schools host open houses and information nights for parents and students each year between October and January. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Please click here for the schedule https://www.tdsb.on.ca/OpenHouse. If you have questions about a specific school or open house, please contact the school directly for more information.Upcoming Elelmentary Info Nights & Open Houses
As a result of the selected withdrawal of services by members of ETFO, all elementary school open houses and elementary visits to secondary schools scheduled during the school day have been cancelled. Where possible, open houses and visits will be rescheduled.
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School Year Calendar 2019-2020
The 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.
The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, inclusive.- The last day of class for elementary students is June 25, 2020
- The last day of class for secondary (full year) students is June 23, 2020
- The last day of class for secondary (semestered) students is June 23, 2020
PA Days & Statutory Holidays
- Secondary PA Day (Semestered Schools only) January 30, 2020
- Board-wide PA Day February 14, 2020
- Family Day February 17, 2020
- March Break March 16 to 20, 2020
- Good Friday April 10, 2020
- Easter Monday April 13, 2020
- Victoria Day May 18, 2020
- Elementary School PA Day June 5, 2020
- Secondary School PA Day (Full Year Schools only) June 24, 2020
- Secondary School PA Day June 25, 2020
- Board-wide PA Day June 26, 2020
Also please note -
- Passover begins sunset of Wednesday, April 8, 2020 and ends nightfall of Thursday, April 16, 2020
- Ramadan 2020 will begin in the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2020 and ends in the evening of Saturday, May 23, 2020 (dates may vary)
- Eid al-Fitr 2020 will begin in the evening of Saturday, May 23, 2020
EQAO
Gr. 9 Math: 2nd Semester: June 2-15, 2020
OSSLT: March 31, 2020
Primary/Junior EQAO: May 19-June 1, 2020
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