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TDSB Chair's Newsletter

Volume 6 - November 2016

NEWS

November is Aboriginal Education Month
In November, we celebrate Aboriginal Education Month at the TDSB. This month provides an opportunity to centre Aboriginal perspectives, histories and contemporary realities across the curricula, and to focus on treaties and the legacy of residential schools.
Over the course of this month, in schools and administration centres we are recognizing a number of important days to deepen knowledge and learn together about our shared history and build stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. Learn more on the Aboriginal Education Centre webpage and Facebook page.
TDSB Recognized for Environmental Stewardship
Earlier this month, the TDSB was honoured with a 2016 Living City Award. This recognition, which is given by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the Living City Foundation, was presented to the Board for its leadership in building sustainable communities. In particular, the TDSB was recognized for its long-standing commitment to outdoor education and to the EcoSchools program.

BOARD MEETING NOTES

TDSB Strengthens Equity Focus to Support Student Achievement
The TDSB has taken a great stride forward to support students with a renewed strategic focus on equity, approved by the Board of Trustees.
The Integrated Equity Framework will help those who are not reaching their potential, while also continuing to inspire, engage and raise expectations for all students. is part of the TDSB’s overall Vision for Learning, which focuses on achievement, well-being and equity.
This is part of an ongoing conversation and community members are invited to continue to share their thoughts, ideas and feedback at www.tdsb.on.ca.

First Nations School of Toronto to Move to Eastern Commerce CI
TDSB Trustees voted unanimously to support the move of First Nations Junior and Senior School of Toronto to Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute. Read the Board decision on page 3
The decision to relocate the school was based on a report produced by the Aboriginal Education Centre, the Aboriginal Community Advisory Committee and the Steering Council for the Urban Indigenous Education Centre of Excellence which is Co-Chaired by Dr. Susan Dion and Dr. Duke Redbird.
The move is scheduled to take place between January and March 2017.
Report on School Bus Driver Shortages
The Board received a staff report outlining the issues around school bus driver shortages experienced by the TDSB and the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) this fall. The report is part of the Board's work to address current transportation issues and to create new processes that meet the needs of students and families. Read the report.
Samuel Hearne MS to Get New Sports Field
The TDSB and the City of Toronto will be working together to build a new artificial turf sports field that will serve Samuel Hearne Middle School and Oakridge Junior Public School. This project was given the go-ahead by Trustees at a recent Board Meeting. Read the Board decision on page 4
Addressing Systemic Racism Through the Curriculum Review Process
The TDSB is concerned that the current curriculum being taught in public schools from Grade 1 to Grade 12 does not adequately reflect the ethno-racial diversity of Ontario. Trustees recently decided to write the provincial government requesting the Ministry of Education undertake an ethno-racial, equity-based, comprehensive review of the curriculum beginning with Grade 1 and continuing to Grade 12 in all major subjects. Read the Board decision on pages 7-8
Review of Before- and After-School Programs for Full-Day Kindergarten
The TSDB will be reviewing how provincial regulations for lunch-time supervision and before- and after-school programs for full-day kindergarten students were implemented. The final report will examine areas including parental access, equity and the effectiveness of this service delivery model. Read the Board decision on pages 6-7. 
Review of Severe Weather Procedures

Under the direction of the Board, staff will be reviewing the operational procedure for
severe weather including both hot and cold weather. Read the Board decision on page 4.
Board Marks Islamic and Somali Heritage Months, Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Day
There was much to celebrate at the October 26 Board Meeting. With students, staff and special guests the TDSB marked Islamic Heritage Month and Somali Heritage Month for the first time this October. Over the course of the month, the culture, history and contributions of staff, students and communities of Islamic heritage and of Somali heritage were celebrated across the district.
The Board also recognized Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Day, which acknowledges the vital contributions they play in TDSB schools and in the lives of students and families.

TDSB Trustees


TDSB Director
of Education