#TorontoStrong Vigil at Mel Lastman Square

The Toronto District School Board extends its collective thoughts and condolences to the victims, and their families, of the tragic event that occurred on Yonge Street in North York on Monday, April 23.

This Sunday, the City of Toronto will host the #TorontoStrong Vigil at 7 p.m. at Mel Lastman Square to honour the victims, including TDSB staff member Renuka Amarasingha. All members of the public are welcome to attend the vigil, which is being hosted together with community groups, Faith in the City and the Toronto Area Interfaith Council.

French Review Consultations 

Parents, students, staff, Trustees and community members are invited to public consultations regarding all TDSB French Programs. Consultations will happen this May. Click here for more information, including a list of dates, times and locations, and last year`s report. 

Trustees Approve Balanced Budget for 2018-19

Trustees with the Toronto District School Board have approved a budget plan for the 2018-19 school year that required no reduction in staff to balance the budget. The operating budget of about $3.3 billion will continue to support the TDSB’s commitment to equity, and the achievement and well-being of all students. To read the full news release, click here. 

R.H. King Student Puts Her CPR Skills to the Test

Kayley Baker is a grade 12 TDSB student who attends R.H. King Academy . Last Fall, Kayley found herself in an emergency situation when she was downtown with her grandmother.  As the pair were walking along the busy streets of Toronto, they saw a man on the ground and he was blue in colour.  Kayley knew instantly something was wrong and that she had to do something to help him.

Click here to read Kayley’s heroic story. 

TDSB Proudly Celebrates International Day of Pink

On April 11, students and staff across the Toronto District School Board wore pink to celebrate International Day of Pink in support of diversity and to raise awareness to stop discrimination, gender-based bullying, homophobia, and transphobia.

Specifically, more than 200 students joined Olympic Skater, and 2018 Gold and Bronze medalist, Eric Radford and Paralympian Marissa Papaconstantinou for Pink at the Rink. 

Watch the video here. 

Equity Policy, Phase 5

A revised equity policy was approved by the Board of Trustees at its regular meeting this month. The policy underscores the Board’s commitment to the elimination of institutional discrimination and the promotion of fairness, equity, acceptance and inclusion. Read the Board decision (16.2). 

Workplace Violence Prevention Policy, Phase 5

The Board approved revisions to the Workplace Violence Prevention Policy. The revisions considered operational requirements and other school board best practices. Public Consultations were conducted for 40 days and concluded this March. Read the Board decision (16.2) . 

Representative for the Learning Disabilities Association on the Special Education Advisory Committee

Trustees appointed Myriam Rodriquez to the Special Education Advisory Committee as the representative for the Learning Disabilities Association for a term ending November 30, 2018. This was vacant position. Read the Board decision (16.3) .

Partnership with Toronto Public Health: Violence Among Students and Crisis Response Protocol 

The Board voted to adopt (Item 5) a public health approach to addressing the impact of exposure to community violence and asked that the Director enter into discussions with Toronto Public Health in an attempt to undertake research on the extent of exposure to community violence among students.

In a related motion (Item 6), the Board will look into formalizing a Crisis Response Protocol between the Board and the City of Toronto Crisis Response Program regarding violence among students.

Replacement of Bloor Collegiate Institute and Alpha II Alternative School 

Trustees approved the program and sketch plan to allow the project team to continue with the design development of the replacement school for Bloor Collegiate Institute and Alpha II Alternative School. It is scheduled to open in September of 2021, dependent on obtaining Site Plan Approval and Building Permits from the City, and securing final funding commitments. Read the Board decision (16.4)

Improving Transparency of Trustee Attendance Records

To improve transparency, the Board decided (Item 9) that the Director:

Communication to City of Toronto, re: Creation of a School Zone Traffic Safety Steering Committee

The Board passed a motion to call on the City of Toronto to establish a School Zone Traffic Safety Steering Committee with all four Toronto school boards, the City and Toronto Police in response to an increase in school zone pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

November as Hindu Heritage Month

Trustees approved a motion to celebrate Hindu Heritage Month across the Board every November, starting this year.