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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 -- National AccessAbility Week
- Bike to School Week
- TDSB Budget Survey Results - Worth Repeating
- PA Day June 7
- Committee Meetings This Week
- Cell Phone/Mobile Devise Use in Schools Update
- Excerpt from Director Russell-Rawlins Leadership Report
- Reporting Hate - In Our Schools and In Our Communities
- New Invitations - Mapping Relationships May 28; Periphery Film Screening May 29; How to Support Your Child Over the Summer - May 28 and 29; 2024 Summer International Language Programs; Learn4Life - Adult General Interest Courses - Summer 2024; Applications for Ontario's Page Program; Backpack and School Supplies Drive
- Worth Repeating - Summer Programs; Need for Aquatic Instructors; Please Keep Safe... and Keep Others Safe; Vaccinations; Useful Links; 2023-2024 Calendar; 2024-2025 Calendar; Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report; Community Safety & Support
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National AccessAbility Week (NAAW)
Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is committed to creating an environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive, recognizing the importance of inclusive education and the workplace. All TDSB students, parents, guardians, caregivers, and employees should feel welcomed and empowered to succeed.
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) began in 1988 and is a week-long initiative in Canada dedicated to celebrating and promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities.
From May 26 to June 1, 2024. NAAW provides an opportunity for organizations, governments, and communities to showcase their commitment to accessibility and highlight progress toward creating a barrier-free society.
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Bike to School Week 2024 is May 27 to May 31
Communities that embrace active school travel help their kids lead healthier lifestyles and improve their school performance, while also reducing traffic and pollution and making school zones safer for vulnerable road users. Also, being able to bike to school with your friends is just plain fun!
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TDSB Budget Survey Results - Worth Repeating
The TDSB Budget Survey closed on Friday, May 3. A total of 7,080 surveys were completed by parents/guardians/caregivers (80%), staff (15%) and community members (5%). Please find a summary graphic of the survey results below. We are grateful to all who shared their input.
Please note, the TDSB will next discuss the proposed 2024-2025 Operating Budget at the Special Finance, Budget & Enrolment Committee on May 30 at 4:30. The Agenda has yet to be posted.
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PA Day June 7
As you know, beginning this school year, boards of education are now required to publicly share detailed information about PA Days, as outlined in Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 151. All information and details will be posted to www.tdsb.on.ca/PAdays at least 14 days in advance of the scheduled PA Day. The next PA Day is scheduled for Friday, June 7, 2024.
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, May 29 - Governance and Policy Committee - 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda
- 5.1 Parent Involvement Community Advisory Committee Report, April 30, 2024
- 6.1 School Fundraising and System Priorities Fund P029, Employment Equity Policy: Phase 5
- 6.2 School Choice and Student Interest Program Admission Policies and Practices
- 6.3 Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy: New Policy Phase 2 - Status Update
- 6.4 P096, Student Use of Services Animals in Schools Policy Review: Phase 1
- 7.1 Reviewing Policies Pertaining to Political Activities of TDSB Staff and/or Educational Partners During School Hours (Trustees Pei and Hastings)
- 7.2 Review of Policy P100, Student Interest Programs (Trustees Pei and Hastings)
- 7.3 Student Governance (Trustees Rajakulasingam and Sriskandarajah, on behalf of Indigenous Student Secord and Student Trustees Bell and Zhou)
For Information Only - 8.1 PR518, Revised Admissions Eligibility Requirement Procedure
- 8.2 PR744, Mini-Drone Use Procedure
- 8.3 Community Advisory Committee Review
Thursday, May 30 - Special Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda
Note - this wasn't posted at the time of publication - check here tomorrow
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Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy – New Policy Phase 2: Status Update
This report is coming to GPC this week. A reminder that the purpose of the proposed TDSB Policy which was approved by the Board in January, 2024 extends beyond the minimum requirements of PPM 128 which the ministry announced on April 28, 2024. Some of the new directives likely
duplicate key components of what the TDSB Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy could have covered following consultation, in the areas of both policy and operating procedure.
The TDSB Policy aims to establish cell phone/mobile device standards and practices which foster the success and well-being of TDSB students; and are informed by current research, a jurisdictional scan of district school boards, and extensive stakeholder consultations.
It is expected that the Policy will also focus on the areas that are not explicitly covered by PPM128, such as clear rules and expectations related to learning application of mobile devices for educational purposes; reduction of negative impacts of screen time on students’ mental health, particularly in elementary schools; professional development and training requirements for staff; fair and equitable implementation and enforcement of the rules applicable to members of the school community, including students, staff, volunteers and school visitors; exception protocols for the use of social media for pedagogical or work-related purposes.
In view of the new requirements under the PPM 128, staff intend to update the Board Code of Conduct (PR585) by September 1, 2024, and continue development of the Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy, in accordance with the approved Policy Development Work Plan on May 22, 2024 and the Revised Critical Pathway and Benchmarks.
For that purpose, staff are recommending the use the pre-consultation phase to support both development of the proposed Policy and to inform
revisions to the Board Code of Conduct (PR585) under PPM 128.
During the pre-consultation phase from end of May to end of June 2024, staff will engage with the stakeholders identified in PPM 128 and the Policy Development Work Plan through two specific consultation methods: focus groups and a survey. Please watch for this announcement. Click here to read the full committee report.
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Excerpt from Leadership Report
Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins
May 22, 2024
"As I begin, I would like to recap some remarks I initially shared at the recent Planning and Priorities Meeting. They are important to amplify and as often as possible. I know so many of our students, staff, and families continue to face the traumas of the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza and its many negative impacts. We have continued to listen attentively and respond with care and diligence in addressing reports of hate and/or racism especially among students.
The primary focus of our schools is to create and sustain a positive climate that fosters high achievement and the well-being of our students. Doing this amidst the complexities of grave geopolitical situations, specifically in Israel and Gaza, is complex. Most institutions are grappling with how to uphold everyone’s human rights. The vast majority of our staff, students, parents/guardians and caregivers are invested in strengthening schools and communities. They
are dedicated to ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and successful. It is our collective responsibility to model and insist on having dignified conversations that are humanizing even when we disagree, or have an incomplete understanding of another individual’s lived experience.
It is easy to lose hope. I will not and I am asking you not to either. Each day the senior team and see evidence that TDSB staff strive to proactively combat hate and racism, uphold human rights, and respect the dignity of all students – Indigenous, Israeli, Muslim, Jewish, Palestinian, 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Christian, Asian, South Asian, Sikh, Hindu, students with different abilities, and other intersecting identities.
We can and must continue to unlearn hate, and relearn love, understanding, justice and compassion. This is no easy task in polarizing times where every mistake or oversight feels high stakes. Polarized thinking – you are either with me or against me – creates a chasm through which hate flourishes nationally, provincially, locally and in schools.
We are feeling it. Polarization is slowing human rights and equity and that’s exactly what it is designed to do. It is intended to stop progress toward greater inclusion and equity and make us all feel weary and unsafe around each other. Don’t be fooled by it. It serves no other purpose.
I am calling on all of us to stay focused on educating all of our children and to show the duty of care we know everyone deserves. The goal for every member of the TDSB community is to create environments where all students can thrive in public education and their identity and postal code are not determining factors in their experiences and outcomes. Working together, toward this common and enduring goal, we are the TDSB community. Our best hope for a better future for all of our children and our communities. Let's keep going
together."
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Reporting Hate
In Our Schools
If you are a staff or a student or a parent/caregiver, and you are a victim of/or witnessing an incident of racism, bias, or hate in our schools, please report it to the school's principal, who has a duty to investigate all incidents. Each time an incident takes place in a school, it is to be recorded in a portal which then begins a system response. We have a responsibility to educate against hate. For more information, please visit the webpage for Reporting an Incident of Hate or Discrimination Involving or Impacting Students. If you experience it, or witness it, report it. Please.
Complaints regarding social media postings should be sent directly to the TDSB's Human Rights Office at humanrightsoffice@tdsb.on.ca. The intake process is being centralized in the Human Rights Office to ensure for consistency of process.
In Our Communities
Report any allegations of hate-motivated crimes to police for investigation at 416-808-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. We will not tolerate any intimidation, harassment, or hate-motivated behaviour aimed at specific communities. You can also call 1-800-222-TIPS to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Toronto Police provide new online option to report hate-motivated graffiti
Toronto Police Service is launching a new option for the public to provide information to police about hate-motivated graffiti in their neighbourhoods. The web form, available on the Service’s website, provides an additional avenue for the public to alert police to hate-motivated graffiti, so officers can attend, gather evidence and arrange for the hate-motivated graffiti to be removed as quickly as possible. This reporting mechanism will be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please remember TDSB's Mental Health and Well Being Professional Support Staff (PSS) are here to support your mental health and well-being and to help you navigate the tools and resources you may need. Please see resources on their website.
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Mapping Relationships May 28 - Everyone is Invited to Join Us
On Tuesday, please join the communities of John Ross Robertson, Glenview and Lawrence Park CI for "Mapping Relationships" at LPCI. The event will run from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. This will be a celebratory launch of the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map which includes a keynote address by Elder Dr. Duke Redbird. The evening will also include interactive learning experiences for students and their families to participate in, food, refreshments, and a celebration of the work currently being done in our schools. Please see the flyer linked here and register using the QR code or follow the link: https://forms.gle/bBPJ3MLMpiMr9UyT6.
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Periphery Film Screening - May 29
Join us for a virtual screening of Periphery and a conversation with the director/ producer Sara Yacobi-Harris, and co-founder of No Silence on Race, Akilah Allen-Silverstein! Periphery is an evocative film about ethnic diversity in the Jewish community in Toronto, Canada. Through dance, poetry, and personal narratives, 10 Jews of Black/African, Korean, Iraqi, Indian, and South American ancestry challenge perceptions of who is a Jew. Periphery invites us to appreciate the richness of Jewish identity and cultural expression while illustrating the feeling of grappling to belong. This session is for TDSB Staff, Caregivers and Community members.
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How to support your child over the summer months
Parent/Guardian/ Caregiver Session #3
Two options for joining this webinar -
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2024 Summer International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program (In-person learning only)
When: July 2 to July 26, 2024 (Monday to Friday)
Who: Senior Kindergarten (as of Sept 2024) to Grade 8 students (TDSB and non-TDSB students)
Cost: $20 (for materials fee)
Please note that a minimum of 25 students is required to open a class. For more information and to register.
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Learn4Life - Adult General Interest Courses - Summer 2024
Learn4Life's summer term's registration is open.
Have you registered for the Learn4Life newsletter? Visit our website and enter your email address at the top of the page: http://learn4life.ca
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Applications for Ontario's Page Program
Applications for the fall 2024 term are now open. We are accepting applications until June 15th, 2024. For the Fall 2024 period, applicants must attend school in Ontario and be entering Grade 8 in the Fall of 2024 and have an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher).
Each year approximately 150 young students from across Ontario are selected to participate in Ontario's Legislative Page Program. This unique educational program for Ontario students provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over the province! The program is designed for outgoing, high-achieving, community-involved students who have demonstrated responsibility and leadership. Legislative Pages meet key parliamentary and political figures, and learn first-hand about Ontario’s Parliament and the legislative process.
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Backpack and School Supplies Drive
This year’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive will run from March 1, 2024 to the end of September 2024. Individual donors and companies can help our students by making a monetary donation and/or a donation of new backpacks and school supplies. Tax receipts are available for these donations.100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations go to benefit our students. NOTE: Due to potential health & safety, hygiene, sorting and storage limitations, the TDSB can only accept new items. For more information about how to donate new items, please contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.
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Summer Programs
At the TDSB we provide a wide range of enriching summer programs for children, youth and adults.
Elementary
Secondary
Special Education and Inclusion
Adult
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Need for Aquatic Instructors
In order to operate swim programs in our schools with pools, we need two on-site aquatic instructors. Sadly, the TDSB has had a shortage of aquatic instructors since schools reopened from COVID. If you know of any aquatic instructors, please, have them complete the application - the board has been advertising and I have been advertising on Twitter since the end of last year. Here’s the link directly to the posting for applicants to apply. https://tdsb.sabacloud.com/Saba/Web_spf/CA1PRD0033/jobs-Support/career/jobdetail/jobrq000000000002580. Thanks!
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Please Keep Safe... and Keep Others Safe
Layers of protection work to help reduce virus spread. For example:
😷wear a well-fitted mask
🧼wash hands often
🏠stay home if sick
💨choose well ventilated spaces
🛡️stay up-to-date with your vaccines
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Vaccinations
Measles is increasing and spreading in every region of the world. It can cause a fever, rash, runny nose, red eyes & more. It spreads through the air and close contact when a person infected with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes. If you think you have the virus, stay home & contact your doctor. Learn more: http://toronto.ca/measles-fact-sheet.
Vaccines are available from your primary health care provider or at a TPH community clinic for school-aged children, by appointment. Visit TPHbookings.ca for more information.
All children attending school between ages 4 to 17 need to be immunized according to Ontario's Immunization Schedule. If you are unsure of your child’s vaccination status, check their yellow card (Ontario Immunization Record), TPH’s Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) or by speaking with their primary health care provider.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines
We are still in the midst of respiratory illness season, and it is not too late to get vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu. Both of these vaccines continue to be available at your local pharmacy and doctor’s office. The updated COVID-19 vaccine better protects against the new Omicron XBB variant. You can get the updated COVID-19 vaccine if you are aged six months and older and it has been at least six months since their last COVID-19 dose or infection (whichever is longer). It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time or around the same time. Learn more about where to get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine.
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Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report
Please contact 311 if you see dogs in school grounds so they can log the concerns and please also call TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620. Tracking the concerns will allow us to build the case for increased surveillance.
At our recent Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, the staff report confirmed the following -
Dogs on school properties have been an ongoing challenge for many years despite the “no dogs permitted” signage. There have been examples of dog owners taking their dogs off leash or even leaving their dogs unattended in a school yard, or within the kindergarten or childcare enclosures. There have been incidents of off-leash dogs chasing as well as biting students, members of the public and staff. Dog feces and disposal bags are frequently left on the school grounds impacting the student use and enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Signage is posted near the entrances, such as gates or openings in the school ground fencing (refer to Appendix A for a copy of the signage) that clearly indicates TDSB school grounds are private property and dogs are not permitted on school board property. Section 6.10 in PR523, Access to School Premises prohibits canines on TDSB properties at any time (except service animals).
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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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