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I hope you are well and enjoying the start of fall.
Over the past week, I attended the Orange Shirt Day assembly at Keele Street PS and the Newcomer Curriculum Night at Dr. Rita Cox - Kina Minagok PS. It's been wonderful to see our priorities of Truth and Reconcilation and Belonging reflected in our schools. Later this month, during Local Government Week, I will visit grade 5 and 10 classes in other schools.
On October 24th, I am hosting our first ward council meeting of the school year at Howard PS. School council reps, as well as parents and caregivers, are invited to attend. See the flyer and link below.
Please be sure to sign up for my updates to receive weekly emails, key dates, and committee agendas including items being considered by trustees.
As always, I hope the information and resources provided below are helpful to you. Wishing everyone a safe and happy long weekend filled with family, friends, and gratitude.
Yours in Community,
Debbie King
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With fellow Ontario Public School Board Association (OPSBA) Education Program and Policy Development work group Chairs and Vice-Chairs in September.
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Orange Shirt Day assembly at Keele Street PS.
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Mark your calendar! Future Ward Council Meeting Dates
- Thurs Nov 28 (6-8pm hybrid)
- Thurs Jan 23 (6-8pm online)
- Thurs Feb 20 (6-8pm online)
- Thurs Apr 10 (6-8pm hybrid)
- Thurs May 22 (6-8pm hybrid)
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International Languages Classes in Ward 7 Schools
Open to all K-8 students, International Languages and African Heritage Program offers language learning with engaging activities focused on building students' abilities in oral communication, reading and writing. Parents can register their child(ren) at any time during the school year. See below for classes currently offered in Ward 7 schools and visit ileahprograms.ca for more information.
Note: spaces are still available at Dr. Rita Cox - Kina Minagok.
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Literacy and Math Support
The Continuing Education department receives funding for non-credit Literacy and Math classes for students in Grades 7 to 10 for whom a remedial program in Literacy and Math has been recommended by the day school principal. This program is designed to support students who are facing challenges in progressing towards achieving the required outcomes in Literacy and/or Mathematics. Principals and school teams will identify students to participate in a local remedial program, aimed at helping them strengthen their foundational skills and improve their academic performance outside of regular school hours. The program seeks to provide targeted intervention to ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed and close achievement gaps.
- Principals will monitor and supervise all classes.
- Classes are taught by qualified OCT teachers from the day school.
- Classes are scheduled outside the school day and are offered once or twice a week (e.g. 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Monday/Wednesday).
- A minimum of 15 students in regular attendance is identified to run a class.
- Classes are not homework/classwork help or tutoring.
- Students are expected to attend for the full duration of the program.
For more information, please contact your School Principal.
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Webinar Wednesdays
Parents, caregivers and stakeholders of Black students are encouraged to join a discussion on October 30 at 6:30 p.m. about the TDSB’s Cell Phone/ Mobile Device Use in Schools Policy. The session will be led by Claudine Tyrell, Principal of Humberside Collegiate Institute and TDSB Cell Phone Policy Working Group member and supported by Graduation Coaches for Black Students and K-12 Learning Coaches.
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Youth Participatory Research Action (YPRA) Conference
Hear from student researchers as they discuss key recommendations for creating a successful learning environment for Black students in K-12 education. Join us at the YPRA Conference: It Takes a Village: Nurturing and Celebrating Black Youth Identity in K-12 Schools and Community on Saturday, October 26 at Toronto Metropolitan University. The conference will include research presentations that focus on themes such as Black student experiences in K-12 education, transforming student learning and more! This in-person conference is a remarkable opportunity for Black TDSB students to present their research developed during the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement’s Black Student Summer Leadership Program (BSSLP). .
Learn more and register here.
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Islamic Heritage Month
At the TDSB, we proudly recognize Islamic Heritage Month during October. This year’s theme is Sabr and Shukr in Muslim Communities.This year’s IHM poster features ten remarkable Muslim Olympic athletes whose journeys are a testament to the values of sabr and shukr. Several educational opportunities and activities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Islamic traditions and customs.
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Somali Heritage Month
This year, the theme of Somali Heritage Month is Aqoon la`aani, waa iftiin la’aan - The absence of knowledge is the absence of light. The poster was commissioned by Saada Awale, a Toronto based Visual Artist, Educator, and the Creative Director of Awaleh Arts. Several educational opportunities are being organized for all TDSB students to further learn about Somali traditions and customs. To learn more, visit the Somali Heritage Month webpage.
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Latin-America History Month
Latin-America History Month is proudly recognized by the Toronto District School Board. Originally observed in April since 2016, a motion was carried at the January 31, 2024, Board of Trustees meeting to move the recognition to October. This year’s theme is Weaving Our Legacies: Returning to Our Collective Path | Enlazar Nuestres Legados: Volver a Nuestre Camino Colectivo. Activities are planned throughout the month of October for students, staff, and community members. Please click here to learn more.
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Dogs on TDSB Property Update
As part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and welcoming environment on TDSB properties, we would like to update you on the policies and new reporting procedures related to dogs on school grounds.
The TDSB enforces a strict policy regarding dogs on its properties. Dogs are generally not permitted on TDSB grounds, with the exception of service animals as defined by the Student Use of Service Animals in Schools Policy (P096) and the Use of Service Animals by the General Public Procedure (PR604). These guidelines are in place to ensure proper management and support for service animals within our schools.
New Reporting Process for Dogs Off-Leash
To effectively address incidents of dogs being off-leash on school properties, a new reporting process has been established through the City of Toronto’s 311 service. Community members can report such incidents either by phone or online:
Phone Reporting:
Call 311 to report dogs off-leash on school property.
Online Reporting:
Visit the City of Toronto Service Request or Feedback webpage.
- Select “Animals, Insects and Pests.”
- Choose “Bylaw Enforcement Request.”
- Select “Dog Related Complaint or Concern (Create Request).”
- For “What is the issue that you are reporting?”, choose “Dog off-leash” from the drop-down list.
- For “What is the complaint about?”, select “Dog off-leash on a school property.”
- Click “Continue” and follow the prompts to provide details.
The following information should be provided:
- Name and address of the school
- Time of day when dogs were observed off-leash
- Number of dogs seen off-leash
Reports will be reviewed monthly. Schools with frequent reports will receive proactive patrols in collaboration with TDSB Security, and educational outreach will be conducted to inform dog owners about leash laws and control measures. Please note that immediate responses may not be available. If you provide owner information, a service request will be created, and an Animal Control Officer will follow up within 5 days.
Toronto Animal Services (TAS) offers educational programs on dog bite prevention and safety. Schools interested in scheduling a TAS visit can contact Elana Trainoff, Manager of Partnerships & Animal Services, at Elana.Trainoff@toronto.ca.
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BBQ Procedure Update
On September 4, 2024, Staff approved revisions to the Barbecue Safety Procedure (PR686). This Procedure supports implementation of the TDSB’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy (P048), Enterprise Risk Management Policy (P101), and Fundraising Policy (P021). Staff recently reviewed the Procedure and implemented the following changes to address identified gaps.
- BBQs may be rented from approved service providers or purchased using TDSB-approved procurement processes.
- BBQs that are purchased must be CSA certified/approved with CSA certified/approved gas fittings/components.
- Schools that own BBQs are required to have the units inspected annually by a Board approved service provider.
- Schools are prohibited from storing propane tanks on Board property.
- BBQ operators are required to have the appropriate food handling certification.
- Schools are not permitted to own or operate charcoal barbeques or smoker BBQs, unless rented through a Board-approved service provider or in connection with culturally significant celebrations formally conducted by Indigenous persons or the Indigenous community.
- Schools requesting use of a smoker BBQ should consult with their Facility Team Leader prior to use or purchase.
For more information, contact your School Principal.
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Board and Advisory Committee Meetings
The October cycle of standing committee meeting dates are:
- Wed Oct 16: Governance and Policy
- Tues Oct 22: Finance, Budget and Enrollment
- Wed Oct 23: Program and School Services
- Wed Oct 30: Planning and Priorities
New this year, I am sending a short "week-at-a-glance" email to keep you updated on committee agenda items and to help faciliate engagement. Sign up for my TDSB news, to receive these weekly emails.
Access previous meeting agendas, materials, and videos here,
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