| Trustee Update James Li • Ward 13: Don Valley North
Toronto District School Board
416-395-8787 • James.Li@tdsb.on.ca |  |
 | |
|
End of School
As we approach the end of another school year, I wanted to take a moment to share with you a final newsletter before summer break. It's hard to believe how quickly time has flown by.
I encourage you to find the time to relax, recharge, and reconnect with friends and family. See you in September!
| |
School Year Calendar
It’s June and the end of the school year is near! But please mark your calendars - the first day of school for the 2023-2024 School Year will be Tuesday, September 5, 2023! For a full list of key dates for the upcoming school year, please visit the TDSB’s School Year Calendar web page.
| |
Student Interest Programs
TDSB cotinues to expand the availability of student interest programs to satisfy the desire of our students to learn above and beyond the cirriculum. The Board of Trustees have adopted a motion moved by myself and Trustee Patel to develop a plan to satify up to 90% of student demand in Student Interest Programs by the 2025 school year, contingent on viability.
With these changes, student interest programs at Ward 13's two secondary schools will be expanded. Georges Vanier Secondary School has increased the enrollment level of its STEM+ program from 45 students to over 80 students for the 2023 - 2024 school year, and A.Y. Jackson's Secondary School has began a trial impelmentation of a Math, Science, and Technology focused local student interest program with the intention of expanding learnings from the trial to the rest of the TDSB system.
TDSB will also expand its Secondary Arts programs for the 2024-25 school year. Two new Central Student Interest Programs create new opportunities, making it easier for students to access arts programs across the city.
Located in the northwest and northeast of the city at Westview Centennial Secondary School and Woburn Collegiate Institute will host TDSB's newest Secondary Arts Programs. Each program will focus on various forms of arts that may include dance, visual arts, drama, film and music.
| |
2023 TDSB BudgetToronto District School Board (TDSB) Trustees approved a $3.4 billion operating budget for the 2023-24 school year during a Special Board Meeting this evening. The budget meets the requirements set out in the TDSB’s 3-year deficit recovery plan, as required by the Ministry of Education.
Guided by the 2023-24 Strategic Budget Drivers, the budget prioritizes investments in a number of key areas including, equitable access to learning opportunities, student and staff mental health, well-being and safety, and student success and engagement.
Budget Ward Forum Updates
Parents of Ward 13 have also given directions through our Ward 13 Budget Ward Forum on June 8th to focus on the following aspects of the budget.
- Increase the funding for special education staff who directly support our students with exceptional needs
- Continue setting our students up for sucess in the future through the continued support of our student 1:1 device program, although with reduced spending
- Direct more funding to the education from students and reduce the deficit spending on continuing education for adults
I am pleased to annnounce that a motion was adopted by the board to begin working towards directions with a plan of implementation in the 2024 budget cycle.
| |
|
Summer Programs
The TDSB offers a variety of Summer Programs for learners of all ages. Registration for some programs are still open, please visit the Summer Programs Page to Register
| |
TDSB Backpacks & School Supplies Drive
We know that backpacks and school supplies can be expensive and represent a difficult purchase for some students and families. I encourage you to participate in TDSB’s Backpack & School Supplies Drive. The drive will run until the end of September. We are accepting donations of new products, including backpacks (gender neutral coloured with no commercial logos preferred), lunch bags, crayons, calculators, notebooks and basic school supplies. If you are interested in supporting this great cause for TDSB students, please complete an online donation form. For more information contact BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.
| |
Celebrations
National Indigenous History Month June is National Indigenous History Month, and June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day. This is time to celebrate and learn from First Nations, Métis and Inuit people about the diverse cultures, histories, experiences, creations, perspectives, and achievements. All month long, the Urban Indigenous Education Centre is hosting several events and celebrations with David A. Robertson, Tasha Spillett, Elder Albert McLeod, along with Two-Spirit & Indigiqueer Pride launched by Elder Blu Water. I encourage you to get involved and learn more here.
Italian Heritage Month
Italian Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of June at the TDSB since May 2012. The Province of Ontario also marks Italian Heritage Month since 2010 because the Italian Heritage Month Act was passed. Did you know that this year marks the 90th anniversary of the Christie Pits riot that took place in Toronto in August 1933? To commemorate this dark moment in Toronto’s history, the TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee in collaboration with the Italian Heritage Committee are offering TDSB students a chance to learn about the largest race riot in Canadian history. Click here to learn more.
Portuguese- Speaking Heritage Month
Portuguese- Speaking Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of June at the TDSB and has been since 2011. The Province of Ontario passed the Celebration of Portuguese Heritage Act in 2001. This year, the theme for Portuguese-speaking Heritage Month is “Alegria / Joy!” The contributions of the Portuguese-speaking community to Canada are significant as they include the arts, sports, music, culinary arts, and many professional contributions to education and medicine. To join us in celebrating Portuguese-speaking Heritage Month, find more information here.
June is Pride Month
We are celebrating Pride month in June! The TDSB marks Pride Month across all TDSB schools and sites. Pride Month is a time to celebrate 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and reflect on the important work that must continue to make our schools and workplaces more inclusive, welcoming and affirming for all. Learn more on the TDSB Pride webpage.
| |
Ivey High School Case Competition
Ivey High School Case Competition, Final Case Competition Presentation is taking place on July 9 at Ivey's Toronto Campus – Donald’s K. Johnson Center.
Visitors will be able to tour the Ivey Business School Toronto Campus and register for the 2024 Ivey High School Case Competition (HSCC). More information at the Ivey HSCC website.
| |
|
|
|
|
