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| Congratulations to all Willowdale Grads!
I wish all Willowdale students who are graduating in 2017 great fortune, much luck and a lot of excitiment going forward. Graduation ceremonies are very special events for our students and I feel lucky to be a part of them.
Getting to this point takes a lot of hard work and so I have to thank our principals, teachers and all of the staff at our schools for providing guidance and encouragment along the way. It is a group effort. And whether its elementary, middle or secondary school, the memories will last a very long time. I can't get to every graduation because of timing but I try to get to as many as possible. I look forward to celebrating with students and parents during the next two weeks and if I don't manage to get to your graduation ceremony, I offer my best wishes and warmest regards. Congratulations everyone!
Alexander
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June is National Aboriginal History Month During the month of June, people across the country mark National Aboriginal History Month in recognition of the rights, histories and extraordinary achievements of Indigenous peoples in Canada. The unique cultures and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are celebrated nationally and locally.
TDSB Declares June National Aboriginal History Month
During the June 21st, 2017 Board Meeting, Trustees voted unanimously to recognize June as National Aboriginal History Month at the Toronto District School Board. This motion was passed on National Aboriginal Day.
During the month of June, people across the country mark National Aboriginal History Month in recognition of the rights, histories and extraordinary achievements of Indigenous peoples in Canada.
The unique cultures and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are celebrated nationally and locally. During this time, we seek to learn from Indigenous peoples and strengthen our relationships among our diverse communities.
Each year, the TDSB also marks National Aboriginal Day on June 21, as well as Aboriginal Education Month throughout November.
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June is Italian Heritage Month @TDSB “We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves.” Galileo Galilei The Toronto District School Board is proud to recognize June as Italian Heritage Month. In June 2010, the Province passed the Italian Heritage Month Act, recognizing "the important contributions immigrants have made in building Ontario's communities and the economic, political, social and cultural achievements of Italian Canadians throughout the province. Italian Canadian immigrants have played an prominent role in supporting Canada's post-war boom and Toronto's emergence as a diverse, vibrant world-class city. During this month we celebrate the spirited culture and traditions of the Italian community with students, staff and community members of the Toronto District School Board and province of Ontario. Events are scheduled throughout Toronto to recognize the Italian heritage and below are three for your reference:
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June is Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month@ theTDSB “Words were not given to man in order to conceal his thoughts.”
Jose Saramago, Writer The Toronto District School Board is proud to recognize June as Portuguese-speaking Heritage Month. During this month, the TDSB’s Portuguese-speaking communities are provided with opportunities to share their vibrant culture and traditions and also gain a better understanding of the Portuguese-speaking diaspora. The contributions of the Portuguese-speaking community to Canada’s history are vast as it includes the arts, sports, medicine and public life. - 250 million Portuguese speakers worldwide, making it the fifth-most spoken language
- More than 1,400 TDSB students speak Portuguese as their mother tongue or as a primary language
- Portuguese is the official language of eight countries: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal, Sao Time & Principe and East Timor
- While the Archipelago of the Azores and the Archipelago of Madeira are a part of Portugal, they are simultaneously Autonomous regions which share in the Portuguese language
- As well, due to historic ties, various regions of the world including Macau, China and Goa and Damao, India, celebrate their Portuguese influences
Events are being planned through the City of Toronto to recognize the Portuguese-speaking heritage including the Portuguese Parade on Saturday, June 10 from 11 am to 1 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend and join the team participating from the TDSB.
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Enhancing Equity Task Force Ward Forum Minutes
On May 25th, I held a special joint ward forum with Trustees Lister and Wong and the community to discuss EQUITY at the TDSB. About 140 people attended and we had some lively and honest discussions. Liz Rykert from Meta Strategies is the facilitator hired by the TDSB to coordinate the task force and she led the ward forum held at Georges Vanier Secondary School. For more information about the Enhancing Equity Task Force go to Equity @TDSB. I am attaching the Power Point slides along with the notes/minutes from the meeting held on May 25th at Georges Vanier SS here:
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|  | Enhancing Equity Task Force, Director of Education - John Malloy | |
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Policy Direction - Refusal to Admit (Exclusions)
In an effort to support all students in our schools, I recently brought forward a motion to address a provision in the Education Act that allows principals of schools to refuse to admit a student to a class or school if the principal feels that the student in question would somehow negatively impact the emotional and physical well-being of other students. The Education Act states: “It is the duty of a principal of a school, in addition to the principal’s duties as a teacher, subject to an appeal to the board, to refuse to admit to the school or classroom a person whose presence in the school or classroom would in the principal’s judgment be detrimental to the physical or mental well-being of the pupils” You may recall a 2014 People for Education Annual report that cited this "duty" being used widely throughout the province with a disproportionate number of students with special education programming needs being affected. I've attached that report here: People For Education 2014 I recently learned at the TDSB the use of refusal to admit is not supported by a policy direction or a formal procedure that guides our principals and superintendents when making a decision about a student. I also learned that we do not track the use of refusal to admit, also referred to as Exclusions, nor do we keep a clear record of how often and for what reasons it is used. This is not an accountable or transparent practice. The motion I made, which passed at the Governance and Policy Committee and will be considered at the Board Meeting on June 21st, provides policy direction that will help the board create a standard procedure for all principals and superintendents to follow. The Education Act gives principals a great deal of 'power' with this kind of duty. It should not be based on arbitrary decisions and it must be guided by equitable and sound practices. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact to anytime.
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Accessibility Standards for Education
The Toronto District School Board is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment which actively promotes and supports human rights and accessibility for persons with disabilities.
We are committed to actively removing barriers, whether visible or invisible, so that all members of our community can fully participate in TDSB activities.
The Ministry of Education has provided an opportunity for the community to provide feedback on the development of an accessibility standard for education, which will have an impact on the Board. Your voice is important to help get the Accessibilty Standard for Education right. Complete the survey and take a look at some of the other ways to get involved. I would also love to hear from you directly. Email me at alexander.brown@tdsb.on.ca.
Survey
The Ministry of Education has provided an opportunity to engage in a survey process for the development of an accessibility standard for education. The following information is taken from the guide:
Engagement will run from May to July 14, 2017. The feedback we receive will be used to help design an accessibility standard for education. You can provide your feedback in several ways:
Complete the online survey:
Five potential themes for discussion:- Accessibility Awareness and Training
Ensuring that all members of the school community have differentiated training to provide an accessible and inclusive educational experience.
- Awareness of Accessibility Accommodations – Policies, Processes, and Programs/Supports
Ensuring parents, students and instructors have access to information about programs.
- Information, Communication and Inclusive Decision-Making
Ensuring that we hear from students and families experiencing challenges because of their disabilities during the planning processes.
- Transition Planning
Supporting children entering school from child care and planning for entry into post-secondary education or employment.
- Inclusive and Accessible Learning Spaces
Ensuring that K-12 schools, colleges and universities include accessibility features throughout the built environment.
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Home School Program (HSP) Changes for 2017/18 Below you will find a copy of the letter sent to parents outlining the changes in Special Education at the TDSB, in this case the Home School Program (HSP). Students in the HSP receive support for at least 50% of the school day generally outside of the regular classroom environment. This letter outlines changes to the HSP for the new school year. As we move toward greater inclusion of all students in regular classrooms, it is important to emphasize that students who require special education supports must continue to receive them. The intent of inclusion is not to remove appropriate supports but to deliver them in a better way. Last year, the Board released a research report titled, A Case for Inclusive Education (Parekh, 2013). This report explores the concept of inclusivity – where all students across a spectrum of needs successfully learn side-by-side – a model we are working towards. The TDSB is striving to create supportive and inclusive learning environments for our students. In the end, our goal is to determine the most appropriate learning environments for helping all students reach their full potential. As parents/gaurdians/caregivers, your voice and perspective is essential to help us achieve this goal. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to share your views. As a policy maker at the TDSB, I need to hear from you.
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Special Education and Section Programs
Dear Parents/Guardians: The Toronto District School Board is exploring ways of transitioning towards greater inclusion in Special Education programs. Providing children with special education needs with the instructional support and services they need within the regular program in neighbourhood schools, will improve achievement and well-being for all students. We know that inclusion isn’t just about keeping students in the regular classroom. It’s about meeting the needs of all students in a class. Collaboration between regular classroom teachers and special education staff will help us find the most effective ways to meet the needs of every student. As part of this transition, we have reviewed the Home School Program (HSP). Currently, many students in Grades 1 to 8 receive a half-day of special education instruction in the HSP. In most schools, this support is provided apart from the regular program. A number of schools have already chosen to support these students in the regular classroom with great success. We believe we can do a better job for all students in the regular class with appropriate resources beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, we will start phasing out primary grade placements in HSP, beginning with no Grade 1 students admitted to the program. In the 2018-2019 school year, HSP will only support students in Grades 4 to 8. Teachers and educational assistants who currently assist HSP students will continue to do so, but schools will have greater flexibility in deciding how to deliver HSP support. Please see questions and answers below for more details. Transitioning towards inclusion will require collaboration and the creation of positive and welcoming classroom environments that will enable all students to succeed.
Sincerely, Uton Robinson, Ed. D. Executive Superintendent Special Education and Section 23 Programs Toronto District School Board
SPECIAL EDUCATION – HOME SCHOOL PROGRAM
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What might HSP look like at my child’s school next year?
Students admitted to HSP may spend part of their day learning in a regular classroom and part separately with the HSP teacher. Sometimes, they may receive support individually while other times, it may take place in small groups. Some students currently assisted in a withdrawal setting may instead receive all of their support in their regular grade classrooms. It will vary from student to student, based on their learning needs.
2. If my child entering Grade 1 in September has special education needs, what can I expect in terms of support?
On a regular basis, regular classroom teachers make adjustments to their teaching and assessment methods to meet a wide variety of student learning needs in the classroom. Grade 1 students, who might previously have been admitted to HSP for special education instruction, will instead receive support in their regular classroom. Close collaboration between the classroom teacher, school-based special education staff and special education consultants will assist teachers in planning and delivering this “differentiated instruction”.
3. If my child was in HSP this year, what will happen next year?
Students in Grades 2 to 8 will continue to receive HSP support in the ways described above. Since one of our goals is greater flexibility for schools to respond to the needs of their students, the delivery model will vary from school to school. Each school principal can provide specific answers to how the program will be delivered in their schools.
4. How will the effectiveness of changes to HSP delivery be evaluated?
On an on-going basis, teachers are required to evaluate, monitor and report on the success of their students in meeting the Ministry of Education curriculum objectives identified in students’ Individual Education Plans (IEP). Achievement data is also used as part of annual school improvement planning.
Each school must address the three pillars of equity, achievement and well-being, using school-based measures and staff feedback to identify what is working well and areas that require attention. School superintendents can review school achievement data for the schools in their network and assist their school administrators in addressing identified needs.
At the system level, the TDSB follows the progress of all students and of students with special education needs as a subset, through on-going analysis of achievement data in provincial report cards, progress reports and the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) assessments.
5. If I have questions or concerns, who do I contact?
As we make changes to the delivery of special education programs and services, we continue to value active and meaningful collaboration with all stakeholders. If you have additional questions, we invite you to follow the updates on our website at www.tdsb.on.ca/specialeducation. You can also contact your child’s school principal for more specific information about what HSP will look like for your child. If questions or concerns remain, the principal can help you connect with the appropriate school superintendent or special education department staff.
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Long Term Program & Accomodation Strategy
(LTPAS) At the June 21st Board meeting, Trustees approved the latest version of our comprehensive planning document: The Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy. The strategy is updated every year and it guides the school board in planning for the future. It provides an approach to program and accommodation planning with a ten-year timeframe that allows for responsiveness and flexibility in a changing environment.
The latest version of the document covers the ten-year period from 2017 to 2026. I've attached a copy of the draft document that will be posted on the TDSB website very soon. I encourage you to take a look at it and provide me with any feedback you may have. Questions are always welcome.
You can find specfic information about Willowdale schools you can on pages 74-76.
I've highlighted some of the things considered in the LTPAS. They include accomodation reviews and program priorities. Accommodation Reviews
Toronto is a dynamic, vibrant city that is continuously changing. To manage the impact of new demographic trends on our schools, many different types of studies are planned over the next ten years. These studies can lead to different types of accommodation reviews.
Major types of reviews:- Boundary Change Review
- Emerging Capital Priority Project
- Program Area Review
- Property Review
- Pupil Accommodation Review
Program Priorities
Changing technologies and global employment trends are changing what students need from their school experience in order to succeed in the labour market. Ensuring all students have access to inspiring, high-quality programming is the strategy’s top priority.- Aboriginal Education
- Continuing Education
- French Immersion and Extended French
- Information Technology
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- Skilled Trades
- Special Education and Inclusion
- The Arts
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School Year Calendar 2017-2018
The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, inclusive.- First day of classes for all students is September 5, 201
- The last day of class for elementary students is June 28, 2018
- The last day of class for secondary (full-year) students is June 26, 2018
- The last day of class for secondary (semestered) students is June 27, 2018
- Days of Significance (pdf)
There are no classes for students on the dates listed below
PA Days
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Last day of school is December 22, 2017
School resumes January 8, 2018
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 | Yorkview school council member Anu Bakshi (left), Yorkview office administrator Reza Rassoulli , Willowdale Councillor John Filion, Storm the weather dog, Global News chief meteorologist Anthony Farnell, TDSB Trustee Alexander Brown, the Raptor, Yorkview principal Artemis Manoukas, former Yorkview acting principal Catherine Huycke, Yorkview vice-principal Ann Marie Romanovich, Superintendent Louie Papathanasakis, and Willowdale MP Ali Ehsassi cut the ribbon for the school's new playground. Nikki Lamb Tudico/photo |
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Play Structure Opens at Yorkview Public School I was honored to cut the ribbon on May 28th at the official opening of the new play strucure and outdoor classroom at Yorkview PS. The event was coupled with the annual Fun Fair and their were lots of children (and parents) who were anxious to get the speeches over and start playing. I would like to acknowledge and thank our TDSB staff for their efforts to get this project done in a timely manner. It looks great! I would also like to thank Councillor John Filion and the City of Toronto for partnering with the TDSB and providing funding for this project. It is important for our school board to work cooperatively with the city to support our kids and communities they live in. As well, a big thank you to all of the teachers, staff, principal, school council members - especially Anu Bakshi - and the community members who donated time, money and hard work to see this to completion. Good stuff!!
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Healthy Hikes – May 2 – October 31 Healthy Hikes is an annual health and wellness initiative of Conservation Ontario. Each year, families in Ontario are encouraged to boost their health by stepping into nature at any one of Ontario’s Conservation Areas from May to October. Visit the events calendar at healthyhikes.ca/events-calendar to join a guided nature walk in one of our local Conservation Areas.
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Summer High School Credit This summer, there are two Adult Learning Centres serving adult students and 13 locations for high school students. Reach ahead or make up a credit towards your high school diploma. Registration opens May 1 at 10 a.m. Classes fill up quickly so register early. All classes begin on Tuesday, July 5 and conclude on Friday, July 28. Visit www.creditprograms.ca for more information. @TDSB_ConEd
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Elementary Summer School Elementary summer programs increase engagement and build self-confidence in our students. This summer, from July 5 – 28, we are opening schools across the city to help build reading, writing and math skills in students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/summer for a complete list of participating schools. @TDSB_ConEd
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Model Schools for Inner Cities Summer School Program Model Schools for Inner Cities runs summer schools programs for students from Kindergarten – Grade 8 in schools across the TDSB. In addition to literacy and numeracy learning, this year’s summer school program encourages learning that is experiential and connects to overall well-being as well as achievement. Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/summer for a complete list of participating schools. @TDSB_Helen
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Continuing Education – Summer Music Camps Add to your child’s summer vacation with music camp. Through three unique programs – Summer Sounds, DownTown Summer Strings and Toronto Summer Music Camps – the TDSB offers band, strings and orchestral experiences for students from Grades 3-9. Registration is open now. For more information, please visit www.tdsbsummercamps.ca @TDSB_ConEd
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Summer International Languages Elementary and African Heritage Programs Register your child in TDSB's half and full day international languages summer programs. Open to all students from SK to Grade 8 at 12 schools, our language learning programs involve cultural activities like games, songs, dance, storytelling, traditional crafts and writing. Classes begin July 4 - 28. Visit www.ILEprograms.ca for a complete list of participating schools and language classes. @TDSB_ConEd
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Continuing Education Improve your English with Us This summer, adults can build literacy and English language skills from July 4-28. Learn about your community and the services available. We offer a wide range of classes from beginner to advanced to help you improve your conversation skills, further your education, and prepare for citizenship and language proficiency tests. The Adult ESL program is free for eligible learners. For more information, visit www.ESLtoronto.ca or call 416-338-4300. @TDSB_ConEd
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Continuing Education Community Programs Summer Learn4Life classes begin July 4! Take up a new hobby, learn a language, and meet people in your community. Put your hands to work through art and cooking. Take up a sport and stay active this summer.
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| Sun Safe Behaviour Getting students outside and active is good for their health but too much sun can have serious side-effects, including burns, eye damage, premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. We encourage all students to practice “sun safety.” What exactly does sun safe behaviour look like? - Cover up: Even on days with a moderate UV index students should wear a hat and sunglasses, especially if they'll be outside for over 30 minutes.
- Stay cool: Students should stay in shady areas, particularly at midday when the sun is strongest.
- Use sunscreen: Choose sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher that include protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
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Arts in the Parks: Free Arts Events in a Toronto Park Near You Toronto has become an international summer hotspot as our city buzzes with energy and culture during those blissful summer days and nights. For a second year, Toronto will be coming alive as never before with an exciting new initiative called Arts in the Parks. Think music, theatre and dance. Think film, art installations and performance. These events take place throughout the city from Etobicoke to Scarborough and North York to the downtown core. All of it is completely family-friendly and free! It's the biggest, most inclusive arts initiative that Toronto has ever seen.
Arts in the Parks brings free, family-friendly arts events and activities to a park near you. Think theatre performances, dance classes, workshops, movies, festivals and more, right in your backyard
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Councillor John Filion (Ward 23)North York Civic Centre Office
5100 Yonge Street North York, ON M2N 5V7
T: (416) 395-6411 F: (416) 395-6441
City Hall Office
100 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Councillor David Shiner (Ward 24)
AddressToronto City Hall,
100 Queen St West Ste B39,
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
LocationToronto Downtown Central
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