May 2023
TDSB to Develop Strategy to Address Islamophobia
I am proud to inform you that TDSB Trustees have unanimously voted to develop and implement a system-wide strategy to address Islamophobia. The creation of this new strategy will build on the work of the broader TDSB Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy, which addresses all forms of racism, hate and discrimination. Staff will now prepare a report to be presented to the TDSB’s Planning and Priorities Committee at a meeting this fall, where they will update Trustees on the development of the new strategy. Learn more about the TDSB Strategy to Address Islamophobia.
Student Census
Pandemic Recovery is Not Over
Following a motion from myself and my fellow trustees, we issued a TDSB-wide budget survey to all parents/guardians/caregivers to gauge their opinions on the impacts of the pandemic. I am happy to inform you that the survey was completed by nearly 18,000 TDSB parents/guardians/caregivers. Your responses were loud and clear - survey results showed that 7 in 10 believe the impacts of the pandemic are still being felt by their children, 86% believe that pandemic funding should continue, and 90% believe that the Ministry should fully or partially cover pandemic costs. I encourage you to learn more about: survey results, budget process and ongoing advocacy.
Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Renewal – Have Your Say!
We are renewing our Multi-Year Strategic Plan at the TDSB, and I invite you to share your opinions to help shape the Board’s future! Please complete the MYSP online survey or if you are a part of a community group or committee that is interested in contributing to the MYSP renewal, the Facilitation Guide is now available online in multiple languages. I encourage you to review the guide, record your discussions and submit input. To learn more, please visit: www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal.
Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism
The TDSB’s Student Equity Collective, a student-led group created by the Director of Education, which addresses injustices, racism and hate in our school communities is launching its first board-wide initiative ‒ Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism! Students were invited to submit a two-minute video to share what they’ve accomplished together to make their schools more inclusive for everyone. This initiative is focussed on students from Grade 7 to 12, but a group or class in any grade may submit a video. This is an opportunity for students to showcase how they’re addressing racism and discrimination in their own unique ways at their schools. For more details, visit the Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism webpage.
TDSB Celebrates Education Week!
Schools across Ontario schools celebrate Education Week during the first week of May each year. At the TDSB, we were thrilled to mark Education Week 2023 and invited staff, students, parents/guardians/caregivers, and the wider TDSB community to follow #TDSBAtoZ on Twitter to learn more about the incredible things happening across the TDSB in support of student success and well-being. Schools and classrooms were also encouraged to share what they’re up to using #TDSBedweek.
Summer International Languages Elementary (ILE) & African Heritage (AH) Program
ILE Summer Program combines language & culture learning with engaging activities like games, songs, dance, storytelling, and writing. No language background knowledge is necessary. Afternoon cultural programs, run by community groups, are also available at a number of sites. AH Summer Program connects students to the contributions, histories, legacies, cultures and traditions of people of African descent through inquiry and experiential learning. Learn more and register for the 2023 Summer International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program (In-person).
Asian Heritage Month
May is Asian Heritage Month at the TDSB. We are proud to celebrate the numerous achievements of Asian-Canadians during Asian Heritage Month. This year our theme is Joining Our Table: Celebrating Asian Canadians. Learn more about Asian Heritage Month at the TDSB.
Jewish Heritage Month
We are celebrating Jewish Heritage Month in May! This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Christie Pits riot that took place in Toronto in August 1933. To commemorate this moment in 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. I encourage you to learn more about Jewish Heritage Month at the TDSB and follow @TDSB_JH for updates, activities and events!
Steps to Address Your Questions and Concerns
Here at the TDSB, we are always open to hearing your questions and concerns, and make every effort to address them as quickly as possible. Your child's classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school's principal, the school superintendent, and me, your Trustee! For more information, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/Contact-Us/Steps-to-Address-Questions-Concerns.
Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
Follow the TDSB
Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
| |
|
