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| September 25th, 2019
It is now officially Autumn, school is well underway, and we're settling in new routines. This year I aim to provide bi-weekly updates to the community. Please forward news and events from our local schools and community groups that you'd like highlighted. I will also host monthly Ward 16 Meetings/Forums, aiming for the 3rd week of each month. My first meeting will be held October 24th at Secord P.S. I welcome suggestions for the topics that you want to discuss or learn more about. Trustee Story and I will also continue to host joint Ward 15/16 forums on specific topics of concern for our overlapping school communities.
Some of the upcoming dates to take note of - Climate Strike September 27th, Ontario Universities Fair Sept 27 - 29th, Orange Shirt Day September 30th, Walk-to-School Day October 2nd, and Ontario Families School Walk-in October 10th. See below for more details.
Ward 16 needs your participation:
- Parent Involvement Advisory Committee Alternate Rep - Each TDSB has 2 parent representatives who sit on PIAC. Our PIAC parent rep is Kate Leuchen-Millar, we are in need of an Alternate Rep for Ward 16. Please consider this important outreach roll and contact me for more information. Elections will be held Oct 24th at the Ward 16 meeting.
- Ward 16 Steering Committee - I would like to form a steering committee to discuss timely issues for the Ward,build outreach, and support community initiatives. The time commitment is minimal, mostly coordinating by phone.
- TDSB Community Advisory Committees (CACs) - The TDSB has 13 CACs that advise the board on important community and education issues. Most committees meet monthly, do work on-line, and have teleconference options. Currently parent members are needed at Community Use of Schools (CUSCAC) and the Inner Cities (ICCAC) committees. I Co-Chair both these committees, please reach out for more information or visit https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Community/How-to-Get-Involved/Community-Advisory-Committees
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Empowering Students to be Agents of Change
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| Climate Action Week and Walkout
This week, September 23rd - 27th, the UN is engaged in debates about future climate action. The week's climate events will be culminated in a "Global Climate Strike" on Friday September 27th. Millions around the globe will walk out of workplaces and homes to join young climate strikers on the streets in support of their "Fridays for the Future". Greta Thunberg, the 16yr old Swedish activist, has inspired protests every Friday this year to inform the public about the lack of effective climate legislation around the world. This Friday a Climate rally and march is planned for Queen's Park at 11am. Many students may choose to participate in this walkout and rally. The TDSB respects student voice and student choice. Accordingly students who chose, with their parent's permission, to participate in the Climate rally will not be penalized academically for leaving school. Many local schools will also be running environment and climate education activities for those students who do not attend the rally.
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Orange Shirt Day - September 30th
Orange Shirt Day is marked across Canada in a variety of ways, including Orange Ribbon campaigns, commemorative walks, and wearing orange shirts. On September 30th TDSB staff and students are invited to recognize the impact and legacy of residential schools by wearing orange and engaging activities that reflect the Truth and Reconcilliation process.
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| Eco-Schools and October Walk-to-School
Did you know October is International Walk to School Month?
On October 2nd, students, families, and staff are encouraged to join schools across the country in celebrating International Walk to School Day (iWALK/iWHEEL), a day that celebrates all forms of active transportation including walking, cycling, scootering and/or travelling using a mobility device. If you're feeling up to the challenge, consider celebrating active transportation all month long!
For resources including posters and event ideas, click here.
"Building Hope and Resilience Through Climate Action: Empowering Students To Be Agents of Change"
This year's Eco-schools theme is "Building Hope and Resilience Through Climate Action". Workshops are being held in October to explore how educators and community members can further encourage students to be passionate, positive, and part of the world as global citizens, and collectively transform schools into communities of hope and activism.
NEW! The Kick-offs are full-day sessions open to elementary staff (including daycare and caretaking staff, and office administrators), parents, Trustees, and Superintendents. Don't miss out on this opportunity to build your EcoSchools community! We strongly encourage you to send 2 adults to represent your school.
Register now on Key-to-Learn for 1 of the 6 full-day Kick-offs at a location that is convenient for you. Parents - ask your school administrator about attending as part of your Eco-Team.
Time: 8:30 am to 3:15 pm
Dates/Location: October 2, 4 or 17: Japanese Cultural Centre - 6 Garamond Court
Dates/Location: October 10 or 16: TDSB West Ed. Office - 1 Civic Centre Court
Date/Location: October 15 at UofT Scarborough Campus - 1265 Military Trail
When: Saturday, October 26th, 2019
Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Where: OISE (University of Toronto) 252 Bloor St. West
Information: Conference schedule and workshop details can be viewed here.
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Ontario Families School Walk-in - October 10th
Walk-Ins for Education are being organized all over Ontario. A Walk-in is a gathering of the school community members outside the school to advocate for quality public education and continued investment in public education.
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Ward 16 Schools Update
Crescent Town P.S. Bridge - Over the last several months agreements were reached between the TDSB, Pinedale Properties, and the City of Toronto to begin reconstruction of the pedestrian bridge between Pinedale apartments and Crescent Town Public School. Construction teams have been working on the on-site structures and supports, readying the site for a modular steel bridge to be installed this fall. The new modular design will allow for easier maintenance and repair in coming years.
Secord P.S. Capital Project Proposal. - Late in August of this year the Ministry of Education invited school boards to apply for Capital Project funding (deadline Sept 30th). Each school board may submit up to 10 project proposals that the Ministry then evaluates with their own criteria before deciding on funding. In June 2018 the Board of Trustees approved adding Secord P.S. to the Capital Projects list (replacement of the port-a-pack). ** A significant change to the TDSB Secord P.S. proposal was approved on September 25th, including building an entirely new school with expanded childcare facilities, a full size gymnasium, and the capacity to accommodate local growth. I will be on hand at the next Secord School Council meeting to convey more information and answer questions.
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Labour Negotiations Update
School boards and unions share a commitment to public education and work together towards positive labour relations. The collective bargaining framework for the education sector features a two-tier bargaining process, involving both "central" (Province-wide) and "local" bargaining.
Sept 25th Update - The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has announced that its members will begin a job action, sometimes referred to as work-to-rule, on Monday, September 30. At the TDSB, CUPE represents school support staff, such as caretakers, lunchroom supervisors, office/clerical staff and Designated Early Childhood Educators.
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Changes to TDSB French Programming
In 2017-18 the TDSB conducted a Board-wide French Program Review. To address issues with program equity, access, consistency, and resources staff developed a set of program recommendations that were approved earlier in 2019. As a result locally administered programs including late entry extended French will be phase out and JK and Gr.4 French Immersion will be introduced across the TDSB.
- Junior Extended French (Gr. 4 Entry) Last Entry Class - September 2020
- Extended French (Gr. 7 Entry) Last Entry Class - September 2020
- Cosburn Intensive Extended (Gr. 6 Entry) Last Entry Class - September 2020
- Immersion French (Gr. 4 Entry) - Continuing
- SK Early French Immersion Final Entry at SK - September 2022
- JK Early French Immersion First Entry at JK - September 2022
For additional details, please read the full program update here.
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2018-19 EQAO Results Released
Principals at individual schools present local EQAO results to the parent community (e.g. at a school council meeting) after they have had a chance to analyse the detailed data and develop a plan for additional resources. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss and understand both EQAO testing and you local School Improvement Plan.
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Community Use of Schools Update
Community Use of Schools was a Ministry of Education program that supported community programming in our local schools. Funding was provided to all school boards to make school space, both indoor and outdoor, more affordable for use after hours for not-for-profit community groups. In addition, not-for-profit groups had free after-school access at 220 "priority schools." This allowed eligible not-for-profit groups to offer more affordable or free programs in communities where the need for access is greatest.
Over the last year the Ministry has eliminated both the "Priority Schools Initiative" and the Community Use of Schools funding and reduced the Focus on Youth employment program. This has resulted in the reduction or elimination of partnership programs across the province. At the TDSB we elected to provide bridge funding (>$1 million) for 2019 March Break and Summer Programs in our schools and this fall we continue to accommodate some community programs at 44 of our "formerly PSI" schools during regular caretaking hours. Unfortunately the TDSB cannot provide funding for after-hours or weekend programs or fund PA day, March Break or Summer programs. We realize that many of our non-profit partners cannot afford to pay for permits and we continue to work with individual organizations to support community programs. We value our Community Partners and encourage organizations to reach out for more information and support.
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TDSB to Provide Free Menstrual Products to Students
Trustees recently voted to secure access to free menstral products for TDSB students. In collaboration with community partners each school will be supplied with free menstral products to support student need starting fall 2019. Roll out will start with Gr 7-12 and progress to include Jr elementary schools.
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Community Groups and Youth Programming
The following organizations would like you to know more about their youth programs:
- Navy League Cadet Corps - NLCC Ark Royal, a member of Navy League Canada and Navy League Ontario, run youth programming throughout the school year on Wednesday afternoons at the Woodbine Legion. Please visit www.facebook.com/arkroyalcadetcorps/
- Provincial Page Program - Each year approximately 150 Grade 7 and 8 students from across Ontario are selected to participate in Ontario's Legislative Page Program. This program provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over province! Page applications are accepted online from September 15th to November 15th. https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/programs/page-program/application-process
- International Languages Elementary and African Heritage - The TDSB takes great pride in providing International Languages and African Heritage programs to all students from K to Grade 8. No background knowledge is necessary and we encourage students to explore all languages. Registration starts the week of September 16. You can check the programs available in the brochure by clicking the link:
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/Elementary/docs/Complete_2019-2020_Brochure.pdf
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City of Toronto Updates:Councillor Bradford's Newsletter - Please follow the link below to Councillor Brad Bradford's most recent newletter. There are important updates that impact our school communities including "Addressing Gun Violence", "Significant Road Closures - Queen & Kingston", "Temporary Closure of Pool at S.H. Armstrong", " Have Your Say on Children's Services Plan (childcare)", "Rehabilitating the Crescent Town Pedestrian Bridge", "Traffic Safety at Lakeshore & Woodbine".
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Traffic Safety Consultation
On the first day of school, Mayor John Tory announced that the city wants to install 50 speed enforcement cameras in school and community zones - the province needs to pass legislation to do this.
The province's amendments would allow municipalities to: a) adopt, at their discretion, Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) systems in school zones and community safety zones on roads with a speed limit under 80 km/h in order to address speeding; and b) gain acceptance into Ontario's Red Light Camera (RLC) program.
You can provide feedback to the Province until October 3rd to help make traffic around our schools safer - for more information please click here https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=30227&language=en. Toronto Public Health
Toronto Public Health recently produced a comprehensive report on the City's Health and Wellbeing titled "T.O. Health Check". This report contains important information for families including updates on youth fitness levels, vaping and e-cigarettes, declining vaccination rates, and access to services. Read the full report here: T.O. Health Check
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Community Consultation Meeting:Main Street Planning Study Community Meeting #3
The City is holding a Community Consultation meeting and update for the Main Street Planning Study.
October 7, 2019 from 7pm - 9pm
Hope United Church
2550 Danforth Avenue (at Main)
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Provincial Updates
Financial Accountability Office (FAO) -- Expenditure Estimates 2019-20: Ministry of Education
Earlier today, the Financial Accountability Officer, Peter Weltman, released a report on the 2019-20 expenditure estimates for the Ministry of Education. The FAO “provides independent analysis on the state of the Province’s finances, trends in the provincial economy and related matters important to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.”
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TDSB Budget and Staffing Update
Significant changes have been made or are still being made to staffing and how programs are being delivered or managed across the TDSB. Many of the staffing changes are "central" (supporting the TDSB as a system), however Provincial cuts to specific education grants does directly impact Secondary Teachers, caretaking, guidance, and community programs. Please note that not all programs have been fully implemented and "missing" programs or supports will reappear as the program is rolled out for the year. In many cases programs have been redistributed to schools that have not previously had access. Please feel free to contact me with specific questions at your school.
ArtsJunktion Update - ArtsJunktion management has been transferred to the Sustainability Office. Beginning on Monday, October 7, 2019, staff will operate ArtsJunktion on Mondays from 1 to 5:30 p.m. in its existing location at Ossington/Old Orchard Junior School (380 Ossington Avenue – Basement). Staff For inquiries, please call 416-393-0894 or email ArtsJunktion@tdsb.on.ca.
TDSB Senior Team - There have been significant reduction and changes to TDSB senior staff and to the portfolios they manage (as well as the staff that support these portfolios). Please see the infographic below for an overview of the new team management structure:
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| Federal Election Resources for Parents and Students
The Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) has developed a Federal Election Resource Guide to aid discussion around elections and important public education issues. Public Education is not just a Provincial issue (the Ontario Legislation is in recess until Oct 28th), this is an excellent time to engage your local candidates in discussions. OPSBA advocates for non-partisan strategies to engage politicians on issues that affect public education and our children and youth.
Federal Issues for the School Board Sector (read about these in the Guide)
- Children and Youth Mental Health
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Student Nutrition
- Cannabis Legalization – Introduction of Edibles and regulating access
- Indigenous Education
- Settlement Services for Immigrant Children and Youth
- Technology & E-Learning
- The Role of Local Democratically Elected Trustees
- Private School Funding
- Capital-Related Issues (e.g. school buildings)
Download the full OPSBA guide here .
Local School Election Participation - All Candidates Meetings and the Student Vote
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Other Upcoming Events:
- Ontario Universities' Fair 2019 - Sep 27 - 29, 2019 - 10 am - 5 pm daily - Metro Toronto Convention Centre - Free admission
https://www.ontariouniversitiesfair.ca/ - TDSB Secondary Open Houses (beginning Oct 2nd) - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/OpenHouse
- Ontario College Information Fair - Oct 23 - 24, 2019 Enercare Centre
- 2020 Prime Minister's Awards Nominations Now Open - 2020 nomination packages are now available at www.pma.gc.ca. The nomination deadline is January 14, 2020.
This program honours innovative and outstanding elementary and secondary school teachers and early childhood educators who are helping prepare Canadian youth for the challenges of tomorrow. Looking for inspiration from 2018 awardees? Check out Bowmore's Mr. G. Seater.
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| Provincial Class Size Information:
Last week many schools underwent "restructuring" where class sizes and teachers were adjusted to reflect up-to-date enrollment in each school. For those new to the education system - "restructuring" occurs each fall because the school's classroom plan is laid out in the spring of each year and enrollments can change over the summer and early fall. Below you'll find information about Provincial class size parameters and recent changes to the funded class sizes. Please note the difference between "system average" class sizes and "class caps" in each age range:
- Full Day Kindergarten (FDK): A system average of no more than 26.0 students per class. A cap or maximum of 29 students in any class. The Board is permitted to exceed the cap in 10% of Kindergarten classes if there is no purpose built kindergarten space available or for program purposes. All Kindergarten classes except those with 15 or fewer students are required to have a teacher and a Designated Early Childhood Educator (ECE). Classes of 15 or fewer students are required to have a teacher only.
- Grades 1-3: A cap or maximum of 20 students in any class. The Board is permitted to exceed the cap in 10% of Grade 1-3 classes up to a maximum of 23 students
- Grade 3/4 Combined Grade Classes: A cap or maximum of 23 students in any class
- Grades 4-8: Classes are required to have a system average class size of 23.24 students based on collective agreements with ETFO but are actually being funded by the Ministry of Education at a system average class average of 24.5 students. ($9.5M cost to the Board
- Grade 9-12 - On March 15, 2019 the Ministry of Education advised that secondary system-wide class size average will transition to 28.0. The Secondary Per-pupil funding in the Grants for Student Need has already been cut to the 1:28 ratio. For this year the Ministry of Education has provided "attrition funding" to bridge the difference between the number of full time teachers who retired this summer and the 1:28 ratio. Each School Board will have slightly different numbers this year, however attrition funding places the TDSB system average around 23.6 students for the 2019-2020 school year. Existing collective agreement with OSSTF (Secondary Teachers) places class size caps on classes based on level (e.g. Academic classes have a cap of 30, Applied classes have a cap of 23, Locally Developed classes have a cap of 14). Each secondary school is permitted to exceed the cap by 10% in 10% of classes.
- Note not all teachers are covered by the Ministry's attrition funding. For example, those positions funded by the Local Priorities Grant, part-time teachers, Long Term Occasional teachers, teachers working in support positions (e.g. Guidance), and teachers working in "central positions" (e.g. learning or reading coaches) were not protected by attrition funding. As a result there have in fact been layoffs of secondary teachers.
- Local Priorities Funding - the Ministry of Education decided to discontinue the Local Priorities Grant as of August 31, 2019. As a result the additional teaching positions funded by this grant have been lost across the system.
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School Year Calendar 2019-2020
For more information about important dates and holidays for the upcoming school year, please refer to the 2019-20 School Year Calendar.
The last day of class for elementary students is June 25, 2020
The last day of class for secondary students is June 23, 2020
PA Days & Statutory Holidays
- Board-wide PA Day October 11, 2019
Thanksgiving October 14, 2019
Board-wide PA Day November 15, 2019
Board-wide PA Day December 6, 2019
Winter Break December 23, 2019 to January 3, 2020 (inclusive)
Last day of school is December 20, 2019
School resumes January 6, 2020
Elementary PA Day January 17, 2020
Secondary PA Day (Semestered Schools only) January 30, 2020
Board-wide PA Day February 14, 2020
Family Day February 17, 2020
March Break March 16 to 20, 2020
Good Friday April 10, 2020
Easter Monday April 13, 2020
Victoria Day May 18, 2020
Elementary School PA Day June 5, 2020
Secondary School PA Day (Full Year Schools only) June 24, 2020
Secondary School PA Day June 25, 2020
Board-wide PA Day June 26, 2020
- Please also note the 2019-2020 Days of Significance - Please refer to the full list of dates and resource guide for school planning
Rosh Hashanah begins sunset of Sunday, September 29, 2019 and ends nightfall of Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Yom Kippur begins sunset of Tuesday, October 8, 2019 and ends nightfall of Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Hanukkah begins sunset of Sunday, December 22, 2019 and ends nightfall of Monday, December 30, 2019
Passover begins sunset of Wednesday, April 8, 2020 and ends nightfall of Thursday, April 16, 2020
Ramadan 2020 will begin in the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2020 and ends in the evening of Saturday, May 23, 2020 (dates may vary)
Eid al-Fitr 2020 will begin in the evening of Saturday, May 23, 2020
- EQAO
Gr. 9 Math: 1st Semester: January 13-24, 2020
Gr. 9 Math: 2nd Semester: June 2-15, 2020
OSSLT: March 31, 2020
Primary/Junior EQAO: May 19-June 1, 2020
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