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March 2019 Newsletter
The Minister of Education, Lisa Thompson has recently made a number of announcements that will dramatically affect the students of the TDSB
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2019-20 Budget Survey
This a friendly reminder that the 2019-20 Budget Community Survey is available for TDSB staff, parents/caregivers, students and community members. We encourage you to complete the survey and share your views. Your feedback is valued and will help trustees develop this year’s Operating Budget in alignment with our Multi-Year Strategic Plan. The deadline is Tuesday, April 2, 2019.
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Kiwanis Music Festival at Earl Haig Secondary School
On February 26th, I visited Earl Haig Secondary School to take in the Kiwanis Music Festival. The John G. Althouse choir was performing and I had the pleasure to sit with some proud grandparents. I’m glad I was not a judge because I thought all the choirs performed brilliantly. Congratulations to the John G. Althouse choir on winning first place in their grouping. I fondly remember 12 years ago watching my daughters represent John G. at their Kiwanis Festival performances.
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African History celebration at Burnhamthorpe Collegiate Adult Learning Centre
It was my sincere pleasure to help celebrate Black History Month at Burnthamthorpe Collegiate Institute. The picture features Principal Patrick Knight and myself in front of some of the amazing African fabrics and designs provided by professional image consultant Brenda Foreman. The assembly featured a spectacular drum performance that had everyone on their feet and moving to the beat.
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Ward Forum on Responsible internet and social media use On February 28th, Dixon Grove Middle School and Principal Wendy Terro were hosts to my Ward Forum on responsible internet and social media use. The evening began with an energizing performance by the Dixon Grove Steel Drum Band. Police Division 22 Officer Megan McGarry gave a great presentation that was both informative and a little disturbing. She answered many questions that led to valuable discussions.
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Family Literacy and Numeracy Night Silverthorn Collegiate Institute hosted its first Family Literacy and Numeracy Night on March 5, 2019. It was a great night with students of all ages attending the various presentations. Parents were grateful and staff is already working on next year’s evening. Congratulations to Principal Sam Iskandar and the many staff volunteers who produced such a memorable experience.
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Math Night March 7th was Math Night at Wellesworth Junior School. Featured speaker was Trevor Brown who led an engaging group on a math adventure. It was a standing room only affair that had multiple workshops leading young minds in the exciting world of mathematics. The smiles were large and plentiful as the children solved challenge after challenge. Congratulations to Principal Elizabeth Ainslie and her many staff and parent volunteers who collaborated and provided the Wellesworth School community an extremely unique experience.
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Joint Budget Ward Forum on March 21st It was my pleasure to team with fellow Trustees Harpreet Gill, Patrick Nunziata and Chris Tonks on our joint Ward Forum March 21st, 2019. Etobicoke Collegiate Institute hosted the evening, many thanks to Principal Jeanette Plonka and Mr. Baker for all the support. TDSB Acting Associate Director Craig Snider delivered an extremely detailed presentation on the 2019/2020 budget process. In the month of March, trustees across the TDSB have hosted Public Consultation Nights. There were a number of great questions from concerned parents that led to challenging discussions relating to the recently announced reductions of TDSB funding. Parents have until April 2nd, 2019 to complete the TDSB Survey and assist trustees as we finalize the strategic drivers.
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March is Greek Heritage Month at the TDSBI had the pleasure of attending the celebration Wednesday March 20, 2019. The theme of the evening was “Wisdom, Hope and Love”. The evening began with a brilliant performance by Secord Public School’s Secord C-Chords. There was Greek food to be sampled and dancing to delight the crowd. There were numerous impressive displays of student work that reinforced the theme of “Wisdom, Hope and Love”.
Photo on Left is The Secord Public School’s C-Cords & Photo on Right is Picture is from Greek Dances by “Nea Elpida”
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April is Sikh Heritage Month at the TDSB
I hope staff, students and their families enjoy the celebrations and recognition of the considerable accomplishments and contributions of the Sikh community.
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Interested in Before and After School Programing?Students can enroll in the Extended Day Program at the school where they are registered as a pupil. Registration for the EDP is completed through a secure online registration system (e-Reg). Families will enter required information about their child, as well as contact information for parents/guardians. A one-time non-refundable registration fee of $50 will be required at the time of registration ($75 for 2 children or $100 for 3 or more children). This fee may be waived for families receiving child care fee subsidies.
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TDSB Earth Hour 2019
On Friday, March 29, schools across the TDSB are recognizing Earth Hour from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Schools are asked to reduce their electricity usage for one hour.
During Earth Hour, our school will be using as little electricity as possible in the office, halls, classrooms, library, gym, cafeteria. Where possible, schools will also be reducing their electricity usage over the weekend.
More information is available on the EcoSchools website.
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| High Water Levels Brings Increased Risks
The Toronto and Region Conservation monitors hazardous ice conditions as thaw begins and are reminding everyone to be very careful around all bodies of water. The first hint of warming weather and the promise of spring thaw can bring extreme danger to the shores and surfaces of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, according to Toronto and Region Conservation.
As warmer temperatures arrive, stream banks become increasingly slippery and unstable. Lake and river ice weakens, becoming thinner or with higher flows breaking with little or no warning. During this time, the potential for flooding and ice jamming is high.
Higher, faster-flowing water and extreme cold temperatures combine to create increased dangers on or near rivers, streams and ponds for people wishing to enjoy the seasonal changes. Parents and caregivers are being asked to keep children away from stream banks, ponds and lakes.
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Parents as Partners Conference 2019 This all-inclusive conference is organized by TDSB parents for TDSB parents, guardians and caregivers. Participate in workshops, network with parents and community agencies and learn new strategies to support your child’s success. Registration opens mid-February. Register early as there is limited space in each workshop. When: Saturday, March 30
Where: Beanfield Centre (formerly named Allstream Centre) 105 Princes' Blvd, Toronto For more information, visit https://www.parentsaspartners.ca/ .
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Each year, TDSB Trustees and staff work together to pass a balanced budget that best supports the achievement and well-being of all students. The TDSB’s annual operating budget is approximately $3.4 billion and we are committed to using these resources responsibly and effectively. Key discussions regarding the annual budget are scheduled for our Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (FBEC). Below you will find links to the proposed Committee Schedule, Timelines and Milestones. FBEC’s budget meetings are open to the public and take place in the Toronto District School Board Boardroom. Please note that these budget discussions will be videotaped and posted to our public website for those who may not be able to attend meetings in person but wish to review those meetings. We will be posting a link to those recorded meetings following the first meeting on Wednesday, January 23rd. Learn more about the TDSB’s 2019-20 Operating Budget: 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.
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