To the Students, Families and Residents of Ward 3,
Wishing you all the best this holiday season, below you can find some helpful information, news and useful links. Whether you are a student, parent or resident, as your elected representative for the TDSB, it is my role to advocate on your behalf. Should you require any assistance please don’t hesitate to email me at Patrick.Nunziata@tdsb.on.ca
Yours in community,
Trustee Patrick Nunziata - Ward 3
| |
Winter Break Reminder
As we approach the end of the year, we want to remind you that schools will be closed for Winter Break from December 25, 2023, to January 5, 2024. I hope that students enjoy this well-deserved time off and that everyone has the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming students and staff back on Monday, January 8, 2024.
| |
Celebrating Good News
I encourage you to read about some of the recent events, initiatives and great things happening across the Toronto District School Board, including:
| |
Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) Application Deadline
For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's system-wide French Immersion Program, we offer an online process to apply for Middle French Immersion (begins in Grade 4). To apply to the Middle French Immersion Program for September 2024, applications must be completed online between January 8 and February 2, 2024. Families with an older sibling currently in a Middle French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. For more information, please visit: Middle French Immersion or the Application Process. Interested families can apply via the Application Link. Information sessions will be held January 11 (7:00 p.m.), January 16 (10:00 a.m.), and January 22 (1:00 p.m.).
| |
Business Case for a new 823 Pupil Place School to Accommodate Growing Enrolment within a Provincially Designated Urban Growth Centre
A business case outlining the need for a new elementary school of 823 pupil places to accommodate current and future students residing within the Etobicoke City Centre area was submitted to the province last month.
This new school is proposed to be constructed on an existing TDSB-owned site located at 160 Silverhill Drive in central Etobicoke. A map showing the location of the site along with the adjacent elementary schools can be found in Appendix A. The site accommodates a small building constructed in 1954 that houses Etobicoke Secondary Alternative School. The proposal is to demolish the existing building and construct the new elementary school in its place. Etobicoke Secondary Alternative School is the only occupant of the building, and they would be relocated to another TDSB site in advance of demolition. This planned relocation is a study identified in the Board’s Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy and was included to acknowledge the need for a new elementary school on the site to accommodate rapid population growth in the area.
Wedgewood JS (JK-5) and Bloorlea MS (6-8) are the designated elementary schools for the area. Residential intensification in the area has caused enrolment at both schools, particularly Wedgewood JS, to increase substantially over the past 5-7 years. In 2018, enrolment at Wedgewood JS was 459 students, as of September 30, 2023, enrolment at the school was 585 students, representing an increase of 126 students (27%). The school has a capacity of 438 pupil places, which equates to a current utilization rate of 134%.
To accommodate this growth, a total of 7 portables have been placed on-site at Wedgewood JS. While the site is of a sufficient size to accommodate these portables (7 acres), the facility itself is not well equipped to handle further growth. Facilities staff at the Board have determined that the site/school has reached the maximum number of portables and students that can be reasonably accommodated.
The school was constructed in 1950 (73 years old) and has a very small gymnasium at only 2,100 ft2; about half the size of a gymnasium prescribed by the Ministry for a school of nearly 600 students. Other facilities such as the library are undersized and insufficient to accommodate the needs of a rapidly growing population. This is the situation at many junior schools constructed by the former Etobicoke Board of Education.
A new elementary school has been proposed rather than an addition at Wedgewood JS due to the projected number of students anticipated from future development. Enrolment projections suggest that additional pupil places well beyond that of the new school is required to accommodate the full buildout of the known residential development in the area. To this end staff are currently exploring options to reserve an opportunity for a future elementary school within the Etobicoke City Centre area, or future addition at Islington JMS, located to the east of Wedgewood JS.
This business case is a proposal and has yet to be selected, approved or funded, we look forward to supporting the process for a new school in this rapidly growing area of Etobicoke.
| |
Literacy Strategy Consultation
I am happy to inform you that the TDSB is developing a Kindergarten to Grade 12 Literacy Strategy which will set the direction, priorities, and goals for learning and teaching literacy over the next three years. And we want to hear from you! I encourage all TDSB parents/ guardians/ caregivers to share feedback anonymously through the online Literacy Strategy Consultation survey.
The survey will remain open until Monday, December 18, 2023
| |
Multi-Year Strategic Plan Renewal Next Steps
Thank you to everyone in the TDSB community who engaged in the MYSP consultation process to provide feedback and share ideas – we appreciate your time and efforts. Over the course of the extensive consultation process in 2023, input was received from internal and external stakeholders in several formats, including written submissions, via the MYSP online survey, and group discussions. As a next step, information from all engagement opportunities will be considered to identify themes for the renewed MYSP and a final renewed MYSP will be formally presented to the Board of Trustees for approval in 2024. Check www.tdsb.on.ca/mysprenewal for updates as the process continues.
| |
Elementary Alternative Schools Central Application Process
As you know, the TDSB has a wide range of elementary alternative schools available to students. The application process is managed centrally and includes an online application form. Information about the online application process will be available on the Alternative Schools website on December 11, 2023. The online application for admission for September 2024 will be open from Monday, January 8, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. to Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.
Elementary alternative schools will hold information sessions and/or open houses for students and parents/guardians/caregivers in December 2023 and January 2024. More information is available on the . There will also be two Elementary Alternative Schools live webinars, including one daytime and one evening session. Registration is required, and a recording of the webinars will be posted on the website.
The registration link for the December 12 webinar, from 1 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. is:
The registration link for December 13 webinar, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. is:
| |
Revised Out-of-Area Admissions Procedure
In May, 2023, updates were made to the Out-of-Area Admissions Policy (P013). On November 14, 2023, the revised Operating Procedure, PR545 was approved by Executive Council and will be going to the Governance and Policy Committee and the Board Meeting in January 2024 for information.
The changes in the revised Procedure will be reflected on the various public TDSB Out-of-Area Admissions websites. When applying for September 2024, applicants may submit one school/program choice in their application. The online application will be available on January 8, 2024.
| |
High School Open Houses and Information Nights
We are pleased to offer open houses and information sessions for students and parents/ guardians/ caregivers to help you make an informed decision when choosing a school. These open houses and information sessions are taking place between November and January! Please visit the website to learn more about our variety of schools, programs and courses and see the dates and times of scheduled Open Houses and Information Nights.
| |
Review of Legacy Technical and Commercial Boundaries
These outdated boundaries were established during a time of academic-vocational streamlining, but now hinder equity of access. The Board is proposing the dissolution of these legacy boundaries by September 2025 to provide equal access to all Toronto students.
The affected schools include Central Technical School, Central Toronto Academy, Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute, Northern Secondary School, Victoria Park Collegiate Institute, and Western Technical-Commercial School. The proposed changes would not affect current programs.
I encourage you to attend public engagement opportunities, which are scheduled for mid-January 2024 through three virtual meetings, details of which will be provided before the winter break.
A webpage dedicated to the review of legacy technical and commercial boundaries can be found here:
| |
Winter Weather and Student Transportation
From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices, or sites.
With approximately 236,000 students in 583 schools, any decision to cancel buses, classes and/or programs or to close sites can have a significant impact on thousands of families across Toronto. This decision is not taken lightly. When schools remain open on days with inclement weather, parents/guardians/caregivers make the final decision on whether to send their children to school and they can keep children home from school if they so choose.
| |
TDSB Student Census Results
In Spring 2023, the TDSB conducted its fourth Student Census, which resulted in a response rate of approximately 58% across all grades. The Student Census asks students important questions about school experiences and identities and is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system. Please visit the following link to view Student Census results on the TDSB website.
| |
Raise A Reader
It's time to bring the magic of reading to life once again, and we can't do it without your help. In this 3rd and final session of Raise a Reader, we will review and continue to learn new strategies to build and strengthen our children’s reading skills, enabling them to surpass their potential and instill a love for reading. To register for Part 3, please take a moment to complete the registration form below. This session will be taking place on Wednesday, December 6th, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, and will be virtual.
Resources from Part 1 and 2 are available for your reference, and you can access them here: https://sites.google.com/tdsb.on.ca/donnacardozacsw/raise-a-reader
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to TDSB Community Support Worker, Donna Cardoza, at donna.cardoza@tdsb.on.ca or call 647-403-5821.
Thank you for your commitment to your child's reading journey. We can't wait to learn and share together on Wednesday, December 6!
| |
Learn4Life Adult Community Programs - Winter 2024 Registration Now Open
I am pleased to share that the Winter 2024 registration is now OPEN for Learn4Life's Adult General Interest Program with courses in business, languages, art, music, sports, dancing, and more!
The variety of courses are open to adults 18 years of age and seniors. The Learn4Life program offers a unique and valuable opportunity for individuals to pursue their interests, expand their knowledge, and engage in lifelong learning with a wide range of courses and activities designed to cater to diverse interests and passions.
New courses this term include:
- Adventures in Photography
- Bringing Stories to Life Through Book Illustrations
- Create Your Own Natural Cosmetics
- De-Stress and Relax
- Pastry Arts for Everyone
- Golf Training Program
- Portuguese Essential Conversation
- Afrobeat Aerobics
Understanding Landlord Rights and Responsibilities
| |
New Community Adult Classes in January 2024
I am happy to share that the Community Services Unit-operated programs across the GTA are offering new start dates for various classes starting in January. These free and low-cost services and programs are designed for parents and adults seeking employment, new skills, and better opportunities.
For young adults who are out of school and out of work, the On the Road Construction training program and On the Line Culinary training program will start new sessions on January 1 and 8, respectively. Please note that these programs have very rigorous criteria for enrollment. To learn more about Community Services programs and services, please click here.
| |
Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy 2023-2032
On November 1, 2023, the Board of Trustees approved the Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy (LTPAS) for 2023-2032. The LTPAS helps the TDSB plan in a city that is always changing. The LTPAS enables the Board to plan studies to balance school enrolments among overcrowded and under-used schools, as well as increase access to programs for all TDSB students. The LTPAS is updated and approved each year. For more information, please visit the TDSB’s public website to review the LTPAS document.
| |
Ministry of Education Information Sheets
The Ministry of Education has created information sheets for parents/guardians/caregivers to keep you informed about important issues or initiatives and to help support your children reach their full potential:
Financial Literacy: Interactive online lessons for parents to use with their children which covers the value and use of money, managing personal finances such as budgeting and investing wisely.
Anti-Bullying: The guide, ‘Bullying: We can all help stop it’ has information about bullying, including cyberbullying, what you can do if your child is being bullied, has witnessed bullying or may be bullying others.
| |
Coping During War & Conflict: Video Series and Culturally Responsive Resources
I know our community is going through a period of unprecedented challenges, and we understand that it's crucial to find effective ways to manage our well-being. A video series and related resources have been developed by TDSB staff and expert facilitators to offer coping strategies during war and conflict to support the emotional and mental wellness of students, parents/guardians/caregivers, staff, and the broader community. Visit the Affinity Wellness webpage for videos and resources.
| |
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline 9-8-8
On November 30, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) through the Canadian Radio and Television Corporation (CRTC) announced a national three digit Mental Health and Suicide Prevention hotline number, 988. Learn More.
| |
Professional Activity (PA) Days
As you know, during the school year, school staff participate in a number of Professional Activity (PA) Days. Starting this school year, boards of education are now required to publicly share detailed information about PA Days, as outlined in Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 151. Please note, all information and details will be posted to www.tdsb.on.ca/PAdays at least 14 days in advance of the scheduled PA Day. Information for the upcoming PA Day on December 8 was posted on the PA Day web page on November 24.
| |
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6
On December 6, TDSB students and staff mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day coincides with the anniversary of the death of 14 young women who were tragically killed on December 6, 1989, at l'École Polytechnique in Montreal because of their gender.
On this national day of remembrance, we honour the memory of these women and reflect on the ways that gender violence continues to affect us. For more information, visit Status of Women Canada and participate in their #ActionsMatter campaign. To find out how you can help prevent violence against women visit www.ontario.ca/page/lets-stop-sexual-harassment-violence. Within the TDSB, please contact www.tdsb.on.ca/gbvp for further support or questions on any issues related to gender-based violence.
| |
Winter Outerwear Drive
One in every three children lives in poverty right here in our city and too many children come to school without proper clothing to keep them warm during the winter months. In addition, many TDSB students are new to Canada and this may be their first time experiencing a Canadian winter. The TDSB holds an annual Winter Outerwear Drive to help ensure that all students have warm winter outerwear to get to and from school, and are prepared to participate in all of the fun outdoor activities winter has to offer. You can support our students and their families by making a donation to provide warm winter coats, pants, hats, gloves, and boots. This year’s Winter Outerwear Drive will run from October 2023 to the end of February 2024. 100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations go to benefit our students. Tax receipts are available for these donations. Contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca for more information about how to donate new outwear items. Please donate here.
| |
We Have a Dog Problem
Current by-law rules don’t work for school grounds. As a result, many dog owners disregard our signage and don’t seem to care that children play on that same grass! With limited resources the TDSB must rely on dog owners to be responsible and unfortunately, so many aren’t.
Please respect children’s play spaces.
| |
Community Safety & Support
If you should you ever see any suspicious activity around school buildings after school hours, please contact 311, Toronto Police Services Dispatch at 416-808-2222, or the TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620.
If you or a family member is in crisis, please contact Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868 or get support right now by texting CONNECT to 686868.
| |
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, January 31, 2024. 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.
| |
|
