Keeping you engaged and informed
Keeping you engaged and informed
Ward 11 Weekly Update header
Week of October 7, 2019 

Labour Negotiations News

Please note - sorry for the delay in sending this out, but I just watched Education Minister Stephen Lecce's Press Conference and will shortly be watching CUPE's but wanted to get this out...
As of 9pm Sunday - The Minister has confirmed that this evening the Council of Trustees Associations (CTA) comprised of Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l'Ontario; Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques; the Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association; and the Ontario Public School Boards'
Association, reached a tentative settlement of central terms with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). As part of this settlement, CUPE will be suspending any and all central strike action effective today pending ratification of this agreement. Schools will be open Monday, October 7, 2019. 
Please continue to follow the TDSB website for additional details  
www.tdsb.on.ca/labour and follow @tdsb on Twitter.
Bussing
The following- from TSTG - Given the timing of the agreement, all buses will be running but delays are possible given the short notice available to update drivers.


Context
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 and local bargaining. Learn more about the process https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Labour-Negotiations/The-Process.

Central negotiations between the Government of Ontario (the Crown), public school boards represented by the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA), and teacher federations and education worker unions (including ETFO and OSSTF) remain ongoing. Visit the OPSBA website for the latest updates on central bargaining - https://www.opsba.org/advocacy-and-action/labour-relations.

The TDSB is currently bargaining locally with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). We anticipate local bargaining with the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) in the near future.

Ward 8 Forums

Because of the potential of a potential CUPE strike Monday's Ward Forum is being postponed. The new date will be confirmed shortly.
Please hold the following dates for future Ward Forums -
  • November 26, 2019
  • February 6, 2020
  • April 28, 2020
  • June 2, 2020

Standing Committee Meetings This Week

Please note that because of the uncertainty regarding the potential CUPE strike, Standing Committees for this coming week will be confirmed Monday. Please check the Board website for confirmation www.tdsb.on.ca
All meetings are open to the public - should you wish to speak to an item on the agenda, please follow this process - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations

OPSBA Legislative Updates

This week, OPSBA sent in two submissions to government regulatory postings regarding:
  1. OPSBA submission re: Proposed Regulations re: Enhancing Municipal Road Safety through Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE). These proposed regulations will allow municipalities to introduce photo radar in school zone and community safety zones. Our submission supported increased measures to improve road safety and our request for local municipalities and school boards to discuss the neighbourhood issue together. The submission is posted on our web site and was shared via twitter and Instagram. 
  2. OPSBA submission re: Proposed Regulations re: Education Development Charges (EDCs) and Notice by School Boards Prior to Acquiring Land. Our submission focussed on our continued advocacy for an increase in the charges to cover the actual costs of sites and the flexibility to support boards experiencing areas of growth. The submission is posted on our web site and was shared via twitter and Instagram.
OPSBA Federal Election Resource Guide for School Boards and Trustees
During federal elections, OPSBA advocates for non-partisan strategies to engage politicians on issues that affect public education and our children and youth. This week, OPSBA sent letters to the main parties asking questions about key education-related topics contained in the Guide. The Guide and the letters are posted on our dedicated web page: The 2019 Federal Election.

OHRC launches Right to Read public inquiry

The Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) launched Right to Read, a public inquiry into human rights issues that affect students with reading disabilities in Ontario’s public education system.
Students who can’t read will struggle in all aspects of school, and are more vulnerable to mental health disabilities, behavioural issues, bullying and dropping out. Life-long consequences can include under-employment, homelessness, involvement with the criminal justice system, and even suicide.

Students with reading disabilities have the right to learn to read. Yet, the OHRC is concerned that students with reading disabilities are not getting the supports they need. This is all the more troubling because reading disabilities can be remediated with early intervention and support.

As part of its inquiry, the OHRC will hear from parents, students and educators across the province from 8 different school boards - please note the TDSB was not one of boards selected for this study.
The OHRC will release a formal report on findings and recommendations in 2020. For more information, please click http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/news_centre/ohrc-launches-right-read-public-inquiry

Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement

For those observing Yom Kippur (Sunset Tuesday, October 8 through Sunset Wednesday, October 9), I wish you and those you love a meaningful fast -
G'mar Chatima Tovah - 
May you be inscribed (in the Book of Life) for Good

New Invitations

High School Information Nights

To help you make an informed decision when choosing a school, TDSB schools host open houses and information nights for parents and students each year between October and January. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Please click here for the schedule https://www.tdsb.on.ca/OpenHouseIf you have questions about a specific school or open house, please contact the school directly for more information.
Please note that not all programs/schools are open to Optional Attendance if you do not live in the school's catchment area. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability and program suitability. The procedures, conditions and timelines relating to optional attendance are described in the Optional Attendance Policy and the Optional Attendance Operational Procedure.

Each year in December, schools are classified as limited or closed to optional attendance based on the space they have available for the upcoming school year.

Notice - French Programs Application Deadline

For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's French Immersion or Extended French programs, we offer an online process.
At this time, we guarantee an offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) to all on-time applicants. The timelines for applying for these programs for September 2020 are:
Applications for Early French Immersion which begins in SK (for a Junior Kindergarten aged child), must be completed online between November 4, 2019 and November 29, 2019.
Applications for Junior Extended French which begins in Grade 4 must be completed online between January 6, 2020 and January 31, 2020. Please note that this will be the last entry class for this program as it will be transitioning out - Grade 4 Immersion Program will continue
Offers of placement within your chosen program will be made to all on-time applicants in the weeks following the close of the application window.

Please note that families with an older sibling currently in a French program are still required to complete an online application for the new student.
Please also note that transportation for French programming is currently being reviewed and there may be reduced bussing offered for all in French programming from 2020 and onward. Please note there may be uncertainty at the time of the application.
For further information about French as a Second Language programs, the application process and important dates, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/french.

Holocaust Education Week

From the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre
Holocaust Education Week 2019 examines the Holocaust from a universal perspective through our theme, The Holocaust and Now. Through multidisciplinary programming throughout the GTA from November 3-10, we seek to illuminate the relevance of Holocaust education to all Canadians and their concerns for the 21st century. The Holocaust continues to offer multiple points of entry for learning about the dangers of hatred while finding meaning and working to make a difference in our world. Programs will examine the intersections of the Holocaust with current events, inherited legacies, ongoing suppression of freedoms, and humanity’s will to make the world a better place. Despite some troubling results from a recent study commissioned by the Azrieli Foundation in partnership with the Claims Conference, 85% of Canadians agree on Holocaust education’s importance. The challenge that lies before us is to maintain its relevance before it fades from memory. Join us this year as we explore why the Holocaust matters NOW. Together, we can continue to build a brighter tomorrow for all.
The complete program is now available online with complete listings and program information. To download a digital copy of the print program guide, click here - https://cdn.fedweb.org/fed-35/2/HEW2019_program-with-schedule_LR_Rd.pdf

Reminders

We Need to Hear From You

Procedure - Community Consultation: Exemption from Health and Physical Education Curriculum 
In August, the Ministry of Education issued PPM162
On August 21, 2019, the Ministry of Education issued a memo (PPM 162) regarding exemption from instruction related to the Human Development and Sexual Health Expectations in the Ontario Curriculum: Health and Physical Education, Grades 1-8, 2019. In accordance with the direction, the TDSB is developing an operational procedure related to PPM 162 and is kindly requesting input of the Community Advisory Committee members on the forthcoming procedure.

Please note that this request for feedback on development of the TDSB’s operational procedure is separate from the TDSB’s usual policy consultation process. Due to the Ministry’s implementation timelines, this opportunity for comments will close on October 11th, 2019.
Visit the following page to participate in this opportunity: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBm6LFM4_r-h-LVkiwOkcqhV5fXC-bAvBHymzss0CyupgmFg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1
The Ministry of Education’s website with details on PPM162 can also be accessed here: www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/ppm162.pdf 

 
Policy - Transforming Student Learning in Literacy and Mathematics Policy (P038) Objective - To affirm the Board’s commitment to improve outcomes for all students and to develop and deliver strong, effective literacy and mathematics programs in all TDSB schools. Please read the draft policy P038  - and Email your comments to: helen.fisher@tdsb.on.ca or
anastasia.poulis@tdsb.on.caCloses October 17, 2019.
Social Networking and Online Safety
An Evening for Parents with Paul Davis - October 23, 2019 at 6:30 pm - Cedarvale Community School - 145 Ava Rd - All are welcome

Changes to French Programming

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 click here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/docs/QA%20Recommendations_ACCESSIBLE.PDF

Ontario College Information Fair

Oct 23 - 24, 2019 Enercare Centre 
2020 Prime Minister's Awards Now Open
2020 nomination packages are now available at www.pma.gc.caThe nomination deadline is January 14, 2020 at 11:59 a.m. (Pacific time).

School Year Calendar 2019-2020

The 2019-2020 school year at the TDSB begins on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 following the Labour Day long weekend. For more information about important dates and holidays for the upcoming school year, please refer to the 2019-20 School Year Calendar.

The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, inclusive.
  • The last day of class for elementary students is June 25, 2020
  • The last day of class for secondary (full year) students is June 23, 2020
  • The last day of class for secondary (semestered) 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
Also please note - 
  • 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

Also please note Days of Significance - click for the complete list 2019-2020
You may also find this Days of Significance Resource Guide helpful
Subscribe to our email list.