October Update – Trustee Sara

I write this monthly update with a heavy heart. So many in our community are deeply and personally affected by the violence unfolding in the Middle East. There are no words for what we are witnessing.

There have been increasing acts of antisemitism and islamophobia in our community, and I am saddened to be hearing from families who are worried about their children’s safety in their identity while at school.

All children have the right to live, learn, and go to school. It is my role as a trustee to uphold these rights in Toronto public schools. My focus is on fostering safety inclusion and belonging for all children and families in our TDSB public schools.

This includes all Muslim, Jewish, Arab, Palestinian, and Israeli students. This is also regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

The TDSB has an anti-hate strategy. Read more about reporting an incident of hate or discrimination.

Our schools are an important place where our children come together from different backgrounds for learning and development, and I am hopeful that our community will continue to support our schools and each other.

Take care,

-Sara

Board News

You can access agendas and minutes for all committee meetings once they are posted and information on delegating during committee meetings.

Recent Motions

There have been several motions that the board has supported of interest, including on student nutrition and endorsing the Toronto Youth Cabinet's statement on rising food insecurity. I was proud to work with Etobicoke Trustee Dan MacLean on a motion focused on improving kindness and respect in our schools. Read the full text of these motions can be found in this committee report starting on page 49.

Board Budget Schedule

Last month trustees approved a revised budget schedule that includes the following key dates for developing the 2024-25 TDSB Budget. As our public schools rely on provincial funding, these dates are subject to change based on when provincial funding announcements come in.

November 29: Update on 2023-24 enrollments
January 29: Update on reserves and financial projections for 2024-25 report
February 14: Draft options to balance the 2024-25 budget
Week of February 19: Anticipated public consultation
March 4: Approval of school-based staffing
March 26: Recommendations on the 2024-25 Operating Budget
April 25: Analysis of provincial Grant for Student Needs (GSN) (if available)
May 1: Draft 2024-25 Capital Budget
June 13: Approval of 2024-25 Capital Budget

In Our Community

3 images of a smiling woman in front of a sign, in a group of people, in front of a school

I’ve enjoyed joining several school and community events this month, including Wilkinson’s Fall Fest, The Greek Ohi Day Parade, and Danforth CTI’s centennial celebration.

Halloween

For those celebrating Halloween this week, I hope it is a safe and joyous time.

Six people standing in front of fun fair inflatables

Photo of Principal Shea, Mayor Chow, Councillor Fletcher, Trustee Sara, MPP Tabuns, and School Council co-chair Cara McCutcheon at the Pape Hoot and Howl.

Pumpkin Parades are back! You can find out information about pumpkin parades taking place Wednesday, November 1 at Degrassi, Leslie Grove, Felstead, Withrow, and Phin Parks through Councillor Paula Fletcher’s website

Reducing Respiratory Viruses

Toronto Public Health shared important information with schools on reducing the spread of respiratory viruses.

Everyone including children from 6 months and up can get their updated COVID-19 vaccine and annual flu vaccine at the same time you can book one appointment for both vaccines at Book an appointment at at TPHbookings.ca.

Vaccines are also available at pharmacies and some family doctors. Learn more on the city's immunization website.

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