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| Shelley Laskin, Trustee
Toronto District School Board
Ward 8: Eglinton-Lawrence & Toronto-St Paul's
416-395-8787
Shelley.Laskin@tdsb.on.ca
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"2.33 million Torontonians – 83% of those eligible – are now fully vaccinated. We only need 196,000 people to get both shots to get to 90%. And of those 196,000, more than half already have their first dose. Millions down, just thousands to go. Toronto, we can do this."@Joe_Cressy viaTwitter
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In this Issue:- Save the Date - Virtual Ward 8 Forum, November 18
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
- TPH Update
- 2022-23 Grants for Student Needs (GSN)
- Environmental Action
- TDSB Hub
- Committee Meetings this Week
- Policy Consultations
- New Invitations -
- Items From Laskin Week - Worth Repeating - Book Launch; Holocaust Education Week; Early French Immersion; Different Booklist Cultural Centre Virtual Event; Virtual Drop-Ins, TRC Arts Event; Trustee Code of Conduct Consultations; Restarting School Immunization Programs; No Dogs Allowed on School Property
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Save the Date - Virtual Ward 8 Forum - PIAC/FSLAC Elections and "Combatting Hate"Thursday, November 18 from 6:30-8:30
At the Ward Forum from 6:30-7:00 we will be holding elections for both our representative and alternate of the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) and an alternate for the French as a Second Language Community Advisory Committee (FSLCAC). These are critical positions to ensure our Ward is well represented and are 2-year terms.
- The purpose of the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) is to support, encourage and enhance parent engagement at the board level in order to improve student achievement and wellbeing. O. Reg. 330/10, s. 6.
- The French as a Second Language Advisory Committee (FSLAC) is a parent advisory committee of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to support parents and to be their voice on French programs at the Board.
If you are interested, please complete the Nomination Form. The deadline to submit the Nomination Form is: Friday, November 12, 2021 at 12 noon. A list of candidates and their bios will be posted on November 15, 2021 on the Trustee's page at: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward8/.
Last week I attended a session sponsored by the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Museum of Tolerance called "Combating Online Hate in Schools". I asked if it could be adapted for parents and caregivers and I am pleased to let you know that from 7:00 - 8:30 we will host a session for parents and caregivers on "Combatting Online Hate" - program description:
- The internet and social media are confusing and everchanging spaces for parents, guardians and caregivers to understand! This presentation will explore how young people use social media, the challenges they face, and how hateful content manifests online. We will explore resources which will help you support young people in becoming responsible digital citizens and managing difficult situations online. Bring your questions and concerns and connect with others to work towards supportive and empathetic strategies to guide your children through the online world.
Please watch for more information and how to register next week.
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COVID-19 UpdateThe most important thing we can continue to do for ourselves and others, especially children who cannot yet be vaccinated is to get our shot.
Vaccine Opportunities This Week
The TDSB will continue to help facilitate vaccination opportunities and clinics within our schools, together with local health partners as we have over recent months. This week's clinics are for those born in 2009 and earlier - no appointment is needed.
Staff Vaccination Status
The Ministry of Education requires all school board employees in Ontario to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status. Below, you will find TDSB staff disclosure data as of October 22, 2021.
- Total number of individuals to which the policy will apply: 39,845
- Total number and percentage of individuals who have attested to being fully vaccinated: 33,917 or 85%. Of those that have completed the attestation form, 93% are fully vaccinated.
- Total number and percentage of individuals with approved medical exemptions for not being fully vaccinated: 5 or 0
- The number and percentage of individuals who have not yet submitted an attestation form: 1,740 or 4%
The TDSB continues to contact staff directly to complete the attestation form. It’s thought that many of the those who have not yet completed the form are casual employees who may not have worked for the school board yet this school year. Of note, the TDSB is currently in the process of implementing a Mandatory Vaccine Procedure for staff, trustees and other individuals who have direct contact with staff or students at a TDSB workplace.
Please note that staff has made the decision to continue to implement the mandatory vaccination procedure beyond the November 1st deadline. While staff who have not submitted their attestation or rapid antigen testing results will be put on home assignment without pay as of November 2nd, the full implementation will take place over the following three weeks. This decision was based on feedback from system leaders, a longer than anticipated time required to review a significant number of requests for exemptions, and in order to ensure continuity in students’ learning and care and important business processes. Additional information will be provided to Trustees at Planning and Priorities on Thursday.
COVID-19 Advisories
COVID-19 Advisories - This page provides a list of the active confirmed cases and resolved cases of COVID-19 among students and/or staff in TDSB schools. Please note that all schools where there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 will receive a letter from Toronto Public Health (TPH) to inform them about the possible exposure.
- As of October 22, 1,090 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Ontario's publicly funded schools in the past 14 days. This compares to 1,282 last Friday and 1,493 the week before. Of those cases, 981 are students, 106 are staff, and three are not identified. Two of the 4,844 schools in the province are currently closed.
- In the TDSB, as of October 22 at 4:30, there were 242 student cases and 31 staff cases with 131 cases resolved. No schools were closed.
We will continue to monitor opportunities that would provide staff and/or their families the opportunity to self monitor their COVID-19 status. And we will continue our advocacy to the government that COVID-19 vaccinations be added to the list of compulsory vaccinations for all eligible students.
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Toronto Public Health UpdateAt the Board Meeting Wednesday, Toronto Public Health (TPH) presented their latest data. Their COVID-19 Guidance: Elementary & Secondary Schools was last updated on October 23, 2021 at 11:10am.- Call Toronto Public Health 416-338-7600 8:30 am to 8:00 pm / 7 days a week
- Text the word VACCINE to 1-833-750-0888 to be connected with resources including appointment bookings & information on vaccines
- Follow TPH on Instagram/Twitter (@TOpublichealth)
- Visit toronto.ca/covid19
What did we learn from TPH?
Community transmission is the main reason for cases being brought into school - does not always result in transmission/outbreak in the school setting.
- Mixed cohorts result in more student dismissals e.g. recess/lunch cohorts, extracurricular - and that is the rational for a 45 minute lunch in secondary school
- TPH continues to work with Province on the best use for rapid antigen testing in Toronto schools - the performance of the test is a consideration as are levels of COVID-19 in the community and frequency of testing influence false positive and false negative results
- Rapid Antigen Tests were recently used at Silverthorn CI for students and staff. Voluntary, twice a week for the next two weeks (distributed 5 tests per kit) as an additional layer of protection for students and staff as they return to school after a whole school dismissal.
Vaccines Ages 5-11
On Monday morning starting at 9:30am, the Toronto Board of Health will meet and the first item on the agenda is Dr. Devilla's Covid-19 update. Her update will include details on the vaccine strategy for 5-11 year olds in the city. Watch it here live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxNNud0vQrA.
- Health Canada is reviewing data on safety, efficacy and quality for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in this age group.
- The best way to protect everyone in your household now is for members born in 2009 or earlier to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible.
November is Another Critical Month
According to Joe Cressy, Chair of the Toronto Board of Health via Twitter referenced at the top of this update, the City is closing in on 90% of all eligible double vaccinated. Why is this important? TPH confirmed the 90% threshold is their minimum requirement to support returning to semesters in Semester 2 for secondary schools. As you know, as per Ministry of Education direction and in line with guidance from public health, the secondary school timetable is currently following a modified semester model where students take four courses, two each during alternating weeks. We understand a decision from the Ministry of Education on the secondary timetables for Semester 2, which begins on February 3, 2022 will be made in December based on the most current public health advice. Let's get to 90% in November so we can advocate for a return to regular semesters. Please get vaccinated... for the sake of our children - our students and staff.
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2022-23 Grants For Student Needs
On Friday, the Ministry of Education released information about their engagement process regarding next year’s funding - Grants for Student Needs (GSN). The 2022-23 Education Funding Guide focuses on Mental Health Supports, Reducing Administrative Burden and Red Tape, the Learning Opportunities Grant (LOG), Urban and Priority High Schools, and the New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP). Submissions are due November 26, 2021. Through our Finance, Budget & Enrollment Committee we will be preparing a response. TDSB Financial Facts provides the context for our funding concerns. Many of the issues will be similar to the 2021-22 Education Funding Guide Draft Response.
We continue to be concerned about this year's funding. At the last Board Meeting, Trustees supported the Chair in sending a Letter to the Minister: re Pandemic Funding Support and that was sent Friday. The letter requested that the Ministry release the second half of the Priorities and Partnership Funding to school boards and provide additional funding to offset the increased deficit due to enrolment (above the original 2% deficit school boards were allowed to incur and fund through reserves). Both of these requests would allow the TDSB to maintain smaller class sizes to continue supporting students effectively during the pandemic and to help alleviate public concerns around health and safety in our classrooms.
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Environmental Action
The TDSB has made environmental education a priority since the 1990s. This commitment has taken shape through several innovative programs, including outdoor education, supporting active and safe transportation, EcoSchools and a collaboration with OISE/University of Toronto for teacher education. The TDSB’s track record as a Canadian leader in environmental education provides a solid foundation for climate change education and action in schools. As October is October is International Walk to School month you’ll find resources to promote walking to school and lots of other great active & sustainable transportation. Check out the new Environmental Website.
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TDSB Hub
The tdsbHUB.ca is a collaboration between the Toronto District School Board Community Support Worker team and the families, students and communities that we work with. The website features a new toolkit created with Social Workers for our parents/caregivers. It explains the range of services offered to support the whole child. They are here to help and support.
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Committee Meetings This Week
October 27 - Governance and Policy Committee 4:30pm - Agenda- Specialized Schools and Programs Policy: Consultation Update
- Sharing Information on New and Revised Operational Procedures
- Policy Review Schedule 2020/21-2023/24 School Years
- Anti-Sex Trafficking: New Policy
- Information Flow Protocol Request for Information List: Update
- PR597, French Immersion/Extended French: Revised Procedure
- PR699, Management for Risk of Injury Behaviours: Revised Procedure
- PR575, Access to Schools by Third Party Professionals: Revised Procedure
- PR719, Digital File Storage: Revised Procedure
- Bylaws Review Ad Hoc Committee, Report No. 06, October 7, 2021
- Bylaws Review Ad Hoc Committee, Report No. 07, October 21, 2021
October 28 - Program & School Services Committee 4:30pm - Agenda - 5.0 Community Advisory Committee Reports
- 6.1. Elementary Alternative Application and Admission Procedures Feasibility: Update
- 7.1. Supporting Free Public Transit for High School Students (Trustees Tonks and Nunziata)
October 28 - Special Planning & Priorities Committee 7:00pm
- Staff Update - to be presented
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Policy Consultations
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is committed to open and inclusive policy decision-making and values community input and participation through consultation. Policy development and reviews are carried out in accordance with the policy review schedule that is approved by the Board of Trustees and is revised on a regular basis. To view the latest Policy Review Schedule please click here.
Please click on the policy of your interest to see the current draft. You are welcome to provide your comments, including suggestions on the wording and provisions of the draft policies, questions or recommendations using the contact information below.
Parent and Community Involvement Policy
- Objective: To establish a framework for building and supporting parent and community involvement in the Toronto District School Board.
- We are currently reviewing P023 – Parent and Community Involvement Policy and are inviting feedback from our community as we develop the first draft of the policy. Learn more, and share your voice, at www.tdsbengage.ca
Specialized Schools and Programs Policy
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A Different Booklist Cultural Centre Virtual Event - Oct 26
The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement in partnership with A Different Booklist Cultural Centre invites self-identifying Black-African, Afro-Caribbean, and Black community members to a virtual event on October 26, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Conversations will focus on how to promote meaningful and collaborative school-community engagement and how to implement the mandates of the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. Registration is now open.
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Holocaust Education Week
Just 76 years since liberation, a new challenge threatens the memory of the Holocaust. Spread instantly via social media and normalized through pop culture, the surge of Holocaust distortion, myths and misinformation has become increasingly common and dangerous.
It is evident in video game culture, the re-writing of Holocaust history by authoritarian leaders, the yellow star used by anti-vaccination protesters, memes with twisted Holocaust-laden imagery, the appearances of youth dressed as victims of the Shoah on TikTok—to name just a few recent examples. Protecting the facts, countering falsehoods, and safeguarding the memory of the Holocaust is at the core of HEW 2021. Join us November 1 for the launch of HEW 2021 to dispel the myths and misinformation that fuel antisemitism and hatred. Together, we will secure the legacy of the Holocaust and ensure that our society remains an inclusive and respectful place for all Canadians. Please click here for more information and complete programming https://www.holocaustcentre.com/hew-2021.
Please note many organizations across Canada are holding events for Holocaust Education Week and Holocaust Education Month - “All in the Telling” — An evening in Commemoration of Kristallnacht with acclaimed Canadian actor Saul Rubinek - on November 9 sponsored by the Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship.
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Early French Immersion
Students who will be entering Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten in 2022 will be eligible to apply to the Early French Immersion program during the November 2021 application period. Moving forward (2023), the only entry point for Early French Immersion will be Junior Kindergarten. The application to the Early French Immersion program will remain an online process managed by the Central French Department and will take place during the month of November. All information and the online application are available at www.tdsb.on.ca/french website or click on Early French Immersion. Early French Immersion: Applications must be completed online between November 1 and November 26.
French Immersion Virtual Web Chat Information Sessions for families interested in the application and placement process for the Early French Immersion program (JK and SK Entry for September 2022 only) will be held in November 2021. Please note: To participate in a live scheduled web chat, please visit this web page and a link will be available to join on the dates/times as outlined.
- November 8, 2021 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- November 15, 2021 - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- November 23, 2021 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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School Council Training 2021-22
Welcome to School Council! We are here to support you. For more information please contact your Community Support Worker (CSW). Find these events with more information and links on the tdsbHUB.ca calendar.
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Virtual Drop-Ins
Our Professional Support Services team offers weekly virtual drop-in times where you can connect directly with a staff member to help answer questions and provide support to help you and your child. The drop-ins are beginning this week.
➡️Tuesdays 10-11 am
➡️Wednesdays 7-8 pm (Complex Needs)
➡️Thursdays 7-8 pm
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Trustee Code of Conduct Consultations
The Ministry of Education is proposing to update O. Reg. 246/18 (Members of School Boards – Code of Conduct) of the Education Act to implement minimum standards for trustee codes of conduct to ensure consistent standards of behaviour for trustees across Ontario's school boards.
Even though OPSBA has had a template for many years that many boards already use, the proposed regulatory amendments would establish baseline standards of conduct relating to a number of areas, for example: Integrity and dignity of office, civil and respectful behaviour, uphold and respect human rights, respect the role of school board staff, respect for confidentiality, etc. The consultation process includes a backgrounder and a survey open to any member of the public until Nov 1.
The TDSB has had a Board Member Code of Conduct Policy since 2005. It was most recently revised in 2019. The policy establishes governing principles and standards for expected ethical behavior by Trustees. We are unclear why the government is considering revisions at this time, but I encourage you to use your voice.
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Restarting School Immunization Program Clinics
Have a child in grade 7 & above attending in-person learning? Toronto Public Health is restarting its publicly funded school vaccination program to protect students in grades 7 and up from hepatitis B, human papillomavirus and meningococcal disease. Starting September 14, students can receive these vaccinations by appointment only at city-run immunization sites. You can now book their appointment here http://tphbookings.ca.
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Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
Dogs are not allowed on school property at any time. Many people are surprised to learn that City of Toronto By-Laws and TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property.
As children begin to go back to school, please respect children’s play spaces. And please do not verbally abuse TDSB caretaking staff - I am hearing that when caretakers onsite try and inform dog owners, they are met with threats and intimidation.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- Board-wide PA Day - November 19, 2021
- The last day before the Winter Break is December 17, 2021
- First day back from Winter Break is January 3, 2022
- The last day of class for elementary students is June 30, 2022
- The last day of class for secondary students is June 29, 2022
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| Happy and Safe Halloween!
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