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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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"You can't just have the benefits of citizenship without the duties of citizenship." - Nicholas A. Christakis, from OPSBA PES
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In this Issue:- Happy Lunar New Year! Chinese Heritage Month
- African Heritage Month
- There is Much Work to Do
- COVID-19 Update
- Return to Regular Semester
- Kindergarten Registration
- Community Use of Schools Permit Update
- Committee and Board Meetings this Week
- TDSB System Calendar
- Policy Consultations - Naming Schools, Special-Purpose Areas, and Teams (P047)
- Key Dates - School Year Calendar 2022-23
- New Invitations - City of Toronto Reopening Community Recreation Facilities; Official Virtual Opening of African Heritage Month; Global School Play Day - February 2, 2022; Winter Walk Day - February 2; Opportunity to Join Ward 11 Virtual Ward Forum Feb 3 with Dr Janine McCready
- Worth Repeating - Grade 7-11 Students Needed - Student Equity Collective; Winter Well-Being Guide; FSWC Speaker's Idol; School Open Houses and Information Nights; Optional Attendance 2022-2023; Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voters Lists?; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
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Happy Lunar New Year on Feb 1st! Feb is Chinese Heritage Month
The Toronto District School Board is proud to recognize Chinese Heritage Month (CHM) during the month of February 2022.
This year CHM coincides with one of the most important Chinese celebrations, the Lunar New Year which begins on Tuesday, February 1st. Lunar New Year is also known as the spring festival and begins with the first moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first moon of the lunar calendar 15 days later. We encourage everyone to participate and make our Chinese Heritage Month spectacular. This year’s theme is Year of the Tiger – Brave, Compassionate, Adventurous, and Optimistic.
During the month of February, several activities will be shared to mark CHM. A poster contest was held and all students from the Toronto District School Board were invited to submit images that best reflected this year’s theme. The selected images will be posted shortly. All students and staff were invited to share their stories through the Chinese Canadian Memory Minute initiative (video link to be posted shortly). To learn about Chinese Heritage a power point was created highlighting the symbolism for various foods that are shared at festivals celebrated by Chinese Canadians. Further a Kahoots Trivia challenge was developed by CHM members for students to explore their Chinese heritage knowledge.
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February is African Heritage Month at the TDSB
During the month of February, the Toronto District School Board proudly recognizes African Heritage Month. It is an occasion to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of peoples of African descent to Canada and the world. The chosen theme for 2021-2022 is NIA: Walking in Our Purpose.
The first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine, introduced a motion to recognize February as Black History Month. The motion was carried unanimously by the House of Commons. In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada. At the Toronto District School Board, a motion to recognize African Heritage (Black History) Month was carried in January 2002 and reaffirmed again in January 2004.
An artwork created by students under the leadership of their teacher, Matthew Chapman, from Downsview Secondary Schools in 2020 has been updated to showcase this year’s theme NIA: Walking in Our Purpose.
The African Heritage Month Volunteer Planning Committee continues to name, notice, and disrupt anti-Black racism through their organized initiatives shared throughout the TDSB and commitment to hold space for Black students, staff, parents, and families, to heal, to celebrate and to thrive. We are excited to share more information about African Heritage Month. See more details on events during AHM. Follow Twitter @tdsbAFricanHM and Instagram @tdsb_african_hm. And join us for the celebration launch - see invitation below.
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There is Much Work to Do
Yesterday, was the first National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia to remember the victims of the hateful attack on the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City 5 years ago. And a few days before that was International Holocaust Remembrance Day to commemorate the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism.
And yet yesterday there was hatred on full display in Ottawa with Nazi flags and misappropriation of Holocaust related symbols and the Confederate flag and other signage and actions full of hate.
"As you know, hatred in all forms is on the rise and as a public education system, we have the responsibility to educate our students, staff and school communities about the way in which we can recognize, report and combat hate and discrimination. This work is reflected in our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and our new procedure, Reporting and Responding to Racism and Hate Incidents Involving or Impacting Students in Schools. However, there is so much more than we can do. Genocide Education is known to help students better understand their rights as humans, both individually and as a society, and also provide them with the critical thinking skills needed to better understand racism and intolerance. In return, this prepares students to recognize, report and combat various forms of hate in their own surroundings. For this reason, we believe Genocide Education is critical in our fight against hate and discrimination." We hope the province is listening.
In the meantime, it is up to each of us to speak out against hate and discrimination in all its forms - not just during Heritage Months or Commemorative Days, but each and every day. Our children are watching. We must do better. And if you need help discussing these traumatic events with you children, please see resources available.
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COVID-19 UpdateVaccines have always been about public health. It’s not about you. It’s about us. Please get vaccinated. Get your children vaccinated.
And please continue to follow all other public health measures - self-monitor, wear a mask that fits, wash your hands frequently, distance where possible and stay home if not feeling well. Sincere appreciation and gratitude to all health care professionals - let's all do what we can within our own power to ensure they can continue to support us.
How to Book a Vaccine- Learn more about vaccines for children and youth, including how to book and prepare for your child's vaccination appointment (Ministry of Education)
- Visit the How to Get Vaccinated webpage by Toronto Public Health
- Kids Health First -- developed by the Children's COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Table in Ontario - Although the recommended second dose is 8 weeks after the first dose, my understanding is parents can give informed consent for their child (5-11) to receive their second dose sooner when they book at the provincial booking centre - 1-833-943-3900.
- Please see A Parent's Guide to Vaccination.
- Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and youth? You can book an appointment with the COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service (VSC) to speak with a Registered Nurse to get answers to your questions. Appointments are available Monday to Friday.
- To cut through the confusion, family doctors have come together to help patients and the public make sense of the current COVID rules and realities. The 'Confused about COVID? Family doctors answer your questions' series offers patients and the public trustworthy advice about protecting their health and how family doctors can help.
Book a vaccine appointment online at the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button on toronto.ca/covid-19 or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).
Vaccine Hunters - Do-it-yourself resource for finding vaccine related info. Find details on eligibility, appointments, walk-ins, pharmacy search tools, vaccine receipts + more!
Vaccine Opportunities for Students
School vaccination clinics during the school day will continue to be established in consultation with TPH and Hospital partners. Schools will receive consent forms to be sent home with students aged 5-11 indicating if they wish their student vaccinated when a clinic becomes available. Clinics will be established based on number of consent forms received and availability of health care providers. During the vaccination clinics, schools will be allowed to have parent volunteers assist who are triple vaccinated. Doing our best to make it easy for parents and caregivers - you are invited to also get your vaccination or booster with your child in schools.
Super Supportive and Accessible COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
The City of Toronto, in partnership with the Accessibility Task Force on COVID-19 Vaccines is pleased to offer first, second, and third doses to anyone born 2016 or earlier. Moderna will be available for those aged 30+ and Pfizer for those aged 5 – 29 years of age. Physically accessible location and other accommodation supports will be available. Please note, walk-ins will be accepted.
- Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre
- Dates & Times: January 31, 2022 from 2:00-8:00pm
The clinic will accommodate those with mobility and other challenges facing them, including:
- ✅A fear of needles
- ✅Require a companion
- ✅Need an ASL interpreter
- ✅Pfizer & Moderna
- ✅1st, 2nd, 3rd and kids doses
- ✅Walk-ins & appts accepted
- ✅Metro Toronto Convention Ctr
Vaccine Opportunities for StaffEducation and child care staff can now book appointments at 10 health clinic locations across the GTHA. Appointments for any of these clinics can be scheduled through the dedicated FH Health booking website. The TDSB continues to work with Toronto Public Health and other local health partners to provide additional vaccine opportunities for staff.
Update on Screening Procedures
Please review and become familiar with the screening tool including the second page which provides direction on isolation measures in a variety of scenarios based on age and vaccination status. Please complete the TDSB Health Pass or Health Screening App daily. Anyone who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or is a confirmed positive case must self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status.
Update on the Implementation of Mandatory ProcedureStaff who have asked to be exempted are expected to adhere to the procedure by completing Rapid Antigen Testing 3 times per week as required by the Ministry of Education and the TDSB and adhere to all other health and safety protocols including daily screening. Senior staff have informed us that final decisions on these cases will be made in the upcoming weeks. Click for TDSB staff disclosure data as of 4:30p.m., January 26, 2022. 96.9% of staff are compliant (excluding staff on leave or seeking exemption).
Mental Health and Well-Being
Virtual office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays
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Return to Regular Semester
Following consultations with Toronto Public Health (TPH) and after receiving feedback from students, families and educators, it has been determined that all secondary schools will return to a regular timetable of a four-period day effective the first day of Semester 2 on February 3, 2022.
In Semester 2, the school day will continue to begin at the current time of 9 a.m. and will end at 2:55 p.m. Based on guidance from TPH, the current length of the lunch period will remain the same (45 minutes), however it will be reviewed as we enter warmer weather in Semester 2 and as COVID-19 circumstances change.
Students learning virtually in Semester 2 are expected to have their cameras on during class time. Zoom Backgrounds are available for students for privacy. Students can speak with their guidance counsellor, Vice-Principal or Principal about any concerns. Students who are learning virtually, and require a device with a camera and/or mic can make arrangements by speaking with their school vice-principal or principal.
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February is Kindergarten Registration Month
Registration for all TDSB Kindergarten programs begins in February 2022. You may choose to register using the online registration system or Virtual Face to Face, via Zoom.
Children who will be four by December 31, 2022, can start Junior Kindergarten in September 2022. Please note: Only parents or legal guardians can register a child for TDSB programs. Find your school.
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Community Use of Schools Permit Update
The provincial government recently announced a three-step plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions which will include resumption of indoor recreational activities. As a result, community permits will resume on Tuesday February 22, 2022 and a letter will be sent to all permit holders on Monday January 31, 2022 to notify them of this plan.
The resumption will include swimming pool permits, weekend permits and weekday evening permits that were initially scheduled to commence on January 17, 2022. Usage will be restricted to common areas such as gymnasiums, cafeterias, and auditoriums. Similar to the fall permit structure, there will be a limit of one group per school per night and 2 groups on the weekends, to allow time for enhanced cleaning to occur between and after each permit use. Priority will be given to Not for profit groups serving children, youth, and seniors.
Resuming community permits on February 22 will provide staff sufficient time to reestablish work schedules and prepare for community permits, and also time to clarify requirements set out by Toronto Public Health and the province. Permit holders will be required to submit an Vaccine Attestation form for every permit use and all participants must provide proof of vaccination to partake in a permit activity.
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Committee and Board Meetings This Week
Monday, January 31 - Special Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee 1:00pm - Agenda- 4. Medical Masks for Students
Wednesday, February 2 - Regular Board Meeting - Public 7:00pm - Agenda
15.1. Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 01, December 9, 2021
- 1. Contract Awards, Operations
- 2. Contract Awards, Facilities
- 3. Final Response to 2022-23 Ministry of Education Budget Consultation
- 4. Actual Enrolment as of September 2021
- 5. 2020-21 Financial Position and Reserve Status
- 6. 2022-23 Strategic Budget Drivers Consultation Plan
- 7. 2020-21 School Budget and School Generated Funds
- 8. Asset Retirement Obligation
- 9. Revitalizing School Grounds and Building Exteriors
15.2. Integrity Commissioner Selection Committee, Report No. 04, December 16, 2021
15.3. Governance and Policy Committee, Report No. 01, January 12, 2022
- 1. Anti-Sex Trafficking Policy: New Policy
- 2. P072, Workplace Violence Prevention: Annual Review
- 3. P023, Parent and Community Involvement Policy: Review of Community Advisory Committees
- 4. P048, Occupational Health and Safety Policy: Annual Review
- 5. Policy Review Schedule for 2021-2022 to 2024-2025 School Years: Update
15.4. Program and School Services Committee, Report No. 01, January 19, 2022
- 1. 2SLGBTQ+ Community Advisory Committee: Honoraria for Equity- and Sovereignty-Seeking Students: Feasibility
- 2. Alternative Schools Community Advisory Committee: Equitable Marketing
- 3. Alternative Schools Community Advisory Committee: TDSB Website: Find Your School
- 4. Alternative Schools Community Advisory Committee: Elementary Alternative Schools Enrolment Allocation
- 5. Community Use of Schools Community Advisory Committee: Terms of Reference
- 6. Parent Involvement Advisory Committee: Dealing With Incidents of Racism
- 7. Special Education Advisory Committee: Black Parents Support Group Alternate Representative
- 8. Special Education Advisory Committee: Individual Education Plan Access
- 9. Special Education Advisory Committee: Recognition of Attention-Deficit/HyperactivityDisorder
- 10. Update on the Implementation of Multi-Year Strategic Action Plan: Academic Pathways
- 11. Addressing Anti-Asian Racism: A Resource for Educators Implementation Plan
- 12. Caring and Safe Schools Annual Report Outline
- 13. 2022 Staff Census
15.5. Board Self-Improvement Planning Committee, Report No. 02, January 25, 2022
- 1. Staff Review of Annual Reports
15.6. Planning and Priorities Committee, Report No. 03, January 26, 2022
- 1. Toronto Lands Corporation: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute Field Recreation Inc. Dome Expansion: Lease Agreement
- 2. Toronto Lands Corporation: Islington Junior Middle School, 44 Cordova Avenue Crane Swing Agreement: Residences of Westerly Inc.
- 3. Toronto Lands Corporation: Ryerson Community School, 95 Denison Avenue Crane Swing Agreement: Dundas Alexandra Park Residences Inc.
- 4. 2020-21 Toronto Lands Corporation Annual Report
- 5. School Year Calendar, 2022-2023
- 6. Surplus Declaration of Parking Lot at 42 Brock Crescent
- 7. National School Boards Association Conference 2022: Application Withdrawal
- 8. National School Boards Association Conference 2022: Expense Approval
- 9. Increased Resource Support and Financial Flexibility to Ensure Multi-Year Strategic Plan Delivers on Equity and Students Achievement
15.7. Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 03, January 31, 2022 - To follow
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TDSB System Calendar
There are many ways for parents/guardians and school community members to get involved, learn, connect and participate in TDSB activities and events. Visit this page often and see what's coming up!
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Policy Consultations - Naming Schools, Special-Purpose Areas, and Teams (P047)
Please read the current draft of the proposed policy and complete the survey. 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.
Objective: To establish guiding principles and criteria for the naming and renaming of schools, special-purpose areas, and teams consistent with the Board’s Mission, Values and Goals Policy (P002) and the Equity Policy (P037) commitments.
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City of Toronto Reopening Community Recreation Facilities
The City of Toronto will be reopening community recreation facilities for drop-in programs and rentals starting January 31 in accordance with the Province's plan to lift some public health restrictions. Find more information.
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Official Virtual Opening of African Heritage Month
Everyone is welcome to join for a virtual celebration for African Heritage Month that includes speakers and entertainment.
Please join us!
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Global School Play Day - February 2, 2022
Almost 4,000 schools have already registered for Global School Day on February 2, 2022! Register for this free event bringing awareness to the importance of unstructured play! #GSPD2022.
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Winter Walk Day - February 2
Winter Walk Day (WWD) is an annual celebration of winter walking that takes place on the first Wednesday of February.
Schools across Ontario will celebrate WWD with special events on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022, or throughout the month.
Share your WWD Stories - Tag @OntarioAST #WinterWalkDay #WWD2022 #JourneyOutside #WinterWalk2School
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Opportunity to Join Ward 11 Virtual Ward Forum Feb 3 with Dr Janine McCready
Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin has graciously agreed to letting me tell you about this opportunity to join her Ward 11 Virtual Forum for this coming Thursday, February 3rd from 5:30-6:30pm for the first hour. Dr. Janine McCready of Michael Garron Hospital, an instrumental leader in Covid-19 infection prevention, testing, and vaccination efforts, as well as a tremendous resource and support to schools in East Toronto will provide us with the most recent data on Covid-19 vaccines for children and answer questions from parents and caregivers. You can register at https://t.e2ma.net/click/q5nwbf/al5zgv/qlsulo.
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Winter Well-Being Guide
Within this guide you will find a variety of culturally responsive resources and accessible activities to help make this winter a little easier and fun for you and your family. Information on where and how to reach out for help is also included. Read the Winter-Well Being Guide.
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Grade 7-11 Students Needed - Student Equity Collective
We are launching a Student Equity Collective. This is an opportunity to not only sit at the table, but to design what the table looks like, drive the conversation, and bring ideas, solutions and recommendations forward that address what you want to address.
If you are a TDSB student in Grade 7 to 11 with an understanding of, and commitment to, addressing racism, hate and all forms of discrimination; if you bring a passion and enthusiasm for collaborative problem-solving, idea generation and change, please apply by February 11, 2022 at 4pm.
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School Open Houses and Information Nights
Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Please note that some schools are hosting “live” virtual open houses that families can join in real time, during the specified date and time. Please check this page regularly, as schools will continue to post information about virtual open house dates/times and available pre-recorded information sessions. You can view the prerecorded sessions at any time by clicking the link provided. If you have questions about a specific school or open house, please contact the school directly for more information.
TDSB alternative schools are open and free to any resident of Toronto. Space in alternative schools is limited and students can apply to attend on optional attendance. The application process is different for each alternative school.
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Optional Attendance 2022-2023
Students who reside within the City of Toronto have the right to attend a school which is designated to serve their residential address. The "Find Your School" section of the website identifies the designated schools for each residential address. Students also have the opportunity to access schools outside of the school that is designated to serve their residential address by applying on optional attendance. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability and program suitability. Most schools in Ward 8 are closed to Optional Attendance.
If you are planning to apply to a TDSB Elementary school through the Optional Attendance process, please visit the TDSB Optional Attendance webpage to get up to date information.
Elementary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:- February 11, 2022 Optional attendance forms due at elementary school
- March 04, 2022 Deadline for parents/guardians to be informed of the status of the application request
- March 25, 2022Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer
Secondary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:- February 11, 2022 Date for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the application request
- February 22, 2022 Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer via email and submit course selections via MyBlueprint
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Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voter List?
The upcoming year will be a busy one for Ontario voters, with the Ontario Provincial Election and Municipal and School Board Elections happening just a few months apart. Are you on the voter's list?
For the Ontario Election on June 2, 2022. Ontario residents can visit Elections Ontario - Voter Registration to add, update or confirm your information on the voters list for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, Canadian citizens and residents of Ontario; Register of Absentee Voters for voters temporarily living outside Ontario who intend to return to the province; or Ontario Register of Future Voters for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds who will be automatically added to the voters list when they turn 18.
For the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections on October 24, 2022, Ontario residents can visit Voterlookup.ca at any time to find out whether their information is accurately reflected for inclusion on the Preliminary List of Electors for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections. Eligible electors can also update their information, add a name to an address, or change their school support for electoral purposes. Let's be ready.
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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.
Please respect children’s play spaces. And please do not verbally abuse TDSB caretaking staff - I am hearing that when members of the public and caretakers onsite try and inform dog owners, they are met with threats and intimidation.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- 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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