Today is the International Day of Education
Recover and revitalize education for the COVID-19 generation
The International Education Day occurs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that led to a global learning disruption of unprecedented scale and severity. The closure of schools, universities and other learning institutions, as well as the interruption of many literacy and lifelong learning programmes, has affected the lives of 1.6 billion students in over 190 countries. As a new year begins, now is the time to step up collaboration and international solidarity to place education and lifelong learning at the centre of the recovery and the transformation towards more inclusive, safe and sustainable societies.
Deep gratitude to all educators supporting students and their families during this disruption... may the lessons we are learning lead to improved education opportunity for all.
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Schools Remain Closed Until at least Feb 10
The Government of Ontario announced that TDSB schools will remain closed to students and staff until at least Wednesday, February 10, 2021. During this extended closure, remote learning will continue. Click here for more information.
Please note, however, as per the Ministry, boards are “required to make provisions for continued in-person support for students with special education needs who cannot be accommodated through remote learning for whom remote learning is challenging." This includes students in our Education and Community Partnership Programs (ECPP).
How are these decisions made? As is the case with any accommodation, they are looked at on a case by case basis. This includes discussion between schools and families on how learning may be able to continue remotely given the current closure circumstance in Toronto. Following such discussions, arrangements for in-school learning for students with special education needs for whom learning cannot be accommodated remotely will then be pursued. Generally this particularly involves our students with complex medical and/or complex learning needs. Currently, we have 104 schools open serving 718 students. Currently there are currently 4 cases involving staff and 1 case involving students reported in these schools - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/In-Person-Learning/COVID-19-Advisories.
Please see emergency motion referenced below in relation to the safety for staff in these schools.
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Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being
Supporting Mental Health and Well-Being in the TDSB January 25 to January 29, 2021
It’s Bell Let’s Talk Day on Thursday January 28 and the TDSB is joining the conversation all week long to raise awareness and encourage discussions about mental health.
One in five Canadians will experience a mental health illness at some point in their life, and most will be cautious about talking about it or reaching out for help. For anyone living with a mental illness, stigma is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome. In fact, it is why two-thirds of people do not seek help. Bell Let’s Talk Day reminds us that talking is the best way to start breaking down the barriers associated with mental illness and accessing mental health support.
Covid-19 is affecting every aspect of our lives including a profound impact on our mental health and wellbeing. The pandemic has magnified historically deep-rooted economic, social and racial inequities which continue to disproportionately affect, in particular, Black, Indigenous, LGBTQQI2S+ and students living with special needs, in addition to other vulnerable and marginalized communities. We need to be flexible, creative, compassionate and culturally responsive to support the realities and lived experiences these students and their families face. From helping people to recognize stressors to being there for someone, all these actions support mental health and strengthen our school communities during this challenging time.
Join the conversation about mental health and well-being by following us on Twitter @TDSB_MHWB and using #BellLetsTalk all week to help raise awareness about mental health, stop the stigma of mental illness and, please feel free to #sharethegood to highlight good news in your school communities. And on January 28, 2021 - Bell Let’s Talk Day - Bell will donate more towards mental health initiatives in Canada by contributing 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, social media video view and use of our Facebook frame or Snapchat filter. Messaging volumes directly drive Bell's donations to Canadian mental health programs at no cost to participants.
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Programs for International Holocaust Remembrance Day January 27
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The Tattooed TorahPlease join us for this special event – a Canadian premiere and launch of “The Tattooed Torah”, exclusively for TDSB students in Grades 4-8.
Based on a true story, this short film (21 minutes) has won numerous awards at film festivals across the US and is even a contender for the Academy Awards!
This is presented by the TDSB‘s Jewish Heritage Committee, Liberation75, and the USC Shoah Foundation.
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Holocaust Survivor Andy Réti – A Ring of Love
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies is proud to be partnering with the Canadian War Museum to commemorate the International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27th.
On January 27 at 1 p.m. (EST), we invite students and educators from across Canada, as well as the public, to participate in a special virtual program. Join us for a conversation with Andy Réti — Holocaust survivor, author and motorcycle enthusiast — as he recounts his incredible story of love, survival and resilience during the Second World War.
Andy Réti is a child survivor of the Holocaust. He believes that “every Holocaust survivor’s story is a love story; the love of life, family and freedom.” Andy will share his incredible story of survival and liberation during the Second World War, followed by a question-and-answer period. The program is free, but space is limited so we encourage you to register soon. To register, please click https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_93NpJW-0TBmZB-AIox88LA
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Committee Meetings This Week
Delegation requests will still be accepted during the closure of all schools and administrative sites at the TDSB; however, oral delegations to address a committee of the Board will be presented by phone. To submit a delegation request (written or oral), please refer to the information found here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations and email delegates@tdsb.on.ca. If your request is approved, further details will be provided to you via email.
Planning and Priorities Committee (Special Meeting) Tuesday, January 26, 2021 4:30 p.m. Electronic Meeting
The purpose of the meeting is to provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Board on COVID-19 related matters.
- 4. Report From the Director of Education - Oral update
- 5. Report From the Chair of the Board - Oral update
- 6. Report From Representative on the City's Board of Health - Oral update
- 7. Report From the Directors on the Ontario Public School Boards' Association - Oral update
- 8. Report From the Chairs of the Governance and Policy Committee, the Program and School Services Committee, and the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - Oral update
- 9. Report From Representatives on the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee and the Special Education Advisory Committee - Oral update
- 10. Reports From Student Trustees - Oral update
- 11. Other Questions, Insights and Advice From Trustees to Staff - To be presented
- 12. Written Notice of Motion for Consideration
- 12.1 Vaccinations for Education Staff (Mammoliti and Brown)
- 13. Notice of Motion for Emergency Business
- 13.1 Vaccinations for Congregated Site and Intensive Support Programs Staff (Chernos Lin and Laskin) - I support Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin who is bringing forward an emergency motion calling for those staff currently working in person during the shutdown with our students who have complex needs to have immediate access to vaccinations. It is crucial that we advocate for as safe an environment as possible for both staff and students under these circumstances,
Note - at this meeting staff will share the most recent data on elementary transfer requests and will discuss elementary switch dates as well as Quad 3 transfer dates for secondary students.
We also expect to hear from staff on their conversations with Toronto Public Health since the release of the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) latest Report - COVID-19: Guidance for School Operation during the Pandemic released on J anuary 21, 2021. "SickKids-led group of Ontario experts updated their guidance document on school operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most significant changes include testing recommendations, enhanced physical distancing and non-medical mask use, emphasis on cohorting and updates to the section on mental health and wellness." https://www.sickkids.ca/en/news/archive/2021/covid19-updated-guidance-school-operation-during-pandemic/
Planning and Priorities Committee, Wednesday, January 28, 2021 4:30 p.m. Electronic Meeting
Community Advisory Committees and Statutory Advisory Committees:
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Learnings from the Ward Forum - Engagement“Thinking about school councils in a new way”. We were grateful to have Michelle Munroe, Central Co-ordinator, Parent and Community Engagement present. I will add her presentation and notes from the meeting to my website, but in the meantime - key learnings -
- Bylaws: Implement school council bylaws to provide parameters for meeting in a consistent way - keep them relevant to your school community. Show parents how your school works. Key components include dealing with Conflict of Interest, Conflict Resolution and Election Procedures.
- Conflict: Regulation 612 - ask that you create an outline on how you want to resolve conflicts for your school community. Everything works well until there is a conflict! Bylaws support that
- Reaching all parents: Let parents know their voice will be heard in all meetings. Everyone will have the opportunity to speak. Remember that parents need to feel comfortable. All parents have something to contribute. Provide them the safe space.
Maya Angelou – “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel’.
Other items of Interest from the Parent & Community Engagement Office (PCEO)
School Council Email Accounts - Some councils are still having difficulties setting up their accounts. There is still a backlog of about 70 accounts and the PCEO is looking at getting additional staff to try to deal with the backlog.
School Messenger - School councils will soon have access to School Messenger, allowing them to send out communications to all parents at their school. Roll-out begins next week (January 25th) with information first being shared with principals and then with school councils shortly thereafter.
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Information Brochures
At the Ward Forum there was discussion about supports available for students that parents may not be fully aware of - this page has brochures on:
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Parent and Caregiver Engagement Initiatives
During this challenging period for students, staff and parents/caregivers connecting with and supporting parents and caregivers continues to be a priority in the TDSB. The Parent and Community Engagement Office (PCEO), Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) and the Community Support Workers (CSWs) have been engaged in a variety of activities to offer support, build capacity and make connections for parents/caregivers. A few examples include responding to food insecurity, organizing virtual information sessions, collaborating with 211 Toronto to ensure access to community-based services and helping parents navigate the system for assistance.
TDSB Community Support Workers have also created a Community Support Hub, a one stop shop program and service hub for parents/caregivers. The Hub features not only full access to CSWs and their work, but also a series of information and presentation on navigating, understanding TDSB and professional development for families through the Parent Academy, including a number of other events under three themes: Anti-Racism Series, Know Your Rights Series, and Well-Being Resources and Support Series.
Each of these initiatives offer so many options to our varied parents/caregivers across our district. Please check each site regularly for new additions as well as login information - https://sites.google.com/tdsb.on.ca/csws/home.
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TDSB Conversation Series
Connecting with and supporting parents and families continues to be a priority in the TDSB. A number of engaging, informative and exciting webinars are coming up specifically on topics that parents have shared that they want to learn more about. The Conversation Series, hosted by the Parent and Community Engagement Office and the Parent Involvement Advisory Council, is kicking off its second year with its first session:
How Children Understand Race and How Adults Can Help - Speaker: Erin Winkler, Associate Professor, African and African Diaspora Studies, University of California, Berkeley Saturday, January 30, 2021, 11 am
Many people avoid discussing race and racism with children because they believe that children don’t see race, or because they’re unsure how to have a conversation about it. Join us to hear from Professor Erin Winkler who will guide parents, families, and educators to help children understand racial identity, racism, and racial inequities in age-appropriate ways that empower the young children in their lives. Registration information will appear through this link once available - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Community/How-to-Get-Involved/Conversations-Series.
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Update on Outdoor Playgrounds
Following last week’s board meeting we asked our Toronto Public Health rep if there was any further clarification regarding the use of play grounds. The current order restricts outdoor gatherings to maximum of 5 people from the same household. TPH wants to draw attention to the need for people to stay within their “bubbles” even if they are out of doors. They (TPH) is still promoting outdoor activity and recognize its positive effect on kids, however, outdoor activities must have Covid-19 precautions in mind.
As per TPH Guidelines about Outdoor Playgrounds, it is recommended that people maintain distance from others. Families may need to find an alternative outdoor play structure or playground if there are too many families in attendance. With respect to personal measures for participants and families using playgrounds, families can take the following protective measures to keep each other safe:
- Teach children proper handwashing, avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and to cover their cough.
- Monitor yourself and your child for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Stay home if you or your child is sick.
- Bring your own hand sanitizer (70-90% alcohol concentration), wipes, bottled water, sun screen and personal items.
- Keep a two metre/six feet distance from others, when possible.
- Wear a mask or face covering when it is difficult to maintain physical distancing. Do not apply a mask on children under the age of two.
- Wash hands before and after using outdoor playground.
- If the playground is busy, find another park or go back later.
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On-line Survey for Parents/Caregivers and Students this Week
The TDSB will be surveying both parents/guardians (JK to Grade 12) and students (Grades 6 to 12) during the week of January 25 to learn more about experiences to date related to mental health and well-being, student engagement, and learning. Please watch for an email with a link to the survey and/or check the TDSB website. Thank you in advance for your participation.
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African Heritage Month Launch – February 1, 2021
During the month of February, the Toronto District School Board is proud to recognize and celebrate African Heritage Month. It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by peoples of African descent to Canada and the world. The chosen theme for 2020-2021 is Kujichagulia: Self Determination.
A virtual launch will be taking place and you’re invited to attend!
Please also note the following:
Queen Victoria Public School: Navigating the School System for Black Families - Wednesday, January 27, 2021 - 6:30-8:00pm
Queen Victoria Public School welcomes you all to our evening supporting Black Excellence and discussing how to navigate the school system for Black student success. Please complete the following registration to participate in this informative session. All families who have registered for this event will be receiving a complimentary book to support their child's literacy development after the session. Register here.
Know Your Worth Conference - February 27, 2021 - All TDSB Students of African Heritage are Welcome - Register by February 5, 2021
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New Middle French Immersion Program
Please note: This program will replace the Junior Extended French program as the Grade 4 entry program in TDSB.
To apply for the MFI (Grade 4 entry) for September 2021, applications must be completed online between January 4 and January 29, 2021.
Virtual Web Chat Information Sessions for families interested in the MFI (Grade 4 Entry) application and placement process will be held in January 2021. For more information, please join us on one of these dates and times listed below:
- January 27, 2021 – 7 p.m.
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 above.
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Revisions to Optional Attendance Process
If you have any additional questions related to the Optional Attendance process, please reach out to your current home school principal.
All current timelines are still in effect. Forms for secondary schools are due by January 29, 2021, and for elementary schools by February 12, 2021.
Elementary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:
- February 12, 2021 - Optional attendance forms due at elementary school
- March 05, 2021 - Deadline for parents/guardians to be informed of the status of the application request
- March 26, 2021 - Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer
Secondary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:
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Download the COVID ALERT APPTogether, let's limit the spread of COVID-19. COVID Alert is an additional tool to protect yourself and your loved ones. COVID Alert helps us break the cycle of infection. The app can let other app users know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear. That way, we can take care of ourselves and protect our communities. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-alert.html. Please note, unfortunately, the app is only available on certain phones/operating systems.
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School Year Calendar 2020-2021The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1 to June 30, inclusive and has now been approved by the Ministry.
The last day of class for elementary students is June 29
Secondary Quadmester Calendar
- Quad 2: Nov. 23 - Feb 4
- Quad 3: Feb 8 - April 20 + exams April 21 & 22
- Quad 4: April 23 - June 23 + exams June 24, 25 & 28
PA Days & Holidays Remaining
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