Events, Workshops, and Seminars:
Parents as Partners Conference
- WELCOME AND A KEYNOTE FROM DR. SLOANE FREEMAN
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 10:30 A.M. TO NOON - RETURN TO SCHOOL UPDATE WITH TDSB SENIOR STAFF
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2:45 P.M. TO 3:45 P.M. - Workshops daily at 12:15, 1:30, and 2:45pm
DECA (Danforth East Community Association)
Toronto East School Support Forums (TESS - for School Staff)
- We are forunate to have local pandemic support for our schools from the East Toronto Family Practice Network (EasT-FPN) and Michael Garron Hospital (MGH). Through the TESS forums staff can ask questions on on implementing health guidelines while operating schools during the pandemic. Sessions are by invite only - please register here: https://eastfpn.org/toronto-east-school-support
- Principal Forums - October 20th from 4-5pm and November 10th from 4-5pm
- Teacher Q&A - October 27 from 4-5pm and November 24 from 4-5pm
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair - November 10 - 14th
In 2020, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has created a virtual experience to support curriculum subjects in Science, Biology, Family Studies, Food Literacy, Healthy Living, and Civics & Careers. The educational content is suitable for in-class learning and synchronous as well as learning-at-home/asynchronous learning.
This year, you can experience The Royal From-Farm-to-Screen. Educators and parents can register (beginning Sept 28th) to receive a virtual Teachers Resource Kit containing highlights and note-worthy features and events.
Spelling Bee Canada
The SBOC Board of Directors has decided to resume the 2019-2020 Spelling Bee season in an online format. Applications are also open for their Unsung Hero award. More information for interested families and teachers can be found here: https://spellingbeeofcanada.ca/
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Keeping Students in School
The best way to keep our kids in school and keep our schools open is to ensure everyone is following public health guidelines to prevent community spread. This is the most critical thing we can do. Let's all do what we can. Limit social interactions. Watch your distance. Wear your mask. Wash your hands.
This year the Islamic Heritage Month Planning Committee has released a poster to encourage everyone in our schools and communities to keep each other safe. They have included a couplet from the poet and scholar Rumi.... "You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop". This quote reminds us that we should recognize that there is something greater than ourselves and that we all have a unique part to play by working together as a community to keep safe against COVID-19.
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COVID-19 in Schools and Toronto Communities
Trustee Donaldson, our representative on the Toronto Board of Health, reported on this week's meeting of the TBOH and recent analysis from Toronto Public Health. Dr. DeVilla reports that overall our Toronto schools are doing well and the carefully planned Health & Safety protocols are working. Dr. DeVilla said of the 1200 schools across 4 school boards in Toronto, only 12 have experienced small outbreaks. This further highlights that we must reduce community transmission to prevent COVID cases in our schools.
Dr. DeVilla's presentation can be found here and includes school highlights:
- Data shows the Covid-19 resurgence was not driven by school re-openings, the rising infections began before schools reopened
- Very little evidence of transmission within schools
- Where there are outbreaks in schools, they are small and between 2-5 people
Earlier this summer the BOH also commissioned a community consultation report that has now been published - “COVID-19 and the Social Determinants of Health: Community Consultation Report”. The report includes wide perspective of adverse impacts on social determinants of health as reported by communities that participated in this consultation – of particular importance is data showing that we are not all sharing equally in the burdens of living through this pandemic.
Vaccinations, Flu-shots, and COVID-19 Testing
Vaccinations - In light of the additional burdens of COVID-19 on Toronto Public Health resources they will not be conducting in-school vaccinations including those for HPV and meningitis (Gr 7 & 8 students) this fall. These vaccinations are important and can still be arranged via TPH or your family doctor.
Flu-shots - TPH, Pharmacies, and Community Health agencies are now offering seasonal flu shots by appointment (no walk-ins this year). Contact your family doctor or contact one of the public providers below to make an appointment.
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TDSB Heritage & History Months
Since June 2016, the TDSB has had the privilege to recognize Somali Heritage Month and encourages students and staff to take this opportunity to learn about the history, heritage and diversity of the Somali community. The theme “Educate. Elevate. Excel.” continues to be explored this year.
In November we observe Rememberance Day and students will learn about and pay homage to Canada's contributions to the World Wars. In light of restrictions on gatherings commemorations will look different this year with most community events moving online.
November is recognized as Indigenous Education Month, which provides an opportunity to re-examine how Indigenous perspectives, histories and contemporary realities may be centred across the curricula, and to focus on treaties and the legacy of residential schools.
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Hallowe'en 2020#MyCultureIsNotACostume
For many, Hallowe'en is an exciting time of year. As parents and educators, we must prevent harm by engaging students in critical conversations about cultural appropriation, stereotypes, and caricature versus culture. This is supported by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, action #63 iii - Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect. "Indigenous" costumes stereotype, misrepresent, disrespect, and dehumanize Indigenous peoples.
Hallowe'en, COVID-style
At this time Toronto Public Health and the Ontario Medical Officer of Health are advising against door-to-door trick or treating in Toronto. This doesn't mean that families can't celebrate in other ways by decorating, crafting, playing hallowe'en themed games with prizes, plan a scavenger hunt or spooky movie night, or get outside and walk around the block to show off costumes. For more information please visit the TDSB Hallowe'en webpage.
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Early French Immersion – SK Entry
Communication about program applications will take new forms this year to help reach families where they are - in school, online, or homeschooling. Please watch for announcements and updates. For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's Early French Immersion Program (begins in Senior Kindergarten), applications will be accessed online. For details, please see the downloadable information package.
To apply for the Early French Immersion Program (SK entry) for September 2021, applications must be completed online between November 2 and November 27, 2020.
- This year, there will be three virtual (online webchat) information sessions for families interested in the Early French Immersion (SK entry) For more information on dates/times for each virtual online webchat session, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/French or click on Information Sessions.
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Updates on School Reopening
Each week at a special Committee of the Whole meeting, staff provided detailed updates on issues of importance to students, staff, and families around COVID school planning. These update meeting are scheduled for Tuesdays at 4:30pm and are publicly broadcast - you can access the webcasts here. For more information on previous meetings, please read the presentation decks linked below:
Current Enrolments - In-School and Virtual School
School Budgets
Elementary Reorganization
Cancellation of November Elementary Opportunity to Switch
Secondary Reorganization
Adult Day School
HEPA/Air Filters
IT Devices
Virtual Resources
For the latest communication to parents see below -
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Return to School and Virtual School Links
In the current environment our information is constantly changing. The TDSB website for Return to School resources is updated regularly to meet this changing reality. Please visit https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Return-to-School regularly for updates.
For more details on individual topics, please click on the links below:
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