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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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"There is a crack in everything, That is how the light gets in."Leonard Cohen
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In this Issue:- National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6
- COVID-19 Update
- COVID-19 Vaccine - Children 5-11
- Toronto Kids Vaccine Day
- Switch Forms now Live - Secondary Semester 2 & Elementary Term 2
- Board & Committee Meetings This Week
- Winter Weather and Student Transportation
- OPSBA Submission Regarding the 2022-23 Education Funding and the GSN (Grants for Student Needs)
- New Invitations - Café B.R.E.A.K.
- Items From Last Week - Worth Repeating - School Open Houses and Information Nights; Restarting School Immunization Programs; No Dogs Allowed on School Property; TDSB Winter Clothing Drive
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National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6
Tomorrow, December 6, TDSB students and staff mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day coincides with the anniversary of the death of 14 young women who were tragically killed on 6 December, 1989, at l'École Polytechnique in Montreal because of their gender.
On this national day of remembrance, we honour the memory of these women and reflect on the ways that gender violence continues to affect us.
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COVID-19 UpdateVaccines have always been about public health. It’s not about you. It’s about us.
How to Book
Book an 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!
COVID-19 AdvisoriesCOVID-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 December 3, 2021 1,815 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Ontario's publicly funded schools in the past 14 days. Of those cases, 1,625 are students, 173 are staff, and 17 are not identified. Nine of the 4,844 schools in the province are currently closed.
- In the TDSB, as of December 3, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. there were 348 student cases and 49 staff cases with 349 cases resolved. McMurrich JPS reopens, Monday, December 6. Tonight we heard that Wilkinson Jr PS will be closed tomorrow to allow TPH additional time to investigate the 10 COVID-19 cases (9 students, 1 staff) at the school.
Update on the Implementation of the Mandatory Staff Vaccination ProcedureThe TDSB Board unanimously supported mandatory vaccinations for staff - as such senior staff created the TDSB COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure. At Tuesday's Special Planning & Priorities Committee staff presented an Update on the implementation of the Procedure. Below, is the TDSB staff disclosure data as of 5 p.m., December 2, 2021. 97% of TDSB staff are compliant (excluding those on leave or seeking exemptions).
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COVID-19 Vaccine -Children 5-11
The COVID-19 vaccine is now approved for use in children aged 5-11. All vaccinations of children in this age group will require parental consent. Pediatric COVID-19 vaccination appointments can be booked through the COVID-19 vaccination portal or calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
There are multiple places to get a COVID-19 vaccine, including at mobile school clinics, developed in partnership between Team Toronto partners, Toronto Public Health (TPH) and the city’s four public school boards, including the TDSB. TPH is working to bring COVID-19 vaccinations or access to nearby vaccinations to all public schools in the city. Parents/guardians and children will receive notice from their school when a clinic is hosted. Specific school vaccine clinic details will be sent in a letter from principals, for their school only.
Learn more about vaccination for children 5-11:
Travel Policies
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Toronto Kids Vaccine Day
Team Toronto is excited to vaccinate 2,000 of the city’s youngest community health heroes against COVID19 at the Scotiabank Arena on December 12. Book at http://toronto.ca/covid19 or call 1-833-943-3900.
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Switch Forms now Live - Secondary Semester 2 & Elementary Term 2
Secondary
We look forward to welcoming students back in-person as much as possible as we return to a regular semester 2. We are encouraged that vaccinations in this age group continue to increase; and overall the rate is high.
As previously communicated, this Switch Form is your opportunity to request a change in your child’s/your method of instruction (In-Person Learning OR Virtual Learning).
According to TDSB survey results, we know that the majority of students prefer In-Person Learning because that is where they learn best. Most families selected In-Person Learning for the 2021-22 school year.
This form is only for secondary students (Grades 9 to 12). A separate Elementary Switch Form will be available for elementary students (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8) from Friday, December 3, 2021 to Friday, January 7, 2022.
This form only needs to be completed if you are requesting a switch. If you are considering a switch, please speak with your child before submitting this form. We expect parents who have shared decision-making responsibilities to come to an agreement before completing the form. You do not need to complete this form if you wish to stay with the current method of instruction (no switch).
Secondary students: Semester 2 classes will reflect changes due to switches beginning on February 3, 2022.
If you have more than one child in a TDSB Secondary school requesting a switch, you will need to complete a separate Secondary Switch Form for each child using this same link. Please complete only one form per child.
Elementary
In order to plan ahead for elementary students to switch between in-person and virtual learning for February 2022, parents/caregivers and students requesting a change must complete an Elementary Switch Form between Friday, December 3 and Friday, January 7. A form must be completed for each student requesting a switch. Parents/caregivers and students who do not wish to make a change do not need to complete a form.
If you are considering a switch, please speak with your child before submitting a Switch Form. We expect that parents/caregivers with shared decision-making responsibilities will come to an agreement before completing the form. We recognize that we are asking for this decision well in advance of February and thank you for your understanding, as this process takes time to complete. While we cannot guarantee that all switch requests will be met, it is our goal to accommodate as many as possible based on available programs and space (e.g. French Immersion, Extended French, Specialized Programs, Alternative Schools, other limited circumstances).
Elementary classes will reflect changes due to switches beginning on February 22, 2022.
Whether you choose a switch in learning model or not, your child’s teacher or class (or school for virtual learning classes) may change due to a possible re-organization.
For more information, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/switchform or contact the Principal at your child’s school with any questions.
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Board & Committee Meetings This Week
December 8 - Regular Meeting - Public Session 7p.m. Agenda- 15.1. Integrity Commissioner Code Complaint Investigation Report
- 16.1. Planning and Priorities Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 21, November 17, 2021
- 16.2. Integrity Commissioner Selection Committee, Report No. 03, November 19, 2021
- 16.3. Audit Committee, Report No. 06, December 6, 2021
- 16.4. Board Self-Improvement Planning Committee, Report No. 01, December 7, 2021
December 9 - Finance, Budget & Enrolment Committee (Special Meeting)
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Winter Weather and Student Transportation
From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices or sites. With approximately 246,000 students in 582 schools, any decision to cancel buses, classes and/or programs or to close sites can have a significant impact on thousands of families across Toronto. This decision is not taken lightly. When schools remain open on days with inclement weather, parents/guardians make the final decision on whether to send their children to school and they can keep children home from school if they so choose.
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OPSBA Submission Regarding the 2022-23 Education Funding and the GSN (Grants for Student Needs)
The Ontario Public School Boards' Association "(OPSBA) has, for many years, advocated for the education system to be "fully-funded." A fully funded system is one in which school boards receive sufficient funding to cover the costs of the programs they deliver and reflects inflation and other cost increases... school boards require strong, predictable and equitable education funding in order to set the conditions that promote and sustain improved student achievement and well-being. We always want to stress that education funding is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Every community and school board has its own local context that needs to be considered to maximize student outcomes and therefore school boards require local flexibility."
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Café B.R.E.A.K.
Calling all TDSB grade 7-12 students: Join us Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 from 5pm to 6pm!
The TDSB Students 4 Well Being (S4W) are inviting YOU to a student Café B.R.E.A.K! The SW4 is comprised of volunteer students/youth (Black, Indigenous, Racialized, 2SLGBTQI+, youth with varying abilities, etc.) from across the board and supported by TDSB Professional Supports Staff.
Come join the S4W members in our virtual café, where you can unwind, relax, connect with other students, and discuss mental health and well-being tips.
The mission of S4W:
- to inspire and educate students about mental health and well-being
- to offer support and mental health resources
- to create a safe space and spread positivity
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School Open Houses and Information Nights
To help you make an informed decision when choosing a school, TDSB schools will host virtual open houses and information sessions (live or pre-recorded) for parents/guardians and students between November and January. 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.
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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. 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.
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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TDSB Winter Clothing Drive
Please note this drive is for cash donations or in-kind new clothing.
Our need for winter outerwear is greater this year. Canada is welcoming newcomer families from Afghanistan and the TDSB is welcoming many of these newly arrived students into our schools. The newcomer students are adjusting to their first Canadian winter and can benefit from your generous support. The students need proper winter outerwear such as coats, boots, mitts and hats to be able to attend school. This year’s Winter Clothing Drive will run from October 2021 to the end of February 2022. Donations are accepted.
We will also accept new winter outwear items. Due to potential health & safety, hygiene, sorting and storage limitations, the TDSB can only accept new clothing items. Tax receipts are available for these donations. Contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca for more information about how to donate new outwear items. 100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations go to benefit our students.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- 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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