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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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In this Issue -- Celebrate Pride
- Celebrating National Indigenous History Mont
- June is Italian Heritage Month
- Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month
- National AccessAbility Week
- Update - TDSB 2023-24 Budget
- Virtual Learning Update
- Committee Board Meetings This Week
- Hearts and Minds
- New Invitations - Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationship
- Worth Repeating - Film Screening : Wanda Robson; TDSB Event to Commemorate 90th Anniversary of Christie Pits Riot; Learn4Life; Census 2023; More Joy; Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #3; Legislative Page Program; Budget Ward Forum on June 5; Credit Summer Programs; ; Secondary Credit Summer School; Elementary Summer School 2023; Continuing Education Programming at the TDSB; Useful Links; No Dogs Allowed; School Year Calendar 2022-23; Approved 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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Celebrate Pride
Next week marks the beginning of Pride Month at the Toronto District School Board. It is a time to celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ communities and reflect on the important work that must continue to make our schools and workplaces more inclusive, welcoming and affirming for all.
Everyone is invited to our annual raising of the Pride Flag at 5050 Yonge Street on Wednesday, May 31, at 3:30 pm. Flags will be flying proudly at all TDSB schools and sites. And please join the TDSB contingent as we march in the Pride Parade on Sunday, June 25th. Stay tuned for more details!
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Celebrating National Indigenous History Month
June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate and learn from First Nations, Métis and Inuit people about the diverse cultures, histories, experiences, creations, perspectives, and achievements
Join the Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC) throughout the month of June for opportunities for staff, students and educators to engage with Indigenous artists, authors, and speakers through various virtual workshops and panel discussions. All month long, the UIEC is hosting several events and celebrations with David A. Robertson, Tasha Spillett, Elder Albert McLeod, along with Two-Spirit & Indigiqueer Pride launched by Elder Blu Water. To learn more, a full list of programming can be found on myPATH. Urban Indigenous Education Centre Resource Page
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June is Italian Heritage Month
Italian Heritage Month has been proudly recognized during the month of June at the Toronto District School Board since a motion was passed by the Board of Trustees on May 16, 2012. The Province of Ontario has also marked Italian Heritage Month as a result of Italian Heritage Month Act in 2010. The Italian Heritage Month and the Jewish Heritage Month has been working together to provide students in Grades 8 and 10 with an immersive Hogtown Collective production on the Christie Pits Riot. More on Italian Heritage Month next week. Follow us on Twitter @TDSBItalianHer1
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Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month
Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of June at the Toronto District School Board since 2011. The Province of Ontario passed the Celebration of Portuguese Heritage Act in 2001. More on Portuguese-Speaking Month activities next week.
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National AccessAbility Week
Today is the start of National AccessAbility Week. It is an opportunity to celebrate Canadians with disabilities & raise awareness of the critical need for accessibility & inclusion in our communities & workplaces. Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice
Join us from May 28 to June 3, 2023 to celebrate:
- the valuable contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities in Canada
- the work of allies, organizations and communities that are removing barrier
- ongoing efforts to become a more accessible and inclusive Canada
This year the theme for National AccessAbility Week is “Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice”. The Toronto District School Board is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment which actively promotes and supports human rights and accessibility for persons with disabilities. Read more here.
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Update - TDSB 2023-24 Budget
Last Tuesday, May 23rd staff provided us with their options to balance at a Special FBEC. In their Report posted online, staff propose a number of possible reductions - the impact of the options to balance total $32.6 million. The revised deficit based on the implementation of their options would be $19.7 million... with more options to come at the meeting on June 1. Staff are clear - "The provincial funding formula, as expressed in the Grants for Students’ Needs, inadequately responds to the current needs of students especially as they and board staff are transitioning out of a global pandemic."
At the May 24th Board Meeting, I was involved in two motions -
Business Arising: 2023-24 Updated Projected Financial Position: Addition of Aquatic Instructors
The Board decided: That consideration of the following be deferred to the final budget proposal: Whereas, following the vote on reducing aquatic instructors, staff realized that with 80 aquatic instructors, the swimming programs for students would indeed be reduced at 8 elementary and 12 secondary schools; and Whereas, the Board did not intend to confirm this implementation of a reduction to swim programming; Therefore, be it resolved: That the Director be asked to pause the current program reduction implementation and add back a complement of aquatic instructors to ensure full programming for students in all schools with pools for 2023-24. As per the staff report, this would mean the addition of 6FTE aquatic instructors.
Business Arising: 2023-24 Updated Projected Financial Position: Addition of Secondary Vice-Principals
The Board decided: That the allocation of an additional 8.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions of secondary vice principal for the 2023-2024 school year, be approved.
Elementary Vice-Principal Allocation 2023-2024 Update
The Board decided: That an allocation of an additional 20.0 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions of elementary vice principal for the 2023-2024 school year, be approved. Note - this was amended from the original staff report of 10.
The report coming to FBEC at the June 1 meeting will include more work by staff to highlight areas where the budget could be balanced, No decisions are being made at that meeting by the Finance Committee or the Board. The report will help Trustees understand where spending can or cannot be adjusted, program requirements and commitments, and collective agreement restrictions. It also will help Trustees understand the impact of potential spending changes.
Consultations on the budget will begin after June 1 as that is when full information will be available. Along with Trustees Chernos Lin and Rajwani, we are hosting a Joint Virtual Budget Ward Forums on June 5th (details later in the Report).
A special meeting on June 12 has been scheduled for budget delegations. The full budget process is public and documents and schedules are posted here,
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Virtual Learning Update
Over the past few months, some parents/guardians/caregivers have reached out to schools with questions about Virtual Learning for the 2023-2024 school year. Recognizing that circumstances may have changed since the Virtual Learning Selection Form process earlier this year, we are allowing elementary and secondary students to withdraw their registration in Virtual Learning and attend school in-person beginning in September 2023. This process will take place from May 23 to June 2, 2023. During this time, we will also accept late requests for Virtual Learning. These requests will be accommodated based on available space.
At the same time, we are providing an opportunity for newly registered students to request Virtual Learning for the 2023-2024 school year. Students will need to register at their local home school by address first, and then a request can be submitted. These requests will be considered based on available space, and we cannot guarantee that they will be accommodated.
Confirmations of movements will be shared with schools beginning the week of June 19.
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Committee Board Meetings This Week
We welcome members of the public to bring forward issues and concerns they have through a delegation, which is addressing a committee of the Board of Trustees (by speaking virtually, in person or submitting a written statement). Our Delegation Procedure is designed to set out a consistent and easily understandable process for the public and to manage the process in a fair and equitable manner. https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations
Delegates are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance of the Committee meeting when they send their request by e-mail to delegates@tdsb.on.ca by 4 p.m., two (2) working days before the committee meeting day.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 - Governance and Policy Committee - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom - Agenda- 5.1 Inner City Community Advisory Committee1 1.Learning Opportunities Index Scoring, April 20, 2023
- 6.1 P034, Workplace Harassment Prevention for Non-Human-RightsCode Harassment Policy: Annual Review
- 6.2 P047, Naming Schools and Special Purpose Areas Policy Review: Phase 5
- 6.3 Flexible Working Arrangements Policy Update
- 6.4 Disconnecting From Work Policy, Phase 1
- 7.1 Student Interest Program Specialized Schools and Programs Policy: Review (Trustees Pei and Nunziata)
Thursday, June 1, 2023 - Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom - Agenda
- 5.1 Contract Awards, Operations
- 5.2 Contract Awards, Facilities
- 5.3 Student Transportation, Contract Awards
- 5.4 Contract Awards, Summer Approval Process 2023
- 5.5 Design Consultant Contract Award, Mass Timber Replacement School at Poplar Road Junior Public School
- 5.6 Design Consultant Contract Award, Podium Elementary School and Exterior Play Space Design Guidelines and Design of New Podium for Sugar Wharf Public School
- 5.7 Community Use of Schools, Permit Fee Increase
- 5.8 York Memorial Collegiate Institute: Project Update
- 5.9 Extended Day Program Review
- 5.10 Options to Balance - Update To follow
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Hearts and Minds
With just a few weeks left in the school year, TDSB's Psychology Services latest edition of Hearts & Minds is here, with some timely articles on transitions and technology!
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Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships
TDSB Professional Support Services (in collaboration with Montage Support Services and Community Living Toronto) have prepared 3 virtual sessions for parents & caregivers. You will learn strategies on how to discuss relationship building with your child or teenager, and how to support your complex needs child or teenager in building healthy relationships. There is 1 left - please join us.
May 31 | 6-8 Register https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aov1AA2EdMd2o-sxV89xXPFg3zdRGPED/view
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Film Screening : Wanda Robson
You’re invited! Join the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement for a screening of Wanda Robson and a Q & A with co-producers Donna Harrow & Aaron Weiss.
When: May 31; 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3AXDoYT
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TDSB Event to Commemorate 90th Anniversary of Christie Pits Riot on Sunday, June 4, 2023
Everyone is invited to enjoy a free baseball game featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, June 11, 2023).
This event is one of several initiatives organized by the TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Month Committee and Italian Heritage Month Committee to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Christie Pits Riot, the largest race riot in Canadian history that involved people from Toronto’s Jewish and Italian communities. The riot happened during a baseball game. Now, 90 years later, we invite you to come and show everyone that Baseball Builds Bridges.
You can also join us for one of the Hogtown Collective Immersive performances for our Grade 8 and 10 students - Tuesday through Friday at 10 and 1:15 in the northwest baseball diamond.
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Learn4Life
Learn4Life summer courses are now available to view on http://learn4life.ca Registration started May 17 at 8:30am.
Appointments can be scheduled for learners who do not have a credit card and need to pay by cash or cheque by emailing us at communityprograms@tdsb.on.ca with the subject line: In-person Accommodation.
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Census 2023
The TDSB Census has been conducted every five years since 2006. Census data has provided schools, parents and the community with valuable information to help improve schools for the benefit of all students. Extensive input from students, parents/guardians/caregivers, staff and the community informed the Census.
The confidential survey asks students important questions about their school experiences and identities including participation in school activities, safety, well-being, mental health, outdoor learning, etc. It is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system.
The TDSB is asking all parents/guardians/caregivers and/or students to consider filling out a census survey online. Based on opt-out and consent information, all Census surveys have been sent to students or families. JK to grade 3 families and grade 4 to 8 families (completing the Census at home) check your emails for TDSBStudentCensus@qemailserver.com.
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More Joy
TDSB Community Support Workers (Model Schools) present
MORE JOY!!
A 30-minute after-school family literacy series
Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 7:30pm
From May 3 to June 14
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Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #3
Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM LC1 and LC4
If you require a language interpreter, please send in your request by Mon., May 22nd to
SpecialEd@tdsb.on.ca.
This session will focus on summer transitions and will include ideas to engage students during the summer months such as home activities, library resources and information on how to use Read & Write Gold at home. Information on community agencies will also be shared.
There will be an opportunity for parents/guardians/caregivers to ask
questions about these processes. The sessions will be facilitated by
Special Education and Inclusion staff. Please click the link below to join the
webinar for LC1/LC4:
Zoom Link for May 30, 2023 at 07:00 PM
https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/96753209262
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Legislative Page Program
Applications for the fall 2023 term are now open. We are accepting applications until June 15th, 2023.
As we welcome the Pages to the Legislative Building, their health and safety, as well as everyone who has direct contact with them, is top priority. For the fall 2023 period, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Attend school in Ontario and be entering Grade 8 in the fall of 2023 (Note: Students in Grade 6 are not eligible; applicants must be in Grade 7 or 8 at the time of application)
- Have an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher)
- Students must also demonstrate an involvement in a variety of extra-curricular (in and out of school) and community based activities; leadership skills; responsibility, maturity and commitment; an interest in current affairs; strong interpersonal and social skills; and an ability to get along well with peers and adults.
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Budget Ward Forum on June 5
Please Hold the Date for a Joint Virtual Ward Forum on TDSB's Budget with Special Guest Craig Snider, Executive Officer, Business Services - on Monday, June 5th from 7:30-9pm. If you are interested in participating, please Register Online (https://forms.gle/Yg24DuvGQwigKxG4A)
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Secondary Credit Summer School
Registration for Secondary Credit Summer School 2023 opened April 18th at 10:00 a.m. for:
- Remote/In Person High School Students Full Credit
- Remote/In Person Adult 18+
- Remote Credit Recovery
- Remote/In Person Grade 8 Reach Ahead
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Elementary Summer School 2023
Looking to build your child’s literacy and numeracy skills? Elementary Summer School registration is now open! The focus of the 2023 Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program is to continue student engagement through the month of July. Programs, which are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the local school focus, are offered in-person to students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, from July 4 to July 28, 2023, in various locations around the city. This year, one remote program will also be available. For more information, including a list of schools and online registration forms, visit our summer school program page.
Elementary Summer School at Deer Park
The program includes Kindergarten to Grade 8. Any student registered in an Ontario school can apply. (TDSB and Non-TDSB).
Program dates: July 4 – July 28 Program time: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Families should feel free to complete and send the registration by email or bring it in person to the school office.
Continuing Education Programming at the TDSB
Did you know we offer a wide variety of Continuing Education at the TDSB? I encourage you to explore learning opportunities available for children, families, adults, and visitors - click here for more information on continuing education programs and click here for more information on summer programs.
- African Heritage Elementary Program
- International Languages Elementary Program
- Learn4Life General Interest Spring Program - Adults 18+ and Senior
- Adult ESL Program
- Summer Music & Art Camps
- International Youth Summer Program
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Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
A reminder to dog owners (and I know not all of you have kids at school). Dogs are not allowed on school property at any time. Many people are surprised to learn that TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property. Section 6.10 PR523 Access to School Premises prohibits canines on our properties “at any time” (except service animals).
Please respect children’s play spaces.
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School Year Calendar 2022-23
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| Approved 2023-2024 Calendar
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Community Safety & Support
If you should you ever see any suspicious activity around school buildings after school hours, please contact 311, Toronto Police Services Dispatch at 416-808-2222, or the TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620.
If you or a family member is in crisis, please contact Kids Help Phone:1-800-668-6868 or get support right now by texting CONNECT to 686868.
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