We're Almost There...
Please continue to follow public health measures. 3 steps to a better summer & safer fall:
- SLEEVES UP – get vaccinated as soon as you’re able
- KEEP UP personal precautions
- LISTEN UP – follow public health advice
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This Week's Update- No Decision on Reopening School Buildings
- Never have the words 'back to school' been so loaded
- Covid-19 Vaccines
- June is Pride Month
- National Indigenous Heritage Month
- The Importance of Teaching About Residential Schools
- Return of Borrowed School Devices
- Alternative Schools
- Committee Meetings this Week
- Preliminary Findings on the Impact to Learning
- Dealing with Controversail and Sensitive Issues
New Invitations - Celebrating Black Excellence
- Attention Videographers
Worth Repeating - Ward Forum - May 31, 2021
- 2021 Summer Programs
- Policy Consultations
- School Year Calendar
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No Decision on Reopening School Buildings On Thursday, Premier Doug Ford sent a letter to more than 50 recipients, including hospitals, public health units, and education employee unions and federations, asking for feedback on a number of questions related to re-opening schools. School boards and school board associations were not copied on the letter, but were asked for feedback by the Ministry of Education. OPSBA’s response is posted here: OPSBA-Letter-to-Premier-Ford-re-Reopening-Schools.pdf.
The safety of our students, staff, and school communities is, and has always been, our top priority. We know the pandemic has had an impact on the mental health and well-being of our children, and as medical experts have said, attending school in-person is crucial to the optimal development of our students. With that in mind, we must do all that is required to ensure our schools are as safe as possible for any return.
Our steadfast position has been that decisions about whether it is safe for students and staff to be in schools should be made by public health experts. We share the perspective of the many public health officials who have stated publicly that schools should be the last to close, and first to open. We know that whatever decision is made, our member school boards will continue to do their best to support students and staff through these challenging times. Should a decision be made to reopen schools, it is essential that school boards be provided with sufficient notice to enable a smooth transition back to inperson learning...
We continue to support the prioritization of education workers in any vaccination plan. Vaccinating education workers ensures we are supporting their health, safety and well-being, while also minimizing absences from the workplace. This in turn will help keep students in the classroom this fall.
We make the same suggestion regarding staff working in school-based child care centres, school bus drivers and any other staff connected to a local school...
OPSBA will continue to advocate for the conditions that support and promote student achievement and well-being. We will also work with our education partners and local public health units if and when any final decision is made.
The government has not yet made a decision on whether schools will re-open to in-person learning before the end of the current school year.
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Never have the words ‘back to school’ been so loaded
Please find below, an Op Ed by Cathy Abraham is president of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, that appeared in The Toronto Star on May 28, 2021.
As Ontario children dream of being back with classmates in person, parents, teachers and school boards are wrestling with mixed emotions. What should schools look like after a global pandemic?
We can’t pretend this educational roller-coaster hasn’t left many students isolated, their parents stressed and some teachers on the brink of burnout. Nor can we ignore the fact low-income and racialized families were hit hardest by both the virus and the switch to online learning.
The truth is, COVID-19 reinforced inequities many students face. What we do in Ontario public schools is very good, but it’s not always very good for everybody. As we swapped classrooms for screens, many students struggled to access a reliable internet connection, or a device, or an adult to help. As the pandemic dragged on, many fell off the radar. We have to find ways to bring them back.
Moreover, students of all backgrounds are showing higher levels of worry and loneliness. How we help them make the transition back to the physical classroom will be key.
We have a responsibility to consider these matters before rushing to decide how to go back to bricks-and-mortar school. Let’s take the time. Now, as schools prepare for life after the pandemic, we have a chance to make things better, with input from everyone; students, educators, parents, trustees, government.
Which online innovations during COVID-19 are worth saving? How urgently should we tackle the “learning loss” many experts warn about? Above all, how can we make students feel welcome when they return to school — some for the first time in more than a year — especially those who were hardest hit?
To help launch this dialogue, the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association has created a discussion paper based on observations from the 31 school boards we represent, as well as emerging research from around the world into how the pandemic affected schools.
One concern the paper raises is a troubling level of student disengagement. Despite creative attempts by schools to keep kids connected, a growing number are “ghosting” their virtual classes; logging in for “attendance,” then turning off their screens and not responding.
Our first conversation must be about how to welcome students back without judgment. Experts cited in the discussion paper warn our welcome-back message can’t be, “You shouldn’t have disengaged!” It has to be, “We’re just happy to have you back! Let’s figure out where you are, and we’ll go from there.”
Let’s brainstorm ways to rebuild school cultures that balance mental health with curriculum expectations. Let’s share ideas to help returning students feel like they belong, before racing to tackle academic catch-up.
That catch-up — if and where it’s needed — will come. Let’s let teachers find out where each student is and what they need to get where they should be. Teachers understand differentiated learning; it’s what they’re trained for. They will make it work for each child. But for children to learn, they need to feel confident, welcome, and engaged.
There’s so much to consider before we set post-pandemic policy. Where can we find consensus? Some online innovations proved popular, like the virtual school council meetings that drew more parents than in-school meetings often did. Teachers who took classes outside during COVID-19 often found students more engaged, especially the ones who have trouble sitting still.
Should there be more support for outdoor and land-based learning? What more can we do to ventilate classrooms? What lessons can we take from pandemic timetabling?
Already there’s debate about whether to keep the new compressed high school “quadmesters,” or return to half- and full-year semesters.
We have the opportunity to reimagine our schools. It’s exciting. Let’s not just go backward to the way things were. Let’s go back to schools that are better.
Note: The Transitioning from the COVID-19 School Experience Discussion Paper reflects the initial thinking of OPSBA membership from first-hand accounts of remote learning during the pandemic, in all manner of school and geographic settings. This process of reflection has revealed two compelling realities: that a worrisome number of students have been unable to profit from remote forms of learning; and that several innovative practices in pedagogy and leadership have emerged that should be preserved and implemented on a broader scale post-pandemic. Read the discussion paper here - https://www.opsba.org/events-and-publications/transitioning-from-the-covid-19-school-experience/
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COVID-19 Vaccines
As of May 24, 48,000 – or 30 per cent – of Toronto students over 12, have already received their first vaccination dose. We are optimistic vaccinations will have a significant impact on the upcoming school year and we are committed to promoting opportunities that benefit our staff and students. To that end, we have launched a new webpage to help parents/guardians navigate vaccines for students aged 12 and older, to help answer questions, provide resources and identify ways to access vaccines.
All youth aged 12 and older, are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Health Canada has authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for youth aged 12 and up. Ontarians aged 12 to 17 are now able to book an appointment for a free first dose of the vaccine. There will also be special “youth and families clinics” happening throughout the weeks of June 14 and 21. Depending on where you live, some clinics will offer appointments and others may be drop-in clinics.
Learn more about vaccines for 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. 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). Find out where pop-up clinics are by following Vaccine Hunters Canada on social media.
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June is Pride Month
June is Pride Month 2021 at the TDSB! It’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity and raise awareness among all staff and students about the rich culture and history of our 2SLGBTQ+ community. TDSB school communities are encouraged to hold intentional sessions with their students about issues related to 2SLGBTQ+ communities as well as the impact of homophobia, transphobia and biphobia on TDSB students, staff and community members.
Here are some of the things we’re doing at the TDSB to recognize Pride Month 2021:
- Two Spirit Indigiqueer Pride - June 16-22, 2021
- Sharing curriculum resources with all schools: please visit Gender Based Violence Prevention Links and Resources and the TDSB Urban Indigenous Education Centre to learn more about how to respectfully and intentionally honour 2-Spirit identities and how to best cultivate transformative, healthy and equitable learning spaces at their school in solidarity with Indigenous sovereignty movements.
- The TDSB's Professional Library has pulled together a list of resources to celebrate Pride, including an 2SLGBTQ+ Resource Guide https://tdsb-on-ca.libguides.com/LGBTQ2S
- Virtual raising the Pride flag at 5050 Yonge (Details to follow)
- Participating in the city’s Virtual Toronto PRIDE 2021 Parade on Sunday, June 27th– Everyone is welcome!
- Please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/pride to learn more about these activities and find out how you can get involved.
For additional support and resources for 2SLGBTQ+ youth needing a safer space, community, flexibility, and/or a curriculum that reflects who they are, and are disengaged please connect with The Triangle Program http://triangleprogram.ca/.
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National Indigenous Heritage Month
Celebrated every June, National Indigenous History Month is a time when Canadians honour the history, heritage and diversity of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples, and recognize the strength of Indigenous communities. The Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC) is hosting a number of amazing events for students and staff. Join Indigenous artists and Elders in panel discussions, performances and film screenings discussing Indigenous art, cultures and identities. The full calendar of events will be available on the UIEC's Resources Site.
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The Importance of Teaching About Residential SchoolsIn December 2014, the Board passed a motion, Effects of Residential Schools on Aboriginal Communities, directing the Director to “convene a committee of curriculum experts to determine a way for students to graduate with a significant knowledge of the effects of residential schools on Aboriginal communities.”
Indigenous Education remains one of the strategic drivers behind the Board's budget. And the Urban Indigenous Education Centre's (UIEC) mandate is to offer a variety of services with the goal of closing the opportunity gap for Indigenous students. This mandate is approached by infusing Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum for all students as well as by providing direct wrap-around supports to enhance the overall achievement of First Nation, Métis and Inuit students throughout the TDSB.
As the Truth & Reconciliation Commission reported, over 130 residential schools were located across the country, and the last school closed in 1996. These government-funded, church-run schools were set up to eliminate parental involvement in the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual development of Aboriginal children. During this era, more than 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were placed in these schools often against their parents' wishes. Many were forbidden to speak their language and practice their own culture. While there is an estimated 80,000 former students living today, the ongoing impact of residential schools has been felt throughout generations...
Last Thursday, the discovery of 215 bodies of children buried at the Kamloops Indian Residential School was announced by the chief of the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation. Rosanne Casimir, called the discovery an “unthinkable loss that was spoken about but never documented at the Kamloops Indian Residential School”.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights recognizes that the colonial experience in Canada, from first contact to the present, constitutes genocide against Indigenous peoples. The Indian residential school system was one key component of this genocide.
As we mourn these children, let us redouble our efforts to ensure genocide education is part of compulsory education in Ontario and continue to support the UIEC's mandate.
The TDSB flags will be at half-mast in honour of the 215 children whose remains were uncovered in a mass unmarked grave in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. As we continue the work, there cannot be reconciliation without truth.
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Return of Borrowed Student Devices
In preparation for the start of the 2021-22 school year, families that borrowed devices (e.g. iPad, Chromebook, Internet Hub) from the TDSB or local school are asked to return them. If you have already returned the device to a TDSB School, please disregard this message.
Devices and all power cables, cases and chargers that were delivered with the device can be returned to any TDSB school between Monday, June 14 and Friday, July 2 (for elementary schools) and Friday, July 9 (for secondary schools) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
All devices that are not returned by July 2 will be administratively locked, preventing student login. These devices will need to be returned when school resumes in September.
Students enrolled in a TDSB summer program may continue using the device for the duration of the summer program and should return the device in September.
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Alternative SchoolsAlternative schools are ideal for students seeking an alternative to mainstream education and who want to take an active role in their own learning. EdVance is a program specifically for 18-20-year-olds completing their high school diploma.
On May 4th and May 5th, the Guidance & Career Development department hosted the Virtual Secondary Alternative Schools Caravan, where over 200 staff members learned about the Alternative Schools and Edvance Programs in the TDSB. The following information was shared:
There remains concern that Secondary Alternative Schools may not have the staffing in place to support many students who may register over the summer. Please note that staff will be reviewing registrations in August.
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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, email delegates@tdsb.on.ca. If your request is approved, further details will be provided to you via email.
Special Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Tuesday, June 1, 2021, 7:00 p.m. Electronic Meeting
Governance and Policy Committee, Wednesday, June 2, 2021, 4:30 p.m. Electronic Meeting
- 5.1 P031, Human Rights Policy Review: Phase 5 - The revised Policy actions TDSB commitment to meeting its obligation under the Ontario Human Rights Code by providing schools, workplaces, and other TDSB environments that respect human rights. The Policy seeks to protect, promote and advance the human rights of all TDSB members to learn, function and work in an equitable, accessible, respectful and inclusive environments free of discrimination and harassment on the basis of the protected grounds of discrimination specified in the Policy and protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Policy also ensures that the TDSB meets its positive human rights obligations, including to proactively identify, address, and prevent all forms of discrimination, including individual and systemic discrimination.
- 5.2 P034, Non-Human-Rights-Code Harassment Policy Review: Phase 5 - The objective of the revised Policy is to prevent non-Code workplace harassment (i.e. harassment Ontario
Human Rights Code) from taking place and, where necessary, to investigate and respond to instances, potential instances, and complaints of such behaviour in a fair, timely and effective manner.
- 5.3 Establishment of the Renaming Schools to Celebrate the Diversity of Toronto Reference Group: Update - In order to establish a clear process for community participation, a Draft Expression of Interest was created, seeking two community representatives from each Learning Centre. This document will go out in the coming weeks with a response back by June 2021.
- 5.4 P020, Transportation of Student Policy, and Specialized Schools and Programs Policy Development: Update - The purpose of this report is to update Trustees on the deferral of the presentation of the Specialized Schools and Programs Policy and the P020 Transportation of Students policy.
- 5.5 Bylaws Review Ad Hoc Committee: Preliminary Report
- 6.1 Bylaws Review Ad Hoc Committee, Report No. 4, May 6 and May 20, 2021
- 7.1 Review of Policy P040, Accountability for Student Achievement (Trustee Rajakulasingam on behalf of Trustee Kandavel and Trustee Aarts)
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Preliminary Findings on the Impact to Learning Due to the PandemicIn late January 2021, students in Grades 6 to 12 were invited to complete an online survey about their mental health and well-being, support and relationships, and learning experiences during the current school year. Parents also completed a similar survey. Results highlight important findings around secondary students’ mental health and well-being, neighbourhood food insecurity, students’ preference for in-person learning, educators’ dedication, and much more.
The Research and Development department is very interested in understanding the impact of COVID-19 on our students, families, and staff. They are monitoring a variety of policy areas within the board to support schools and the system in adapting to change and planning for the future.
To-date, the Board has received the following reports:
As the pandemic continues, the Research Department is committed to disaggregating and analyzing results in more depth; building upon key areas of interest/concern from results through student and staff engagement; developing student voice; understanding experiences within ongoing practice and policy in close partnership with other departments within the TDSB; and collecting current and relevant data to support ongoing decision-making.
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Dealing with Controversial & Sensitive Issues
Over the last few weeks, many in our community have been affected by the conflict and bloodshed in the Middle East. We all hope that war will be replaced by peaceful coexistence for all, in a just and equitable manner - but there is passionate disagreement on what this actually means.
On Friday, Interim Director Karen Falconer sent the following message staff - These have been a difficult number of weeks for those in our communities with strong ties to the crisis in the Middle East. It is important that we remain mindful that many within the TDSB family are faced with the tragic loss of life and are in a constant state of worry about the safety of their families and loved ones. More recently, educator resources that were shared related to the Middle East have had a significant impact on some of our staff. These resources are being vetted.
During this time, we have heard from countless staff members who are not only impacted by what’s happening there, but are also coming forward and sharing their experiences of anti-Israeli racism, antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia here at home. Some have even expressed not feeling safe within the TDSB community. As the lead educator in the Board, I am asking that all conversations be compassionate, caring and built on understanding and respect.
More broadly, it is critical that you are cognizant of the impact of your comments when expressing your opinions. When comments create harm, are racist in nature, or are discriminatory, they cannot be condoned. Before expressing an opinion – online or otherwise – please ask yourself: Does this lead to productive dialogue? Will this cause harm to any of my students or colleagues? It is incumbent upon each of us to provide an inclusive classroom or shared space.
A TDSB staff-created resource outlines guidelines and approaches to discussing controversial and sensitive topics in K-12 classrooms. It was shared after the events in the Capital on January 6, 2021 and I hope it is being updated now. The Guidelines include:
- Controversy in the Classroom
- Controversy and the Development of Values
- Addressing Controversial Issues in Teaching
- Presenting Controversial Issues in a Fair and Appropriate Manner
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Celebrating Black Excellence
The Toronto District School Board is committed to ensuring that all students can succeed and to improving equity, human rights, anti-racism and anti-oppression practices within all schools, programs and services. As part of this commitment to increasing access to opportunities and outcomes for Black students across the TDSB, it has launched a new Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. Join us for the official launch on Tuesday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m.
Featuring a performance by Randell Adjei, who was recently named Ontario’s first Poet Laureate; and an engaging panel discussion about the Centre’s mandate with distinguished speakers Dr. George Dei, Dr. Carl E. James, Dr. Nicole West-Burns and Dr. Njoki Wane, and moderated by Itah Sadu. Please note: Registrants will receive the link to the Launch the day of the event. We look forward to you joining us! Register for this event here!
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Ward Forum - May 31, 2021
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2021 Summer ProgramsElementary Summer School Thirty-eight (38) programs are offered to students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, from July 5 to 30, 2021, in-person or online through virtual instruction. Registration is now open! Click here for a full list of participating schools and registration information - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Elementary-Summer-School.
eLearning Summer School: online – Students can take one course in July and/or one in August. Mostly Gr. 11 and 12 courses; Students can access course 24/7 during the allotted course time period. Registration for July courses close: June 11, 2021 at 4:30pm. Registration for August courses close: July 8, 2021 at 4:30pm. https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/elearning/e-Summer-Online-Program
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Policy Consultations
The objective of consultation is to gather public input regarding options, alternative courses of action, as well as to identify unintended effects for various participants and to find solutions. Please see revised the Policy Review Schedule.
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School Year Calendar 2020-2021- The last day of class for elementary students is June 29, 2021
- The last offical day for secondary students is June 28, 2021 - Note: the last day of class for secondary students is June 23. June 24, 25, and 28 are Credit Rescue days.
School Year Calendar 2021-2022- First day of classes for students is September 9, 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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