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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 -- HOLD THE DATE - Ward 8 Virtual Forum: School Building in Toronto: Where Are We Now? Tuesday May 7, 2024, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Working to Advance Podium Schools – Toronto Lands Corporation
- WORTH REPEATING - 2024-25 Budget
- Clean Toronto Together School Clean-Up Day, April 19
- Board Meeting This Week
- Secondary Summer Credit Programs
- Extended Day Program (EDP) Summer
- Reporting Hate - In Our Schools and In Our Communities
- New Invitations - Panfest Vybz: A Celebration of Music, Arts, & Community - Thursday, May 9, 2024, 6-8 p.m. Winston Churchill CI; Backpack and School Supplies Drive
- Worth Repeating - April is Latin-America History Month and Sikh Heritage Month; e-Summer Update; Grade 8 Summer Reach Ahead Opportunity; Elementary Summer School; Create a Meaningful Connection with Your Child in a Hyper-Connected World; TDSB Summer Music & Art Camps 2024; Need for Aquatic Instructors; Please Keep Safe... and Keep Others Safe; Vaccinations; Useful Links; 2023-2024 Calendar; 2024-2025 Calendar; Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report; Community Safety & Support
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HOLD THE DATE - Ward 8 Virtual Forum:School Building in Toronto: Where Are We Now?
Tuesday May 7, 2024, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
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Working to Advance Podium Schools
TORONTO LANDS CORPORATION - APRIL 11, 2024
The Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) recognize that the efficient use of space will be critical in building schools to match our city’s future growth.
This means re-thinking what building configurations are possible on TDSB owned land, while advocating for the inclusion of TDSB space in new high-density neighbourhoods.
Integrating schools into condominium podiums is a common and effective practice in large cities all over the world.
The best current example in Toronto exists at 17 Broadway Avenue where North Toronto Collegiate Institute re-opened in 2010 with two new condominium towers above it. This secondary school now enjoys facilities that would not have been possible without partnership with home builders.
A smaller example also exists at 85 Lower Jarvis St. where Downtown Alternative School occupies the second floor of a six-storey mixed-use building. It sits above commercial space with four stores of residential units above.
In January 2022, the Ontario Ministry of education announced the capital funding approval of $44 million for a new and innovative 445-pupil K-8 elementary school fully integrated with a high-density mixed-use development in the Lower Yonge Precinct at 55 Lakeshore Blvd. E. TLC continues to facilitate discussions between the developer, City staff and TDSB to ensure the success of this unique design.
Several additional projects have been identified for possible schools in mixed use/integrated development across the city. Examples include the City-owned 770 Don Mills Road and the TDSB owned West Don Lands Block 9, Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Lane, and 705 Progress Avenue.
Podium schools can pose additional challenges requiring different thinking and creativity applied to challenges such as identifying outdoor play space and ensuring that students, families, and staff have accessible and secure entrances to their school.
They also present opportunities for partnerships with government and not-for-profit organizations, creating shared use agreements for students to use civic space, while allowing members of the public to use school space on evenings and weekends.
TLC is committed to continuing its work on these new and innovative school designs to meet the future needs of our communities.
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WORTH REPEATING - 2024-25 Budget
Section 231 of the Education Act requires school boards to adopt a balanced budget.
When staff proposed a 3-year reduction plan, the plan was that $15.9M of Proceeds of Disposition (POD) - money the board makes by the sale of school board properties - could be approved to remove the deficit and help balance the budget. The POD included in the $20.8M deficit that we began with was $15.9. Staff also warned that it is unlikely that the Ministry would approve use of POD unless we have a balanced budget - The true deficit, then, when we began was $36.7 million ($20.8 + $15.9).
On Thursday, April 4 at the Special Board Meeting, trustees added back vice-principals and school safety staff that increased the projected deficit budget to $43,5 million (excluding the use of POD). Trustees then voted on a substitute motion (not the staff options to balance) to reduce the deficit by $17 million of staff options to balance that involve reductions to:
• Central Staff ($5M)
• School Renewal ($5M)
• Supporting Staff Self-Wellness ($7M)
Trustees also asked for options with regard to charging possible user fees to support the One-to-One Device Strategy.
Following extensive feedback received from the community on the impacts of proposed reductions, Trustees voted to delay the implementation of some options to balance the 2024-25 operating budget to allow for further stakeholder consultation, including options related to International Language and African Heritage Programs, General Interest/Senior’ Daytime Courses, Outdoor Education, and Permit Fees.
Following the Board decisions, the TDSB now faces a projected budget deficit of $26.5 million. ($20.8 starting + $6.8 VP & safety staffing + $15.9 POD - $17 central reductions).
The Board may request to use up to $22 million of POD, which would result in a budget deficit of approximately $4.5 million -– however, again, staff warned the Board that unless one finds ways to reduce the budget by $4.5 million, the province may not allow us to use POD.
Once the GSNs are announced (Education Funding), and staff analyze what it means to the Board's bottom line, the deficit may either increase or decrease. We are also concerned about increases to the structural deficit due to the provincial imposed remedy from Bill 124 which will increase the funding gap. We will be meeting again before our obligation to submit a balanced budget by June 30.
I urge you to read the full motion that was approved by the Board on April 4 and help us with our advocacy.
Please also read the advocacy for the province to remove the moratorium on school closures to allow TDSB to consolidate schools to provide better programming for students.
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Clean Toronto Together School Clean-Up Day, April 19How to take part?
On Friday, April 19th at 2:00 p.m. students, staff, and parents from across Toronto are encouraged to help rejuvenate our city’s green spaces by picking up litter in their schoolyard, neighbourhood park, or local community. Celebrate Earth Day by joining schools across Toronto who are helping to keep our City clean and green! You'll be amazed at what we can accomplish in as little as 20 minutes! (Note: Schools may opt to do their clean-up event at any time). Parents are always welcome to participate with the school. Families can also join Toronto’s annual spring cleanup events on Saturday, April 20th and Sunday, April 21st.
All participating schools will receive a certificate of participation from the City of Toronto.
ResourcesSafety Tips from the City- Wear appropriate and protective clothing (boots, gloves, rain jacket, hat, sunscreen).
- If possible, use tongs to handle waste items (dollar store salad tongs work)
- Bring a first aid kit; students should be accompanied by a person trained in first aid.
- Be mindful of vehicles when near or adjacent to a road.
- Do not work on unstable or slippery ground (ravines, river banks), in tunnels, or near stormwater management ponds.
- Only pick-up litter (including masks). Leaves, twigs and plants can remain on the ground.
- Avoid stepping on shrubs, bulbs, and flowers.
- Do not pick up or move heavy objects such as tree limbs.
- Do not pick up dangerous items (needles or syringes, metal, chemicals, medical waste) – if on school property, report the location of these items to your caretaker; if on public property, call 311.
- Hazardous waste such as batteries, aerosol containers, fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), helium and propane tanks/cylinders, should be set aside from recycling and litter.
- Report suspicious items to Toronto Police Service via their non-emergency telephone number at 416-808-2222.
- Celebrate Earth Day by spending 20-minutes cleaning up your schoolyard or a neighbourhood park.
Important information:
- All Toronto schools, colleges and universities are welcome to join.
- School cleanups should have approval from your school principal or property manager.
- TDSB and TCDSB participants will be provided additional information where to get bags and gloves.
- The City no longer provides free cleanup supply kits to schools.
- Safety tips and waste sorting guides will be provided to all registered schools.
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Board Meeting This Week
Wednesday, April 17 - Board Meeting - Public Session 7pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda
- 15.1 Governance and Policy Committee, Report No. 3, March 20, 2024
- 15.1 (1) P067, Learning Opportunities Index Policy Review, Phase 3
- 15.1 (2) P021, Fundraising Policy, Phase 5
- 15.1 (3) P072, Workplace Violence Prevention Policy, Phase 1: Annual Review
- 15.1 (4) P048, Occupational Health and Safety Policy, Phase 1: Annual Review
- 15.2 Planning and Priorities Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 3, March 21, 2024
- 15.2 (1) Special Education Advisory Committee: Multi-Year Strategic Plan Objectives: Accessibility
- 15.2 (2) Multi-Year Strategic Plan for 2024-2028
- 15.2 (3) Business Arising: Measurement of Multi-Year Strategic Plan Goals
- 15.2 (4) Nutrition Update
- 15.3 Audit Committee, Report No. 1, March 25, 2024
- 15.3 (1) TDSB Compliance and Board-Mandated Training Program Summary 2023-2024: Overview and Metrics
- 15.3 (2) Business Arising: Inclusion of Trustee Compliance and Board-Mandated Training Summary Data
- 15.3 (3) Internal Audit Department Status Update: March 2024
- 15.3 (4) Regional Internal Audit Team (RIAT) Engagement and Status Update
- 15.3 (5) Audit Committee O. Reg 361/10 Requirements, Work Tracker
- 15.4 Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Report No. 7B, April 2, 2024
- 15.4 (1) Contract Awards, Facilities
- 15.4 (2) Contract Awards, Operations
- 15.4 (3) Construction Tender Award, York Memorial Collegiate Institute Reconstruction and Remediation
- 15.5 Program and School Services Committee, Report No.3, April 3, 2024
- 15.5 (1) Parent Involvement Advisory Committee: Elementary School Schedule: Monday to Friday Versus Five-Day Cycle
- 15.5 (2) Early Years Community Advisory Committee: Child Care Centres: Membership and Communication With Local Caring and Safe Schools Committees
- 15.5 (3) Annual Indigenous Education Report, 2023
- 15.5 (4) Student Demographics and Learning Opportunities Index Rankings in French Immersion Programs
- 15.5 (5) Science and Technology, STEM and Robotics 2023-2024 Annual Report
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Secondary Summer Credit Programs
Secondary Credit Programs - Summer School
The Toronto District School Board offers summer school credit courses to students currently in Grades 9 to 12, as well as for adult 18+ learners working towards their high school diploma. Students may take a new credit, or retake a course previously taken to upgrade a mark.
Students can only register for one credit course or 2 half courses (Civics/Careers) in July. Classes will be held Monday to Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from July 2 to July 26, 2024, attendance is mandatory for both In Person and Remote.
Registration opens on Friday, April 19, 2024, and closes on Friday, June 7, 2024. To register for a Summer School course, both students and adults must meet the prerequisite requirements. Parents/Caregivers/Guardians and students must consult with their day school Guidance Counsellor regarding their course selection.
The Toronto District School Board reserves the right to cancel classes. A list of cancelled courses will be posted on the website www.creditprograms.ca seven days before the registration deadline.
Reach Ahead Summer Program
The Reach Ahead Program is offered to all incoming grade 9 students enrolled in a TDSB school starting in September. Registration opens on Monday, April 22, 2024, and closes on Friday, June 7, 2024.
Remote Reach Ahead: July 2024 Summer School Course Offering
IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Registration will not be available before the registration start date. Space in all courses is limited and may fill up before the registration deadline. Registration must be completed online through our registration portal. On-site registration is not available. Continuing Education remote students are responsible for their learning materials, including Laptops, Chromebooks, and Internet access. These are not provided by the Continuing Education Department. For more information, click https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/conedsecondarycreditprogram/Summer-School
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Extended Day Program (EDP) Summer
The Extended Day Program (EDP) is the Board’s directly operated before-and after-school program that operates throughout the school year. As part of our commitment to providing enriching experiences beyond the traditional school year, EDP will be providing Summer Programs from July 2 to August 16, 2024. The EDP Summer Program will operate in 14 TDSB schools based on a parent survey of interest and corresponding viability assessment. The EDP summer programming is available to all TDSB students with priority given to those currently enrolled in the program.
Led by TDSB Designated Early Childhood Educators and Early Childhood Assistants, the EDP Summer Program is dedicated to providing fun learning opportunities for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Through interactive sessions and creative projects, students will develop skills such as collaboration, responsibility, problem-solving, creativity, citizenship and leadership through interesting activities, experiences, and excursions.
Information about the EDP Summer Program, including school locations, fees, and registration will be shared with families and posted on the EDP webpage on Monday, April 15th when registration is scheduled to open.
2024 EDP Summer Program Locations
- Ancaster Public School
- Avondale Public School
- Berner Trail Junior Public School
- Blake Street Junior Public School
- Broadacres Junior School
- Brookmill Boulevard Junior Public School
- Ellesmere-Statton Public School
- Shoreham Public Sports and Wellness Academy
- Glen Ravine Junior Public School
- Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School
- Market Lane Junior and Senior Public School
- O'Connor Public School
- Taylor Creek Public School
- Willow Park Junior Public School
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Reporting Hate
In Our Schools
If you are a staff or a student or a parent/caregiver, and you are a victim of/or witnessing an incident of racism, bias, or hate in our schools, please report it to the school's principal, who has a duty to investigate all incidents. Each time an incident takes place in a school, it is to be recorded in a portal which then begins a system response. We have a responsibility to educate against hate. For more information, please visit the webpage for Reporting an Incident of Hate or Discrimination Involving or Impacting Students. If you experience it, or witness it, report it. Please.
Complaints regarding social media postings should be sent directly to the TDSB's Human Rights Office at humanrightsoffice@tdsb.on.ca. The intake process is being centralized in the Human Rights Office to ensure for consistency of process.
In Our Communities
Report any allegations of hate-motivated crimes to police for investigation at 416-808-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency. We will not tolerate any intimidation, harassment, or hate-motivated behaviour aimed at specific communities. You can also call 1-800-222-TIPS to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Toronto Police provide new online option to report hate-motivated graffiti
Toronto Police Service is launching a new option for the public to provide information to police about hate-motivated graffiti in their neighbourhoods. The web form, available on the Service’s website, provides an additional avenue for the public to alert police to hate-motivated graffiti, so officers can attend, gather evidence and arrange for the hate-motivated graffiti to be removed as quickly as possible. This reporting mechanism will be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please remember TDSB's Mental Health and Well Being Professional Support Staff (PSS) are here to support your mental health and well-being and to help you navigate the tools and resources you may need. Please see resources on their website.
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Panfest Vybz: A Celebration of Music, Arts, & Community -
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 6-8 p.m.
Winston Churchill CI
This free community event celebrates Carnival culture through Arts such as costuming, dance, drumming and steel pan music. All are invited to join us to enjoy student and professional performers and a series of fun workshops.
Presented by the TDSB Arts Department in partnership with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement
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Backpack and School Supplies Drive
This year’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive will run from March 1, 2024 to the end of September 2024. Individual donors and companies can help our students by making a monetary donation and/or a donation of new backpacks and school supplies. Tax receipts are available for these donations.100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations go to benefit our students. NOTE: Due to potential health & safety, hygiene, sorting and storage limitations, the TDSB can only accept new items. For more information about how to donate new items, please contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.
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April is Latin-America History Month
This year’s upcoming theme is Weaving Our Legacies: Returning to Our Collective Path | Enlazar Nuestres Legados: Volver a Nuestre Camino Colectivo.
The “e” in Nuestres was purposefully chosen to disrupt the dominant and default patriarchal binary gender grammar system of the colonial language of Spanish. The intentional use of the letter “e” as gender inclusive was created by LGBTQIA+, gender non-binary, and feminist communities in what is recognized today as Latin-America. (https://callmelatine.wordpress.com/). Please follow us on Twitter where quotes will also be shared: @TDSBLAHM
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April is Sikh Heritage Month
This year’s the Sikh Heritage Month’s theme is Chardi Kala (The Positive and Uplifted State of Mind). According to Sikh beliefs, Chardi Kala is a state of mind that radiates positive energy, optimistic attitude, strong confidence, and virtuosity. With true belief in the supreme power of the Almighty and the oneness of humanity, this state of mind can pave a way for the well-being and happiness of all.
The Sikh Heritage Committee is continuing with its Podcasts series that began last year. This year, we’ve added two new podcast episodes that reflect our current theme of Chardi Kala (The Positive and Uplifted State of Mind):
The Wrap-Up Celebration will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 9:30-10:30am. We're delighted to have keynote speaker Tina Singth, outstanding student performers and inspiring remarks from Director Russell-Rawlins and Chair Chernos Lin. Join via the Live Webcast.
Lastly during the month of April, Sikh Canadians recognize Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, which celebrates the Sikh New Year across Ontario. This year Khalsa Day will be celebrated on Sunday, April 28 in downtown Toronto at Exhibition Place This celebration is the third largest parade in Canada with thousands of individuals joining in the festivities! We hope you are available to join the festivities and celebrate!
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e-Summer Update
2024 e-Summer School Registration - Grade 10 - 12 Credit Courses
Registration for July and August e-Summer School courses will begin on Monday, April 22, 2024. A list of courses being offered can be found here. Students are asked to connect with their home school Guidance Counsellors to complete their registration.
Grade 8 Summer Reach Ahead Opportunity
Current Grade 8 students are eligible to register for the e-Summer Full Credit Summer Reach Ahead course, GLD2OE. Successful completion of this e-Summer course counts towards the Ministry of Education’s mandatory e-Learning credit requirement. Registration begins on Monday, April 22, 2024.
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Elementary Summer School
The focus of the 2024 Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program is to continue student engagement through July. Programs, embedded in Literacy and Numeracy, are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the school focus. Programs are offered in-person to students in K to Grade 8, from July 2 to July 26, 2024 from 9:00am to noon. This year, one remote program will also be available for Grades 4 to 8.
Afternoon Jays Camp RBI Summer Edition is a free afternoon baseball-for-development program for Grades 3 to 8 hosted at 14 elementary schools. Throughout July, students registered for half-day summer school can opt to join the RBI Summer Edition program for the afternoon.
Special Education and Inclusion - TDSB will be offering summer school for students who are currently enrolled in a Developmental Disability, Physical Disability, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Intensive Support Program (ISP). These half-day programs will be held at various locations throughout the TDSB. Programs are offered in-person to students in Kindergarten to Grade 12, from July 2 to July 26, 2024. This year, in-person programs will be available to students currently enrolled in DD, DHH or PD programs only.
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Create a Meaningful Connection with Your Child in a Hyper-Connected World
The Northern SS Council is inviting you to "Create a Meaningful Connection with Your Child in a Hyper-Connected World." The event will take place in the Northern Auditorium on Thursday, April 25th at 6:30 pm. We're pleased to invite parents and guardians of students attending midtown schools to attend this free event.
Families can register for the event by using the link below:
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TDSB Summer Music & Art Camps 2024
We are excited to announce that registration for our summer music camp in Toronto 2024 is now open! Explore your musical talents and creative flair at the TDSB Summer Music and Art Camps! Our camps welcome young artists and musicians of all skill levels, offering diverse programs including band, orchestra, strings, and personalized instruction. It's a chance to develop your skills, build friendships, and celebrate in an exciting final concert. Join us for a summer of music-making, artistic expression, and endless fun! For more information and details, click here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Summer-Programs/TDSB-Music-Camps
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Need for Aquatic Instructors
In order to operate swim programs in our schools with pools, we need two on-site aquatic instructors. Sadly, the TDSB has had a shortage of aquatic instructors since schools reopened from COVID. If you know of any aquatic instructors, please, have them complete the application - the board has been advertising and I have been advertising on Twitter since the end of last year. Here’s the link directly to the posting for applicants to apply. https://tdsb.sabacloud.com/Saba/Web_spf/CA1PRD0033/jobs-Support/career/jobdetail/jobrq000000000002580. Thanks!
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Please Keep Safe... and Keep Others Safe
Layers of protection work to help reduce virus spread. For example:
😷wear a well-fitted mask
🧼wash hands often
🏠stay home if sick
💨choose well ventilated spaces
🛡️stay up-to-date with your vaccines
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Vaccinations
Measles is increasing and spreading in every region of the world. It can cause a fever, rash, runny nose, red eyes & more. It spreads through the air and close contact when a person infected with measles breathes, coughs, or sneezes. If you think you have the virus, stay home & contact your doctor. Learn more: http://toronto.ca/measles-fact-sheet.
Vaccines are available from your primary health care provider or at a TPH community clinic for school-aged children, by appointment. Visit TPHbookings.ca for more information.
All children attending school between ages 4 to 17 need to be immunized according to Ontario's Immunization Schedule. If you are unsure of your child’s vaccination status, check their yellow card (Ontario Immunization Record), TPH’s Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) or by speaking with their primary health care provider.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines and flu vaccines
We are still in the midst of respiratory illness season, and it is not too late to get vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu. Both of these vaccines continue to be available at your local pharmacy and doctor’s office. The updated COVID-19 vaccine better protects against the new Omicron XBB variant. You can get the updated COVID-19 vaccine if you are aged six months and older and it has been at least six months since their last COVID-19 dose or infection (whichever is longer). It is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time or around the same time. Learn more about where to get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine.
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2023-2024 Calendar
Please ensure you check these dates before scheduling events. Please also note the PA Day originally scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024 has been rescheduled and will now occur on Monday, April 8, 2024.
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Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report
Please contact 311 if you see dogs in school grounds so they can log the concerns and please also call TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620. Tracking the concerns will allow us to build the case for increased surveillance.
At our recent Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, the staff report confirmed the following -
Dogs on school properties have been an ongoing challenge for many years despite the “no dogs permitted” signage. There have been examples of dog owners taking their dogs off leash or even leaving their dogs unattended in a school yard, or within the kindergarten or childcare enclosures. There have been incidents of off-leash dogs chasing as well as biting students, members of the public and staff. Dog feces and disposal bags are frequently left on the school grounds impacting the student use and enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Signage is posted near the entrances, such as gates or openings in the school ground fencing (refer to Appendix A for a copy of the signage) that clearly indicates TDSB school grounds are private property and dogs are not permitted on school board property. Section 6.10 in PR523, Access to School Premises prohibits canines on TDSB properties at any time (except service animals).
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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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