Grieving with Nova Scotia
The events over the past 24hrs in Nova Scotia are devastating and we send deepest condolences to all the families of victims, including RCMP Const. Heidi Stevenson. Sadly, when tragic events happen we know that some students may experience a wide range of reactions and emotions. TDSB Professional Support Services staff have prepared the following tips that may be helpful for parents whose children are experiencing difficulties: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Professional-Support-Services/Speaking-with-Students-About-Tragic-Events.
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Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.Please stay home. Please save safe. Please wash your hands.
Stay well. Stay healthy.
We are all in this together.
"The power to change the story is entirely in our hands. So thank you, thank you to the residents of our city, thank you to business owners, thank you all for doing this, but we can still do better, we must do better, and we need your help to get there." Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health
Other Important Links:
In these challenging times, the helpers are everywhere. They are the first responders, farmers, mail carriers, grocery store employees, pharmacists, factory workers, health care workers, delivery drivers, civil service employees, journalists – anyone working to keep us safe, healthy, informed and as close to our normal lives as possible.
Together, let’s demonstrate our appreciation and let the helpers know how much we value their service and commitment. #Helpers
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School Closure Extending Beyond May 4
From the Deputy Minister Memo to Directors of Education - April 14, 2020.
As noted in the March 31, 2020 memo, the decision to re-open schools would continue to be re-evaluated based on public health advice. I am writing to confirm today that the school closure period will be extended beyond May 4, 2020 and commit to you that further details will be provided as quickly as possible. We are working with the COVID Command Table to analyze the most updated data, which will inform our decisions. The closure is being extended to protect the health and safety of students, families and staff.
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Remembering...
photo credit - CBC
Thursday, April 23, 2020 marks the two year anniversary of the deadly van attack that took place on Yonge Street. Following the events of that day, the Board approved that April 23 of each year, or the nearest school day, be memorialized as a day of remembrance for the victims of this tragic incident. 10 people were killed that day and 16 injured. Among those killed was TDSB employee Renuka Amarasingha who working in nutrition services. We will be flying the flag at 5050 Yonge Street at half-staf and remembering the selfless actions of bystanders, first responders and Board employees who responded to the needs of the victims. It is important to remember that on anniversaries of traumatic events, many will be impacted again by the memories and emotional distress felt following the tragedy. Please reach out for support.
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Orthodox Easter
Orthodox Easter is the most significant and sacred season of the Eastern Christian church's calendar. For all in our community observing, Happy Orthodox Easter. May your celebration of Pascha be meaningful.
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Ramadan Mubarak
Ramadan is one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar. Ramadan 2020 will begin in the evening of Thursday, April 23 and ends in the evening of Saturday, May 23. Ramadan Kareem to all observing. As you fast and offer prayers, may you find your peace and happiness. Have a peaceful and happy Ramadan.
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Earth Day - April 22
If there is one thing positive that can come out of Covid19 is the irrefutable evidence human actions have on the planet - clear skies in LA.; clear canals in Venice; wildlife thriving... our actions make a difference. We can do better and youth are leading the way.
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Yom Hashoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day
Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, begins the evening of Monday, April 20 and ends the evening of Tuesday, April 21. The TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee, on behalf of the entire community, invites everyone to tune into a cross-Canada commemoration/online Holocaust remembrance program on Monday, April 20 at 7 pm. In honour of the 75th anniversary of liberation, the event will feature host Toronto-based actor Jake Epstein, best known for his work on Degrassi, Designated Survivor, Suits, and on Broadway. Epstein is the son of Kathy Kacer, the award winning author of The Secret of Gabi’s Dresser and other Holocaust-related books for young adults. Please register ASAP at https://yadvashem.ca/yomhashoah/.
The TDSB is also proud of its own Holocaust education website containing resources about such topics as the rise of the Nazi party and their views, examining the Holocaust, Toronto survivor Pinchas Gutter and the virtual reality film “The Last Goodbye”, Hana's Suitcase, and links to resources created by such organizations as the US Holocaust Museum, the Azrieli Foundation, the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Centre for Holocaust Education, and Facing History and Ourselves - https://sites.google.com/tdsb.on.ca/tdsb-holocaust-and-genocide/home.
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#TDSBWellnessWe care about the range of emotions and questions students of all ages may be experiencing in this uncertain and unprecedented time of the Covid-19 pandemic and school closures. The change in routines and feelings of separation from peers, educators and other important caregivers may cause distress. However, this time offers an opportunity to strengthen our resilience and pay greater attention to our well-being.
Every Wednesday we will be sharing a different wellness theme with a tip and activity. The theme for last week was gratitude.
Need immediate help?
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of your local hospital.
If you are not sure if it is an emergency, or just need to talk through the situation, consider reaching out to:
- Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
- Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868
Covid-19 Specific Resources:
School Mental Health Ontario
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Remote Learning Differences are Expected...
As the Director made clear in his latest letter to parents – teachers will use a variety of methods following the Ministry of Education direction.
These are difficult times and I understand some parents want more online teaching. We have had to flip the switch on remote learning in a matter of days - for something that would typically have taken months to organize and prepare for. While the technology may have been commonplace over recent years, not all teachers used an online platform - let alone in the fashion that everyone has been forced to use it during the closure period.
Please know all staff are teaching to the direction they’ve received from the Ministry. I think it’s also important to keep in mind that families, including those of teachers, have a wide variety of challenges right now. While one family may have time to sit down with their children to work on school assignments and learning for a certain period of time each day, another may still be working or have other demands leaving little to no time of learning. I think everyone is trying their best to balance that range of situations. It was with that in mind that the Ministry and the TDSB continues to provide additional resources for families who would like additional content during the week. They can be found here:
In the end, we can’t replace the classroom experience with remote learning or the amount of time students would typically have spent on learning...it’s not perfect for any family right now, but it’s the best we can do given these unprecedented circumstances. Please remember - this is not on-line learning. This is not e-learning. This is emergency remote learning under the extraordinary circumstances of a world-wide pandemic. Health and well-being comes first... for everyone.
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Device Distribution and Paper Packages
Please note that device distribution to students who need a device to access remote learning is underway. We have had over 90,000 families completed the survey…translates into 29,000 families requesting devices. 52,000 devices have been requested in total (for separate children).
Our TDSB IT Department has been working tirelessly to collect, sanitize, package and ship devices to approximately 29,000 students across the system. As you can imagine this process takes time as we prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved. Devices for students with Special Education Amount (SEA) equipment have been processed and students and families who completed the technology-needs survey to assist with their remote learning will receive their Chromebook. Following SEA devices we are prioritizing grade 12 students. We are not asking parents to come in and pick up the devices. We will ensure all families that require support, will get a device.
In addition, as last week, 5748 students were identified by teachers to receive printed learning and well-being resources for a variety of reasons. The distribution of packages began Wednesday. All these families will receive the full package, for all grade levels. The package will include about 1 month worth of learning. Distribution is being done internally and externally using a courier service, if required.
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Delegation Process - Addressing a CommitteeDelegation requests will still be accepted during the closure of all schools and administrative sites at the Toronto District School Board; 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 here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations and email delegates@tdsb.on.ca. If your request is approved, further details will be provided to you via email.
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Upcoming Committee & Board Meetings
The Toronto District School Board is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. Due to the closure of all schools and administration sites at the Toronto District School Board, all standing committee and regular board meetings will be held virtually and broadcasted live to the public. Click here at the start time to view - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings
April 20 (Monday) Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (Special Meeting) (Electronic Meeting) 4:30 p.m.
- 4.1 Contract Awards, Facilities
- 4.2 Contract Awards, Operations
- 4.3 Contract Awards – Emergency Approvals - To provide information to the Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee regarding the contract approval process during the closure of schools and administrative buildings as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic period where an emergency approval may be required and cannot wait for scheduled Standing Committee and/or Board meetings.
- 5. Borrowing Resolution to Meet Current Operating Expenditures - The Board approved a borrow resolution on 11 June 2018 and 18 October 2017 to allow staff to borrow funds on a short-term basis to support both the daily operations of the board of $50 million and permanent improvements relating to capital funding of $250 million. These borrowing resolutions were approved until 31 October 2020 in the amount of $300 million. Due to the COVID 19 health crisis some municipal cash flows have been delayed. Staff are requesting additional borrowing ability to ensure sufficient cash flow to meet operational needs during this health crisis.
- 6. Update on Extraordinary Costs for Davisville Junior Public School and Spectrum Alternative Senior School - The purpose of this report is to inform the Board of a significant additional construction cost claim for the Davisville Junior Public School and Spectrum Alternative Senior School replacement project. The claim presented is higher than allocated contingencies and in accordance with our new accountability protocols: the Capital Projects team is updating the Board on these additional costs.
The additional costs identified are associated with unknown below-grade conditions encountered during excavation and foundation work. The additional costs are also a result of phased work along the easterly property line which allowed for an adjustment to a pre-existing easement with the owners of 68 Davisville Avenue, the neighbouring property to the east. The costs have been reviewed and verified by the consultant team and are found to be valid. Preliminary costs related to the expropriation were previously identified in separate reports to Board in April and September 2019.
This report also identifies the course of action taken by TDSB in reaching out for additional funding to cover these costs. - 7. Update on the Impact of COVID19 on Maintenance and Construction Projects - Oral update
- 8.1 Second Quarter Interim Financial Report, 2019-20 - The attached information summarizes the financial position of the Board as of 29 February 2020. In the 1st quarter report, The Board reported using working funds of $27.4M in the 2019-2020 school year. However, the updated projection shows a slight increase of $0.8M to the working funds this year (now $28.2M).
While this projection indicates initial savings in the 2nd quarter as a result of the government mandated system shutdown in March and April, the total impact of COVID 19 are still being determined as the shutdown continues. An update on financial impact of COVID 19 will be provided in future FBEC meetings as costs and savings can be determined.
- 8.2 Grants for Student Needs: Update - Grants for Student Needs (GSN) are the province’s mechanism for determining funding to school boards based on formulas set out in regulations each year. GSNs are generated primarily by student enrolment. Since funding reflects enrolment, the Board must adapt its programs and organizational structure to reflect enrolment changes and Ministry changes in regulations, such as class size.
The Ministry of Education has not announced a date for the release of the GSN at this time. Prior to the COVID 19 pandemic, the release of the GSN was anticipated to be in April.
Until the GSN is announced and the associated technical papers are released, staff cannot complete a budget projection. It is anticipated that approximately two weeks after the GSN is announced, the detailed technical papers that are needed to complete a financial forecast will be available.
Currently, no significant funding changes are anticipated and all collective agreement settlements will be fully funded.
April 22 (Wednesday) Regular Meeting (Electronic Meeting) 4:30 p.m.
- 15. Committee Reports
- 15.1 Committee of the Whole, Report No. 12, April 7, 2020
1. Secondary Program Review: Update #4 - 15.2 Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 49, April 20, 2020 To be presented
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Changes to School Year Calendar
Given the current circumstances, OPSBA is aware that the approval for modified school-year calendars has been delayed and there is discussion about the cancellation of upcoming Professional Activity Days. Changes will be made to Regulation 304 School Year Calendar, Professional Activity Days soon to address this. I will continue to keep you updated.
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Information re School Councils
We have received questions regarding the status of School Councils - What is the current role of our school councils? Can they still meet? What if they haven’t yet had the legislated 4 meetings per school year?
At this time, School Council meetings have been postponed. Principals/vice principals have been asked to stay in contact with School Council Chairs/Co-chairs and the school community. There are many factors and views to be considered on continuing school council meetings in light of the varying impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the lives of families. Staff require a few additional days to clearly articulate the next steps for councils considering the questions raised and feedback received and is continuing to assess the ways in which School Councils may continue to meet in alignment with provincial regulation O. Reg 612/00 in consultation with PIAC and the Principals’ Associations. Further information will be shared before the end of April.
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Sorry... still can't access schools to retrieve personal items
I know many students left items at school prior to March Break and the closure of schools and wish to retrieve them. Unfortunately, under Ontario Regulation 82/20 of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), all places of business in Ontario have been ordered to close unless they are listed as an “essential business” under Schedule 2 of the regulation. The regulation allows “temporary” access to closed places of business only under the following circumstances:
- performing work at the place of business in order to comply with any applicable law;
- allowing for inspections, maintenance and repairs to be carried out at the place of business;
- allowing for security services to be provided at the place of business; and
- attending at the place of business temporarily.
We were able to allow staff in under strict protocols to "access materials, goods or supplies" that were necessary for them to work remotely. Unfortunately, access to retrieve personal effects is inconsistent with the purpose of the regulation and is not allowed. We will keep you posted when we can allow access.
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Food for Kids Program – Phase Four RolloutEarlier this week, the TDSB launched the Phase 4 rollout of the Food for Kids program in partnership with the Toronto Foundation for Student Success (TFSS). This program, which provides $50 grocery store food cards to students (one per student) during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been rolled out to 124 schools across the TDSB.
Since the launch of the program, approximately 6,200 $50 grocery store food cards have been issued to TDSB families, totalling $310,000. This number continues to increase every day as more families register for the program. As you know, our goal is to provide grocery food cards to students in the top 150 schools on the Learning Opportunities Index (LOI) if funding permits.
Can you help? Donations are welcome at https://tfss.ca/. Please select“COVID-19 Response Fund” from the drop down box when making a donation.
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