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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 - November 30 from 7-9 - Ward Forum - Literacy and Math across our schools
- Treaty Recognition Week November 6-10
- We Will Not Forget
- Labour Negotiations Updates
- Early French Immersion Application Process begins November 6
- Grade 8 to 9 Transitions and Student Interest Programs Webinars and Resources
- Update from TPH
- Professional Activity (PA) Day - November 1
- Status of Child Care Services (Funding)
- Coping During War & Conflict: Video Series and Culturally Responsive Resources
- New Invitations - Black Student Post-Secondary Engagement Symposium – Nov 15; Working Together on Behalf of Toronto - St Paul's – Nov 12; Job Opportunity – Come work with the TDSB Trustees
- Worth Repeating - HEW 2023; Raise a Reader Part 2 - Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 6:30 to 8pm; Professional Learning for School Council Chairs/Co-Chairs, Members, Principals and Vice Principals; Youth Climate Action Grants – Deadline to Apply, November 20, 2023; Legislative Page Program - Applications Open; Here to Help - Kids Help Line; Winter Outerwear Drive; Useful Links; We Have a Dog Problem; 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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| Hold the Date - November 30 from 7-9 (formerly Nov 16)
Ward Forum - Literacy and Math across our schools
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Treaty Recognition Week November 6-10
Treaties Recognition Week is the first full week of November and came out of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. Developing a stronger understanding and awareness of the treaty relationships will help move us towards reconciliation. During Treaties Recognition Week, we recognize the agreements that shape the relationships and lands across Ontario.
Treaties are the legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments. Ontario is covered by 46 treaties and other agreements, like land purchases made by the Crown. However, treaty-making preceded North American settlement: Indigenous Nations had Treaty Agreements with one another before Europeans arrived.
Treaties matter to everyone in Canada; we are all Treaty People. They represent a mutual commitment to building a prosperous future for everybody. Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities have a responsibility of knowing and upholding Treaty obligations. It is important to remember that treaties are as much a part of today as when they were made, often referred to as living documents.
The Urban Indigenous Education Centre has compiled resources to support and highlight treaty awareness, as well as virtual events and workshops and virtual events.
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We Will Not Forget
Remembrance Day is observed since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. The moment of silence during a Remembrance Day ceremony at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month is a time to pause and show respect to those who lost their lives for the well-being and freedom of Canadians and the country. Most schools will honour the day on Friday, November 10. We will remember them...
November 8th is National Indigenous Veterans Day. On this day we remember the contributions of Indigenous Veterans for Canada’s war efforts and the oppression that they faced at home. The following suggestions were developed with the guidance of Elder Dr. Duke Redbird.
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Labour Negotiations Updates
School boards and unions share a commitment to public education and work together towards positive labour relations. The collective bargaining framework for the education sector features a two-tier bargaining process, involving both central and local bargaining. Learn more about the process.
Information will continue to be updated on the website.
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Early French Immersion Application Process begins November 6
The application to the Early French Immersion program for 2004-25 (Junior Kindergarten entry) will remain an online process managed by the TDSB’s Central French Department, and applications must be completed online between November 6 and December 1, 2023. An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all eligible on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. Interested families can apply via the Application Link.
Please visit the TDSB French website to view a video that provides information about the TDSB French Language programs as well as the application and placement process in the Early French Immersion and the Middle French Immersion programs.
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Grade 8 to 9 Transitions and Student Interest Programs Webinars and Resources
The Grade 8 to 9 Transitions process started this week with the Preparing for High School: Grade 8 to 9 Transitions Webinar on November 1, 2023 where nearly 4,300 participants were in attendance.
Over 4,700 participants registered to attend the Student Interest Program webinar held on November 2, 2023, which highlighted the wide variety of programs available across the TDSB, including the two new secondary Arts programs and eight new secondary Math, Science and Technology Programs. Both webinar recordings will be available next week on the PCCEO YouTube channel, the TDSB Guidance website and the Central Student Interest Program website.
The new Expression of Interest expectation was reviewed during the webinar. Expressions of Interest must make reference to or be directly connected to the Central Student Interest Program and the type of program(s) you have applied for. Possible options include:
- Written submissions (Examples: blog, essay, opinion piece, poem, short story, script, etc.) that refer to the program(s) O
- Text-based submissions (Examples: PowerPoint, Canva, Mindmap, etc.) O
- Audio or video submissions contain student performance that is connected to the program(s) OR
- Photographs/ digital versions of student artwork or projects accompanied by a brief description of the work and/or its meaning.
Expression of Interest Limits Based on Entry Grade - All applicant submissions must adhere to TDSB policies regarding Human Rights, Discrimination and Hate. Expressions of Interest that contravene these policies will be addressed and the applications will be deemed incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The online Central Student Interest Program application will go live tomorrow on Monday, November 6. The same application is used for elementary and secondary programs. The link will be available on both the elementary and secondary CSIP websites but can be most easily found at www.tdsb.on.ca/CSIP.
The application will remain open until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023.
Beyond 8 Website - contains information, resources, links and dates for the Grade 8 to 9 transition process.
Out-of-Area Admissions Website - the status for applying to schools will be available by the end of the first week of November. The Out-of-Area Admissions application will become available online after the Winter break.
Recordings of both webinars from November 1 and 2 will be posted on the PCEO YouTube Channel and links will be made available on the TDSB websites listed above.
Support sessions are scheduled for November 14 (4 to 5:30 p.m.) and November 22 (7 to 8:30 p.m.). The links to the online Zoom sessions are available on the CSIP Google calendars on the CSIP website. Applicants are also encouraged to contact their current school for technical support or access to technology. TDSB staff will be available to answer questions about the application should applicants require assistance. Staff will not be able to answer specific program and/or school-based questions.
Families are encouraged to attend Open Houses for school- and program-specific information.
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Update from TPH
It’s your turn!
The updated COVID19 & annual flu vaccines are now available for anyone 6+ months. Book now - toronto.ca/immunization.
You can also get them at some pharmacies & doctors offices.
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Professional Activity (PA) Day - November 17
As you know, beginning this school year, boards of education are now required to publicly share detailed information about PA Days, as outlined in Policy and Program Memorandum (PPM) 151. All information and details will be posted to www.tdsb.on.ca/PAdays at least 14 days in advance of the scheduled PA Day. The next upcoming PA Day is Friday, November 17, 2023.
All Staff – Elementary
Topic: Parent Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher conferences are held to facilitate communication and collaboration between parents or guardians and teachers. The primary purpose of these conference is to discuss a student’s academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. They provide an opportunity for parents and teachers to exchange information, celebrate successes, share concerns, and work together in the best interests of the student.
All Staff – Secondary
Topics: Learning for the day will focus on the following:
Literacy - School-based teams will review practical and effective strategies to support student learning with a focus on later literacy, literacy across the curriculum, and evidence-based systematic and explicit reading instruction. By reviewing the Later Literacy Learning Guide and TDSB Literacy Success Diagnostic Kit, school-based teams will make connections to the revised new de-streamed English, Grade 9 curriculum to consolidate foundational knowledge and skills.
Mathematics - School-based teams will review evidence-based strategies to support student improvement in K-12 Mathematics focusing on high impact instructional approaches. School teams will implement the Grade 9 Destreamed Mathematics course using the Ministry of Education’s curriculum and resources and OAME/AFEMO Lessons for MTH1W to support student learning in the Grade 9 Destreamed Math course.
Curriculum Implementation - School teams will examine practical and effective strategies to enhance student learning to implement the new Grade 10 Computer Studies- Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World with connection to skills trades and apprenticeship. In addition, school teams will continue professional learning in Mathematics, Science and Technology in connection with skilled trades and apprenticeship.
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Status of Child Care Services (Funding)
This week the Chair of the TDSB sent a public advocacy letter to the Minister of Education regarding our significant funding concerns related to child care services across the city.
One of the biggest stumbling blocks to rectifying these discrepancies is the significant delays in obtaining Ministry approvals to proceed (ATP) to tender for 17 of the child care projects in underserved areas of our system. These delays have not only led to increased costs but have also hampered our efforts to bridge and close the child care gap in affected communities. This has effectively led to a generation of children being denied access to integrated child care in schools.
For more detailed information regarding the Board’s concerns, please review the letter posted on our public webpage.
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Coping During War & Conflict: Video Series and Culturally Responsive Resources
As war and conflict, on the global stage, continue to impact and have far-reaching consequences for many local communities we understand that it's crucial to find effective ways to manage our well-being.
A video series and related resources have been developed by TDSB staff and expert facilitators to offer coping strategies during war and conflict to support the emotional and mental wellness of our students, parents/caregivers, staff, and broader community.
I spent about an hour and a half watching them all – what struck me were the common messaging – the importance of listening, sharing stories, community, resilience and hope – we need to continue to find our commonality and humanity in these difficult times even when we come at it through different life experience and identify. We grieve together.
Coping During War & Conflict Video Series
Community Specific Affinity Wellness and Coping Strategies:
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Combatting 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 any such incidents. Each time an incident takes place in a school, it is to be recorded in this 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.
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.
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Black Student Post-Secondary Engagement Symposium
Learn more about university & college programs that engage, support, and celebrate Black students. The TDSB Black Student Post-Secondary Engagement Symposium is an opportunity for institutions to connect with Black students in the TDSB to share programs, interest groups, clubs, communities, and services that affirm Black students’ lived and historic experiences, support their sense of belonging in post-secondary spaces, and connect them to culturally relevant programs and resources. Join us on Wednesday November 15, 2023 from 7:00 - 9:00PM at John Polanyi Collegiate Institute (640 Lawrence Ave W). Register here.
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Working Together on Behalf of Toronto - St Paul's
On Sunday, November 12 from 2:00pm - 3:30PM, join here Facebook page as the elected officials from all orders of government of Toronto-St. Paul’s discuss issues and answer questions.
Panelists
• Hon. Carolyn Bennett, MP
• Jill Andrew, MPP
• Josh Matlow, Toronto City Councillor
• Shelley Laskin, TDSB Trustee
• Kevin Morrison, TCDSB Trustee
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Job Opportunity – Come work with the TDSB Trustees
I am happy to share an exciting employment opportunity. We are looking to expand our roster of Shared Services Liaisons (SSLs) at the TDSB. SSLs are casual employees, who provide support to Trustees (and occasionally other TDSB departments) on an as- needed basis. They often assist with the planning and implementation of Ward meetings (both in- person and virtual) or provide additional support to trustees with things like research, newsletter prep, community outreach and more! To learn more, or to apply, click here! Please note, the deadline for applications is Friday, November 17th at 12 noon.
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HEW 2023
From November 1-9, join us to explore contemporary approaches to Holocaust education and remembrance in innovative ways, delving into issues and dialogues that offer new perspectives on this nuanced and essential history.
Holocaust Education Week was founded in 1982, under the auspices of the Holocaust Remembrance Committee, part of the former Toronto Jewish Congress. Its formation and continuation is in great part due to the hard work of a group of dedicated Holocaust survivors whose passion and commitment to Holocaust education paved the way for its future success.
HEW was one of the first formalized Holocaust education and awareness initiatives in Canada. Now called Neuberger Holocaust Education Week, it is recognized by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) as a best practice in the field and known for its world class programming. Click here for all public programs https://torontoholocaustmuseum.org/events.
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Raise a Reader Part 2 - Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 6:30 to 8pm
We are thrilled to continue our journey of exploration into the wonderful world of reading with you. This upcoming session will equip you with even more valuable strategies to support your child's reading development at home, enabling them to surpass their potential and instill a love for reading.
Part 2 Overview:
- Shared Read-Aloud and Reading Strategies
- The Importance of Reading
- Interactive Breakout Sessions - Choose from K-2 (French), K-2 (English), Special Education, Grade 3-6, and Grade 7-8 sessions to engage more deeply in tailored reading strategies.
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Professional Learning for School Council Chairs/Co-Chairs, Members, Principals and Vice Principals
Each year the Parent/Caregiver and Community Engagement Office (PCCEO) provides opportunities for School Councils across the system to support the important work of School Councils. Please refer below for all upcoming events and log in details.
Module 1 School Council Chairs: The Basics Leading your School Council begins by understanding the legislation that guides your work. This module will explore what Regulation 612 says about the Council mandate, membership, roles and responsibilities, and the mandatory actions every Council is required to carry out. We will also begin our exploration of Chair as leader by looking at the seven responsibilities of this position. November 13 6:30-8:00
Module 2 School Council Chairs: Leading Meetings Chairing a School Council meeting can be stressful or fulfilling - or a bit of both. Building on module 1, we examine how Chairs may lead effective meetings. We begin with agendas, minutes and reports, then move into decision making, working with committees and valuing volunteers. We end with the responsibility many Chairs hope to avoid - dealing with conflict. Here’s a hint: it doesn’t have to be awful. November 14 6:30-8:00
Module 3 School Council Chairs: Leading an Inclusive Practice School Councils represent the parent/caregiver community, the WHOLE community. But much of their work follows old practices established by the dominant communities. This module looks at those traditions and then begins to disrupt the notion of “the hard to reach” parent/caregiver. Beginning with relationships and communication - the keystones of successful engagement - we will investigate strategies for consultation that “go to the margins”. November 15 6:30-8:00
Module 4 School Council Chairs: Leading Effective Engagement This series of modules ends where we began - the Council mandate for effective engagement for student achievement. What is meaningful engagement and why is it important? After a brief review of the significance of relationships and communication, we will explore strategies to build the capabilities of your parents/caregivers to support their children’s learning, building connections between school and home, and an interesting way to consult with your community throughout the year. It’s about valuing parent/caregiver knowledge and teacher knowledge. How might Chairs lead this exciting path to collaboration? November 6 6:30-8:00 or November 16 6:30-8:00
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Youth Climate Action Grants – Deadline to Apply, November 20, 2023
Calling all TDSB students! City of Toronto grants of up to $1,000 will be available to student groups who want to take on climate action projects in their schools and communities. Applications for grant funding are now open and the deadline to apply is November 20, 2023. The EcoSchools central team is available to support student groups to develop their action projects and assist with best practices for grant writing proposals. For more information about the grant program, visit Youth Climate Action Grants.
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Legislative Page Program - Applications Open!
Applications for the spring 2024 term are now open until November 15th, 2023.
This unique educational program for Ontario students enrolled in Grade 7 or 8 at time of application with an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher). It provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over the province. For more information https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/programs/about-page-program.
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Here to Help - Kids Help Line
As conflict around the world continues, we’re here for anyone who may need support in their language. We offer phone counselling through trained interpreters in over 100 languages including Arabic, Hebrew, Yiddish, Ukrainian, Russian and more by calling 1-800-668-6868. Talking to someone about what you’re going through can be difficult, especially if you don’t use the same language. That’s why Kids Help Phone is providing our phone counselling in over 100 languages, with the help of trained interpreters. It’s all free, confidential and available 24/7 in Canada. No ID required.
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Winter Outerwear Drive
One in every three children lives in poverty right here in our city and too many children come to school without proper clothing to keep them warm during the winter months. In addition, many TDSB students are new to Canada and this may be their first time experiencing a Canadian winter. The TDSB holds an annual Winter Outerwear Drive to help ensure that all students have warm winter outerwear to get to and from school, and are prepared to participate in all of the fun outdoor activities winter has to offer. You can support our students and their families by making a donation to provide warm winter coats, pants, hats, gloves, and boots. This year’s Winter Outerwear Drive will run from October 2023 to the end of February 2024. 100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations go to benefit our students. Tax receipts are available for these donations. Contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca for more information about how to donate new outwear items. Please donate here.
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We Have a Dog Problem
Current by-law rules don’t work for school grounds. As a result, many dog owners disregard our signage and don’t seem to care that children play on that same grass! With limited resources the TDSB must rely on dog owners to be responsible and unfortunately, so many aren’t.
Please respect children’s play spaces.
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2023-2024 Calendar
Please ensure you check these dates before scheduling events.
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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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