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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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"While we breathe, we will hope”. - Barack Obama
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March Break
One more week of school until March Break - there is no school March 14-18.
For so many reasons it has been a difficult term and I hope whatever the week brings, you get a true break -
And when we return, may we return to peace.
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In this Issue:- March Break
- Supporting the Ukrainian Community
- COVID-19 Update
- March 7 is Black Mental Health Day
- March 8 is International Women's Day
- Combatting Hate and Racism – Student Learning Strategy
- Summer Programs 2022
- Backpack and School Supplies Drive
- OHRC - Right to Read Inquiry Report
- Board Meeting this Week
- TDSB System Calendar
- Combatting Hate - Virtual Ward 8 Forum on March 7, 2022
- Policy Consultations
- Key Dates - School Year Calendar 2022-23 (Proposed)
- New Invitations - Spotlight on Parent Voice
- Worth Repeating - Questions About COVID-19; Continued Education Updates; 2021-22 OPSBA Public Property Assessment Network Scholarship; Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voters Lists?; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
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Supporting the Ukrainian Community
It is so difficult to watch the developments in Eastern Europe, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community here in Toronto. Read the Director's full statement and read tips that may be helpful for parents/caregivers whose children are experiencing difficulties.
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COVID-19 UpdatePublic Health - individual actions impact others. Protections are in place for a reason - to keep us safe. Please continue to follow the advice of Toronto Public Health. "COVID-19 guidelines continue, including vaccination requirements and wearing masks or face coverings. The City’s mask bylaws also remain in effect. Stay informed about COVID-19 and changes to City services."
Masks in the TDSBTDSB's mask procedure is still in place as the provincial mask mandate has not been removed and everyone has an obligation to follow the rules. There needs to be good public health/medical basis to discontinue masking for staff and students and to date, we have not seen any such data.
Let’s wait until we better understand the impact of a broader re-opening before we change measures that have successfully kept schools open since January. This is the statement we provided to the Toronto Star - Children's Health Coalition
We will continue to consult with Toronto Public Health (TPH) as our approach has always been to align with TPH.
Medical masks for students have begun to be distributed to TDSB schools. Distribution will start with the higher enrolment in-person elementary schools and as stock arrives, all schools will be completed.
Revised Screening ToolToronto Public Health has updated their COVID-19 screening tool for children, students and adults for immediate use. Notably, this is now a single, universal screening tool for all ages – students and staff. There is also a significant change for people who have had a confirmed COVID-19 infection within the past 90 days and not needing to self-isolate if, for example, someone in the home has symptoms. And, the travel section refers directly to the federal travel pages as changes continue to be made.
Need to Learn More?
- Learn more about vaccines for children and 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
- Kids Health First -- developed by the Children's COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Table in Ontario - Although the recommended second dose is 8 weeks after the first dose, my understanding is parents can give informed consent for their child to receive their second dose sooner (5-11) or their booster (12-17) when they book at the provincial booking centre - 1-833-943-3900.
- Please see A Parent's Guide to Vaccination.
- Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and youth? You can book an appointment with the COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service (VSC) to speak with a Registered Nurse to get answers to your questions. Appointments are available Monday to Friday.
- To cut through the confusion, family doctors have come together to help patients and the public make sense of the current COVID rules and realities. The 'Confused about COVID? Family doctors answer your questions' series offers patients and the public trustworthy advice about protecting their health and how family doctors can help.
- Learn from medical experts, all in one place. Get more information here https://parenthomework.ca/.
Vaccine Opportunities for Students
Children aged 5 to 11 years (must be 5 years old at time of vaccination) can receive their first or second dose in this kid-friendly environment. Individuals 12 years of age and older can receive their first, second or third (booster) dose. You can schedule an appointment to attend the clinic or you can walk-in without an appointment.
Instructions for booking -
- Go to the TDSB scheduling webpage https://schoolclinic.parentinterview.com .
- Enter this Access Code: city2022 and click "Sign In".
- Fill in your contact information and click "Continue to Make Appointments". Note: Parents/Guardians please select “Other” from the "Position" menu.
- Click on the Clinic Location that you want to schedule an appointment for.
- Click on the time at which you wish to have your appointment.
- Print out, email or copy down your schedule.
If you have questions concerning vaccinating your child, please visit the Toronto Public Health website or call them at 416-338-7600.
Vaccine Opportunities for Staff Appointments for health clinics across the GTH can be scheduled through the dedicated FH Health booking website. The TDSB continues to work with Toronto Public Health and other local health partners to provide additional vaccine opportunities for staff.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Virtual office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays
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March 7 is Black Mental Health Day
On March 7, we honour Black Mental Health Day and recognize the impact Anti-Black racism continues to have on the mental health and well being of individuals, students and families.
Schools play a significant role in acknowledging, understanding and providing space for critical conversations about the impacts of racial stress & trauma on the mental health and well-being of Black students and families. Our collective work requires us to learn, unlearn and support the healing of racial trauma. We need to center culturally responsive restorative healing spaces for Black youth and families, which will contribute to their positive outcomes and mentally healthy schools.
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March 8 is International Women's Day
March 8 is International Women's Day. It’s a global day to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It’s also a time to raise awareness of the progress made towards achieving gender equality and the work remaining to be done.
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Combatting Hate and Racism – Student Learning Strategy
Hate and racism in any form has no place in schools and workplaces and we are committed to interrupting and confronting racism, discrimination and hate, in all of its forms when we see or hear it. Every day, there is an incredible amount of work happening in classrooms and schools every day to support this commitment through professional learning, curriculum resources, encouraging and supporting critical conversations and building connections with each other as well as community organizations to support this important work.
We must continue to do everything in our ability to be more precise in our actions and strengthen our determination to eliminate all forms of hate and racism in our schools and our system.
We have developed a proactive and student-centred approach to creating respectful and culturally safe learning environments for all students. This plan is informed by our own TDSB data from our racism, bias and hate portal, which shows us that prejudice and implicit bias are learned beginning at a young age. Most of the incidents of hate, bias and racism reported in the TDSB are carried out by students, and we must therefore focus greater attention on educating students to understand the current and historical roots of hatred, racism and intolerance.
This student learning strategy is multi-pronged and comprehensive and is focused on student education and engagement in preventing and responding to hate and racism as a direct intervention which responds to the troubling data presented.
This is urgent work and we must reflect on this reality and prioritize being proactive. Students and staff deserve to learn and work in an environment that is safe, inclusive and welcoming and we as a collective community must do everything in our ability to ensure that happens.
Learn more at our Ward Forum Monday - details below.
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Summer Programs 2022
The focus of the Elementary Summer School Program is to continue student learning and engagement through the month of July. Programs, embedded in Literacy and Numeracy, are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the local school focus. More information for our 2022 program, including participating schools and registration information, will be posted in March 2022.
Continuing Education Summer Credit Programming - Planning and coordination for summer 2022 is currently in progress. The course offering selection is being done now and registration should be open late March/early April. Please check the website in the next few weeks for updated information.
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Backpack and School Supplies Drive
All students should have access to backpacks and school supplies to help them get the most out of their school experience – and you and/or your business can help our students and families in need with a donation to the TDSB’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive!
This year’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive will run from March 1, 2022 to the end of September 2022. Individual donors and companies can help our students by making a monetary donation and/or a donation of new backpacks and school supplies. Please contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca for more information about how to donate new items. Tax receipts are available for these donations. Donate now.
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OHRC - Right to Read Inquiry Report
(from OPSBA)
Last Monday, the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC) released its Right to Read inquiry report on human rights issues affecting students with reading disabilities, calling for changes to Ontario’s approach to early reading, in areas such as curriculum and instruction, screening, reading interventions, accommodations and professional assessments.
According to the OHRC, “the inquiry found that by not using evidence-based approaches to teach students to read, Ontario’s public education system is failing students with reading disabilities such as dyslexia, and other students.” The report includes a number of recommendations to the Ministry of Education, school boards and faculties of education on addressing systemic issues the OHRC says affects the right to learn to read.
The Ontario Public School Boards' Association responded with a public statement and will continue to review the recommendations in the report and work collaboratively with the Ministry of Education to support any curricular or structural changes that enable equity of access and outcomes for all students.
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Board Meeting This Week
Wednesday, March 9 - Regular Board Meeting - Public 7:00 pm -Agenda
- 15.1. Representation on the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association
- 16.1 Governance and Policy Committee, Report No. 02, February 9, 2022
- 16.1 (1) P039, Electronic Participation in Meetings Policy Review: Phase 1
- 16.1 (2) Specialized Schools and Programs Policy: Consultation Update
- 16.1 (3) P020, Transportation of Students Policy Review: Prel2iminary Provisions, Phase 2
- 16.1 (4) Flexible Working, Phase 1: New Policy
- 16.2 Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Report No. 04 (Part B), February 16, 2022
- 16.2 (1) Contract Awards, Operations
- 16.2 (2) Contract Awards, Facilities
- 16.2 (3) Revitalizing School Interiors
- 16.2 (4) City of Toronto Community Benefit Charges: Update
- 16.2 (6) Elementary Vice-Principal Allocation Model
- 16.2 (7) 2022-23 Enrolment Projections
- 16.2 (8) First Quarter Interim Financial Report, 2021-22
- 16.2 (9) Proposed Strategic Drivers for 2022-23 Budget
- 16.2 (10) 2022-23 Preliminary Financial Forecast
- 16.2 (11) Financial Facts: Revenue and Expenditure Trends, February 2022
- 16.3 Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 05, March 3, 2022
- 16.3 (1) School-Based Staff Allocation 2022-23: Teachers and Support Staff
- 16.3 (2) Addressing Pandemic Impacts on Youngest Learners X16.4 Board Self-Improvement Planning Committee, Report No. 03, February 22, 2022 (For receipt)
- 16.4. Board Self-Improvement Planning Committee, Report No. 03, February 22, 2022
- 16.5 Program and School Services Committee, Report No. 02 (Part B), February 23, 2022
- 16.5 (3) Alternative Schools Community Advisory Committee: TDSB Community Outreach Ambassadors
- 16.5 (4) Parent Involvement Advisory Committee: Suspension of the TDSB School Council By-Laws Template
- 16.5 (5) Parent Involvement Advisory Committee: Support of School Council IT Support
- 16.5 (6) Parent Involvement Advisory Committee: Simplified Elementary School Schedule
- 16.5 (7) Special Education Advisory Committee: Implementation of Recommendations From the K-12 Education Standards Development Committee
- 16.5 (8) Human Rights Reporting Portal Feasibility
- 16.5 (10) Spring 2022 Student Census Pilot and Fall 2022 System Launch
- 16.6 Planning and Priorities Committee, Report No. 04, March 2, 2022
- 16.6 (1) Toronto Lands Corporation: Reappointment of Citizen Directors on the Toronto Lands Corporation
- 16.6 (2) Combatting Hate and Racism: Student Learning Strategy
- 16.6 (3) Revised Plan for Annual Reports on the Multi-Year Strategic Plan
- 16.6 (4) Administrative Site Review: Update
- 16.6 (5) COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery Plan Update: March 2022
- 16.6 (6) 2022 RBC Canadian Open: Permit Use Richview Collegiate Institute
- 16.6 (7) Trustee Determination and Distribution: 2022 Municipal Election
- 16.6 (8) Accommodation of Students From Residential Developments at 41 Roehampton Avenue, 89 Roehampton Avenue, 25 Holly Street, and 50 Dunfield Avenue
- 17.1 Written Notice of Motion (Trustees Mammoliti and Donaldson) - A Toronto Partnership for the Protection and Well-being of Children and Youth
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TDSB System Calendar
There are many ways for parents/guardians and school community members to get involved, learn, connect and participate in TDSB activities and events. Visit this page often and see what's coming up!
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Combatting Hate - Virtual Ward Forum March 7
I hope you are able to join as we discuss the resources that were shared with educators last week to support their work in learning and addressing racism and hate, at our next Virtual Ward 8 Forum - Combatting Hate - How Educators Can Use Resources to Address Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression this Monday, March 7, 2022 from 6:30 – 8:30pm.
Please join us for a panel discussion with an opportunity for Qs and As. The panel members will share their experiences, from both the classroom and system perspectives. If you are interested in participating, please register here: https://forms.gle/pwVjZ9LNkgXtCkdk6.
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Policy Consultations
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is committed to open and inclusive policy decision-making and values community input and participation through consultation. Consultation is a two-way communication process between the Board and external participants, including students and their parents/ guardians, school councils, advisory committees, community members, different levels of government, service agencies, professional organizations and union partners. 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.
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Spotlight on Parent Voice
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Questions About COVID-19
Sinai Health Foundation invites you to join us for a virtual panel taking place on Tuesday, March 8 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., hosted by Melanie Ng of Breakfast Television and City News. This virtual session will feature an expert panel, including Dr. Erin Bearss, Dr. Andrew Morris, and Dr. Howard Ovens answering the most common questions surrounding COVID-19 and what to expect as we approach March Break and the Spring season. Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. RSVP Now.
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Continuing Education Programs
Learn4Life
Registration for Learn4Life courses (General Interest Programs for Adults 18+ and Seniors) opens February 23. For information regarding classes, please visit www.learn4life.ca to view the Learn4Life -Frequently Asked Questions. Registration opens on the website: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 8:30 AM. Classes Begin: Saturday, March 26, 2022.
In our efforts to accommodate learners who are not able to register using the online registration system, the Learn4Life team can make arrangements for in-person registration, by appointment only, starting Wednesday February 23, 2022. Learners scheduled for an appointment will be required to complete the COVID-19 Screening Self-Assessment Questionnaire prior to entering the TDSB building. Everyone must follow the Toronto Public Health Guidelines by wearing a mask and physically distancing. Appointments can be scheduled by emailing us at communityprograms@tdsb.on.ca with the subject line: In-person Accommodation.
International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Programs
International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program is an enriching learning experience for K-8 students to learn a new language and discover other cultures. Open to all TDSB and non-TDSB students, programs are currently offered online and there is no language background necessary. Registration is ongoing and can be done online by visiting www.ileprograms.ca.
Adult ESL
Starting in February, we anticipate a gradual opening of classes for in-person learning at several locations across the city, subject to Toronto Public Health Guidelines. Masking and social distancing protocols will be implemented. Online classes will continue to be available as an option for learners. For more information, please visit: www.ESLToronto.ca or call 416-338-4300.
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2021-22 OPSBA Public
Property Assessment Network Scholarship
The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the third and final year of our Public Property Assessment Network Scholarship. This scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 to one recipient in the OPSBA Central East Region, which includes the TDSB, for three school years – 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22. Scholarship recipients are students of strong character, who care deeply about their communities and furthering their own learning.
The deadline for receipt of application packages is May 20, 2021. Please seed details in the attached flyer.
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Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voter List?
The upcoming year will be a busy one for Ontario voters, with the Ontario Provincial Election and Municipal and School Board Elections happening just a few months apart. Are you on the voter's list?
For the Ontario Election on June 2, 2022. Ontario residents can visit Elections Ontario - Voter Registration to add, update or confirm your information on the voters list for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, Canadian citizens and residents of Ontario; Register of Absentee Voters for voters temporarily living outside Ontario who intend to return to the province; or Ontario Register of Future Voters for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds who will be automatically added to the voters list when they turn 18.
For the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections on October 24, 2022, Ontario residents can visit Voterlookup.ca at any time to find out whether their information is accurately reflected for inclusion on the Preliminary List of Electors for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections. Eligible electors can also update their information, add a name to an address, or change their school support for electoral purposes. Let's be ready.
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Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
Dogs are not allowed on school property at any time. Many people are surprised to learn that City of Toronto By-Laws and TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property.
Please respect children’s play spaces. And please do not verbally abuse TDSB caretaking staff - I am hearing that when members of the public and caretakers onsite try and inform dog owners, they are met with threats and intimidation.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- 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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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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