|  | Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin Chair •Trustee, Ward 11 • Don Valley West
Toronto District School Board
416-395-8787 • Rachel.ChernosLin@tdsb.on.ca |
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Dear friends,
I am writing to you today with a number of updates about TDSB business as well as reminder about my Coffee Morning scheduled for this coming Wednesday morning, May 10. As we alternate between in-person and virtual meetings, this one will be via Zoom, from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. Please click for the Flyer and Registration.
I will be joined at this virtual event by my two Ward 11 Superintendents, and the morning will be spent in casual conversation about all things education in Ward 11 and TDSB. It's a chance for parents and community members to ask questions, share ideas and for us to update you on what's happening at the Board and in schools.
Provincial Advocacy:
Bill 98:The Provincial Government recently introduced legislation that has significant and wide ranging implications for all school boards, and will have additional impacts on the TDSB in relation to the government trying to gain control over TDSB properties. As Chair of our Board, I have registered to delegate in front of the Provincial Standing Committee on Social Policy on Tuesday, May 9th to express our concerns. The Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) is also scheduled to delegate during the same session, sharing their significant concerns and advice to the committee with respect to the implications of this legislation on all school boards.
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TDSB Budget:As mentioned in the last couple of newsletters, the TDSB is in a challenging financial position this year due to three main factors:1) the Provincial Government's decision to end the COVID Learning Fund, a grant that funded 485 additional school-based staff across our system, such as vice principals, special education staff, caretaking and educational assistants;2) the depletion of our reserves during the pandemic, at the direction of the Ministry of Education, to pay for COVID resources; 3) the increase in sick leave costs and statutory benefits over the last several years that we are accountable for as employers and negotiated by government, but that we are not being fully-covered for in transfer payments from our funder, the government. This leaves the TDSB with a significant shortfall, and has been for several years now. But with no reserves to draw on this year, we will be required to pull funding from student supports and programming to cover these mandatory expenses. It is our position that this wrong, and the shortfall should be accounted for by simple transfer payments by our government.
We had hoped that when the government announced our funding for the coming school year -- the Grants for Student Needs (or GSN's, as they are often referred to), that we would see significant relief. Unfortunately, although the GSN's have brought some good news (some new funding for literacy and math, as well as more money for transportation), the COVID Learning Fund was not reinstated and the gap in statutory benefits was not addressed. Moreover, the GSN's raised further concerns in additional areas such as special education, where the government appears to be looking to lower funding, particularly associated with one on one support for our most vulnerable students.
TDSB Budget Advocacy:
As a result, our Board recently passed the following two advocacy motions:
1) Requesting an emergency meeeting between the Chair of our Board (me) with the Minister of Education, to discuss the shortfall from statutory benefits; you can read the letter here, and we await a response from the Minister on scheduling a date for this meeting.
2) A letter expressing our significant concerns around the Ministry's decision to step away from a promised review of the Special Incidence Portion funding. This funding relates to how one on one supports are requested and funded for our most vulnerable students, who have complex medical, physical and behavioural issues. This Ministry decision to drop this commitment seems wrongheaded and deeply worrisome, as the TDSB is already required to subsidize our special education students from other grants in order to meet their needs. As a result, I have invited the Minister of Education to visit one of our congregated sites with me to learn more, and our Board has asked him to reconsider this decision. To read the letter calling on the government to change course, please click here.
Budget Ward Forum: June 5
As per the Education Act, trustees are required to pass a balanced budget by the end of June each year. At this point in the process, our finance staff are working their way through the funding announcements to bring back their best thinking for the budget for trustees to consider as we work to pass a balanced budget.
It is important parents and caregivers are aware of this process and have a chance to provide input. As a result, please save the date for the evening of June 5 for a virtual Budget Ward Forum, I am hosting with Trustees Laskin and Rajwani (who oversee wards to the west and east, respectively).
Please click for the Flyer and Registration. In addition, there will be further opportunities for engagement and feedback on the budget. To learn more about our financial situation and the budget process, please click here.
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German Delegates visit Blythwood and Northern!
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Ward 11 News:
This week I had the pleasure of hosting a German Education Delegation from Baden-Baden-Württemberg on visits to Blythwood PS and Northern Secondary School earlier this week. Among those who visited were the Consulate General and their Education Minister, as well as representatives from their parliament. This was a wonderful opportunity for all of us to learn about each other and share best practices.
In addition, later this month is "Take Your MPP to Work Week", sponsored by the Ontario Public School Boards Association. Don Valley West's MPP Stephanie Bowman signed up right away, and will be joining me in late May on visits to a few Ward 11 schools. Although MPP Bowman and I speak regularly, this is an additional opportunity to show off our schools and share firsthand our concerns with our representative at Queens Park.
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First Director and Chair cut cake with Current Director and Chair
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Celebrating 25 Years of TDSB
This past Sunday, the TDSB celebrated 25 years post-amalgamation. It was a wonderful event that brought together 25 years of trustees and senior staff. It was a great opportunity to reflect on the past 25 years and to look forward and consider our goals for the next 25.
Before I sign off, please see below for a number of important reminders, events, and information that may be of interest to Ward 11 and TDSB families. Please join the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) tomorrow at their Annual Parent & Caregiver Conference, sure to be an informative, inspiring, and great opportunity to meet people passionate about parent engagement and student success.
Lastly, please note that on May 5, today, we mark Red Dress Day and the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). Flags will be lowered at all TDSB administrative sites. Click for more information.
As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments or concerns, and I look forward to seeing many of you online for our virtual Coffee Morning on May 10!
~Rachel
Rachel Chernos Lin, Chair, Toronto District School Board, Chair and Ward 11 Trustee, Don Valley West
Rachel.Chernoslin@tdsb.on.ca
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Education Week & Children's Mental Health Week
Schools across Ontario celebrate Education Week during the first week of May each year. At the TDSB, we were thrilled to mark Education Week 2023 and invited staff, students, parents/guardians/caregivers, and the wider TDSB community to follow #TDSBAtoZ on Twitter to learn more about the incredible things happening across the TDSB in support of student success and well-being. Schools and classrooms were also encouraged to share what they’re up to using #TDSBedweek.
Children's Mental Health Week
In addition, let's not forget that we are celebrating Children's Mental Health Week. Ideas to celebrate can be shared using the hashtags #TDSBCMHW2023 and #WeDoWellness. During the week we celebrated My Identify Monday, Talk Tuesday, Walking Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, and Friendly Friday.
Click here for more resources and information.
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New Technological Education Graduation Requirements
On March 10, 2023, the Ministry announced that all students entering Grade 9 beginning September 2024 will be required to earn one Grade 9 or Grade 10 Technological Education credit as part of the mandatory requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
Broad-based Technological Education courses range from computer technology courses to skilled-trades focused courses. The TDSB currently offers Technological Education courses in 86 of the 110 secondary schools, including alternative programming. The Experiential Learning and Student Engagement department will work closely with school leadership to support the inclusion of Technological Education courses in all schools’ course offerings for the 2024-2025 school year. Schools that do not have the infrastructure to deliver skilled-trades based courses, e.g. Transportation Technology, will be able to focus on computer-based technology education courses.
We will continue to share information with families and schools as it is released by the Ministry of Education.
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Bessborough Drive EMS in Terry Fox-top 50; Fred Fox visits Rolph Road
TDSB schools showed tremendous support for the Terry Fox foundation during 2022 with four elementary schools ranking among the Elementary Division of the Top 50 Terry Fox School Run Fundraisers of 2022, including Bessborough Drive EMS in our own Ward 11, coming in at #20 (the other TDSB schools: Lambton Kingsway JMS #2; Runnymede JPS #5, and Ellesmere-Statton PS at #10).
Last month, Fred Fox (Terry’s brother) and four TDSB schools, including Rolph Road School (see picture), were part of a cross-Canada tour to share inspiring stories of Terry’s life and legacy, and helped to kick off the 2023 Terry Fox School Run.
We are proud of how students, staff and the school communities have helped to continue on Terry Fox’s legacy to cure cancer, and look forward to supporting the Terry Fox School Runs once again in the Fall.
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TDSB to Develop Strategy to Address Islamophobia
I am proud to inform you that TDSB Trustees recently unanimously voted to develop and implement a system-wide strategy to address Islamophobia as part of our broader work in this area. The creation of this new strategy will build on the work of the broader TDSB Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy, which addresses all forms of racism, hate and discrimination. Staff will now prepare a report to be presented to the TDSB’s Planning and Priorities Committee at a meeting this fall, where they will update Trustees on the development of the new strategy. Learn More.
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Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism
The TDSB’s Student Equity Collective, a student-led group created by the Director of Education, which addresses injustices, racism and hate in our school communities, is launching its first board-wide initiative ‒ Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism! Students were invited to submit a two-minute video to share what they’ve accomplished together to make their schools more inclusive for everyone. This initiative is focussed on students from Grade 7 to 12, but a group or class in any grade may submit a video. This is an opportunity for students to showcase how they’re addressing racism and discrimination in their own unique ways at their schools. For more details, visit the Speak Up: Show Us How You Combat Hate and Racism webpage.
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Summer International Languages Elementary (ILE) & African Heritage (AH) Program
ILE Summer Program combines language & culture learning with engaging activities like games, songs, dance, storytelling, and writing. No language background knowledge is necessary. Afternoon cultural programs, run by community groups, are also available at a number of sites. AH Summer Program connects students to the contributions, histories, legacies, cultures and traditions of people of African descent through inquiry and experiential learning. Learn more and register.
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Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Renewal – Have Your Say!
We are renewing our Multi-Year Strategic Plan at the TDSB, and I invite you to share your opinions to help shape the Board’s future! Please complete the MYSP online survey or if you are a part of a community group or committee that is interested in contributing to the MYSP renewal, the Facilitation Guide is now available online in multiple languages. I encourage you to review the guide, record your discussions and submit input. Trustee Laskin and I will be holding a ward forum next fall to provide more information and solicit feedback as we work on our MYSP renewal. To learn more, please visit: www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal
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Legislative Page Program - Fall 2023 Applications open
Applications for the fall 2023 term of the Ontario Legislative Page Program are now open. Applications are accepted until June 15th, 2023.
As Pages are welcomed to the Legislative Building, their health and safety, as well as everyone who has direct contact with them, is top priority. For the fall 2023 period, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Attend school in Ontario and be entering Grade 8 in the fall of 2023 (Note: Students in Grade 6 are not eligible; applicants must be in Grade 7 or 8 at the time of application)
- Have an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher)
- Students must also demonstrate an involvement in a variety of extra-curricular (in and out of school) and community based activities; leadership skills; responsibility, maturity and commitment; an interest in current affairs; strong interpersonal and social skills; and an ability to get along well with peers and adults.
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Conversation Series presents Dr. Angel Acosta
Join us on Thursday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. for the next Conversation series featuring Dr. Angel Acosta, a healing-centered educator who will take us on a journey Towards an Archaeology of Self: Healing & Racial Literacy Development.
Please register in advance. You will then receive an email containing information about joining the webinar. For further information, email PCEO@tdsb.on.ca and/or check the TDSB Conversation series web page, which includes a link to the PCEO (Parent an Community Engagement Office) YouTube page with previous Conversation series sessions (and recordings of many more events and presentations).
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CSW Newsletter and parent/caregiver events
The May 2023 Edition of the Community Support Worker newsletter is out! Community Support Workers (CSWs) support the 150 Model Schools in the TDSB. They provide resources (many of them available at www.tdsbHUB.ca, check them out!) and organize events - many of them online and accessible to all parents and caregivers in the Board.
May 9: The Joys of Parenting - Building Home-School Partnership.
Exploring ways to strengthen the connection between school and home to serve our children (part 2).
- Tuesday, May 9, 6:30 pm, virtual via Zoom
- Register here.
Wednesdays May 3-June 14: More Joy - after-school literacy sessionsFor more information, contact a Community Support Worker at www.tdsbHUB.ca.- Wednesdays 7:00 - 7:30 pm, virtual via Zoom - Join here
May 30: Special Education & Inclusion Parent/Caregiver/Guardian session #3
This session will focus on summer transitions and will include ideas to engage students during the summer months such as home activities, library resources and information on how to use Read & Write Gold at home.
Information on community agencies will also be shared There will be an opportunity for parents/guardians/caregivers to as questions about these processes. The sessions will be facilitated by Special Education and Inclusion staff.
- May 30, from 7:00 pm,virtual via Zoom
- To join the webinar for LC1/LC4: please click the link
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Vax & Spring
Eligible high-risk residents are recommended to get their Spring COVID-19 booster for added protection if it’s been 6 months since your last COVID-19 dose or infection. Learn more at Toronto Public Health. Read the full ministry guidance here.
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Heritage & History MonthsIn May, The Toronto District School Board proudly celebrates Asian Heritage Month and Jewish Heritage month
Asian Heritage Month
May is Asian Heritage Month at the TDSB. We are proud to celebrate the numerous achievements of Asian-Canadians during Asian Heritage Month. This year our theme is Joining Our Table: Celebrating Asian Canadians. Learn more and follow @AsianTdsb for updates, activities, and events!
Jewish Heritage Month
We are celebrating Jewish Heritage Month in May! This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Christie Pits riot that took place in Toronto in August 1933. To commemorate this moment in history, the TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee in collaboration with the Italian Heritage Committee are offering TDSB students a chance to learn about the largest race riot in Canadian history. I encourage you to learn More and follow @TDSB_JH for updates, activities and events!
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2022-2023 School Year Calendar
Mark your calendars! The first next P.A. Day is June 2nd (elementary schools only).
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School Year Calendar 2023-2024
In consultation with the School Year Calendar Committee, Toronto Catholic District School Board and other neighbouring Boards it was recommended that Winter Break will be scheduled from December 25, 2023 – January 5, 2024.
On February 27th, Trustees approved the School Year Calendar. It was then sent to the Minister of Education for final approval. The first day of school for students will be Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
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Stay Connected with your school and the board
The TDSB is offering two new ways to stay connected with your school and the TDSB. Learn about opting in for text messages and using the School Messenger app, which provides a faster and easier way to report absences. Learn more.
TDSB UpdateSign-up for TDSB Update and stay informed about recent Board decisions and district-wide news.
Upcoming MeetingsThe next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the meeting schedule and/or the calendar on the main webpage of www.tdsb.on.ca. Board and Committee Meetings can be watched online.
Follow the TDSBJoin the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter (@TDSB), Facebook (@toronto.dsb) and Instagram (@Torontodsb) accounts.
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If you notice anything at a school that concerns you, please call the TDSB 24-hour Call Centre (416) 395-4620, Toronto Police Services Dispatch (non-emergencies via 416-808-2222), and/or Toronto 311.
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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