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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 -- May is Asian Heritage Month
- May is Jewish Heritage Month
- May 5th is Red Dress Da
- 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 p
- TDSB Budget Survey and Town Halls This Wee
- Committee Meeting This Week
- Ministry Announcement: 2024-25 Core Education Funding (formerly Grant for Student Needs)
- Ministry Announcement: Restricting Cellphones and Banning Vapin
- Recent Advocacy Letters
- Letter from Toronto Public Healt
- Reporting Hate – In Our Schools; In Our Communities
- New Invitations - Asian Heritage Month Poster Competition; Virtual Literacy Series; Jewish Heritage Month - The Mouse who Danced The Hora; Suing Social Media; tdsbCREATES Celebration and Exhibition Opening; Panfest Vybz: A Celebration of Music, Arts, & Community; Applications for Ontario's Page Program; Backpack and School Supplies Drive
- Worth Repeating - Summer Programs; 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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May is Asian Heritage Month
Asian Heritage Month has been proudly recognized at the Toronto District School Board during the month of May since 2007. This heritage is also celebrated by the Province of Ontario with the royal ascent of the Asian Heritage Act, 2005 and across Canada since May 2002 when the federal Senate adopted a motion to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada.
This year's theme for May 2024 was selected by the Asian Heritage Month Volunteer Planning Committee as Our Journeys: Thriving Through Struggle and Triumph.
The TDSB is the largest and one of the most diverse school boards in Canada. Nearly one-quarter of our students were born outside of Canada and collectively we speak more than 120 languages. According to the 2023 Student Census 46% of TDSB students self-identified as Asian.
During the month of May, the Asian Heritage Month Volunteer Planning committee members are working together to assemble various educational opportunities and resources for our students, staff and TDSB community to further learn about the Asian heritage. Stay tuned for these exciting offerings to be shared in the upcoming weeks.
All TDSB students were invited to participate in the Asian Heritage Month Poster Contest and the selected images will be posted soon. Further, all students, staff, and TDSB community members are invited to join us in at our upcoming Asian Heritage Month Virtual Launch Celebration.
Date: Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Zoom webinar Link: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/98436950594
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May is Jewish Heritage Month
Jewish Heritage Month is recognized at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) during the month of May. The TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee’s (JHC) program for 2024, as in previous years, is part of the committee’s commitment to plan annual educational opportunities and enrich the curriculum for further learning about Jewish heritage and culture.
Each year we choose one grade or division to focus on with a program and in some years, we have been fortunate to work with other organizations to provide larger scale programs. This year, the Jewish Heritage Committee is focusing on students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 using the book The Mouse Who Danced the Hora by Pamela Mayer, illustrated by Christine Davenier, to teach our youngest students about diversity and equity through Jewish wedding traditions, and learning to dance the Hora.
Please follow the Jewish Heritage Committee on X: @TDSB_JH
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May 5th is Red Dress Day
May 5th is Red Dress Day, a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). As a way to commemorate and honour the memories of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across Canada, Métis artist Jaime Black helped inspire the Red Dress Movement, where red dresses are hung from windows and trees to represent the pain and loss felt by loved ones and survivors. To learn more about the REDress Project, visit The REDress Project's Website. To read the Reclaiming Power and Place Final Report, visit MMIWG's Final Report's Website.
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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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TDSB Budget Survey and Town Halls This Week
Trustees have also created a brief survey to gather feedback from communities as they consider next steps with regard to the budget. Please find a link below and complete as many of the 7 questions as possible. Thank you in advance for your participation. The budget survey will remain open until Friday, May 3, 2024 at 12 noon. (Click here to complete the survey)
Additionally, Trustees will hold four Budget Town Hall meetings to give all members of the TDSB community the opportunity to learn more about the budget, ask questions and provide feedback. There are three opportunities left.
Thank you in advance for your feedback as Trustees look at how to best support Toronto students and communities through the 2024-25 budget process. For more information, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/budget.
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, May 1 - Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - 4:30pm - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St - Agenda
- 5.1 Contract Awards, Operations
- 5.2 Contract Awards, Facilities
- 5.3 Construction Tender Award Addition and Renovation at Hodgson Middle School
- 5.4 Second Quarter Interim Financial Report 2022-23
- 5.5 Plan for the Implementation of Outdoor Education Program Changes at Scarborough Outdoor Education School
- 5.6 Grants For Student Needs Announcements - Oral Update
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Ministry Announcement: 2024-25 Core Education Funding (formerly Grant for Student Needs)
From OPSBA
Earlier [Friday] the Ministry of Education announced information and changes to 2024-25 Education Funding. The GSN funding formula components have been renamed to Core Education Funding, and the Priorities and Partnerships Funding (PPF) has been renamed to Responsive Education Programs (REP) and Funding to External Partners (FEP).
Cathy Abraham responded with an initial statement which can be found here: OPSBA statement on the release of 2024-25 Core Education Funding - “Just like inflationary impacts on families and businesses, all costs in school board budgets continue to rise. As our members have not seen a corresponding increase in funding, there will undoubtedly be an impact on school board operations. School boards have been waiting for this funding information to continue their planning and make decisions for next year. That said, over the next week, we will be taking a closer look at the 2024-25 education funding documents and connecting with school board staff to determine impacts on our member boards. On the changes to education funding grants and allocations – we look forward to digging into the details, but anything that makes the system more easily understandable for parents, families and communities is welcomed.”
OPSBA will be reviewing the information and connecting with member boards.
Core Education Funding is made up of six pillars or funds: Classroom Staffing Fund (CSF); Learning Resource Fund (LRF); Special Education Funding (SEF); School Facilities Fund (SFF); Student Transportation (STF); and the School Board Administration Fund (SBAF). More information can be found on the ministry website at: Education funding for school boards, 2024–2025
The memos include:
PLEASE NOTE:
TDSB Staff is currently reviewing all of the information that has been released and an oral update will be provided at this Wednesday (May 1) FBEC meeting with the best information that we have at that time. It will take staff additional time to determine the precise impact on the TDSB budget, including how the use of the 2021 Census will impact TDSB.
Rachel Chernos Lin, Chair of the TDSB provided her initial thoughts on the release -“Given the changes that have been announced, staff will need to review the details to better understand the impact on the TDSB budget. Despite their comments about increased funding, if the Ministry is not addressing inflationary increases, unfunded statutory benefits and a range of other areas identified by our board and others, we will be in the same situation we have been for years. That is why, we have been very clear that the TDSB needs a new deal to address the unique funding challenges faced by our board.”
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Ministry Announcement: Restricting Cellphones and Banning Vaping
Today, Minister Lecce announced new measures about the use of cellphones in the classroom, as well as vaping in schools. Please find the news release and backgrounder below:
Initial comments from Chair Chernos Lin "Many of the things they announced are not new; some are. And so many we have asked for for so many years (the vaping stuff way back in 2019 and we called it urgent then!). Ultimately, the whole “out of sight, out of mind“ tagline he used today — while an important piece — doesn’t solve it. Because we are dealing with addiction, the addiction doesn’t go away because it is out of sight for part of or all of the day. We need to deal with it not just in school but out of school too, and with a multi-pronged approach so that we truly support and help kids in the short and long term."
I will share more after we have a chance to speak with staff, but In January, we voted on a renewed cellphone policy as we hoped that a new policy will strike a better balance between using devices for educational purposes and enabling students to maintain focus in classrooms without undue burdern on staff. Sound familiar? The TDSB’s Board Code of Conduct currently includes a provision that outlines expectations for members of school community including respecting the need of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching, including by ensuring that personal mobile devices are only used during instructional time for education purposes, as directed by an educator, for health and medical reasons and to support special education needs.
I am hoping this provincial announcement will not stop our policy process – if we do not engage with staff, students and communities in the development of policy, no matter what the best practices are, or the latest research, we will not get buy-in from students and their families. If we get this right, this policy has the potential to have truly monumental impacts on student learning, well-being and student achievement.
In fact, at our Governance and Policy Committee last week, staff provided an update on the work plan. In the draft Policy Development Work Plan staff actually proposed a variation to the standard policy development process to include a pre-consultation phase. “During the pre-consultation phase, staff will be engaging multiple participants and stakeholders, including the Board’s Community Advisory Committees, parents/guardians/caregivers, students, Student Senate, school councils, Student Equity Collective, Toronto Indigenous Collective, unions and professional associations, and reference groups.” The level of engaging locally is completely missing from the government announcement. Please stay tuned.
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Recent Advocacy Letters
Continuing Education for Seniors - Learn4Life
Posted on Thursday April 25, 2024
Dear Minister Cho, I am writing to request a meeting with you at your earliest convenience to discuss exploring the establishment of agreements and other...
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Letter from Toronto Public Health
April 22, 2024
Dear School Staff, Parents, Guardians and Caregivers:
Re: Ensuring a safe school environment: What will happen if there is a case of measles in school
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine vaccinations, leading to an increase in measles cases globally. Cases have also been detected here in Toronto. Measles is a very contagious disease that spreads easily through the air or touching contaminated surfaces. If a measles case is identified at school, undervaccinated/unvaccinated staff and students (without documented immunity) may be excluded for 21 days to prevent further spread of the virus. This highlights the importance of ensuring your and your child’s measles vaccinations are up-to-date to protect them and the school community.
Please check your and your child’s vaccination status.
You or your child are considered protected against measles and can attend school if there is a measles case if one of these apply to you:
1. Born before 1970: You are considered immune and protected as measles was widely spreading before 1970. OR
2. Born in 1970 or later: Received two doses of the measles vaccine on or after the first birthday: A vaccination record (such as yellow card) or health record is needed as proof of vaccination. OR Blood test result showing measles immunity: A blood test may take some time to complete if you don’t already know your status.
If you are unsure about your or your child’s vaccinations history, check your or your child’s Ontario Immunization Record or “yellow card,” Online Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) or speak with your primary health care provider.
Where to get vaccinated Measles vaccines are free for all Ontarians.
- Children: School-aged children can catch up on their routine vaccinations, including measles, by visiting their primary health care provider, some walk-in clinics or a TPH community clinic. TPH is offering a weekend clinic on Saturday, May 4 to make it easier for parents and guardians to get their children vaccinated. Appointments can be booked at TPHbookings.ca.
- Adults: Adults can get vaccinated by visiting their primary health care provider and some walk-in clinics.
Unsure of your measles history? If you are born before 1970 and are unsure if you had measles as a child, or you plan to travel, get one dose of the measles vaccine (MMR) for the best protection. Report your child’s vaccinations Submit your child’s measles vaccination record to TPH through ICON. This helps ensure school records are up to date.
Know the signs and symptoms Even if vaccinated, look out for symptoms if you or your child come in contact with someone with measles:
- Fever
- Red rash starts on the face and spreads down the body
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red and watery eyes
- Small blue-white spots can appear on the inside of the mouth and throat
If you or your child experience these symptoms, do not go to work or school. Seek medical care. Call your doctor, primary health care provider or a walk-in clinic before visiting, so they can take precautions to avoid spreading the virus. Follow their guidance and medical advice.
More information
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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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Asian Heritage Month Poster Competition
The month of May is recognized by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) as Asian Heritage Month. This year's theme for Asian Heritage Month in the TDSB is: Our Journeys: Thriving Through Struggle and Triumph.
It is a time to honor the profound resilience and vibrant cultures of Asian communities, embracing the successes and acknowledging the struggles experienced through individual lived stories. Together we continue our journey of thriving through traditions, arts and shared sentiments which recognize the past, define the present, and illuminate the future.
Please join us in celebrating the rich experiences that define Asian heritage, in building a community of shared experiences learning and allyship.
Please see this document that outlines the criteria, guidelines and submission information for the Asian Heritage Month Poster Contest for all TDSB students.
Deadline: Friday, May 3rd by 4:00 pm.
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Virtual Literacy Series
Join our teachers and staff for a virtual literacy series that will provide you the support you need from the comfort of your home. 3-Part Virtual Literacy Series 📚
Tuesday, April 30th - session 1
Tuesday, May 14th - session 2
Tuesday, May 21st - session 3
6:00 to 7:30pm
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Jewish Heritage Month - The Mouse who Danced The Hora
This year, the Jewish Heritage Committee is focusing on students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 using the book The Mouse Who Danced the Hora by Pamela Mayer, illustrated by Christine Davenier, to teach our youngest students about diversity and equity through Jewish wedding traditions, and learning to dance the Hora.
Teach your students this unique dance and have them learn diversity and equity through the traditions of Jewish weddings.
The TDSB Jewish Heritage Committee invites those interested to participate in a wonderful opportunity to learn the Hora at:
ALLENBY JUNIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL 391 St. Clements Ave.
Schools can sign up for a Hora dance lesson at Allenby PS. Please access this Google Form to reserve your spot.
Access comprehensive lesson plans and curriculum expectations here
Please follow the Jewish Heritage Committee on X: @TDSB_JH. Please visit the JHC website for other resources.
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Suing Social Media
In April 2024, four Ontario school boards initiated legal actions against social media giants, alleging that the companies’ platforms have contributed to a range of mental health challenges among their students. They are seeking $4.5 billion in total damages. What kind of outcomes can we expect from these lawsuits? Can they lead to meaningful change? Do social media companies really hold a duty of care to the school boards? What can we learn from similar efforts elsewhere to protect kids?
This event will be hosted by the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy at McGill University and the Dais at Toronto Metropolitan University.
Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Time: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. EDT
Location: Toronto Metropolitan University
Get tickets
- Speakers - Frances Haugen, Senior-Fellow-in-Residence, Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy
Dr. Alexia Polillo, Staff Scientist, Slaight Family Centre for Youth in Transition at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Rachel Chernos Lin, Chair, TDSB
- Moderator - Martin Regg Cohn
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tdsbCREATES
dsbCREATES Celebration and Exhibition Opening, May 23, 2024, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
at Daniels Spectrum - Ada Slaight Hall and Hallway Galleries, 585 Dundas St. E. Please join us for an evening celebrating student creativity through art, film, fashion, dance, music, and spoken word performances.
tdsbCREATES is a board-wide Arts initiative connecting local artists with classrooms to foster creativity while exploring visual arts, dance, drama, spoken word, film, music, and multidisciplinary arts. This program focuses on process and engagement through the Arts while celebrating student voice, powerful ideas, and creativity for all. tdsbCREATES is a project of the TDSB Arts Department delivered in partnership with the Toronto Arts Council with administrative support from Prologue Performing Arts.
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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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Applications for Ontario's Page Program
Applications for the fall 2024 term are now open. We are accepting applications until June 15th, 2024. For the Fall 2024 period, applicants must attend school in Ontario and be entering Grade 8 in the Fall of 2024 and have an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher).
Each year approximately 150 young students from across Ontario are selected to participate in Ontario's Legislative Page Program. This unique educational program for Ontario students provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over the province! The program is designed for outgoing, high-achieving, community-involved students who have demonstrated responsibility and leadership. Legislative Pages meet key parliamentary and political figures, and learn first-hand about Ontario’s Parliament and the legislative process.
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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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Summer Programs
At the TDSB we provide a wide range of enriching summer programs for children, youth and adults.
Elementary
Secondary
Special Education and Inclusion
Adult
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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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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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