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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 -- Come Learn With Us!
- February is African Heritage (Black History) Month at the TDSB
- February is Chinese Heritage Month
- Somali Heritage Month Event: Invitation to Attend – February 9, 2024
- Opportunities with Application Deadlines
- Coming in February 2024-25 Before- and After-School Program (BASP) Interest Survey
- An Update on the TDSB Research Report Review Processes
- IPRC Procedure Presentation
- Committee and Board Meetings This Week
- Proposed School Year Calendar 2024-25
- Combatting Hate
- Virtual Ward Forum - This Thursday, February 1, 2024 - 6:30-7:00 Opening Remarks I 7:00-8:30 Discussion on Literacy & Numeracy
- New Invitations - Supporting Your Children With Math – Feb 6; Building Mathematical Minds Part 1 – Feb 7; 2024 STSWR Winter Walk Day School Registration - Feb 7
- Worth Repeating - National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia - January 29, 2024 from 6:00-7:00pm for the Community; 17th Annual Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) Conference Feb 3; The Jack Henshaw Award 2024; Imagine a Canada; Diverse Minds Creative Writing Competition; Winter Well-Being Guide; Winter Outerwear Drive; Please Keep Safe... and Keep Others Safe; Get Your Kids' Immunizations Back on Track; Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline; Useful Links; 2023-2024 Calendar; Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report; Community Safety & Support
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Come Learn With Us!
Starting school is an exciting time for your child. In the Kindergarten program, your child will develop their skills and abilities through inquiry and intentional play-based learning that includes math, science and literacy. Teachers and early childhood educators plan learning experiences where children are actively engaged in learning and thinking creatively.
Children who will be four by December 31, 2024, can start Junior Kindergarten in September 2024.
Kindergarten registration for the 2024-25 school year begins on February 1, 2024. If you would like to register a student to begin school immediately, please visit the registration page.
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February is African Heritage (Black History) Month at the TDSB
During the month of February, African Heritage (Black History) Month is recognized across Canada thanks to The Honourable MP Jean Augustine, who introduced the motion in the House of Commons in December 1995; it officially took effect in February 1996. The Black History Month Act was also passed in Ontario in 2016 and has been formally recognized since.
African Heritage (Black History) Month is an occasion to commemorate present and past individuals who helped shape the path of our future student leaders, while also celebrating the many achievements and contributions of numerous individuals with this heritage! Their voices and actions impact our society, and work to continuously improve the world we live in.
This year’s chosen theme is Our Black Is… Our Black Is Resilient, Community, Beautiful, Unity, Joy, Self-Determination, Excellence, Empowering, Purpose, Brilliance, Engaging, Creative, Belonging, Tenacious, Powerful, Faith, Audacious, Powerful, Me…
This open statement, “Our Black Is…” was selected as the 2024 African Heritage Month theme, as it is for Us as a Community to define. We invite our community to continue to boldly define ourselves.
To kick off African Heritage (Black History) Month at the TDSB, we are excited to extend an invitation to all students, staff and the larger TDSB community to join us in marking this significant month with noteworthy speakers and entertainment! Please see the details below.
African Heritage (Black History) Month Virtual Launch
Date: Thursday, February 1st, 2024
Time: 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
Link: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/stream/LiveWebcast-African-Heritage-Month.html
Please follow us on Twitter @tdsbAFricanHM and Instagram @tdsb_african_hm.
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February is Chinese Heritage Month
TDSB’s Chinese Heritage Month is proudly recognized in February each year. This year we celebrate the Year of the Dragon: Majesty, Brilliance, Confidence, Leadership.
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations for Chinese communities around the world. Lunar New Year is celebrated annually, and its dates are based on the lunar calendar. For 2024, it starts Saturday February 10 and ends Saturday February 24. The festivities include family gatherings, decorations, and of course a feast!
All TDSB students were invited to participate in the CHM’s popular annual poster contest, and we are excited to share the winning posters shortly on our TDSB websites. In addition, all TDSB students and staff were invited to submit a 1-minute video on one of four guiding questions emphasizing the importance of Chinese heritage and/or a tradition. Submissions are currently being collected and a selection of the entries will be posted shortly.
An in-person Chinese Heritage Month celebration will be held at A Y Jackson Secondary School with performances, presentations, and speakers to mark the day. Stay tuned for the full video to be posted soon!
Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter) for daily messages throughout the month of February @tdsbChineseHM.
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Somali Heritage Month Event: Invitation to Attend – February 9, 2024
We are delighted to announce the continued celebration of Somali Heritage at the TDSB, an occasion marked through recognition and appreciation of Somali traditions and customs. In our commitment to providing enriching experiences for our students, we extend a warm invitation to all to join us in celebrating the richness of Somali culture on February 9, 2024, at Kipling Collegiate Institute from 6-9 pm.
Aligned with this year's theme, "Educate. Elevate. Excel.," the event promises an immersive exploration of Somali heritage. The Somali Heritage Month committee, in collaboration with the Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation, has curated a captivating evening dedicated to cultural celebration, exploration, and affirmation. This cultural exploration through the arts will showcase a diverse range of talents, including spoken word poets, digital and visual artists, and photographers. Attendees can anticipate a vibrant panel discussion that delves into the intricate layers of Somali heritage, providing a platform for insightful conversations and shared perspectives.
We invite you to join us in fostering a deeper understanding of the themes encapsulated in Somali Heritage Month as we come together for an evening of unity, appreciation, and celebration. Your presence will contribute to the collective spirit of education, elevation, and excellence.
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Opportunities with Application Deadlines
Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) Application Deadline
For families interested in the system-wide French Immersion Program, we offer an online process to apply for Middle French Immersion (begins in Grade 4). To apply for September 2024, applications must be completed online between January 8 and February 2, 2024. Families with an older sibling currently in a Middle French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. For more information, please visit: Middle French Immersion or the Application Process. Interested families can apply via the Application Link.
Out-of-Area Admissions
Online applications for Out-of-Area Admissions now available! Students can access schools outside of the school designated to serve their home address. Acceptance is subject to space availability and transportation is the responsibility of the applicant. Learn more about the Random Selection Priorities and Virtual Learning Q&A. The Elementary application window is from January 8 to 31, 2024. The Secondary application window closed January 26, 2024. Note: Current in-person students must apply through Out-of-Area Admissions to switch to Virtual Learning for September 2024.
High Performing Athlete Program Application
Elementary Alternative Schools Online Application
The TDSB offers a wide range of elementary alternative schools. The application process is managed centrally and the online application form for September 2024 admission is now open. The deadline to submit an application is Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 4 p.m. For questions or additional support, contact the school directly or EAS.Application@tdsb.on.ca
Legacy Technical and Commercial Boundaries
Community consultations about the dissolution of the legacy technical and commercial boundaries that still exist in 6 schools were recently held. Please see the webinars here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Strategy-Planning/Search-All-Reviews/id/189 .Staff are recommending these changes as of September 2025, pending Board approval. In the two affected schools that already have a collegiate boundary (regular program at Northern SS and Victoria Park CI) any available space would be filled through the regular Out-of-Area Admissions process. Staff would create a separate online application process for the four schools without a regular boundary (Central Tech, Central Toronto Academy, Danforth C&TI, and Western Technical-Commercial School).
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Coming in February 2024-25 Before- and After-School Program (BASP) Interest Survey
In alignment with P.022 Early Learning and Care Policy, the TDSB recognizes Before- and After-School Programs (BASP) are an integral part of Early Years learning. These programs also play an important role in supporting our students, families, and school communities. To meet this requirement, the TDSB Child Care Services team will be conducting a parent BASP Interest Survey to determine if there is sufficient interest in developing a viable fee-based BASP in schools that currently do not have a program. More information about the survey will be posted on our website and the survey will be available to families during the month of February.
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An Update on the TDSB Research Report Review Processes
The Research Department has strengthened document review processes since the finding of plagiarism within the report, Literature review on meritocratic perceptions of public education and diverse learning opportunities. Once a report is written, it is now analyzed using software to identify any potential errors and omissions in citations, non-original content and misuse of content. The report is then peer-reviewed in order to meet standards of rigour, validity, and reliability (for reports drawing on quantitative methods) as well as authenticity and plausibility (for reports drawing on qualitative and mixed methods research). Research is essential for decision-making - we must be able to rely on our reports.
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IPRC Procedure Presentation
This presentation deck accompanied the report Special Education Identification, Placement and Appeal at GPC on January 17, 2024.
Most students who have special education needs are discussed at a formal committee called the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC). This Committee, how it operates, and what is considers is outlined in legislation. When this committee makes a recommendation and a parent disagrees with the recommendation, the legislation outlines a process for appeal. Part of the appeal process involves the Special Education Appeal Board (SEAB) making recommendations (not binding decisions) back to the Board, which we are not required to follow.
Staff will continue to look at making this process clearer and the language more precise on impartiality. Staff will consult with SEAC and provide them with information/feedback/input from Trustees. Staff will further review possible changes, and bring this report back to GPC in March 2024. The report will then be brought to Board for final approval.
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Committee and Board Meetings This Week
Monday, January 29, 2024 - Special Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - 4:30 p.m. Boardroom Agenda - 4.1 2022-23 Annual Report Reconciliation of Prior Year Actual Results to Budget
- 4.2 Projected 2024-25 Financial Position
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - Board Meeting - 7:00 p.m. Public Session Boardroom Agenda - 15.1 Rescheduling of April 19 2024 Professional Activity Day to Align with Solar Eclipse
- 15.2 Schedule of Meetings for Regular Board and Standing Committee Meetings 2024 Revisions
- 15.3 Resignation From Negotiations Steering Committee Trustee Neethan Shan
- 16.1 Governance and Policy Committee Report No.1 January 17 2024
- 1. Special Education Identification, Placement and Appeal Status
- 2. PRxxx Community Advisory Committee Governance Procedure and PRxxx Community Advisory Committee Operational Procedure: New Procedures
- 3. P029, Employment Equity Policy Review
- 4. Policy on Cell Phone/Mobile Device Use in Schools to Ensure Student Achievement and Well-Being
- 5. Latin-America Heritage Month
- 16.2 Finance Budget and Enrolment Committee Report No.1 January 18 2024
- 1. Contract Awards, Operations
- 2. Contract Awards, Facilities
- 3. 2023-24 Revised Estimates
- 4. Three-Year Enrolment Projections 2024-25 to 2026-27
- 5. Pilot Dog Run Update
- 16.3 Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 2, January 29, 2024 (to follow)
- 16.4 Planning and Priorities Committee Report No. 1 January 22 2024
- 1. Business Arising: Advocacy for a National School Food Program
- 2. Toronto Lands Corporation 2024-25 Annual Operating and Capital Budgets [referred without recommendation]
- 3. Toronto Lands Corporation 2023-24 Q2 Leases and Licenses for TDSB [referred without recommendation]
- 4. Attendance Boundary Changes for Wedgewood Junior School and West Glen Junior School
- 5. Attendance Boundary Changes for Secord Elementary School, Crescent Town Elementary School, D.A. Morrison Middle School and George Webster Elementary School
- 6. Capital Revitalization Strategy
- 7. Multi-Year Strategic Plan 2024-2028: Update #3 - Results of Consultation
- 8. Ventilation-Related Investments, Challenges and Opportunities, on Capital Projects and Opportunities to Reduce Respiratory Viruses
- 16.5 Program and School Services Committee Report No. 1 January 24 2024
- 1. Alternative Schools Community Advisory Committee: Review of Admissions Process
- 2. Special Education Advisory Committee: Membership
- 3. School Year Calendar 2024-2025
- 4. Secondary Alternative Schools Program Review: Update
- 5. 2023 Summer Programs
- 6. Central Student Interest Programs: Update
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Proposed School Year Calendar 2024-25
Excerpt from the Report at PSSC
Regulation 304 requires that there be a minimum of 194 school days between 1 September and 30 June, including a maximum of ten examination days for secondary schools and a maximum of seven Professional Activity (PA) days. It also establishes the dates for the Winter Break and the Mid-Winter Break. Staff has consulted with the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), as well as the Peel and York Region District School Boards, to ensure the most consistency possible with their School Year Calendar plans. It is important that the Board align the calendar as much as possible with the TCDSB because of shared student transportation services.
Please note the calendar still must be approved by the Ministry.
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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 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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Virtual Ward Forum - This Thursday, February 1, 2024
6:30-7:00 Opening Remarks I 7:00-8:30 Discussion on Literacy & Numeracy
Please join me and Superintendents Felsen, Howard & Pividor for Ward 8 PIAC and FSLCAC Elections at 6:30 followed by a conversation on Numeracy and Literacy in our classrooms. Register here.
PLEASE NOTE - UPDATE RE: ELECTIONS
It will not be necessary to hold PIAC or FSLCAC elections as we received nominations for two PIAC co-representatives and only one nomination for FSLCAC. Thank you to Kaydeen Bankasingh and Anshu Grover who will continue as our PIAC representatives and Lynne LeBlanc who will continue as our FSLCAC representative! Their bios can be found here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward8/Ward-8/Trustee-Ward-Forum.
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Supporting Your Children With Math
TDSB Community Support Workers (Model Schools)
in partnership with
@TVOMathify invite you to explore a variety of free TVO digital learning resources that support K-12 students in math at home.
Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 from 6:30 to 7:30pm
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Building Mathematical Minds Part 1
TDSB Community Support Workers (Model Schools) invites you to Building Mathematical Minds Part 1. Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
This session will provide parents/caregivers with strategies to make learning math at home a positive experience for everyone.
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2024 STSWR Winter Walk Day School Registration - Feb 7, 2024
Winter Walk Day (WWD) is an annual celebration of winter walking that takes place on the first Wednesday of February. Schools across Ontario will celebrate WWD with special events on Wednesday, February 7th, 2024, or throughout the month. We encourage schools to participate by promoting walking and wheeling to school and organizing winter-themed walking events. Register here
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National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia - January 29, 2024 from 6:00-7:00pm for the Community
The Islamic Heritage Month Committee, in partnership with the Equity, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Department, is offering students (Grades K-8), families, and staff the opportunity to attend the virtual session of Salat in Secret: Love and Belonging in Community Spaces.
The sessions commemorate the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia. Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, critically acclaimed author of Your Name is a Song and many other celebrated children’s books, will engage TDSB students, along with their caregivers and families, in an interactive storytelling session focused on courage, conviction and the importance of prayer spaces. There is a session during the day designed for students in Grades 4-8 and for students in Grades K-8 with families and caregivers during the evening from 6 to 7 p.m. To register for the community event, please complete this Google Form.
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17th Annual Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) Conference
I encourage you to register and attend the upcoming 17th Annual Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) Conference is taking place on Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 10am – 3pm at Earl Haig High School. The PIAC Conference is a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of the educational landscape, connect with fellow parents/guardians/ caregivers and staff, and contribute to the continued success of our schools and communities. For more information, please visit: https://www.torontopiac.com/whats-happening/conferences
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The Jack Henshaw Award 2024
This award honours Jack Henshaw, a tireless supporter and champion of the local, affordable, and accessible General Interest and Seniors Daytime programs offered by the Toronto District School Board. It is awarded to someone who has shown a similar commitment to lifelong learning and has made a significant, sustained contribution to the ongoing success of these programs. The recipient of the award may be an instructor, administrator, adult learner, school trustee or other active supporter of the programs. Nominations may be made by email using the nomination form - 2024 Jack Henshaw Award Nomination Form.
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Imagine a Canada
The Imagine a Canada 2023-2024 program invites Canadian youth from K-G12 to envision a Canada reconciled.
Youth who participate in the art and essay stream can submit an art piece, essay, or other representation to express their vision of a reconciled Canada and what they hope others will learn from their submission. Up to twelve projects will be selected from the art and essay stream to be included in an art booklet showcasing their work and message. Youth who participate in the project stream are asked to go one step further and submit a plan on how their project will address Reconciliation in their community or school. Projects for consideration include: inviting Survivors, Elders, or Knowledge Keepers to speak at a series of learning events; building a permanent art installation representing Reconciliation at the school; or supporting volunteer work in communities related to Reconciliation. Six projects from the project stream will receive $750, six will receive $1000, and three will receive $1500. Additionally, these projects will also be recognized in an art booklet. For more information, please click https://nctr.ca/education/educational-programs/imagine-a-canada/,
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Diverse Minds Creative Writing Competition
B'Nai Brith Canada invites high school students to showcase your talent in their Diverse Minds Creative Writing Competition! Craft your own children’s book to reflect on the values of diversity and inclusion by writing and illustrating a story for elementary school students (Kindergarten to Grade 5) and have your book published before graduating high school! Don't just dream it, write it into reality! Join the writing community and let your imagination flow. For more details, or to enter the competition, click here: https://bnaibrith.ca/diverseminds. Deadline for entries is April 15, 2024.
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Winter Well-Being Guide
The Guide is filled with activities, games, wellness tips, identity affirming resources and community agencies to support wellness for all students, caregivers/guardians, families, and school communities over the winter months. Created by Professional Support Services Staff who are part of the Mental Health and Well-Being Committee, the TDSB Mental Health Leads and the System Leader for Mental Health and Professional Support Services, this Guide provides accessible resources and has been translated into the top 20 TDSB spoken languages. Also from TDSB Psychology please see the December issue of Hearts and Minds: December Newsletter.
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Winter Outerwear Drive
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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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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Get Your Kids' Immunizations Back on Track
Routine vaccinations play an important role in keeping your child safe against serious infections. Get your kids’ immunizations back on track by booking an appointment for any missing vaccines at a community clinic.
Book now: http://TPHBookings.ca
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Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline 9-8-8 - On November 30, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC ) through the Canadian Radio and Television Corporation (CRTC) announced a national three digit Mental Health and Suicide Prevention hotline number, 988. Learn More.
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2023-2024 Calendar
Please ensure you check these dates before scheduling events.
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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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