New Secondary Quadmester Calendar
Due to the delayed start date for most secondary schools, the secondary quadmester calendar has been adjusted. The new quadmester dates are:
Quad 1: September 17 - November 17 + Exams November 18 & 19 = 43 days + 2 exam days
Quad 2: November 23 - February 3 + Exams February 4 & 5 = 42 days + 2 exam days
Quad 3: February 8 - April 20 + Exams April 21 & 22 = 42 days + 2 exam days
Quad 4: April 23 - June 23 + Exams June 24, 25, 28 = 43 days + 3 exam days
In addition, the secondary PA Day on February 2 has been changed to February 5 to line up with the new quadmester dates. The secondary PA Days are now:
· November 20 (board-wide PA Day)
· February 5 (secondary PA Day - new)
· February 12 (board-wide PA Day)
· June 29 (secondary PA Day)
As a result of this change, February 1 & 2 are now instructional days, February 3 & 4 are exam days, and February 5 is a PA Day for Secondary schools.
As a reminder, students attending Special Education Congregated and Developmental Disability (DD) Intensive Support Programs in secondary schools began school on Tuesday, September 15. These students follow a semester schedule.
All remaining secondary schools, including Intensive Support Programs (Autism, PD, MID, LD, and Gifted) will begin school on Thursday, September 17. These students will follow the quadmester schedule above and Day 1 will be the first day of school (Thursday, September 17).
Students attending the Virtual School will begin on Tuesday, September 22. These students will follow the quadmester schedule above. Although the Virtual School is starting later than in-person secondary schools, because students will be taking both classes each day (one-day cycle), the different start date will not have an impact that requires a change of quadmester dates.
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Download COVID Alert Today
As you know, a new Bluetooth-based COVID-19 contact tracing app developed in Canada was rolled out for testing in Ontario on July 31. Although the app is strictly voluntary, I urge everyone to download it. Privacy is respected.
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Mental Health Video Series
Introducing TDSB’s “Mental Health Moments”- a series of short videos featuring staff from TDSB’s Professional Support Services with tips on mental health wellness for return-to-school.
Additional webinars:
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Returning to School
The First Week of In-School - Last week we welcomed back elementary and secondary students for in-person learning.
After half a year of intense & urgent emergency planning - TDSB along with school boards across our country have opened our doors for the 2020/21 academic year.
Before reading this I want to let you all know that our website is full of great information and is always being updated. So for the latest on this years return to school follow this link.
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COVID-19 Advisories
As you know, the Toronto District School Board experienced confirmed cases of COVID-19 this week. We are continuing to work closely with Toronto Public Health (TPH) on all cases, including any necessary communications to families and school communities. We have also launched a webpage - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Return-to-School/covid-19-advisories.This page provides a list of the active confirmed cases of COVID-19 among students and/or staff in TDSB schools. Please note that all schools where there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 who was contagious while at school will receive a letter from TPH to inform them about the possible exposure. For more information on the TDSB Response Plan with regard to COVID-19 case management for schools and administrative sites, click here.
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Virtual School Opened Tuesday -
Virtual School Opens Tuesday - There are approximately 77,600 students in the TDSB Virtual School — an increase of more than 5,000 since Monday afternoon when we had more than 72,000. There are approximately 59,200 in Elementary and 18,400 in Secondary. We are on track to have a large majority of these students begin on Tuesday, September 22, however, there may be a limited number of students who may begin a day or two later given the time at which they registered. Over the weekend, staff continued working on staffing and timetabling for virtual schools. Please click here for the September 14 Virtual School parent/guardian update. All of the most up to date information about Virtual Schools can be found at www.tdsb.on.ca/virtualschool. Again, I acknowledge that this has been a tremendous undertaking and I am grateful to all those who are setting this up - and to the teachers and families who have shown enormous patience and understanding - thank you. I know there will be issues - and I know there will be frustrations - but we will work through them. Thank you for embracing the uncertainty. To say I am grateful is an understatement.
Brightspace - On September 21, TDSB will organize two Brightspace Overview sessions:
Brightspace links:
More technology links:
Attention Virtual School Parents/Guardians without E-Mail - If you received a phone message from TDSB indicating that we do not have an email address on file for you, please complete this form to provide one.
Exemption from minimum requirement of synchronous (on-line) learning - In accordance with requirements outlined by the Ministry of Education in Policy/Program Memorandum 164, individual requests for an exemption from the minimum requirements for synchronous learning will be made to the School Superintendent. The superintendent will ensure that alternative learning approaches are put in place for all exempted students, and will respond in writing to all exemption requests. Teachers will be responsible for all aspects of instructional programming for exempted students. Approved exemptions will be stored in the student’s Ontario Student Record and will expire three months after the date of approval. Exemptions can be extended beyond the 3-month period by re-applying for another exemption prior to the expiration date. More information about the minimum requirements, application deadlines (first on September 29), and more, can be found at https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Return-to-School/Learning-and-Instruction/Exemption-from-Synchronous-Learning.
Switching between in-person and virtual learning - The TDSB recognizes that parents/guardians and/or students may want to switch between in-person learning and Virtual School. It is important to note that, for health and safety reasons, and because of the impact switching would have on staffing, physical distancing and space allocation, it will not be possible to immediately transition between the two models. As a result, opportunities to enter the Virtual School or to return to in-person learning will be provided at key dates during the school year. For elementary schools, the dates are here. For secondary school, the dates are here. Movement from one model to another will be requested through the Principal of the student’s home school. If a switch is required outside of the designated times, a limited number of exceptions may be made and will be reviewed by staff on a case-by-case basis.
Device reqirements - Every student in the Virtual School, and all students in the Hybrid/Adapted Model high schools, will be required to have a device. For those without access to a device, please contact the student’s home school Principal to make a request.
For more details, please click on the links below that will bring you right to the information
TDSB Return to School Video
If you have questions that still need to be answered, please e-mail me and I will continue to do my best to get you answers-patrick.nunziata@tdsb.on.ca
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A new K-8 School for Humber Bay Shores?
This week, TDSB approved the decision to officially enter discussion with the developer of the former Mr Christie cookie factory site for a potential K-8 school.
Our planning department have done great work in identifying the need for this area. The case has been clear to our community for some time now & I am pleased to see that we are entering into discussion towards a memorandum of understanding - a non binding agreement which enters our potential real estate needs for consideration within the development. Below have a look at the projected enrolment & utilization rates for the surrounding schools that students from Humber Bay Shores are currently being directed to.
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There are also a number of public documents that can be referred to here that acknowledge planning is underway for a new elementary school within the development.
A link to the materials is provided below.
Section 8, beginning on page 15 describes at a very high level the parameters for including an elementary school within the podium of a future tower. Unfortunately at this time there are no public schematics and/or plans that we are able to share.
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HEPA Filter Units in ClassroomsDuring Wednesday's Committee of the Whole Meeting, there was a question re High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter units and whether they should be installed in all classrooms in order to improve ventilation. Staff have provided the following information.
It is important to distinguish between filtration and ventilation, as the terms are often used synonymously. Filtration is the process of removing particulate matter from the air, as it passes through the filter media. HEPA filters are more efficient filters and remove finer particulate matter that other filter media, including particulate matter as small as the COVID virus. Ventilation is the process of increasing air flow into a space in order to provide greater volumes of fresh air. This increase in fresh air has the impact of diluting the air in the space, reduce the potential for the transmission of COVID.
HEPA filter systems recirculate the air in the room and filter it, trapping particulate in the filter media. HEPA filter units do not increase the air flow/Cubic feet per minute into a room, nor do they increase the number of fresh air changes per hour. These are achieved by increasing ventilation, using either mechanical ventilation means or by natural ventilation created by opening windows. Our focus to date as it relates to ventilation has been ensuring that where mechanical ventilation currently exists, it has been reviewed and serviced to ensure they are operation as designed. We have also increased fresh air intake levels, minimized the use of air recirculation modes and are increasing run times of systems to flush out the building 2 hours prior to occupancy.
While the science on this issue is evolving, the current advice from Toronto Public Health (TPH) is that COVID is not easily aerosolized and travels primarily by respiratory droplets. As these droplets are heavy, they typically only travel appx 2 metres before settling on a nearby surface. Once on that surface they have a limited lifespan and are easily addressed using common disinfectant products. In many cases, the respiratory droplets would land on a surface before being drawn into the filter system. Because of this, while the use of HEPA filter can contribute to improved indoor air quality, the units are not a solution to improve overall ventilation rates. That would be best achieved by use of mechanical systems where available, or by opening windows and interior doors to encourage natural cross ventilation.
That being said, we are currently reviewing the use of these units in rooms with limited ability to provide fresh air, or at schools with limited ventilation in areas of the city with higher infections rates. During the pandemic, we are accepting monetary donations, through the COVID-19 Central Relief Fund, for the purchase of these units at the system level, where they can be deployed based on need. We are in the process of finalizing the criteria for determining which schools/classrooms would receive HEPA filters, but the criteria may include things such as the classroom ventilation, class size vs. space available, infection risk rating, etc. Should the advice on transmission methods from TPH change, we will review our practices and adjust as appropriate.
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Policy ConsultationsWe would like to know your thoughts about our policy decisions by inviting you to our policy consultations. Please click on the policy of your interest to see the current draft. You are welcome to provide your comments, including suggestions on the wording and provisions of the draft policies, questions or recommendations using the contact information below.
- Objective: The Records and Information Management Policy supports the Toronto District School Board’s commitment to the effective, efficient and secure management of recorded information, regardless of format or media. The Policy is consistent with subsection 171. (1), par. 38 of the Education Act which states the Board may institute a program of records and information management.
Parent and Community Involvement Policy
- Objective: To establish a framework for building and supporting parent and community involvement in the Toronto District School Board. We are currently reviewing P023 – Parent and Community Involvement Policy and are inviting feedback from our community as we develop the first draft of the policy. Learn more, and share your voice, at www.tdsbengage.ca
Objective: The Advertising and Distribution of Materials Policy supports the implementation of the legislative requirement under Ontario Regulation 298, section 24 of the Education Act which governs advertisements and announcements in a school, on school property, or to pupils of these schools. The Policy’s objective is to establish parameters related to advertising on Board property, including distribution of advertising materials to students, parents/guardians and staff.
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Update on Transportation for Week of September 21, 2020All remaining students who were not bused in the week of September 14, 2020, will be receiving transportation as the final phase of implementation of transportation. As of Friday afternoon, staff confirm our bus carriers have assured the Toronto Student Transportation Group (TSTG) that they have sufficient drivers to cover routes as of Monday.
If your child is bussed, you should have received an automated phone call this weekend to remind you about the resumption of transportation services on Monday and that our bus carriers have sufficient drivers to cover all routes. You would have also been reminded that, in the opening days each year, delays are possible as routes and lists are confirmed and that we are working hard to keep them to an absolute minimum.
As indicated, companies have reported that all drivers have been provided health and safety training around COVID-19 related issues, including the use of masks and customer service training around how to work with students who cannot wear a mask. These videos can be located here: www.torontoschoolbus.org/bus/school-bus-safety/safety-videos/.
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Board Meeting This WeekThe Toronto District School Board is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. The Board Meeting this week is our first meeting to be held at 5050 Yonge. Due to health and safety concerns, only trustees and staff will be on-site - the meeting will be broadcasted live to the public. Click here at the start time to view - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings. Board Meeting - Wednesday, September 23, 2020 - 7:00 p.m. Public Session - Boardroom, 5050 Yonge St
9. Chair’s Announcements - To be presented
10. Reports From Trustees Appointed to External Organizations and Student Trustees - To be presented
11. Director's Leadership Report - To be presented
12. Declarations of Possible Conflict of Interest
13. Matters to be Decided Without Discussion - To be presented
14. Confirmation of Minutes of Meetings Held on August 6, 10, 18, 20 and 26 and September 9, 2020 - Separate Document
15. Staff Reports
15.3 Back to School Update - Oral Update
16. Committee Reports
2. Enterprise Risk Management Initiative: Status Update
16.2 Audit Committee, Report No. 53, September 21, 2020 - To be presented
1. Extension of Term of Toronto Lands Corporation Citizen Directors
2. Former Christie Cookie Factory Property: 2150 Lake Shore Boulevard West: Potential Elementary School Site
3. Director Search Committee: Director of Education Search Criteria
1. Contract Awards, Facilities
2. Contract Awards, Operations
3. Ontario Public School Boards’ Association 2020-2021 Annual Membership Fee
4. Borrowing Resolution to Meet Operating and Capital Expenditures
17. Written Notices of Motion for Consideration
17.1 Reconsideration of Previous Board Decision: Phase-Out of Extended French Programs (Trustees Story and Aarts) - Therefore, be it resolved: That students currently in Grades 4 and 5 in the served catchment areas as of the 2019-2020 academic year, be afforded the same opportunity to apply to an existing Gr. 6 or 7 entry Extended French program through to graduation, that their predecessors in this program have had, thereby ensuring all grades have the ability to apply to an optional intensive French program in the TDSB, and that all Extended French programming still come to an end in 2027-2028.
18. Written Notices of Motion
18.1 Exemptions From P076, Community Planning and Partnerships to Allow for a Capital Improvement to the Former Vaughan Road Academy School Building at 529 Vaughan Road (Trustees Laskin and Donaldson) - Whereas, OVCO has identified a funding opportunity with the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) which has a capital projects policy and has a funding stream that is available to community organizations for capital improvements to community sites serving community groups in OTF’s priority outcome areas (eligible community organizations can apply for capital grants up to $150,000); and... Whereas, OVCO would like to apply for an OTF capital grant to install an upgraded Disability Lift or a LULA elevator in the location of the current elevator as a capital improvement to the school facility at 529 Vaughan Road; and... Whereas, the community sees this partnership with OVCO as beneficial and whereas the Board would benefit from a capital improvement to 529 Vaughan Road; Therefore, be it resolved: (a) That an exemption be made under clause 6.6 of policy P076, Community Planning and Partnerships to allow for a five-year lease to Oakwood Vaughan Community Organization, without a six-month termination notice, as the former Vaughan Road Academy facility has enough space to designate two classrooms for community use; (b) That under clause 6.4, Partnership Compatibility of policy P076, Oakwood Vaughan Community Organization be allowed to facilitate the use of the leased rooms with other community partnerships but that the provisions of clause 6.4 would still apply; (c) That the Director write to the Minister of Education to request an exemption from their Fund Raising Guidelines (2012) “Examples of Unacceptable Uses of Fundraising Proceeds - Facility renewal, maintenance, or upgrades funded through provincial grants such as structural repairs, sanitation, emergency repairs, or replacing flooring due to wear and tear.”
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