email : Webview : Gerri's Quick Communicator October 2016

Hello Everyone,

Please join me for our first Ward Forum of the year. It will be enlightening as we hear about important educational initiatives in our community.There will be 3 panels -one of parents- another of principals and the third of Supervisory Officers. Please come and bring a friend.

Date: Thursday Oct 27

Place: Northlea Elementary and Middle School, Library 305 Rumsey Road

(Northlea is north of Eglinton and west of Laird)

Time: 7 PM See you then!

Gerri Gershon

10th Annual PIAC Parent Conference

Join us for the 10th Annual PIAC

Parent Involvement Makes a Difference Conference

Registration Now Open! (and closes November 11!)

All TDSB parents and guardians are invited to our free conference for an opportunity to make connections and participate in informative and empowering workshops.

Saturday, November 19, 2016
8 am to 3:45 pm
Earl Haig Secondary School, 100 Princess Ave.

Workshops Include:

What About Math?
Secondary and Post-Secondary Pathways and Transitions
French Programs
Specialized Programs
Supporting Literacy at Home with your Early Learner
School Councils
Homework help

Details and registration at: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Community/HowtoGetInvolved/Conferences.aspx

School Information Nights

This school year has just begun but we are already thinking ahead to September 2017. Many students and parents are looking to a new school due to graduation, a pending move, or to meet a particular student interest, for example, the arts or technology.

To help you make an informed decision when choosing a school, TDSB schools host information nights for parents and students each year between October and January. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses.

http://www.tdsb.on.ca/HighSchool/GoingtoHighSchool/OpenHousesandInformationNights.aspx

Who Should I Talk To?

Parents often have questions about their child's school or the curriculum. Sometimes you may want more information about the a board policy. Or perhaps homework is an issue. Who do you call - the Teacher? the Trustee? What about the Principal? And when do you call the Superintendent?

We have developed a rough guide that might help you.

http://www.tdsb.on.ca/ContactUs/StepstoAddressQuestionsConcerns.aspx

School Websites
Schools increasingly are making use of websites to communicate with parents and community. And Parent Councils can have the minutes of their meetings and agenda posted to their schools website. I know many parents that they find it easier to get information online or when they can't find the latest school newsletter stuck to the bottom of a backpack.

The TDSB provides a template which some schools us, while others have designed their own unique website. Below are good examples of each.

Bedford Park is doing a great job with their website. Take a look here: http://bedfordpark.ca/
Marc Garneau C.I. website provides parents AND students what they need in a simple website using the template provided by the TDSB - quick access to dates and current happenings at school. http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/marcgarneau/Home.aspx

To find websites for other Don Valley West schoolsgo to my website at: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward13/Ward13/Ward13Schools.aspx Questions or concerns? - speak to the Principal at your school.

Talking About Equity

The TDSB is a leader in equity and, to continue to improve student achievement and well-being, we must take a more strategic approach. Our vision is to create equitable learning environments to close the gaps and raise expectations for everyone.

To do that, we have developed a draft Integrated Equity Framework Action Plan that will be the foundation for a system-wide, cultural shift. Real change will happen because schools will be empowered to address their own unique circumstances with the right tools, resources and supports from the larger system. This will create the conditions to improve student achievement and well-being.

This is only the beginning of the conversation. Your voice and perspective will help inform the work that makes this vision a reality.

Please learn more online, take a look at the framework (or the summary version).

Would You Be Willing To Volunteer?

TDSB has made the Mental Health and Well-Being of all its students a priority. It is essential for student achievement and success.We need your help. Parents/caregivers play a key role in helping students be successful both in school and in life.

We are looking for parents/caregivers interested in being a member of the Mental Health and Well-Being Parent Partnership Committee.

Why be involved? Be the voice of the parents/caregivers of TDSB students, to identify your needs as parents/caregivers regarding mental health and well-being. Guide the development of accessible education, resources and tools to support the mental health and well-being of every student.

Who are the members of the Parents Partnership Committee? The committee is comprised of parent/caregiver volunteers from across the TDSB.

What does the committee do? The committee educates parents/caregivers with a focus on the importance of mental health and well-being and the critical role they play in helping students to be more successful academically and resilient in life.

Where do the meetings take place? The meetings for 2016-17 occur monthly at 5050 Yonge Street 6pm - 8pm. 2016 - October 17th; November 14th; December 12th.
2017 - January 16th; February 13th; March 6th; April 8th; May 8th; June 12th.

How do I get involved? Please email us at mentalhealthandwellbeing@tdsb.on.ca

Grade Changes?
Schools that feed into York Mills Collegiate are presently studying possible grade changes that would result in the Grade 9 students moving from St. Andrew's and Windfield's Junior High Schols to York Mills. Grade six in Denlow, Rippleton, Harrison, Dunlace, and Owen would then move to the Junior High schools which would become Middle schools. Instead of servicing students from grades 7-9 they would service students in grade 6-8.

The website can be found at http://www.tdsb.on.ca/accommodationreviews. Then select “Program Area Reviews” , “2016 – York Mills CI Cluster (JHS)”, and “Helpful Information”. The “Helpful Information” section includes data for two proposed models as well as a presentation that explains the plan.

Don Valley West Parent Meetings - JOIN ME!