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Parent Concern Protocol
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A Message from Trustee Alexander Brown
I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving Weekend no matter who you spent time with or what you did. It was a beautiful weekend.
Since the last newsletter in September, I have had the chance to connect with many of you about issues with bussing, class-size reorganizations, provincial mathematics results and other things that were specific to individual schools. Thank you for reaching out with your opinions and ideas. Your feedback is very important to me as a trustee. I can work with the Director and Superintendents of Education to ensure that we resolve the issues quickly at the school level and I can also reflect on how the system needs to change to be more responsive to the needs of students and parents. I encourage you to keep reaching out to me so we can continuously improve.
I've included a link to the Parent Concern Protocol here for you to review. Sometimes, issues can be quickly resolved at the school level with the teacher, principal or Superintendent - Sometimes not. Whenever you're in doubt, you can always contact me and I will help you to navigate the system. Parent Concern Protocol OR 505
This newsletter includes information on the EQAO results that were released on September 21st, French Program Application deadlines, High School INFO Nights, enrolment updates, PRO Grants (Parents Reaching Out Grants), and community consultations dates on the TDSB Equity Policy.
I'd also like to remind everyone of the WARD FORUM being held on October 27th @ 7 pm at Earl Haig Secondary School. The topic is TDSB Learning Centres. You will have a chance to meet the Director of Education, John Malloy, and ask him any questions about his plan to bring more resources into the classroom to better support teachers, students and communities. Hope to see you there.
Warm Regards,
Alexander
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October is Somali Heritage Month @ the TDSB
October is Islamic Heritage Month @ the TDSB
October is Women's History Month
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2016-17 Senior Team Leadership Director
The 2016-17 Senior Team Leadership Directory is now available on-line. It includes all current contact information under the Learning Centre model and will provide you with a good snapshot of the system following reorganization into the Learning Centre model of the Associate Directors, Superintendents, and Executive Officers. For more details about the structure and the staff in each role, please refer to the documents below:
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| Join the conversation about Equity in the TDSB We are looking at how we support all of our students and are taking a more focused approach. We must help those who aren’t reaching their potential, while also continuing to inspire, engage and raise the bar for all students. Your voice and opinion are an important part of this conversation. Please join the discussion and share with us your thoughts on how parents and schools can work together to improve the learning experience for students. There are three ways to share your insights and ideas: during an online webcast about equity, through an online form or an in-person consultation session. Visit our website to learn more about this work and how to share your thoughts. This is just the beginning of the conversation. We will continue to listen and consult with you as we develop and implement our plan. Everyone is welcome to participate in any or all of these opportunities. I encourage you to get involved.
Community Consultations:
Date: Thursday, October 13 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Locations: Northview Heights Secondary & Jarvis CI
Date: Saturday, October 15
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Locations: David and Mary Thomson CI & Thistletown CI
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| Learning Centres Bringing Resources Closer to the Classroom OCTOBER 27th / 7pm to 9pm Earl Haig Secondary School
This is the first Ward Forum of the 2016-2017 school year. It will focus on the new Learning Centres at the TDSB. You will have a chance to learn more about the learning centres and how they work, ask the Director of Education questions and interact with Superintendents of Education on a personal level. - Trustee Alexander Brown
- Director of Education, Dr. John Malloy
- Student Trustees, Shams Medhi & Saad Wazir
We will also have short report from our Ward 12 PIAC Representative, an update from SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) and we will need to choose a French as a Second Language Advisory Committee representative (either by election or appointment). If you are interested in this position please contact me at alexander.brown@tdsb.on.ca
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ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
Model Parliament - Applications will be accepted from September 15th to November 8th, 2015 for the Program February 22-24, 2017
The Legislative Assembly of Ontario Model Parliament is an educational program designed for civic-minded high school students in grades 10 to 12, who are interested in current events and provincial issues. This unique educational experience will bring together 107 students, representing each of the province’s ridings, for a three-day Model Parliament Program in Toronto. To apply, click here.
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French Programs Application Deadline For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's French Immersion or Extended French programs, we offer an online process for applying to: - Early French Immersion (EFI) which begins in Senior Kindergarten;
- Junior Extended French (JEF) which begins in Grade 4
We guarantee an offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) to all on-time applicants. Transportation is provided as per the Board's Transportation policy. The timelines for applying for these programs for September 2017 are: - Applications for Early French Immersion (for a Junior Kindergarten aged child), must be completed online between November 1, 2016 and December 1, 2016.
- Applications for Junior Extended French must be completed online between January 9, 2017 and February 2, 2017.
Offers of placement within your chosen program will be made to all on-time applicants in the weeks following the close of the application window. Please note: families with an older sibling currently in a French program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. Further information on French as a Second Language programs and the application process is available online at www.tdsb.on.ca/french.
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To help you make an informed decision when choosing a high school, TDSB schools host information nights for parents and grade 8 students each year between October and January. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. The dates and times for all High School Information Nights are available online a t www.tdsb.on.ca/HighSchool/GoingtoHighSchool.aspx.
Willowdale Schools- A.Y. Jackson Secondary School: November 10th / 7pm
- Earl Haig Secondary School: November 2nd / 6pm - January 5th / 7pm
- Newtonbrook Secondary School: November 30th / 7pm
- Claude Watson School for the Arts: November 7th & 8th / 6:30pm
- Highland Middle School: October 22nd / 6pm
- Zion Heights Middle School: November 26th / 6:30pm
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TDSB Enrolment Update Based on Week 4 enrolment, the TDSB was above projection in both the elementary and secondary panel by the end of September. Elementary enrolment could come in over the September 30, 2016 projection by just under 1% and secondary enrolment could come in about 0.90% above September 30, 2016 projection. In comparison to projections for September 30, 2016, the TDSB is currently 1,829 head count above projection in the elementary panel (1.08%), and 886 head count above projection in the secondary panel (1.21%). System-wide, we are 2,715 head count above projection (1.12%). Last year at this time, we were 2,471 head count below projection in the elementary panel (-1.43%), and 184 head count above projection in the secondary panel (0.25%). System-wide, we were 2,287 head count below projection (-0.93%). The arrival of Syrian newcomer students to the TDSB is one factor contributing to the increase in enrolment above projection. At the next Budget and Enrolment Committee TDSB staff will update Trustees on other factors. As we are funded based on enrolment, this is good news for the system. Schools in Willowdale experienced some fluctuations - both in elementary and secondary, some schools were up and some were down. Overall our enrolment in both panels was down slightly. Elementary Enrolment is down by about 29 students and Secondary Enrolment is down by about 81 students.
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EQAO
TDSB Maintains Strong Achievement Results in Reading and Writing and
Focuses on Provincial Renewed Math Strategy
On September 21st, 2016, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released achievement results for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB).
The TDSB has maintained strong scores in reading and writing and continues to focus on improving student achievement in mathematics.
Grade 3 Reading, Writing and Mathematics Results for 2015-16 show that the percentage of Grade 3 students who performed at or above the provincial standard increased by 3 percentage points in Reading (71% to 74%), decreased by 3 percentage points in in Writing (80% to 77%), and decreased by 4 percentage points in Mathematics (71% to 67%), compared to 2013-14.
Over the past five years (2011-12 to 2015-16), the percentage of Grade 3 students who performed at or above the provincial standard has increased by 9 percentage points in Reading (65% to 74%), remained the same in Writing (77%), and decreased by 3 percentage points in Mathematics (70% to 67%).
Grade 6 Reading, Writing and Mathematics Results for 2015-16 show that the percentage of Grade 6 students who performed at or above the provincial standard increased by 3 percentage points in Reading (77% to 80%), increased by 1 percentage point in Writing (80% to 81%), and decreased by 4 percentage points in Mathematics (59% to 55%) compared to 2013-14.
Over the past five-years (2011-12 to 2015-16), the percentage of Grade 6 students who performed at or above the provincial standard has increased by 6 percentage points in Reading (74% to 80%), 6 percentage points in Writing (75% to 81%), and decreased by 7 percentage points in Mathematics (62% to 55%).
Grade 9 Mathematics Results for 2015-16 indicate that the percentage of Grade 9 students who performed at or above the provincial standard decreased from 82% to 81% in Academic Mathematics since 2014-15. Over the past five years (2011-12 to 2015-16), scores have decreased by 2 percentage points (83% to 81%) in Academic Mathematics.
Results for 2015-16 indicate that the percentage of Grade 9 students who performed at or above the provincial standard decreased from 34% to 32% in Applied Mathematics since 2014-15. Over the past five years (2011-12 to 2015-16), scores have decreased by two percentage points (34% to 32%) in Applied Mathematics.
Grade 10 Literacy Results from the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) for 2015-16, show a 1% decrease compared to 2014-15 (82% to 81%). The proportion of TDSB students who were successful is now on par with the province.
TDSB staff review and analyze EQAO and OSSLT results to inform the Board Improvement Plan on Student Achievement. At the school level, administrators and teachers analyze results to determine strategies to improve student achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics.
The TDSB’s Learning Centre Strategy will support the implementation of the province’s renewed math strategy across all schools and grade levels. As part of this implementation, new forms of support will be provided to all schools, increased support to some schools and intensive support to schools with the greatest needs in mathematics, with a goal of increasing overall student achievement in this area.
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| Parents Reaching Out Grants (PRO Grants) 2016-17
Congratulations to the schools in Ward 12 - Willowdale who were successful in their application for a PRO Grant for the 2016-17 school year. Please let me know when the sessions are scheduled so I can let the broader community know should you wish to open these up to neighbouring schools. I will also try to attend since I also hold Ward Forums and the topics presented might help me plan for more informative workshops & meetings in Willowdale schools. To see the complete list of PRO Grants across the province click here.
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Toronto DSB
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A Y Jackson SS
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Healthy Mind Workshop
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$1,000
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An evening seminar for parents to provide information and resources on a variety of mental health issues that affect student well-being and success
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Toronto DSB
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Bayview MS
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Implementing STEM
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$1,000
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A presentation for parents on 21st century skills and how parents can support student achievement and well-being
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Toronto DSB
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Cameron PS
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Math & Numeracy Session for Parents
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$1,000
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Information sessions on topics such as literacy, numeracy, nutrition and bullying prevention to help parents support student learning at home and build stronger ties between school and community
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Toronto DSB
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Churchill PS
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Parent Engagement and Math Celebration
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$1,000
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A math workshop to provide parents with information on using electronic resources and problem solving strategies to support their children's numeracy skills at home
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Toronto DSB
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Cliffwood PS
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Community Building
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$985
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A series of workshops to provide parents with information, resources and strategies on a variety of topics to support student achievement and well-being, including: literacy, numeracy, technology and mental health
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Toronto DSB
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Cresthaven PS
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Exploring Science
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1,000
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An interactive and hands-on evening of learning in the area of science for parents to support their children's learning at home
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Toronto DSB
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Workshop Series For Parents
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$1,000
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A series of workshops to provide parents with information, resources and strategies on a variety of topics to support student achievement and well-being, including: literacy, numeracy, technology and mental health
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Toronto DSB
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Drewry SS
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Supporting Children with Special Needs
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$950
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A presentation for parents of teenagers with special needs on how to enhance communication with their children and engage in their children's learning at home and at school
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Toronto DSB
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Earl Haig SS
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Parent Engagement Speaker Series
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$900
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A parent resource library to build a partnership between parents and the school in support of student achievement and well-being
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Toronto DSB
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Elkhorn PS
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Tackling Anxiety and Stress through Arts and Mindfulness
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$950
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A workshop for parents to help them understand children's emotional and mental health issues and how to support student achievement and well-being
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Toronto DSB
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Finch PS
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Healthy Minds, Happy Children
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$1,000
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A series of presentation for parents about children's mental and physical health issues and their impact on student achievement and well-being
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Toronto DSB
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Highland MS
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Understanding the School System
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$1,000
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A series of workshops on a variety of topics such as nutrition, physical fitness, mental health and numeracy to support student success
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Toronto DSB
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Hollywood PS
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Supporting Parent Engagement
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$1,000
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A series of presentations for parents on a variety of topics that support student well-being and a positive school climate, such as mental health, and bullying
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Toronto DSB
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Lester B. Pearson ES
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STEM Project
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$1,000
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A series of interactive and hands-on workshops and activities for families to experience science together and for parents to support their children's learning at home
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Toronto DSB
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Lillian PS
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Parent Workshiop Series
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$1000
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Presentations to provide parents with tools to enhance their relationship with their children and to support their success and well-being.
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Toronto DSB
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McKee PS
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A Succesful Start to Kindergarten
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$1,000
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A series of workshops for parents of children in Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) to provide information about the curriculum, strategies, and resources as well as an opportunity to connect with other parents to work together in supporting student achievement and well-being
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Toronto DSB
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Pineway PS
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Partnership with Parents
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$1,000
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A series of presentations for parents to provide them with information and resources on a variety of topics related to student achievement and well-being
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Toronto DSB
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Pleasant PS
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Workshops for Parents
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$1,000
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Presentations for parents on nutrition and fitness, internet safety, children's mental health, literacy and numeracy and inclusion to support student achievement and well-being
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Toronto DSB
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Yorkview PS
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Workshop Series for Parents
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$1,000
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Presentations to provide parents with tools to enhance their relationship with their children and to support their success and well-being.
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Understanding the School System and Supporting Students
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Presentations for parents on raising emotionally and physically healthy children.
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| School Cash Online Update
The TDSB has started rolling out the School Cash Online system to our schools. School Cash Online is an easy to use, safe and convenient way for parents/guardians to pay for their children’s school fees, including agendas, yearbooks and class trips. Parents/guardians who sign up for School Cash Online will receive email notifications of upcoming events and items, and be able to maintain an electronic receipt history for items purchased. School Cash Online will significantly reduce cash handling in schools and increase safety as students will not have to carry cash to school. For more information, please visit the School Cash Online page on the TDSB website.
There were 31 schools involved in Phase 1 of the rollout which began on August 29, 2016. Thirty two schools and Outdoor Education Centres are set to begin using School Cash Online on October 13, 2016. While the adoption rates vary from school to school, more than $330,000 has been collected using School Cash Online in the last month. Some schools collected over 50% of fees for locks, agendas and yearbooks online during the first week of school.
School Cash Online
- The TDSB is happy to offer School Cash Online as many parents/guardians in our school communities have been requesting the option of online payments for years.
- School Cash Online is an easy to use, safe and convenient way for parents/guardians to pay for their children’s school fees, including agendas, yearbooks and class trips.
- School Cash Online will significantly reduce cash handling in schools and increase safety as students will not have to carry cash to school.
- School Cash Online is not mandatory. Parents/guardians can continue to use cash and cheque to pay for all school fees and donations.
- Like any other purchase made using a credit card, there are transaction fees associated with purchases made through School Cash Online. The transaction fees charged to TDSB vary based on the value of the good or service being purchased, and the type of card used by the purchaser.
- As schools are responsible for recovering the costs of credit card transaction fees, the TDSB is currently suggesting that schools increase the cost of items for sale by 2% to recover these cost.
- If there are any unspent funds from the 2% increase, schools will be able to use the funds for other school-related expenditures that will benefit current students.
- All parents/guardians will be charged the same amount, regardless of the method of payment chosen (including cash or cheque).
- School Cash Online can also be used to make donations to external charities or the TDSB. However, eCheque and Interac are the preferred methods of online payment because 2% will be deducted for the cost of the transaction fees if a credit card is used.
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Wednesday October 19, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Topic: History of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation and some current initiatives recognizing their history.
Speaker: Carolyn King, Cultural Awareness Consultant and Member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.
She is a long time economic and community developer, and lifetime volunteer.
Served as elected Chief of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation 1997-1999.
Currently serves on boards of several community-based organizations, such as
New Credit Public Library, New Credit Cultural Committee, SONIC Inc., the
Six Nations/New Credit Community Radio Station and the Ontario Historical Society.
Location: North York Library, 5120 Yonge Street, on the 2nd floor, west side of atrium.
For access use the elevator outside library which accesses the Parking Garage.
Meetings are co-sponsored by the North York Historical Society and the North York Central Library’s Canadiana Department.
Meetings are free and open to the public.
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| - Willowdale Community Association Meetings
Edithvale-Yonge Community Association - Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, November 8th, 7:30pm, Edith Community Centre: contact
Will deBacker - President - debacker.wm@gmail.com
West Willowdale Neighbourhood Association - Annual General Meeting Tuesday October 18th at Canterbury Place: contact Jim Gratsas jim.gratsas@gmail.com
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| Watch For Children PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY IN SCHOOL ZONES
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