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| On May 3rd, 2016, we celebrated the Excellence awards at 5050 Yonge Street. Each year TDSB employees are nomineted by staff, teachers, parents and students to receive this awards of recognition. After hearing the speeches honouring our recipients, it was clear how treasured these people are in their school communities and how appropriate it is to recognize them. Willowdale schools are exceptional in the fact that we had three astounding people chosen to recieve the TDSB Excellence Awards for 2016. My heartful CONGRATULATIONS and RESPECT goes to each of them. Thank you for all that you do.
Alexander Brown
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John Tyrrell, Lunchroom Supervisor at Claude Watson School for the Arts
John Tyrrell, has been a lunchroom supervisor and integral part of Claude Watson School for the Arts for over 30 years. Beyond his role of supervising students at lunch, he is a strong advocate for the TDSB EcoSchools program and proud of the platinum status that SWSA has achieved. He works with staff to lead students in greening initiatives in the school yard and takes part in all school events. He is praised by the Head Prefect as “inspiring [students] to become better people” and is recognized by his work ethic, warm disposition and professionalism at the school. He exemplifies the principles of “making every school an effective school” and “forming strong and effective relationships and partnerships” by knowing the names of all 300 students and engaging with them personally to ensure they are having a good day. In addition to being involved at school, Mr. Tyrrell knows some of the best supportive work is done behind the scenes. He often takes home ripped jerseys from the Physical Education program to repair them, and bakes treats for graduates and for staff during the holiday season.
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Michael Shum, Caretaker, Finch PS
As a caretaker at Finch Public School, Michael Shum is praised by the staff as being “dedicated, committed and energetic”. He identifies problems and addresses them often before they are noticed. Michael has been part of the Finch PS team for seven years and is consistent in his efforts to do an outstanding job taking care of the needs of staff and students. He embodies the spirit of staff inspiration and parent and community engagement by being courteous, professional and respectful towards all members of the Finch Public School community.
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Mike Easton, Head Caretaker, Pleasant PS
Described by staff as the nucleus of the school, Mike Easton expertly manages the school facilities including a daycare and Peckham Centre. During the addition of a kindergarten class and now a land severance, Mike is cool and composed amidst the challenges. He is respected by students and staff and known for extending himself no matter the request. A key supporter of the Eco Team, he works with the students and teachers to beautify the courtyard, ensures items are being reused effectively and disposed of properly. A caring and devoted caretaker, Mike’s positive attitude and strong sense of school pride can be felt by all he comes in contact with. He is affectionately referred to by the children at the daycare as “Big Boss”.
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TDSB Excellence Awards Winners - 2016 | |
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TDSB Celebrates Jewish Heritage Month
In April 2012, the Government of Ontario unanimously passed legislation naming May as Jewish Heritage Month. This month is an opportunity to build understanding and awareness of notable Ontarians of Jewish heritage and identify how they have contributed to our city, province and country. Across the board, schools will also participate in activities, research, and discussions about the Jewish culture, identity, history and heritage.
TDSB Celebrates Asian Heritage Month
The month of May is Asian Heritage Month – a month that acknowledges the rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada. Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for all to celebrate the beauty and wisdom of various Asian cultures. Since its inaugural celebration in Toronto in 1993, and the official passing of the motion in the Senate of Canada, cities across the nation have been holding annual festivities during the month of May.
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JUST A REMINDER TO DRIVE CAREFULLY IN ALL SCHOOL ZONES THEY ARE FILLED WITH KIDS!
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| Pedestrian Safety Tips for Parents s
Children under the age of nine should be accompanied by adults or older children when crossing the street. At this age, their judgment and perceptual skills are still immature, yet they often eagerly try to cross streets on their own in order to demonstrate some independence. Teach your children the rules of the road – start when they're young.
· Teach children how to cross the street safely. Teach them to stop (before stepping onto the road), look left, right and left again, and listen for traffic before stepping out into the street. Teach children to wait until the street is clear and to keep looking until they have crossed the street. They should also look the driver in the eye before crossing.
· Teach children to recognize pedestrian crossing signals but not rely on them. Before crossing, children should also be sure the traffic has stopped. Remind them to continue across if the light changes to "Don't Walk" while they are in the crosswalk.
· Teach children to be extra alert when crossing at a corner with no traffic lights.
· Teach your children to stop at driveways, alleys and areas without curbs and to never run out onto the street.
· Teach children about the dangers of crossing the street between parked cars or when not at a corner. Children should cross only at corners and pedestrian crosswalks, not diagonally or between parked cars.
· Teach children to respect the role of the crossing guard and to understand their signals.
· Teach children that wherever possible they should walk on the sidewalk. In areas without sidewalks, teach children to walk as far away from the road as possible, facing approaching traffic (when there is no choice but to walk on the road).
· Teach children that playing games at railway crossings or around trains can be deadly. Teach children that the only way to cross railway tracks is to use designated railway crossings.
Follow the same rules that you want your child to follow. You may want to cut across the street in the middle of the block, but you want your child to learn to cross at the intersection. Be a good role model.
Willowdale has a Traffic Safety Advisory Committee. I started this group along with school council chairs and concerned parents in Februray 2016 as a response to a growing traffic problem in our school zones. We have been getting together and identifying concrete actions for the coming year. I've attached the minutes from the last meeting (conference call) that outlines the ACTION ITEMS and people involved. We will be meeting again on May 26th. If you would like to become involved please email me here and I will add you to the list. One of our goals is to get the whole community thinking about Safety in our School Zones and on all of our streets and work to change people's mindsets about driving carefully.
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Bike to School Week 20166 Are you one of the 226 schools that have registered so far? Let’s get rolling! Join students and teachers across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area to celebrate Bike to School Week in the TDSB, May 30 to June 3, 2016. Register your school’s activities to support your EcoSchools and Healthy Schools programming, and to qualify for educational kits and incentives (while supplies last)! Check out the menu to the right for resources to help with planning and promoting events at your school.
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Kick-Start Your Child’s Education Savings
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The TDSB has partnered with SmartSAVER to launch a board-wide campaign to help families access free money for their children’s future education. What FREE money?
It’s the Canada Learning Bond, available now through www.tdsb.on.ca/SmartSAVER. This is a Government of Canada contribution to a child’s Registered Education Savings Plan. It provides up to $2,000 in savings for the post-secondary education of eligible children.
Who can get it?
You are eligible if your child was born in 2004 or later and you have ever been eligible for the National Child Benefit Supplement as part of the Canada Child Tax Benefit, known as the “family allowance”. All eligible children receive at least $500 and will receive $100 more for each year they’re eligible up to age 15 or a maximum of $2,000.
How do I get the Canada Learning Bond? - SmartSAVER can help you apply for the Canada Learning Bond and start an RESP with $0 when you use the Start My RESP online tool at www.tdsb.on.ca/SmartSAVER
- You’ll need a Social Insurance Number for yourself and your child to complete the application
- There is no cost and you don’t need to contribute any money to get the Canada Learning Bond
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Elementary Summer School l
Elementary summer programs are tailored to increase engagement and build self-confidence in our students. This summer, from July 5 - 29, we are opening schools across the city to help build literacy and numeracy skills in students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Visit www.tdsb.on.ca/summer for a complete list of participating schools. @TDSB_ConEd
Summer International Languages Elementary and African Heritage Programs
Encourage your child's natural curiosity and enroll them in TDSB's half and full day international languages and African Heritage summer programs. Open to all students from Kindergarten to Grade 8, our language learning programs engage students in cultural activities like games, songs, dance, storytelling, traditional crafts and writing.
Music Camps s
Enrich your child's summer vacation with music camp through three unique programs. - Summer Sounds - students can play a band or string instrument, guitar, keyboard and sing in a choir.
- DownTown Summer Strings - a great benefit to students who have at least one year experience playing the violin, viola, cello or double bass, and wraps up with a concert open to the public.
- Toronto Summer Music Camps - offers students in Grades 5-9 an opportunity to attend a residential music camp held at Mono Cliffs Outdoor Education Centre, near Orangeville.
Summer High School Credit t
High school students and adults can take credit courses in July at a variety of locations across the city. Reach ahead or make up a credit towards your high school diploma. Registration is now open. Classes fill up quickly so register early. All classes begin on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 and conclude on Friday, July 29, 2016. Visit www.creditprograms.ca for more information. @TDSB_ConEd
Summer ESL Program for International Students s
Invite your friends and family, who live in other countries, to learn English and explore Canadian culture with the Toronto District School Board this summer! International students, aged 12-17, will enjoy intensive English classes - taught by our qualified teachers - at the world's most multicultural and multilingual school board.
In addition to classroom learning, students will have unique opportunities to practise their English skills, explore Toronto and experience Canadian society and history through trips, tours and social activities.
Learn4Life Summer Session n
Registration for Learn4Life summer classes opens Wednesday, May 18. Take up a new hobby, learn a language, and meet people in your community. Learn how to renovate your home. Put your hands to work and decorate and glaze your own pottery or sculpture. Stay active with full body boot camp classes. Please refer to our brochure for a complete list of our offerings.
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Parent Conference on STEM Education
Richview Collegiate Institute 1738 Islington Ave May 14, 9:30 am - 3:30pm
STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathmatics) is the theme of this free parent conference happening at Richview Collegiate (Islington and Eglinton) in Etobicoke. The focus is broadening understanding of STEM education. The day will feature keynote speakers, hands-on workshops, a Kidzone, panel discussions and more.Special guest Dan Riskin (Co-host of Discovery Channel's Daily Planet Show) will be at the conference again to interact with conference participants. Key Note Speaker is Anthony Morgan founder of the Science Ninjas.
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| School Year Calendar 2016-2017
First day of classes for all students is September 6, 2016
The last day of class for elementary students is June 29, 2017
The last day of class for secondary (full-year) students is June 27, 2017
The last day of class for secondary (semestered) students is June 28, 2017
2016 - 2017 Dates to Remember: Holidays and PA DaysThere are no classes for students on the dates listed below
PA Days
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PA Days & Holidays
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December 26, 2016 to January 6, 2017 (inclusive)
Last day of school is December 23, 2016
School resumes January 9, 2017
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Secondary PA Day - (Semestered Schools only)
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Secondary School PA Day (Full Year Schools only)
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I'm providing some general information and links to things happening at the TDSB for your information. Below I've provided some Quick Facts about the TDSB and an outline of the Toronto Lands Corporation - a wholly-owned subsidiary of the TDSB.
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| TDSB Quick Facts
The Toronto District School Board is the largest school board in Canada and one of the largest in North America. We have nearly 600 schools and serve approximately 245,000 students each year.
Our Students
- 170,000 elementary students
- 75,000 high school students
- 1,400 international students
- 160,000 continuing education students
- 27,150 students are enrolled in immersion and extended French programs
- 22% were born outside of Canada
- There are over 120 languages spoken by TDSB students and their families.
Our Staff
- 16,500 permanent teachers (11,100 Elementary, 5,400 Secondary)
- 6,400 occasional teachers (4,600 Elementary, 1,900 Secondary)
- 13,000 permanent support staff and 5,000 supply/casual employees (including Designated Early Childhood Educators, professional support workers, caretakers, maintenance staff, IT support, administrators, etc.).
Our Schools
- 588 schools in total
- 472 Elementary Schools (including 7 Junior High Schools and 18 Elementary Alternative Schools)
- 116 Secondary Schools (including 1 Elementary/Secondary Alternative School, 20 Secondary Alternative Schools, 4 Caring and Safe Schools Programs and 5 EdVance Programs)
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WHAT IS IT? The Toronto Lands Corporation was created in September 2007 and incorporated in April 2008 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Toronto District School Board. The TLC’s mission is to maximize the Toronto District School Board’s real estate revenues in order to reinvest in TDSB schools and students. The TLC does this by working to maximize the income we gather on properties that the TDSB directs to us, both for lease management and for sale. The real estate portfolio is managed within the context of community building in partnership with the TDSB. We recognize that these properties are vitally important to the communities in which they are located.
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| Important Community Meeting Regarding the Potential Sale of McNicoll Public School 55 McNicoll Avenue, Willowdale Thursday, May 12, 2016 A.Y. Jackson Secondary School (Map)
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| McNicoll Public School is closed as an operating school but it has been functioning much like a community hub with a Toronto Child Care Facility and Adventure Place leasing the space. Services are integrated in a way that makes sense for families and it would be very unfortunate if these services were separated and relocated due to a sale of the property to the private sector.
The following services are currently offered from the McNicoll site:
· Toronto Partnership for Autism Services
· Toronto Preschool Speech and Language Services (now Early Abilities)(City of Toronto funded)
· Section 23 Day Treatment Program
· Community-based Mental Health Services
· Every Child Belongs (child care support) (City of Toronto funded)
· Ontario Early Years (Soon to be managed/administer by City of Toronto Children’s Services)
· CapC
· HBHC
· McNicoll Child Care Centre (City of Toronto funded)
It is important that many people from the community and beyond attend the upcoming Public consultation to express their opinions about this valuable community asset. The TDSB has declared the property surplus and is now considering selling the property due to financial pressures - the need to raise capital to meet its current maintenance backlog needs, the capital costs of maintaining the McNicoll site etc. My goal is to find a way to meet those needs but also to ensure that the current tenants can continue to operate from the McNicoll location without undo disruption.
Putting kids and the services that help ensure that they are successful now and in the future is a priority.
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| ATTENTION SCHOOL COUNCIL CHAIRS & PARENTS
School Council System Survey May 09, 2016
In collaboration with the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC), on Monday May 9, TDSB is launching its first system-wide online School Council survey. The primary objectives of the survey are to:- assess the current status of School Council operations across the Board
- identify areas of effective practice and areas needing further attention or support; and
- guide next steps for improvement.
Aggregate group responses will be tabulated and shared with School Councils. The collected data will also be used by the Board’s Parent & Community Engagement Office (PCEO), Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) and Trustees to better aid and support the work of our School Councils.
Please note: only one survey per School Council should be submitted. The survey form should be completed on behalf of the whole School Council group by the co/chair or an active council member.
For further information, please contact Executive Superintendent – Equity and Inclusive Schools, Jim Spyropoulos at jimspyropoulos@tdsb.on.ca
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Learning Centres s
Learning Centres (LC) are part of a new strategy to improve school effectiveness and student achievement. Beginning in September 2016, all TDSB schools will feed into one of four Learning Centres. While the Board will continue to be guided by a strong central governance structure and central administration support, these Centres will be hubs of resources to support schools in meeting the learning needs of students. For parents, the Learning Centre model aims to be more responsive to their child’s learning needs, improve communication, help identify and respond to learning gaps, and bring more timely and successful resolution to disputes. Each centre will be staffed by: - Learning coaches who will provide extra support for teachers in the classroom
- Seven superintendents, led by an executive superintendent
- Staff from the TDSB’s professional support services department, including psychologists, social workers and counsellors
As you will see from the information (click), our current Family of Schools Superintendent Linda Curtis has been placed in the new Learning Centre 2 that includes Willowdale schools. She will have a coordinating role in School Effectiveness / Leadership and will work in the centre with six other superintendents.
Each superintendent has responsibility for fewer schools and school administrators, allowing for more time to spend with schools and connecting with parents/guardians and the community. The geographic boundaries of Learning Centres were established with the following considerations: - Equal number of students/parents served by schools and Trustee
- Equal distribution of students and schools
- Equal number of school Principals per Superintendent
- Equal mix of socio-economic communities
Further details relating to, for example, who the Superintendent will be for your school will be communicated shortly. Please visit the TDSB website for updates.
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Learning Centre 2
Executive Superintendent of Learning Centre 2 and responsible for Student Success: Model Schools/SSI: Karen Falconer
Superintendents of Education – Learning Centre 2
Early Years: Elizabeth Addo
Employee Services: Beth Veale
Equitable and Inclusive Schools: Curtis Ennis
Global Competencies & Technology: Audley Salmon
School Effectiveness/Leadership: Linda Curtis
Special Education: Lynn Strangway
Teaching & Learning: Louie Papathanasakis
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| We have been piloting webcasts and chats with employees and parents. This week, Chair Robin Pilkey and Director John Malloy hosted our first live webcast/chat with parents. There was an engaging discussion that touched on many subjects and issues of importance to families and communities including Special Education, school repairs, the curriculum, Learning Centres and many other topics. The feedback was very positive overall and we will be following up on a number of suggestions for the future.
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Applications for Parents Reaching Out Grants 2016-17 Now Open
Grant applications for the 2016-17 school year are now open and will be accepted until May 29, 2016. In the 2015-16 school year, the province funded more than 2,200 projects that helped identify barriers to parent engagement and found local solutions to help more parents be engaged in their children's learning. For more information, click on http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/reaching.html
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TDSB Healthy Schools 5k Run/Walk
On Saturday, June 4, 2016 the Health and Physical Education Department is hosting a celebration of all the healthy active living that happens in our schools and communities every day. Students, staff, parents/guardians and community members are invited to join us at Downsview Park for the TDSB Healthy Schools 5k Run/Walk. Elementary schools will participate at 10 a.m. and secondary schools will begin at 11 a.m. Come and join me in exercise and fun.
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