|
|
| Shelley Laskin, Trustee
Toronto District School Board
Ward 8: Eglinton-Lawrence & Toronto-St Paul's
416-395-8787
Shelley.Laskin@tdsb.on.ca
|
| | |
|
| Week of September 19, 2021
| |
Two things you can do to change the world: VOTE. GET VACCINATED. - Jann Arden (Twitter @jannarden)
Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind. - Roy T. Bennett (Twitter @bekindmovement)
| |
In this Issue:- Get Your Shot
- COVID-19 Staff Vaccination Status
- COVID-19 Advisories
- Restarting School Immunization Program Clinics
- Highlights from the Planning & Priorities Committee Meeting September 14
- TDSB Recognizes First National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
- School Council Guidelines
- TLC's New Website
- Permits Restarting
- Meetings this Week
- Student Device Program
- Continuing Education – Fall 2021 Registration Updates
- Policy Consultations
- New Invitations - Parents & Caregivers as Partners - Request for Workshop Proposals; Clothing Swap; Hillcrest Village Community Players
- Items From Last Week - Worth Repeating
| |
Get Your Shot!The most important thing we can continue to do for ourselves and others, especially children who can not yet be vaccinated is to get our shot. The TDSB will continue to help facilitate vaccination opportunities and clinics within our schools, together with local health partners as we have over recent months. This week's clinics for those born in 2009 and earlier are as follows - no appointment is needed.
- September 20 - 3 - 8 p.m. Grenoble Public School 9 Grenoble Dr
- September 21 - 1 - 8 p.m. Eastdale Collegiate 701 Gerrard St E
- September 21 - 4 - 8 p.m. Earl Grey Sr PS 100 Strathcona Av
- September 22 - 4 - 8 p.m. DA Morrison MS 271 Gledhill Av
- September 23 - 3 - 8 p.m. Gateway PS 55 Gateway Blvd
- September 23 - 2 - 6 p.m. Westview Centennial Secondary School 755 Oakdale Road
- September 24 - 3 - 8 p.m. Regent Heights PS 555 Pharmacy Av
- September 24 - 3:15 - 8 p.m. Marc Garneau CI 135 Overlea Blvd
- September 25 - 4 - 8 p.m. Taylor Creek PS 644 Warden Av
- September 26 - 3 - 8 p.m. Samuel Hearne MS 21 Newport Av
Learn More
- Learn more about vaccines for youth, including how to book and prepare for your child's vaccination appointment (Ministry of Education)
- Visit the How to Get Vaccinated webpage by Toronto Public Health
- Kids Health First - developed by the Children's COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Table in Ontario
- Book an appointment online at the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button on toronto.ca/covid-19 or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007)
Proof of Vaccination Comes into Effect September 22
There is an easy way to convert your vaccination receipt from Ontario Ministry of Health to an Apple Wallet pass for easy access in the interim. Once Ontario's official app is released on Oct 22, you will be able to update the pass in Apple Wallet to the new one. Please click here for instructions - https://grassroots.vaccine-ontario.ca/.
| |
COVID-19 Staff Vaccination Status
The Ministry of Education requires all school board employees in Ontario to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status. Below, you will find TDSB staff disclosure data as of September 17, 2021.
- Total number of individuals to which the policy will apply: 40,239
- Total number and percentage of individuals who have attested to being fully vaccinated: 30,903 or 76.8%. Of those that have completed the attestation form, 91.3% are fully vaccinated.
- Total number and percentage of individuals who provided a documented medical reason for not being fully vaccinated: 108 or 0.32%
- The number and percentage of individuals who have not yet submitted an attestation form: 6,398 or 15.9%
The TDSB continues to contact staff directly to complete the attestation form. It’s thought that many of the those who have not yet completed the form are casual employees who may not have worked for the school board yet this school year. Of note, the TDSB is currently in the process of implementing a Mandatory Vaccine Procedure for staff, trustees and other individuals who have direct contact with staff or students at a TDSB workplace.
We have had several requests about the opportunity for general surveillance testing for staff wishing to do their own testing outside the required Ministry testing requirements. We were asked to contact Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) about their “CDL Rapid Screening Consortium” as an opportunity to provide testing to staff wishing to do rapid antigen testing as a safeguard. In discussions with CDL they are no longer able to supply free antigen testing to school boards outside of the required testing for Ministry of Education compliance purposes. We are currently not aware of any other opportunities to provide this service to school board staff. We will continue to monitor opportunities as they arise that would provide staff and/or their families the opportunity to self monitor their COVID-19 status.
COVID-19 Advisories
COVID-19 Advisories - This page provides a list of the active confirmed cases and resolved 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 will receive a letter from Toronto Public Health (TPH) to inform them about the possible exposure. As of September 17, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. there were 54 student cases and 44 cases within staff and 5 cases resolved.
We have had our first two TPH-declared outbreaks in schools this week. An outbreak is defined as two or more lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases with an epidemiological link in a school within a 14 day period in a school. On Saturday, a third outbreak was declared by TPH. We continue to work closely with TPH on all COVID-19 cases in schools, including the three declared outbreaks. While a small number of individual classes have been asked to self-isolate as a precaution, TPH is not advising any further actions be taken at this time and the schools remain open to students and staff.
We continue to be in touch with TPH regarding many key areas, including extracurriculars. We are anticipating further guidance will be released early this week by TPH that will allow a gradual and responsible re-introduction of extracurricular activities and will provide more information once it’s available.
| |
Restarting School Immunization Program Clinics
Have a child in grade 7 & above attending in-person learning? Toronto Public Health is restarting its publicly funded school vaccination program to protect students in grades 7 and up from hepatitis B, human papillomavirus and meningococcal disease. Starting September 14, students can receive these vaccinations by appointment only at city-run immunization sites. You can now book their appointment here http://tphbookings.ca.
| |
Highlights from the Planning & Priorities Committee Meeting September 14
At last Tuesday's P&P Meeting, staff presented an update on Return to School, presented a report on TDSB's COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Procedure and Toronto Public Health presented an Update. The slide decks can be found in the Report to Board.
- Regarding elementary enrolment - class sizes for 2021-22 will comply with collective agreements and ministry regulations - enrolment data as of September 23 will be used to reorganize although staff have already allocated hold-back to mitigate at some schools where actuals were significantly greater than projections
- Staff will report on secondary enrolment and numbers regarding hybrid or simultaneous learning in their next report
- Toronto Public Health (TPH) presented their latest metrics and updated guidance - they noted the
delay in extracurricular was for stability - goal is to ensure in-person learning - agrees with importance of EC - and they are committed to reintroducing extracurriculars gradually - committed to working with TDSD and will announce changes shortly - On testing - TPH notes these are recommended provincially - locally they don't make specific recommendations - they support PCR take home tests - best testing for detecting and diagnosing COVID-19 and is the only test that should be used for those with symptoms - Rapid Antigen Tests are screening only and they are not doing screening this year
- On masking, TPH also follows the Ministry of Labour - N95/K95 masks fitted specifically - and in order to use provided training - right now TPH keeping with surgical masks - Ministry has not put students on the list eligible for routine daily rapid antigen tests only to workplaces
- TPH is already preparing to rollout vaccinations for under-12 so they can be ready when approved
- On TDSB's Mandatory Vaccination Procedure, the Director committed to schedule of regular reporting out to the board re numbers; this will require additional staff to ensure fairness, equity while complying to Board direction & maintain healthy relationships
- By November 1, 2021, employees, Trustees, and other individuals who have direct contact with staff or students at a TDSB workplace, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (subject to approved requests for exemptions under the Human Rights Code). Until then, those who are not vaccinated or have not disclosed their vaccination status must continue to undergo rapid antigen testing at home and provide proof of a negative result, twice per week. In addition, those who do not have a medical/disability exemption will be required to undertake an education session on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.
- On the support of union partners, staff noted their advice and cooperation - disciplinary action will be case by case basis - up to and including termination or at home without pay - focussing now on compliance and opportunities for staff to comply - emphasizing effective implementation will have staff understand each individual case and respond accordingly.
A reminder that all students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 must wear masks indoors. Students are not required to wear masks outdoors during recess, lunch or outdoor learning. Just a reminder that all school visitors, including parents and guardians, are required to wear a mask/face covering when indoors and outdoors on school property, such as during pick-up and drop-off as per the TDSB Mask Procedure.
Specific guidelines, practices and protocols for elementary and secondary are available on the TDSB Return to School website. Some recent updates are available in the following areas: extra-curricular activities, music programs, and school council meetings.
| |
TDSB Recognizes First National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
We honour First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children and communities impacted by this system. During Truth and Reconciliation Week September 27 to October 1, we encourage schools to participate in events offered by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Visit the UIEC’s resource page for learning resources and events; Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation are on the Days of Significance page.
| |
School Council Guidelines
School Councils work to improve student achievement and enhance the accountability of the education system to parents and caregivers. They are legislated and governed by Regulation 612 of the Education Act. There is an understanding that participation can take many forms and work to:
- offer parents/caregivers a variety of ways to share their voices, knowledge, and expertise
- recognize that relationship building is key to breaking down walls and barriers
- strive to identify and eliminate barriers to participation for parents/caregivers
- disrupt practices that contribute to oppression based on race, class, nationality, abilities, gender, education, or language
As we resume the 2021/2022 school year with a hybrid school model of in person and virtual learning, there are some carryover COVID-19 guidelines from last year as it relates to school council operations. These directions were codeveloped with PIAC and the purpose of the Council operations is to provide clarity for Councils, staff and parents/caregivers on Council operations for the 2021-2022 school year.
| |
TLC's New Website
Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) launched a new website over the summer. With a complete redesign of function, navigation, features and all new content, the new website is a wealth of the most up-to-date information on the plans and accomplishments of how the TDSB’s real estate and land use planning subsidiary is working to position the Board to be a progressive leader in the strategic use of its property assets. Of particular interest to the community will be the 2021-22 TLC Annual Plan, the basis of TLC’s work over the next year transforming student learning environments through the modernization of facilities, creating a culture of partnership & collaboration with stakeholders and successfully aligning TLC’s & TDSB’s Missions and the Shareholder’s Directions.
The website’s Data Deck, is an informative display of useful school building information on the size, age, acreage, capacity, current and projected enrollment, operating costs and repair backlog broken down by Ward of every operating school across the Board. See Ward 8 Schools. A sample of the information available for each school is displayed. Finally, watch the two new motion graphic videos produced by our summer intern and written and voiced by TLC staff. Visit the new website here: https://torontolandscorp.com/.
| |
Permits Restarting
We continue to prioritize the health and safety of all users and thank you for your patience as we work through strategies for opening our schools for community use safely. Staff have planned a gradual, phased return to community use of our facilities for the 2021-22 school year. Final decisions on resuming permits for the fall will be guided by the directions from the province and Toronto Public Health (TPH), but our proposed resumption schedule is:
- Before & Afterschool programs including City ARC - Thursday, Sep 9, 2021
- All Swimming Pool Permits - Monday, September 13
- Weekend Community Permits (Saturday & Sunday) - Saturday, Oct 16, 2021
- Weekday Community Permits (Monday – Friday) - To be decided
| |
Meetings This Week
September 22 (Wednesday) Board Meeting 7:00 pm Agenda
- 14. Confirmation of Minutes of Meeting Held on August 25, 2021
- 16.1 Governance and Policy Committee, Report No. 06, September 8, 2021
- 16.1 (1) Enterprise Risk Management Policy, Phase 1 [4147]
- 16.2 Integrity Commissioner Selection Committee, Report No. 01, September 9, 2021 (For receipt)
- 16.3 Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Report No. 12, September 13, 2021
- 16.3 (1) Contract Award: Architectural Services for McKee Public School [4140]
- 16.3 (2) 2022-2023 Budget Schedule [4150]
- 16.4 Planning and Priorities Committee, Report No. 17, September 14, 2021
- 16.4 (1) Indigenous Land-Based Learning [4135]
- 16.4 (2) Implementation of a Mandatory Vaccination Procedure [4151]
| |
Student Device Program
The TDSB is launching a 1:1 Student Device Program for students in Grades 5 and 9. The program will offer students a district-owned and managed Chromebook for educational use. This device will be assigned directly to the student and will stay with them over a four-year period, 24/7. Students will be able to take them home each night, on weekends and over holidays and will be required to bring them to school each day to support their in-class learning. This Board-wide initiative supports learning through technology, digital citizenship and our commitment to equity of access to technology.
Prior to receiving a device families will need to opt in to the program by completing a Device Agreement. The device agreement will be available through the digital start of the year forms or in hard copy. Families may choose to opt out of the device program and use a personal device instead or choose not to use a device during school hours.
| |
Continuing Education – Fall 2021 Registration Updates
Remote Night School
Semester 1: Adults, TDSB and Non TDSB Students - The Toronto District School Board offers night school credit courses to all high school students and adults with current prerequisites. Students may take a new credit, or retake a course previously taken to upgrade a mark. Students cannot enrol in a course if they are taking the course in day school. Parents/Guardians and students must consult with their day school guidance counsellor regarding course selections and prerequisite courses. All classes are remote and attendance is mandatory twice a week from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. either on Mon/Wed or Tue/Thur. Students must attend for the full six hours each week. Visit our program page for more information and to register.
- Registration Opens - September 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
- Courses with low enrolment cancelled - September 24, 2021
- Registration Closes - October 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
TDSB Remote Night School Credit Recovery
The Toronto District School Board is offering current TDSB students the opportunity to recover one or two credits at night school. Remote Night School Credit Recovery courses are open to current TDSB high school students who have taken the course in the past two years but have not earned the credit. Students may enroll in two credit recovery courses. One running on Tuesday and the other on Thursday. Visit our program page for more information and to register.
- Registration Opens - September 10, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
- Courses with low enrolment cancelled - September 24, 2021
- Registration Closes - October 1, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
Saturday International Language Credit Program (Remote)
The Saturday International Language Credit Program focuses on a single credit course in International Languages. Registration is open to current high school students interested in enrolling between the ages of 13 to 20. Students who do not fall within these parameters will not be able to access any of the courses in the Saturday Credit Program. Please note that space in all courses is limited and may fill up prior to the close of registration, and all courses offered are subject to sufficient enrolment. Visit our program page for more information and to register.
- Registration opened on May 31, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
- Registration closes on October 1, 2021 at 2:00 p.m.
- First day of class is on October 16, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.
International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Programs
(Remote as of September 2021) - International Languages Elementary & African Heritage Program is an enriching learning experience for K-8 students to learn or maintain a language and discover other cultures. Open to all TDSB and non-TDSB students, programs are currently offered online. No language background necessary. Activities will be focused on building student’s skills in oral communication, reading and writing. Registration is now open. For more information and to register, visit our program website.
Learn4Life Fall 2021
General Interest Courses (Remote, with a limited number of in-person classes) Have you ever wanted to learn how to ballroom dance or make that perfect Caribbean dish? Do you want to learn a new language but don’t know where to start? Learn4Life provides general interest courses for adults 18+ and seniors who want to take up a new hobby or learn a new skill. Fall registration is now open with classes beginning September 11, 2021. Visit our Learn4Life website for more information.
Adult ESL
Online Courses (Remote as of September 2021) - The Adult ESL program is offering free* remote English language instruction to qualified adults 18 years of age and over. Part-time and full-time classes are offered at various times during the day, evening, and Saturdays at all language levels. For more information, please visit our program website or call 416-338-4300. * Free for eligible learners, please check our website for more information.
International Adult Students
The TDSB is committed to offering international adult students practical programming with concrete learning outcomes designed to advance their academic and career goals. We continue to diversify and strengthen post-secondary pathway options for international adult learners through continuous communication and negotiation with post secondary pathway partners. We are also looking forward to welcoming an increased number of international educators and delegations seeking professional learning opportunities through the TDSB both virtually and in-person during the 2021-2022 school year. We are communicating closely with TDSB’s international adult students to ensure they have the resources needed to ensure their well-being and success during the upcoming school year. Visit our program website for more information.
| |
Policy Consultations
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is committed to open and inclusive policy decision-making and values community input and participation through consultation. Policy development and reviews are carried out in accordance with the policy review schedule that is approved by the Board of Trustees and is revised on a regular basis. To view the latest Policy Review Schedule please click here.
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.
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
Specialized Schools and Programs Policy
| |
Parents & Caregivers as Partners - Request for Workshop Proposals
This year, we encourage other school districts, schools, School Councils, administrators, teachers, community-based organizations, researchers, and parents/caregivers to join us in focusing on solutions that enhance and expand engagement through family-school-community partnerships. With plenaries, workshops, micro sessions, and more, participants will be immersed in many examples of high-impact engagement work taking place across the province.
| |
Clothing Swap
SAVE THE DATE: September 25th
Davisville Neighbour-to-Neighbour Back-to-School Clothing Swap (hosted by works-in-progress collective with support from Davisville PS)
With kids heading back to school, you may find that their clothes no longer fit. We are all in the same situation, so we are organizing a neighbourhood (Covid safe) clothing swap. Here's how it works: kids in your household outgrown their clothes? Keep the kids, pass on those clothes to others in your neighbourhood! Need some clothes for quick-growing kids? We'll have lots to choose from - come fill your bags and keep clothes with life left in them in circulation as long as we can! The swap will be held in yards in the Davisville/Mt. Pleasant area all within walking distance of Davisville PS/ June Rowlands park (one size/yard). Yards and hosts needed to make this a success! You don't need a yard to host. Please reach out ASAP if you have questions or want to take part as a donor, swapper, or host. Please note: We are following Covid 19 Public health guidelines. You can read more about the swap plans and FAQs at our website www.works-in-progress.ca.
- Location: Neighbourhood yards across the Davisville area (map will be online on the website in the week before the swap)
- Date: Saturday September 25, 2021 (Raindate: Sunday September 26, 2021)
- Time: 11am-2pm
- Cost: FREE (fill a bag for $5 or pay what you can)
- Items: gently used Kids' clothing and shoes ONLY (but up to adult sizes for the teens)
- Info & Sign-up: Davisville Back-to-School Kids' Clothing Swap or email Tanya Murdoch at: works.in.progressto@gmail.com
| |
Hillcrest Village Community Players - get involved!
It is with great excitement to welcome a new community theatre company to our neighbourhood: Hillcrest Village Community Players! Hillcrest Village Community Players is based out of Hillcrest Village, Humewood and Wychwood area, on St Clair Avenue West. Everyone involved in the Community Players joins the organization from diverse backgrounds, all driven with two key values: a passion for theatre and a love for our community! The first show, Anne of Green Gables the Musical, will be performed in February 2022. Interested in getting involved? They want you! Check out their Facebook & Instagram page, or send an email to hillcrestvillageplayers@gmail.com. Most importantly, share this exciting new community involvement opportunity with your friends, family, and neighbours!
| |
Truth and Reconciliation WeekA Virtual Event Open to All Canadian Schools For Youth Grades 5 – 12
September 27-October 1
To celebrate the success of last year’s online event, Every Child Matters, we are proud to present a full week of Truth and Reconciliation programming. Truth and Reconciliation Week is a 5-day national event that will continue the conversations from Every Child Matters. Important conversations including the truths of the Indigenous treaties, First Nation, Métis and Inuit land claims, and the residential schools' system. This online event will provide historical workshops, exclusive video content, and activities for students — all supported by artistic and cultural performances by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists. For more information click https://nctr.ca/education/truth-and-reconciliation-week/. Register now at Eventbrite.
| |
Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
Dogs are not allowed on school property at any time. Many people are surprised to learn that City of Toronto By-Laws and TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property.
As children begin to go back to school, please respect children’s play spaces. And please do not verbally abuse TDSB caretaking staff - I am hearing that when caretakers onsite try and inform dog owners, they are met with threats and intimidation.
| |
School Year Calendar 2021-2022- Thanksgiving - October 11, 2021
- Board-wide PA Day - November 19, 2021
- The last day before the Winter Break is December 17, 2021
- First day back from Winter Break is January 3, 2022
- The last day of class for elementary students is June 30, 2022
- The last day of class for secondary students is June 29, 2022
| |
|
|
|
|
