With Gratitude
As the 2020-21 school year comes to an end I want to say thank you to parents/guardians and caregivers for supporting your children and working in partnership with the administration and all staff under incredibly difficult circumstances whether in virtual school or in-person (and remote); to school council members, PIAC and FSLAC representatives/alternates and all who volunteered, you lighten the load and improve the experiences of students; to community members for supporting public education and continuing to advocate to government appropriate funding; to our senior and central staff who provide direction and created a second virtual system in a matter of weeks, thank you! To administration teams who understand the value of engaged and empowered students, staff and communities and did their best to ensure the learning and well-being of students continued; to teachers and early childhood educators and all education workers and professional staff - for your extraordinary efforts in engaging students virtually, in-person and remotely - for being flexible and adapting your practice - for continuing teaching and learning in spite of your own circumstances... and for caring about your students' mental health and well -being, for cleaning and recleaning... Now it is time for all of you to take a break and be gentle with yourselves. Finally, to all the students who centre all of our work... enjoy the summer break! Play! Get Outside!
Over the summer, or at any time, if you notice anything at a school that concerns you, please call the TDSB Security Call Centre (416) 395-4620 and the Toronto Police - non-emergencies can be reported by calling 416-808-2222.
As always, please continue to monitor the TDSB website at www.tdsb.on.ca and social media (@TDSB on Twitter or Toronto District School Board on Facebook) for any updates on evolving COVID-19 health and safety protocols and plans.
If you have questions for me, do not hesitate to e-mail at shelley.laskin@tdsb.on.ca. I will be back to you over the summer whenever there is significant news to share. You can follow me on twitter @shelleylaskin.
Please note - if you no longer wish to receive these weekly updates over the summer and into the 2021/22 school year, please click 'opt out' at the bottom of this e-mail. Thanks again for all your support.
| |
Congratulations to Ward 8 Graduates from our 33 Schools!
Proud of all students transitioning and graduating... certainly not what we envisioned when you started at your school, but nevertheless, and in spite of the obstacles you succeeded and none of that diminishes your efforts! For those graduating from the TDSB - whether you chose any one of our Post-Secondary Pathways - Apprenticeship; College; Community; University; or Work, we wish you every success in your future!
| |
Administrative Changes
Principal and Vice-Principal Changes in Ward 8
Change is our only constant at the TDSB! We have had a number of staff changes approved at the board on both June 14, 2021 and June 24, 2021. The following are the known leadership changes in Ward 8 schools effective September 1, 2021:
- Forest Hill CI - Yvette Duffy, Vice-Principal at Alternative Secondary Schools - West is being promoted to Principal at Forest Hill CI; Reiko Fuentes, Principal at Forest Hill is being transferred to Centrally Assigned Principal at Secondary Program and Admissions
- Forest Hill Jr & Sr PS - Adam Thompson, Principal at Glen Park PS is being transferred to Principal at Forest Hill Jr & Sr PS - Corey Birnbaum has transferred to the York Region District School Board as Principal
- Glen Park PS - Andrea Gillard, Acting Principal at Zion Heights MS (formerly VP at Ledbury Park PS) is promoted to Principal at Glen Park PS
- Glenview Sr PS - Monica MacGillis, Vice-Principal at TDSB Virtual Elementary School LC3 is being transferred to Vice-Principal at Glenview Sr PS - Mike Smith is retiring
- John Ross Robertson Jr PS - Lynda Watters, Vice-Principal at Northlea E & MS is being promoted to Principal at John Ross Robertson - Deborah Stern, Principal at JRR is retiring
- Lawrence Park CI - Jinah Park, Principal at SATEC @ WA Porter CI is being transferred to Principal at Lawrence Park CI - Aiman Flahat has been promoted to Superintendent at Durham District School Board; Gillian Evans, Vice-Principal at Don Mills CI is being transferred to Vice-Principal at LPCI - Stephen Bibla is retiring; Victoria Johnson-Lee, Acting Vice-Principal at Lawrence Park CI is being promoted to Vice-Principal at LPCI (Ruth Kelly, former VP at LPCI and now Acting Vice-Principal at Weston CI is being transferred to Vice-Principal at Weston CI)
- Ledbury Park E & MS - Tina Ginglo, Acting Vice-Principal at Ledbury Park E & MS is being promoted as Vice-Principal at Ledbury
- North Toronto CI - Jane Lee, Vice-Principal at A Y Jackson SS is being promoted to Principal at North Toronto - William Mack is retiring.
- West Preparatory Jr PS - Jill Kelsall, Acting Vice-Principal at West Preparatory Jr PS is being promoted to Vice-Principal at West Prep - Leanne Bellec, (former VP at West Prep) Acting Principal at Wellesworth JS is being promoted to Principal at Wellesworth
- Winona Drive Sr PS - Arlene Dixon, Teacher at Glenview Sr PS is being promoted to Vice-Principal at Winona - Craig Silvera, Vice-Principal at Winona Drive Sr PS is being transferred to Vice-Principal at Northlea E & MS
A fond farewell to those leaving Ward 8... Congratulations to those promoted and to those transferring in. We have great community schools with engaged students, parents/caregivers and communities and excellent staff who value equity, learning and wellbeing… hope you will enjoy your time supporting students, staff and community in our schools.
In addition to our retiring Principals, there are also a number of teacher and education worker retirements, leaves and transfers out of our schools - to all retiring - I wish you all the very best and sincerely thank you for your service... to those on leave and transferring to a different areas to continue your teaching or other work, thank you for all you have done for our students... wishing you continued success.
| |
COVID-19 UpdateOn June 24, the government announced that Ontario would be moving to Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen on June 30. Step Two of the Roadmap focuses on the resumption of more outdoor activities and limited indoor services with small numbers of people where face coverings are worn, with other restrictions in place. Starting Monday, June 28, 2021 at 8:00 a.m., all Ontarians aged 18 and over who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine will be eligible to book an appointment to receive their second dose and as of Saturday June 26, 2021 at 8 am, youth aged 12 to 17 who received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine can now rebook their second dose appointments for an earlier date, as long as it is scheduled at least 28 days after the first dose.
In addition, effective June 14, 2021, education staff who received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine are also eligible to receive a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at an interval of eight to 12 weeks, with informed consent. This can include a second dose of AstraZeneca or an mRNA vaccine.
Education staff can use Ontario’s vaccine booking system to find out how to schedule an appointment, or can call the Provincial Vaccine Booking Line number at 1-833-943-3900. For general inquiries, individuals can call the Provincial Vaccine Information Line number at 1-888-999-6488 or TTY service is also available by calling 1-866-797-0007. Education staff can also visit ontario.ca/pharmacycovidvaccine to find a pharmacy offering a COVID-19 vaccine and to book an appointment.
The 12-17 youth focused vaccination weeks began on June 14, 2021 and are continuing. We have a number of clinics in our schools next week to help with this effort. On Monday, June 28th at Baycrest PS from 3:00-6:00 PM - this clinic is also extended to Glen Park families who meet the vaccination criteria. First doses are the priority; however, second doses are being made available to students 12 years and older, and to the families who live in the M6A region. Staff members will have the opportunity of receiving their second dose at this clinic as well. Similarly, there is also a clinic at Lawrence Heights MS Monday, June 28 3:00-6:00pm. And all next week (except July 1) at John Polanyi - click here for details.
For more information on vaccines call Toronto Public Health 416-338-7600 8:30 am to 8:00 pm / 7 days a week. Text the word VACCINE to 1-833-750-0888 to be connected with resources including appointment bookings & information on vaccines. Visit toronto.ca/covid19.
And please, if you are on Twitter, follow Vaccine Hunters Canada @VaxHuntersCan! Vaccine Hunters. On Friday, they announced the launch of their multilingual website Find Your Immunization (“FYI”) , providing vaccine availability from pharmacies, pop-ups, and clinics Canada-wide. A user can utilize FYI to find the nearest appointment and availability to them, view information like booking method, vaccine type, dose number, and then book the appointment.
The Public Health Agency of Canada released guidelines Friday on what those who have had two shots against COVID-19 can do as Canada's vaccination rates climb.
| |
Learning Model Selection for 2021-22
Further to last week's update, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) will be asking families to complete an online Selection Form for In-Person or Virtual Learning in mid-August. More information will be sent to you on this shortly.
In August, families will have up-to-date information on the status of the pandemic and vaccinations for school staff and students, and will be in a better position to make an informed decision. The TDSB will also be in a better position to provide information about health and safety measures in schools for in-person learning and more details about how live, online virtual learning will be delivered. All information and the selection form will also be made available on the TDSB website https://www.tdsb.on.ca/School-Year-2021-22/Selection-Form.
| |
ReconciliACTION
This week, the Cowessess First Nation announced a preliminary finding of 751 unmarked graves at a cemetery near the former Marieval Indian Residential School. As educators, we are continuing to work with our students to learn about the history of our country, and to learn more about Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being and how we can teach our children to learn from the mistakes of the past, so we don’t repeat them in the future. We grieve, but must commit to action.
The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society created a child-friendly guide to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations. For Canada Day this year, let's commit to action - let's educate ourselves and our families.
From the Introduction
BETWEEN 1879 AND 1996, the Government of Canada took First Nations, Métis, and Inuit kids away from their families and homes and put them in residential schools. At residential school, kids were not allowed to speak their language or celebrate their culture and were often treated badly by the adults in charge of the schools. Many of the children who went to residential schools became sick and died because the schools were poorly built and didn’t get enough money from the Government of Canada to keep the kids healthy. The kids who survived residential school returned home with a great sadness and hurt that has been passed on to current generations.
In 2008, a group called the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was made. Their job was to listen to stories about residential schools and then write the stories down so we can learn from our mistakes.
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission announced their 94 Calls to Action. These are 94 activities all governments, courts, businesses, schools, and people living in Canada can do to help fix the mistakes of the past and present so that all children – including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children – can grow up happy, healthy, safe, and proud of who they are.
This booklet is written by Spirit Bear as a youth-guide to the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action. Spirit Bear was born in a huckleberry patch in the Carrier Sekani Territory in British Columbia but he spends most of his time on the lands of the Algonquin people in a city called Ottawa. Ottawa is also where the Government of Canada lives. Governments makes laws and provide the services that everyone needs, like clean water, education, and health-care.
Spirit Bear is a Bearrister, which means when he sees something wrong, he has to learn about it and try to help. Some problems seem big and hard to fix, but Spirit Bear’s mom – Mary the Bear – says the first step in fixing a problem is believing you can.
In line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, the TDSB will continue its commitment to dismantling anti-Indigenous racism and discriminatory practices and policies against Indigenous Peoples For support: National Indian Residential School Crisis Line 1-800-925-4419.
| |
Board Meeting This Week
Regular Meeting, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, 7:00 p.m. Public Session - Electronic Meeting
- 15.1. Audit Committee, Report No. 04, June 21, 2021
- 15.2. Governance and Policy Committee, Report No. 05, June 2, 2021
- 15.3. Program and School Services Committee, Report No. 05, June 9, 2021
- 15.4. Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 08, June 1, 2021
- 15.5. Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Report No. 09, June 16, 2021
- 15.6. Planning and Priorities Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 13, June 14, 2021
- 15.7. Planning and Priorities Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 14, June 15, 2021
- 15.8. Planning and Priorities Committee, Report No. 15, June 23, 2021
| |
A Day to Listen: Amplifying Indigenous Voices
6am – 6pm (local time) on Wednesday, June 30 on radio stations across Canada
In recognition of National Indigenous History Month, Bell Media, Corus Entertainment Inc., Rogers Sports & Media, Stingray Radio, and more, join together in an unprecedented collaboration to amplify, elevate, listen to, and learn from Indigenous voices with A DAY TO LISTEN.
In partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF), A DAY TO LISTEN is dedicated to sharing stories from Indigenous leaders, residential school survivors, elders, musicians, and teachers throughout the day.
The mission of DWF is to create a pathway towards reconciliation, and to improve the lives of Indigenous people by building awareness, education, and connections between all Canadians.
| |
Honouring the Children
In lieu of Canada Day the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) will instead hold a ceremony to honour and remember all the children lost to residential schools, those who Survived the schools and their children and families. More truth and evidence of genocide will be revealed. Join us in Honouring the children. For more information, click https://nctr.ca/.
| |
TDSB Summer Menu of Activities and Supports
Here is the Summer Menu of Activities and Supports for students, parents and caregivers. Please see the brief descriptions for each activity/group and click on the PDF flyer to access contact and registration information.
These programs and activities are being provided by TDSB’s Professional Support Services (PSS) staff from Social Work, Speech- Language Pathology, Psychology, Child and Youth Services and Occupational/Physical Therapy.
During the month of July and the last two weeks of August, PSS Staff will continue to offer Virtual Office Hours for Caregivers/Parents of all students, as well as Caregivers/Parents of students with special/complex needs (please see new summer times).
For the full menu, please click https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OJlZwqzCzwb2W5OOutREyQhGy0yTo4zN/view
| |
Continuing Education’s Summer Webinars The Continuing Education department will be offering a webinar series throughout the summer to support parents and caregivers with engaging with their children in reading, math, and early years education. For more information and to register, click the links below:
| |
2-1-1
Do you need help finding food, housing, financial assistance, mental health support, employment support, support for seniors, winter clothing and/or shelter? For information and referral to government, health, community and social services.211 is free, confidential and available 24/7 in 150+ languages to connect you to local community supports.
| |
Return of Borrowed Student Devices
In preparation for the start of the 2021-22 school year, families that borrowed devices (e.g. iPad, Chromebook, Internet Hub) from the TDSB or local school are asked to return them. Devices and all power cables, cases and chargers that were delivered with the device can be returned to any TDSB school between Monday, June 14 and Friday, July 2 (for elementary schools) and Friday, July 9 (for secondary schools) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. All devices that are not returned by July 2 will be administratively locked, preventing student login. These devices will need to be returned when school resumes in September. Students enrolled in a TDSB summer program may continue using the device for the duration of the summer program and should return the device in September. If you have any questions, please contact DeviceReturns@tdsb.on.ca. NOTE: Rogers Connected for Success offers low cost, high-speed internet and many TDSB families may qualify for the program. Please click the following link for more information on pricing and eligibility requirements.
| |
Summer 2021 Well-Being Guide
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unexpectedly long and challenging journey for all of us, and everyone has experienced it differently. Increased accessibility to vaccines for all communities gives us reason to believe that better days are ahead. It is in this spirit of optimism and hopefulness that we are preparing for summer. We recognize that there are many unknowns and much uncertainty this summer. As parents and caregivers, we may be wondering what we can do to help keep our children active and healthy, and to support their mental health and well-being. Within this guide you will find a variety of culturally-responsive resources and accessible activities to help make this summer a little easier for you and your family. Information on where and how to reach out for help is also included.
| |
Development Committee’s (K-12 SDC) Initial Recommendations Report Consultation
The province is encouraging participation in the public consultation on the K-12 Standards Development Committee’s (K-12 SDC) Initial Recommendations Report (Initial Report). In Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) outlines the legislated process for the development of new accessibility standards through Standards Development Committees.
The mandate of the K-12 Education SDC is to provide recommendations to government on removing and preventing accessibility barriers in the publicly funded education system. The Initial Report is the result of an extensive joint effort of Government appointed representatives from the disability community and the education sector to identify the barriers that students with disabilities face and the measures needed to remove and prevent them.
This new video will help you better understand the report, and how and why you should provide feedback. I encourage you to watch the video and to fill out the survey.
The Initial Report was posted online on June 1, 2021 for a period of business 65 days. The public may also provide written submissions by email to: educationSDC@ontario.ca. The public has an opportunity to participate in these consultations until September 2, 2021.
| |
School Year Calendar 2021-2022- First day of classes for students is September 9, 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
| |
Canada Day 2021
“At the same time, many, many Canadians will be reflecting on reconciliation, on our relationship with Indigenous peoples, and how it has evolved and how it needs to continue to evolve rapidly,” Trudeau said. “I think this Canada Day, it will be a time of reflection on what we’ve achieved as a country, but what more we have to do,” he continued. “This coming Canada Day, I think we all need to pledge ourselves to doing what we can to continue that effort to make Canada better, all while respecting and listening to those for whom it’s not yet a day of celebration. I think all of us need to aspire and work hard to get to the point where everyone across this country will be able to celebrate fully.” - Justin Trudeau
| |
|
|
|
|