Asian Heritage Month – May 2020
Asian Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of May at the Toronto District School Board. More than 40% of TDSB students self-identify as Asian. The selected theme for this year is, “Discover. Share. Celebrate”.
Asia has great political, economic, social, ethnic, cultural and religious diversity; this diversity creates challenges when we attempt to define Asia in geographic and political terms. The inclusive and broad definition of Asian used by the TDSB Asian Heritage Month committee includes, but is not limited to all people whose ancestors came from the following:
- East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan);
- South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan);
- Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines); and
- Central Asia (Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan)
This year’s Asian Heritage Month activity includes the Asian heritage impact to the liberation of Holocaust survivors to recognize the 75th Liberation Anniversary. The two individuals being highlighted are: Ho Feng Shan, Chinese diplomat, and also Dr. George Bluman who shares his family’s escape from the Holocaust due to the action of Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara. Ho Feng Shan, Chinese diplomat: Mr. Ho Feng Shan was a Chinese diplomat who passed away in 1997. Upon his death, his action to help Jews escape Holocaust camps came to light. He was the 'Chinese Schindler' who saved thousands of Jews. Dr. George Bluman, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at the University of British Columbia: Dr. George Bluman recently shared his family history in January 2020 at the 15th annual Raoul Wallenberg Day commemoration. He shared that his parents fled to Lithuania after Germany invaded Poland in 1939. His parents received transit visas from Chiune Sugihara and their journey to Canada began. An estimated 15% of Sugihara survivors became Canadians, many of them remaining in Vancouver.
Further, we are pleased to share with you once again the photography slideshow that was displayed last year (May 2019) on the main floor of 5050 Yonge Street to recognize Asian Heritage Month. Enjoy!
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Jewish Heritage Month – May 2020This year, the Jewish Heritage Month Committee of the TDSB acknowledges 75 years since liberation from the Holocaust. Because of Liberation75 the Committee embarked on a comprehensive Holocaust and Genocide Education program which included many important programs, including:
- During the Neuberger Centre’s Holocaust Education Week, we hosted Rainer Hoess, grandson of Rudolf Hoess, the infamous commander of Auschwitz visit who spoke to hundreds of students at Northern CI, Riverdale CI and Etobicoke CI “Be a voice; not an echo”. https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2019/11/06/his-grandfather-was-the-monster-behind-auschwitz-rainer-hoess-is-making-sure-no-one-ever-forgets.html; https://youtu.be/6fjBX2aV5l4.
- In November we held a staff lunch and learn – an interview with Max Eisen, Holocaust survivor and author or By Chance Alone, winner of Canada Reads.
- We partnered with the Azrieli Foundation in offering a novel study/social studies exercise as part of our efforts for Grade 6 or 7 students. Fourteen schools read Claire Baum’s memoir The Hidden Package, provided free of charge in French and English with classroom activities to accompany both books.
- On January 27, 2020 – Holocaust Remembrance Day - we held a special TDSB One Book Event. In partnership with Indigo and Second Story Press, all Grade 6 students (more than 18,000) throughout the TDSB received their own copy of Hana’s Suitcase. On January 27, a special webcast featuring Heather Reisman and Lara Hana Brady (niece of Hana) was the largest audience we’ve ever had at TDSB with 965 computers clicking in – which means thousands of students and teachers watched. The incredibly positive feedback and learning continues in classrooms. https://www.cjnews.com/news/canada/toronto-district-school-board-plans-wide-ranging-holocaust-commemoration. Author Karen Levine has also produced a video specifically for our TDSB students.
- In February we launched “The Last Goodbye” – virtual reality experience – a VR short featuring Toronto-based Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gutter on his return to Majdanek concentration camp. “The Last Goodbye”, in association with Steven Spielberg’s L.A.-based Shoah Foundation and in conjunction with the TDSB’s participation in Liberation75, was housed at Oakwood CI. It also included an art installation on Genocides throughout history. This exciting project involved bringing thousands of Grade 10’s (and some Grade 11’s – students of our genocide course) on field trips from all our schools across the District to participate in the experience. TDSB is the first school board in the world to premiere the virtual reality film and all licensing fees were waived. Participating teachers received a pre and post lesson and all students were provided with a copy of Pinchas Gutter’s memoir – a generous donation by the Azrieli Foundation. We are currently working on bringing as much of the experience as possible on-line.
Please check out our website where we house resources for Holocaust and Genocide Education. We continually update the website as we learn of new resources teachers can use. Our committee looks forward to continuing our work “Encouraging Students to Investigate and Understand the Past to Think Critically about the Present and Future”.
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Education Week is May 4-8
This year, school closures and remote learning have had a significant impact on our lives and have dramatically changed how we connect, collaborate, learn and support each other. With that in mind, the focus of this year’s Education Week in the TDSB will celebrate how, in this new environment, we are coming together as an education community and are:
- Supporting and prioritizing the health and well-being of students and staff
- Focusing on continuation of learning in a variety of ways
- Maintaining relationships and connection to one another
- Engaging all students
- Supporting all partners in this work, including parents and families
Each day, we will highlight a different aspect of this work to help inspire, celebrate and connect with our students, staff and TDSB community. Follow along on social media at #TDSBEdWeek and tag and please share stories of success in your schools.
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Children's Mental Health Week is May 4-8
This week we recognize Children’s Mental Health Week in the TDSB. During these challenging times, everyone’s mental health and well-being is a priority. Caring for others and being cared for is one of the most powerful protective factors for everyone’s mental health and well-being. Research shows that providing a caring, inclusive and welcoming climate improves resilience and the ability to achieve. We want everyone to focus on noticing, encouraging and acknowledging caring and kind interactions. We need to help ensure that every student feels that they are valued and that they matter. Caring matters now more than ever.
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Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives.Please stay home. Please stay safe. Please wash your hands.
Stay healthy.
We are all in this together.
"The power to change the story is entirely in our hands. So thank you, thank you to the residents of our city, thank you to business owners, thank you all for doing this, but we can still do better, we must do better, and we need your help to get there." Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health
Other Important Links:
Together, let’s demonstrate our appreciation and let the helpers know how much we value their service and commitment. #Helpers
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Remote Learning Update - Message from the Director of Education
On Friday, May 01, 2020 the Director provided a detailed letter to parents, guardians and familities...
As part of the efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, the closure of all publicly-funded schools in Ontario has been extended until at least May 31, 2020. While this closure extension is challenging and frustrating, I want to take this opportunity to thank you and acknowledge how grateful we are to have parents and families as partners in education.
We know that it’s not an easy task to support your child(ren) with remote learning on top of the additional responsibilities you are likely facing during this time. This experience is new for everyone. We are learning together one day at a time. As we do this work, I want to reinforce to parents and families that under these extraordinary circumstances, we do not expect students to participate in a full day of school or that the learning opportunities provided by teachers will replicate what is typical in a physical classroom every day...
In addition, there was also messaging to School Council Chairs/Co-Chairs.
We are hearing from some councils that now is not a good time to meet because many families are coping with issues such as illness, food, housing and financial insecurity. At the same time, some parents/guardians are ready to resume school council meetings. We recognize it is not business as usual for anyone and some families will face barriers to their participation in meetings. We must try to balance these different realities in our approach. With these important considerations in mind, school councils may choose to hold one meeting in May or June if quorum can be achieved as outlined in your school council bylaws.
Please note that should you choose to hold a meeting, WebEx can handle up to 1,000 participants, including the Host! As that number is a little unwieldy, IT is suggested limiting participants to no more than 200!
Please see below for the links to the recent communications -
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NEW: Guides and Learning Sessions for Parents/Families
Guides
- Google Classroom Student Login Instructions for Parents/Guardians - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z1qYhWcjAi6aD1BS7RI6sNwHveWj0vomziqEu6fL-YQ/edit#
- Google Digital Citizenship Guide - https://storage.googleapis.com/gweb-interland.appspot.com/en-us/hub/pdfs/Google_BeInternetAwesome_DigitalCitizenshipSafety_FamilyGuide.pdf
- Google Guardian Guide - http://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/guardians_guide_directory_april2020.pdf
Learning Opportunities
Online platforms for remote learning are new to some families and we are committed to support you to help navigate this new learning environment. Special learning sessions are available to provide an overview of two of the major platforms: Brightspace and Google Classroom.
Introduction to Brightspace Learning Platform - This session will introduce the Brightspace Learning Platform and will cover: how to access, how to login and highlight some of the key features used by teachers and students.
- Monday, May 4 at 3 p.m. Join here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBl5D5XLoJU
- Tuesday, May 5 at 7 p.m. Join here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLS3krFgRnI
Introduction to Google Classroom - This session will introduce Google Classroom and will cover: how to access, how to login and highlight some of the key features used by teachers and students.
- Tuesday, May 5 at 3 p.m. Join here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fEMnrBJdHA
- Wednesday, May 6 at 7 p.m. Join here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5PVk4J8hB4
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NEW - Have Your Say
As we come to the end of our first month of remote learning, we want to hear from you. What has worked well? What hasn’t? What are your suggestions? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about your child’s experience with remote learning. Your opinion is important as we try to better understand the needs of our students and families. Join us in this ThoughtExchange to add your voice to the conversation - Click here https://my.thoughtexchange.com/#189578056
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NEW - Supporting, Assessing and Reporting Student Achievement and Well-Being
This is a challenging time for everyone as we collectively work toward practices to set students up for success. We recognize that there are many inequities that exist within our system that impact student learning and achievement. This includes access to technology, availability of resources, familiarity with online applications, and support for learning. Teachers will keep these challenges in mind, as they support all learners and provide meaningful learning opportunities that are connected to the Ontario curriculum, leading up to end-of-year reports in June.
It is our commitment that assessment, evaluation, and reporting will be fair, transparent and equitable for all students and will focus on growth in learning and improvement. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please connect with your child’s teacher and/or administration. Please read the parent/family assessment newsletter for more information and specific details about elementary and secondary student assessment and reporting.
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NEW - FSL Resources for Families
Please visit our new google site designed f or parents, guardians and family members of students in French as a Second Language (FSL) programs in the TDSB. You will find information about how to support your child during Remote Learning including guiding principles, considerations, links to resources and more. HomeResources to Support Students at Home; TDSB Virtual Library; Google Apps for Education Assistive Technology; TFO Platforms; Toronto Public Library; Supporting Math Learning at Home; Mental Health Resources; Outdoor Education; Special Education & FSLELLs in FSL; Community Links & Supports. Please click here - https://sites.google.com/tdsb.on.ca/fsl-resources-for-families/home.
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Virtual Meeting with Chairs/Co-Chairs
Our Ward Forum which was scheduled for April 28, was replaced by a virtual Webex Call with Chairs and Co-Chairs from schools in Ward 8. Thank you to the many Chairs and Co-Chairs who were able to join us along with Superintendents Chasty, Ennis and Howard and Executive Superintendent Spyropoulos as well as Heather Johnson, our social worker - we had a good discussion and notes were taken and posted to my website here.
Much of the discussion focused on the inconsistency of online learning and the fact it takes different forms - even within the same school. As I noted on the call the reality is that there was no expectation of online learning prior to Covid19 and while some teachers are competent in it, others are now learning… PD is being provided – both for technical proficiency and mental health support – teachers are just like us – also dealing with issues during these unprecedented times. That said, there are internal discussions with staff and education leaders regarding a consistent approach – in fact, you'll note in the Committee Agendas I noted below, a motion is coming regarding this.
As the Director also noted in his letter, hearing your thoughts will be very helpful for us and we will continue to reach out as we enter into the second month of remote learning. I urge you to use the ThoughtExchange as referenced above and make your thoughts known.
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Update - Optional Attendance and Specialized School Policies
Public consultation for the Specialized Schools and Programs Policy began on March 9, 2020 and was slated to close on April 20, 2020. Given the current school closure, consultation will be extended to the fall, including the opportunity for face-to-face consultation. School communities can continue to provide feedback on the draft policy through our survey. This short video gives an overview of the proposed policy, and the survey can be found on the Policy Consultation page. We also encourage communities to continue to provide your thoughts, suggestions and feedback on the Secondary Program Review by emailing secondary.review@tdsb.on.ca. In the fall, information about consultation dates for this policy will be shared with School Council Chairs through your principals and through the Parent and Community Engagement Office.
Out-of-Area Attendance - At the Governance and Policy Committee Meeting last week, staff spoke of the proposed Out-of-Area Attendance Policy (previously called Optional Attendance). They have determined that because the current Optional Attendance Policy contains specialized schools as well, that the two policies should come together in the Fall. That said, they did inform the committee of what they are proposing -
- Priority 1: Students who have siblings currently attending the requested school and the siblings will be attending at the requested school for the next school year.
- Priority 2: Students currently attending a feeder school of the requested school. (Former 5 & 6)
- Priority 3: Children enrolled after January 1 in the school-based child care pre-school program of the requested school. Proposed NEW
- Priority 4: Current TDSB students Proposed NEW
- Priority 5: Other students residing in the City of Toronto.
- Priority 6: Students residing outside the City of Toronto. Proposed NEW
- The Policy itself would apply to both regular schools and schools with French programs the current Policy/Procedure on Alternative Schools will be updated to include Admissions Procedures and a new Policy for Specialized Schools and Programs is currently out for consultation
- Staff are suggesting as with the current policy, one can apply to 2 Regular schools (Draft Specialized Schools and Programs Policy also recommends 2 applications)
- Students in school-based child care who register before January 1 are automatically admitted into the school. After January 1, parents must apply for their children as out-of-area students.
- Elementary students who change residence must change schools at the end of the school year, unless the following year is a graduating year. Secondary students who change residence may remain or register in the new designated school.
- Students who withdraw from child care must change schools at the end of the year, unless the following year is a graduating year.
- And lastly, the whole process will be on-line.
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School Construction RestartingOn Friday, the Provincial Government announced proposed changes to the legislation regarding closures of non-essential businesses. The announcement allows certain businesses and workplaces to reopen as long as they comply with strict public health measures and operate safely during the COVID-19 outbreak. Of significance, is the resumption of school construction projects, effective 12:01 a.m. on May 4, 2020. As we reported to you last month, all of our school construction and renewal projects were paused during the moratorium enacted on April 3, 2020.
While construction activities could begin at some sites as early as May 4th, many projects will require time for the General Contractor and sub-trades to re-mobilize on site. This will also allow us to undertake essential renewal projects, needed in order to ensure school operations are not compromised in the fall. In the coming weeks, staff will follow up with our General Contractors to determine the impact of the 4 week long closure on completion timelines.
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Delegation Process - Addressing a CommitteeDelegation requests will still be accepted during the closure of all schools and administrative sites at the Toronto District School Board; however, oral delegations to address a committee of the Board will be presented by phone. To submit a delegation request (written or oral), please refer to the information here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations and email delegates@tdsb.on.ca. If your request is approved, further details will be provided to you via email.
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Updated 2020-21 TDSB Budget Timelines
The Ministry of Education has informed school boards that the Grants for Student Needs (GSN) will be released in early May, however, no specific date has been given. At the next Finance and Budget Committee meeting on May 13, we hope for the following agenda items -
- Report on an overview and presentation of the major components of the GSN announcement
- Report updating financial position of board in 2019-20 and impacts of COVID 19
- Update on community consultation plan – virtual town halls on budget
I will ensure you are made aware as soon as we receive the GSNs.
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Upcoming Committee Meetings
The Toronto District School Board is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. Due to the closure of all schools and administration sites at the Toronto District School Board, all standing committee and regular board meetings will be held virtually and broadcasted live to the public. Click here at the start time to view - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings
Special Meeting Agenda Monday, May 4, 2020 12 p.m. (Electronic Meeting)
- 3. Committee Reports
- 3.1 Governance and Policy Committee, Report No. 25 (Part 1), April 29, 2020
- 1. Establishment of a Subcommittee on Emergency Response and Recovery
Program and School Services Committee Wednesday, May 6, 2020 4:30 p.m. (Electronic Meetings)
- 5. Opportunity for Oral Updates From Co-Chairs of Community Advisory Committees
- 6. Early Literacy, 2019-20 - It is recommended that the Annual Report on the Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Early Literacy Action Plan for 2019-20 be received for information.
- 7. Psychological Services: Wait Lists, 2018-2019 - The purpose of this report is to provide information regarding TDSB Psychological Services’ wait lists and referral management processes.
- 8. Annual Enrolment in Immersion/Extended French Program, 2020-2021 and Core French Program, 2019-2020 - It is recommended that the report regarding Annual Enrolment in Immersion/Extended French Programs 2020-21 and Core French Program 2019-20 be received for information.
- 9. Indigenous Education Annual Report - For a comprehensive overview of the UIEC team’s current activities in each of these areas, please see the annual staff report, Annual Report 2019: Indigenous Education in the Toronto District School Board (Appendix A).
- 10. Written Notices of Motion for Consideration
- 10.1 September as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month (Trustees Story and Chernos Lin) - Therefore, be it resolved that the Toronto District School Board annually recognize September as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month and September 9 as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day...
- 11. Written Notices of Motion as Emergency Business
- 11.1 Transition Funding Supports (Trustees Chernos Lin and Sriskandarajah) - Therefore, be it resolved: (a) The Chair send a letter to the Minister of Education requesting that recovery funding be provided to school boards through the Grants for Student Needs to ensure students’ successful return to the classroom as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including funding for...:
- 11.2 Remote Learning: Importance of Connecting With Students (Trustees Chernos Lin and Kandavel) - Therefore, be it resolved that the Director: (i) facilitate discussions with all employee groups and seek feedback from parents and students to determine best practices for ensuring meaningful, consistent, interactive remote engagement and learning between educators and students, among students, and between parents/caregivers and teachers; (ii) provide necessary supports for educators to help implement any changes going forward, if required; (iii) present a report to the Board at the earliest opportunity, on next steps with regard to the initiatives at parts (i) and (ii) above.
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OPSBA Submission on Bullying in Schools and Anti-bullying Initiatives
The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) submitted feedback to the Ministry of Education’s recent consultation, “Bullying in Ontario Schools,” that included online surveys directed at student, parents/guardians, and educators. As an Association that is dedicated to advocating for public education and with a core priority focusing on the Whole Child and Student Well-Being, it was important for OPSBA to provide input. One of their first recommendations is for the ministry to not only discuss the issue of bullying, but to include anti-bullying initiatives and to support school boards in their continued efforts.
OPSBA feels strongly that there must be student engagement and overwhelmingly stated the need for proactive parental/guardian education and support combined with the coordination of community partnerships. Bullying is a societal issue and should not be discussed in isolation within the education community alone. There is not a one size fits all solution, and this requires all partners to dialogue together and be able to adapt any initiative or approach in a way that meets local needs. Overriding all of this is the importance of building positive relationships, as well as promoting and modelling kindness and empathy. To read the submission in whole, click here.
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Other OPSBA Updates
Since the school closures were announced OPSBA continues to be in very frequent contact with the Ministry of Education, including at least weekly consultative calls with the Deputy Minister, other Ministry staff, as well as political staff in the Minister’s office. These consultations enable OPSBA to continue to advocate and provide input based on our priorities as an association.
This has included funding advocacy and raising the issues that come from our boards, including the equity issues regarding access to education that has been exacerbated by the current situation, capital projects, the critical summer maintenance and repair period (*note that schools were included in the list of construction activity that can resume as of Monday May 4), and the very important discussions regarding the return to in-person education, among others. The last item, the eventual reopening of schools by the Ministry of Education will require of course clear direction from the public health department as well as the input of other key stakeholders, along with OPSBA.
Of note if that OPSBA staff have recently been successful in applying to have two or three Masters level students in Applied Political Science do a summer research project at no cost to OPSBA and will be a project focused on equity of access to K – 12 education as a result of the pandemic.
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Education Resources in the PandemicDuring this time of COVID-19, People for Education are providing regularly updated articles, papers and reports from education experts. You'll find informed perspectives, research and spotlights on innovative approaches to education policy, planning, equity and access. Click here https://peopleforeducation.ca/education-resources-in-the-pandemic/
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