email : Webview : Laskin Update - Week of February 14, 2016

Week of February 14, 2016

Want to Join? Environmental Sustainability Community Advisory Committee

The Toronto District School Board’s Sustainability Office is helping to revitalize the Board’s Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC). We are inviting parents of TDSB students to become new members and attend our General Meeting.If you are interested in helping inform the TDSB on their environmental policies and programming we hope to see you there! During the meeting we will give an overview of the role of the Committee, highlight some of the environmental projects currently happening, and vote in a c-chair.

Date: Monday, February 22nd, 2016

Time: 5:30-6:00pm Registration and food, 6:00-8:00pm meeting

Location: Central Technical School, 725 Bathurst St, Toronto, Committee Room 208

NOTE: A light supper will be provided for participants.

For more details visit: How to Get Involved.

Please complete the EAC Meeting RSVP Form by Tuesday, February 16th if you are planning to attend.

Summary of Decisions - Regular Board Meeting February 10, 2016
As noted in last week's update, the recommendations before the Board were passed at the Board Meeting on February 10th including recommendations from the Yonge-Eglinton PART. As promised, I will provide more information as it becomes available. Below are a few items before the board not referenced last week.

The Board decided:

Bike to School Week, 2016
Be it resolved that the week beginning on the last Monday of May be declared as Bike to School Week in the Toronto District School Board in 2016 and all subsequent years, and celebrated system-wide as a symbol of the importance of active, safe and sustainable transportation
Governance and Work plan
Be it resolved that the Director present a report to the Governance Review Committee on the following:
(i) including but not limited to, a review of the recommendations in the TDSB Governance Advisory Panel Report, particularly those that improve governance, accountability, transparency, community engagement and the distribution of resources to schools at the regional level;
(ii) a proposed work plan and timelines for Trustees to review, consult, approve and implement changes to improve governance, communications and operating structure, and enhance the academic achievement and well-being of students.
Appointment of an Integrity Commissioner
That Suzanne Craig be appointed as Integrity Commissioner for the Toronto District School Board with effect from February 10, 2016, for a term of five years.

For the complete summary, click here

Prom Drive
I noticed an ad that groups are collecting new and gently used dresses, suits, shoes and accessories to ensure all students have access to clothing - e-mail alexr@bss.on.ca to arrange pick-up or drop off at McDowell's Valu-Mart at 1500 Bayview Av until April 11th.

Worth Repeating...

2016 Excellence Awards: Nominations Open February 22, 2016

The TDSB will once again be honouring outstanding staff achievement during this year’s Excellence Awards. Nominations open online on Monday, February 22 and close on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 4 p.m.

Toronto-St Paul's Summit: Infrastructure, Sunday, February 21st - 3:30-4:00 PM Parliamentary Clinic 4:00-6:00 PM Roundtable at Holy Rosary Church Parish Hall, 354 St. Clair Avenue W (at Tweedsmuir Ave) Please join me and your other elected representatives from all levels of government in Toronto-St. Paul’s to discuss infrastructure. Panelists: Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P Dr. Eric Hoskins, M.P.P. Josh Colle, City Councillor, Ward 15 Josh Matlow, City Councillor,Ward 22 Joe Mihevc, City Councillor, Ward 21 and Trustee Jo-Ann Davis, TCDSB School Trustee.

School Council Appreciation and Information Evening - Please join us on Thursday, February 25 at Montecassino Hotel, Downsview, for a special evening to celebrate the work and contributions of school councils and parents to the education system. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful dinner, network with school council members, and participate in round-table discussions. Please see the attachment for details or visit http://www.tdsb.on.ca/parentconference to register.

TDSB Parent Conference 2016: Parents as Partners - April 16, 2016 The Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC), Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), Mental Health and Well-Being Parent Partnership Committee and Model Schools for Inner Cities’ Parent Academies are partnering to bring one INCLUSIVE conference on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Please save this date in your calendar.

Premier's Awards for Accepting Schools - Nominations are now open for the 2015-16 Premier's Award for Accepting Schools. This award recognizes “exceptional and innovative work being done in schools to create a safe and accepting school environment.” Application Information is available online. The application deadline is Friday, February 19, 2016 at 5 p.m. EST.

HOLD THE DATE - Ward Forum, February 29, 2016 - 6:45 at Sunny View School, 450 Blythwood Rd

I am pleased to join with my colleagues Trustee Gerri Gershonand Trustee Sheila Ward for a joint ward forum to hear from Dr John Malloy, our new Director of Education and discuss a presentation on our 2016-17 Budget by Craig Snider, Comptroller, Budget, Revenue & Financial Reporting.

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