Dear friends,
Wishing you all the best as we enjoy May and the final stretch of the 2023/24 academic year. Please see below some updates and useful information, I hope many of you will be able to join me at our upcoming virtual ward forum event on Monday, May 27, 2024, from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm. At the meeting we will have a presentation on the 2024 budget and can support questions/ discussion.
We also currently have vacancies for our PIAC and FSLAC ward reps and will be holding elections for these roles at this meeting. Any parent who is interested to put their name forward on behalf of our Ward are welcome and encouraged to take part in this election.
PIAC is a provincially mandated Statutory Advisory Committee of the TDSB. Do you have a passion in supporting parents as partners in education?
Here is what we do:
- Advise the Board on parent engagement (meetings are hybrid held monthly)
- Support, encourage, and enhance parent engagement
- Support School Councils
- Provide information about the education system to parents and School Councils;
- Consult with the Board on parent engagement initiatives
- Host activities to help parents support their child’s learning at home and at school
- Host events such as the Annual Parents' Conference, School Council Information & Appreciation
- Contribute to the TDSB Parents & Caregivers as Partners Conference and the Conversation Series
The FSLCAC (French As a Second Language Advisory Committee) consults with and advises the Board on French as a Second Language matters and contributes to the work of trustees and staff. This partnership of trustees, staff and parents fosters excellence and growth in FSL programs at the Board.
The FSLCAC is comprised of parent representatives and alternates elected by ward councils, a parent co-chair elected by FSLCAC parent representatives, a trustee appointed by the Board as co-chair and designated TDSB staff.
More information can be found here.
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Provincial Announcement re: Cell Phone Use in Schools, Social Media, and Vaping
Worth repeating - Director Colleen Russell-Rawlins provided the following important context on to the letter the Ministry directed us to send out.
Monday April 29, 2024
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers,
The Government of Ontario has announced changes to how students may use cellphones in schools and new rules surrounding social media and vaping starting this September. We welcome the announcement and endorsement of the issues raised by staff and the Board of Trustees and our ongoing efforts to address vaping, inappropriate cellphone usage, civility, and safety in schools.
While we welcome any steps that address the use of cellphones in the classroom and the negative impact they can have on learning, we will need to review the details of the announcement to determine how it impacts the development of the TDSB cellphone policy which was announced at the end of January. As part of this policy development process, the TDSB had been planning broad consultations with students, staff, families and experts, along with a review of best practices from around the world, to better understand what will and won’t work. We also want to ensure that any policy has the least negative impact on class participation, attendance, achievement, and the important relationships with educators and principal/vice principals.
Recognizing the harmful impacts of social media on students, the TDSB, together with other school boards recently launched a lawsuit against social media companies Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook and Instagram), Snap Inc. (SnapChat), and ByteDance Ltd.(TikTok) for disruption to the education system. We believe these companies have negligently designed and marketed addictive products that have disrupted our Board’s mandate to enhance student achievement and well-being. We will be implementing the Government of Ontario’s direction by further restricting social media use on our networks, however we believe it is also essential that social media companies make these products safer for students.
With regard to vaping, TDSB Trustees have been advocating for additional steps to be taken for a number of years now – or whether it’s further restricting the sale of vape products or restricting advertising and appealing for funding for vape detectors in schools. This complements the ongoing efforts of school staff and public health to educate about and stop vaping. The TDSB prohibits vaping on school property, however we will be reviewing the new provincial guidance to determine the practical improvements to our policy and our responses to preventing and responding to vaping at school. We are glad to be working with all partners including parents, guardians and caregivers to support healthier habits and relationships among young people.
We will continue to provide updates as these respective policies are developed and put into place. Further to the information above, all school boards have been asked to share the following letter from the Minister of Education with more information about these changes. (see here).
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TdsbCREATES Celebration and Exhibition
Opening May 23, 2024, 6:00 - 8:30 PM at Daniels Spectrum - Ada Slaight Hall and Hallway Galleries, 585 Dundas St. E. Please join us for an evening celebrating student creativity through art, film, fashion, dance, music, and spoken word performances.
tdsbCREATES is a board-wide Arts initiative connecting local artists with classrooms to foster creativity while exploring visual arts, dance, drama, spoken word, film, music, and multidisciplinary arts. This program focuses on process and engagement through the Arts while celebrating student voice, powerful ideas, and creativity for all. tdsbCREATES is a project of the TDSB Arts Department delivered in partnership with the Toronto Arts Council with administrative support from Prologue Performing Arts.
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Ontarios education
funding gap continues to grow
Adjusted for inflation, per-pupil funding is lowest in recent history
Toronto, May 2, 2024 – OPSBA MEDIA RELEASE
While OPSBA welcomes the recent new investments announced by the government, including new capital funding and student mental health supports for vaping and smartphone addictions, and increased student transportation funding, last week’s announcement falls short of what is needed to ensure all students are set up to succeed.
OPSBA’s analysis shows that actual per-pupil funding is increasing a small amount from $13,584 to $13,834; an increase of $250, or 1.8% year over year. This will not cover the increased inflationary costs in a wide variety of budget lines, let alone the rising needs of our students following the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, at the start of the current government’s time in office, per pupil funding was at $12,282.44. Since the height of the pandemic, per pupil funding has been trending down every year, further widening the growing gap in funding for public education. Funding, when adjusted for inflation, now sits at $11,506.03, a gap of $776.41 per student. This is the lowest level of per pupil funding in more than 10 years. With 1.3 million students in our English public system, this is a significant gap of more than a billion dollars. For a year-over-year analysis of education funding, please see the figure below.
Just like for families and businesses, all costs in school board budgets are going up due to inflation. As we have not seen a corresponding increase in funding, there will be an impact on students,” said OPSBA President Cathy Abraham. “School boards have budgets in which they allocate funds to buy goods and services. When the cost of these goods and services increases due to inflation, there is a direct impact on school board budgets.”
In particular, school boards note a significant issue regarding funding for statutory benefits – the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Employment Insurance (EI). Like all employers, school boards are required to pay these important statutory benefits. CPP has been gradually increasing from 4.95% in 2019 to 5.95% in 2023. This increase, mandated by the federal government, costs school boards money every year. The provincial government has not provided funding to cover this. In 2024, a second additional contribution rate was added. Similarly, EI has also been increasing over this time. This has led to an annual funding gap in just this one area of more than $100 million across English public school boards.
Despite the ongoing gap in funding, we will continue our advocacy for appropriate funding for public education. Nanos/OPSBA data from late 2022 shows that nine in ten Ontarians agree that spending on public education is an investment in the future. We know from a 2019 Conference Board of Canada report that “each dollar of public education spending generates $1.30 in total economic benefits to Ontario. At the same time, the inverse holds true for each dollar taken from public education.”
OPSBA will continue to review the 2024-25 education funding grants and allocations, as well as the associated memoranda, to assess the impacts on school boards and students across Ontario. We look forward to ongoing discussions with the government to ensure that our schools have the necessary resources and supports that our students need to succeed.
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TDSB Early Analysis on Core Education Funding
At last FBEC Meeting, staff provided an early analysis of TDSB's Core Education Funding. Staff confirmed that with Ontario 2.7% inflation rate, a 1.5% increase in TDSB's share of funding actually translates to a $37.6M funding gap caused by inflation - in other words the province's announcement is not new real money at all - and the majority is for salary increases negotiated centrally.
Significant changes in funding from previous year:
- Amounts for labour: 1.25% for teachers and $1/hour for education workers - note the vast majority of the Ministry funding increase on paper is flow through to pay for salary increases
- The Ministry is beginning a five-year phase-in for the 2021 census updates - Staff still need to complete the analysis to determine impact on TDSB - If there are negative impacts to TDSB, for 2024-25, we have been informed that the difference will be provided through the Responsive Education Program
- Transportation funding will be increased by a minimum of 3% - 3.5% per Ministry projection for TDSB - Need to fully examine to determine if there are additional costs associated with increased funding
- Sunsetting COVID-19 related funding - Elimination of Safe and Clean Schools Supplement which was $1.8 million for TDSB
- Continuation of Differentiated Funding for Online Learning - Assumption that secondary students are taking 2 online courses and class sizes are 30 versus 23 - fewer teachers required
- REP Grant - Elimination of the De-Streaming and Transition to High School Grant which was approximately $11M - This represents approximately 100.0 FTE in the current year
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Revision to the Fundraising Policy (PO21) Review - Mandatory Donations from Parent Council to system priorities fund
Attention school advisory councils! Trustees are advocating for staff to come back with options for mandatory contributions from schools local fundraising (over a certain threshold of funds raised) to the system priorities fund. These amendments if passed by the board could lead to a certain portion of your fundraising (after a yet to be defined threshold) going towards our system priorities fund.
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This decision was made against survey data that was gathered from parents to support the review of our fundraising policy, the survey results below:
Survey Results:
323 respondents representing parents/guardians/caregivers, School Council members, employees, Statutory and Community Advisory Committees, trustees and students completed the online survey and 11 e-mails containing feedback were submitted. A number of anonymous respondents provided feedback as well.
Key themes: Regarding the implementation of a System Priorities Fund:
54% agree or strongly agree with the implementation of a System Priorities Fund
30% disagree or strongly disagree with the implementation of a System Priorities Fund
16% no opinion regarding the implementation of a System Priorities Fund
Regarding whether surplus funds sharing should be voluntary or mandatory:
60% - Voluntary
30% - Mandatory
10% - No opinion
As a member of this committee and on behalf of parents & schools I voted against this amendment. School advisory councils who fundraise in excess are entitled to choose how to allocate their fundraised money, I do not believe it is up to parent councils to subsidize what should already be funded as a board priority. Donations to other schools and our central equity funds often occur voluntarily on behalf of local school councils, I do not believe ‘mandatory donations’ sets the right tone for many of our school communities who wish to support their local school.
What do you think of this? I would appreciate your thoughts & feedback for when these recommendations return to an upcoming board meeting.
Please reach out to me at patrick.Nunziata@tdsb.on.ca
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Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP)
We are proud to launch the updated MYSP, Inspiring Minds & Shaping Futures: Our Multi-Year Commitment to Student Success (2024-2028), which sets direction and identifies system goals to support the TDSB’s 238,000 students and nearly 600 schools. To learn, please visit the webpage at www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSP.
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May is Get Outside Month
It's time to Get Outside, TDSB! For the Month of May, the staff at the Toronto Outdoor Education Schools (T.O.E.S) have created lessons to inspire inquiry-based and experiential outdoor learning activities to enjoy every single day using PICTURE BOOKS as a provocation. Choose one of the picture book lessons, and be prepared to experience how the great outdoors transforms your students as you explore, inquire, discover, and connect outside together! We have appreciated the support and partnership with The TDSB Equity and Library and Learning Resources teams in creating, and supporting, these opportunities. We hope this supports outdoor learning and experiences the benefits for staff and students of what nature has to bring us!
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Children’s Mental Health Week
"A Call to Be Kind - Because Compassion Connects Us All" is this year's theme with the Canadian Mental Health Association that underscores the profound impact of compassion in fostering connections among us all.
At TDSB, we aim to shine a spotlight on the incredible efforts of all staff and happenings within TDSB schools, while fostering discussions aimed at dismantling mental health stigmas, nurturing healing through compassion, and championing daily well-being practices for children and youth across all TDSB schools.
Share your stories on social media using the hashtags:
#tdsbcmhw2024
#compassionconnects
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New Special Education and Inclusion Video Resource
I am pleased to share this video resource, which provides a high-level overview of TDSB’s Guide to Special Education for parents/guardians/caregivers, which includes information about programs and services for students with special education needs. We encourage families to review the complete guide on the TDSB website, along with several other guides.
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Community Services Open House at LINC Overlea
I encourage you to explore TDSB's free and low-cost services and programming for immigrants, newcomers, job seekers, and adults. Join us at the TDSB Community Services Open House at LINC (14 Overlea Blvd.) on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be displays, demonstrations, and panel discussions by Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada; Enhanced Language Training; Newcomer Services; Essential Skills Upgrading; Welcoming Communities; Studio500 Hairstylist program; Next-Steps Employment Centres; and Scarborough Centre for Employment Accessibility. Learn more and RSVP here.
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Apply Now to the Indigenous Student Summer Leadership Program
Did you know the TDSB’s Urban Indigenous Education Centre is currently accepting applications for the Indigenous Student Summer Leadership Program (ISSLP)? This paid summer program provides First Nation, Métis, and Inuit students, who are 16 to 20 years of age, leadership opportunities working with Indigenous mentors. Please note, the deadline to apply is June 5, 2024. Please click here to learn more.
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First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Secondary ID Clinic
I am happy to share that our Urban Indigenous Education Centre has collaborated with the 519 community centre to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students 16-21 years of age access services to receive Ontario identification cards. The Secondary ID Clinic takes place Wednesday, May 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn More.
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Calling New and Soon-To-Be Parents! Roots of Empathy Instructor Volunteers Needed
This is a truly exciting opportunity for new and soon-to-be parents! See firsthand how bringing a baby into a classroom of children is helping to instill lifelong empathy. How does it work? Your baby, known as a “tiny teacher”, is 2-4 months old at the start of the school year, and you are matched with a local school in your neighbourhood as well as a Roots of Empathy Instructor who will support you in and out of the classroom. The program follows the course of the school year with monthly visits. To find out more, please watch this short video to see how you and your baby in a classroom teach empathy to students, or visit the Roots of Empathy website for more information on how to get involved.
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TDSB Summer Programs
Did you know the TDSB offers a rich variety of summer programs? Registration is opening soon. For more information on the programs on offer, please see below:
Elementary
Secondary
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Asian Heritage Month The TDSB proudly recognizes Asian Heritage Month at the TDSB during the month of May. This year’s theme is Our Journeys: Thriving Through Struggle and Triumph. The volunteer committee has assembled various educational opportunities and resources for our students, staff and wider TDSB community. Learn More.
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Jewish Heritage MonthMay is proudly recognized as Jewish Heritage Month by the Toronto District School Board. This year, the Jewish Heritage Committee has developed lesson plans and activities for students K-3 using the book, The Mouse Who Danced the Hora by Pamela Mayer, illustrated by Christine Davenier, to teach diversity and equity through Jewish wedding traditions, and learning to dance the Hora. Please click here to find out more.
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Steps to Address Your Questions and Concerns
Here at the TDSB, we are always open to hearing your questions and concerns and make every effort to address them as quickly as possible. Your child's classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school's principal, the school superintendent, and me, your Trustee! For more information, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/Contact-Us/Steps-to-Address-Questions-Concerns.
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Upcoming Meetings
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, please click on the calendar at www.tdsb.on.ca.
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Dogs Are Not Allowed On School Property - How to Report
Please contact 311 if you see dogs in school grounds so they can log the concerns and please also call TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620. Tracking the concerns will allow us to build the case for increased surveillance.
At our recent Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, the staff report confirmed the following -
Dogs on school properties have been an ongoing challenge for many years despite the “no dogs permitted” signage. There have been examples of dog owners taking their dogs off leash or even leaving their dogs unattended in a school yard, or within the kindergarten or childcare enclosures. There have been incidents of off-leash dogs chasing as well as biting students, members of the public and staff. Dog feces and disposal bags are frequently left on the school grounds impacting the student use and enjoyment of outdoor activities.
Signage is posted near the entrances, such as gates or openings in the school ground fencing (refer to Appendix A for a copy of the signage) that clearly indicates TDSB school grounds are private property and dogs are not permitted on school board property. Section 6.10 in PR523,
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Follow the TDSB
Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
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