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| Shelley Laskin, Trustee
Toronto District School Board
Ward 8: Eglinton-Lawrence & Toronto-St Paul's
416-395-8787
Shelley.Laskin@tdsb.on.ca
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"Things that you see from there -you can't see from here"
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In this Issue:- Save the Date - Virtual Ward 8 Forum, November 18
- Local Government Week
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
- TPH COVID-19 Guidance Update
- Annual Report 2021 - Climate Action
- Meetings this Week
- Policy Consultations
- New Invitations - Secret Path Week; Hindu Heritage Month Poster Context; Federal Page Program; Book Launch; Islamic Heritage Month Event with Reem Ahmed - Oct 22; School Council Training; Supporting Youth in a Digital Work; Holocaust Education Week
- Items From Last Week - Worth Repeating - Early French Immersion; Take Me Outside Day; A Different Booklist Cultural Centre Virtual Event - Oct 26; Islamic Heritage Month Event with Bilquis Abdul-Qaadir on October 21; Virtual Drop-Ins, TRC Arts Event; Trustee Code of Conduct Consultations; Restarting School Immunization Programs; No Dogs Allowed on School Property
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Save the Date - Virtual Ward 8 ForumThursday, November 18 from 7-8:30
More detail to come...
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Local Government Week 2021
From October 18-22, the Toronto District School Board, along with our partners at the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), will be celebrating Local Government Week.
School board trustees are the oldest form of elected representatives in Ontario. Since 1807, generations of community-minded citizens have made decisions on behalf of local, publicly-funded schools, building the foundation of our system today.
Trustees are elected by the public during municipal elections. As a Board, they work together to advocate for public education and the achievement and well-being of students and their families.
The TDSB has 22 Trustees, the largest representation in Canada, who represent the unique needs, priorities and educational requirements of their communities.
Trustees meet as a Board at least once a month during the school year, which is live-broadcasted, and attend regular standing committee meetings, to discuss and make decisions about the important work at the TDSB.
Trustees set the Board’s vision, establish policies, allocate resources and set goals that lay the foundation for driving programs and operations. They also recruit and monitor the performance of the Director of Education.
The Board also includes three Student Trustees. Each year, two Student Trustees are elected along with the TDSB Student Senate Executive and an Indigenous Student Trustee is appointed by the Toronto Indigenous Youth Council. Student Trustees attend Board meetings and represent the voice of all students at the TDSB.
To learn more about trustees and board meetings at the TDSB, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/Boardroom and for more information and resources about Local Government Week, please visit OPSBA’s webpage for School Board Governance. Follow #LocalGovWeek on Twitter to see how the TDSB and other organizations are celebrating Local Government Week. The next municipal election will be held on October 24, 2022.
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COVID-19 VaccinationsThe most important thing we can continue to do for ourselves and others, especially children who cannot yet be vaccinated is to get our shot.
Vaccine Opportunities This Week
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)
Voluntary Student Vaccination Disclosure
To more effectively manage possible COVID-19 cases and outbreaks in schools, Toronto Public Health is now requesting that Toronto school boards begin collecting the voluntary disclosure of vaccination status by students born in 2009 and earlier -. This is intended to minimize disruption to the students and support a more efficient dismissal process. Please note you can choose to disclose or not disclose – it is entirely voluntary. Those who do not disclose their vaccination status will be considered unvaccinated for the purposes of the dismissal process. Learn how to update your vaccination status on the TDSB Health Screening App or on the online web portal.
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 October 14, 2021. 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. An Update on the Implementation of the Mandatory Vaccine Procedure was provided at the Planning & Priorities Meeting Thursday.
- Total number of individuals to which the policy will apply: 39,845
- Total number and percentage of individuals who have attested to being fully vaccinated: 33,197 or 83%. Of those that have completed the attestation form, 92.6% are fully vaccinated.
- Total number and percentage of individuals with approved medical exemptions for not being fully vaccinated: 4 or 0%
- The number and percentage of individuals who have not yet submitted an attestation form: 2,967 or 7%
Key Items from the Update -
- We continue to actively reach out to those that have not as yet completed the attestation
- The procedure does not apply to individuals who work remotely and whose work does not involve in-person interaction - Staff are currently identifying those individuals and positions that fit the above criteria to remove them from our total
- Employee Services staff continue to use all tools available to encourage staff compliance - shortly all staff who have not completed the attestation will be considered unvaccinated
- All individuals must have completed the full course of vaccination by November 1, 2021 and be fully vaccinated within 14 days afterwards(subject to exemptions).
- Staff will be placed on administrative home assignment without pay unless the individual has been granted a medical or creed based exemption
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 October 15, 1,282 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Ontario's publicly funded schools in the past 14 days. Of those cases, 1,172 are students, 102 are staff, and eight are not identified. Three of the 4,844 schools in the province are currently closed.
- In the TDSB, as of October 15, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. there were 240 student cases and 26 cases within staff and 96 cases resolved. Two schools are closed.
Last Friday, October 1, the Ministry of Education sent school boards guidance for safety protocols and steps that school staff can take to handle ongoing incidents of COVID-19 related protests and harassment targeting students and staff.
We will continue to monitor opportunities that would provide staff and/or their families the opportunity to self monitor their COVID-19 status. And we will continue our advocacy to the government that COVID-19 vaccinations be added to the list of compulsory vaccinations for all eligible students.
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TPH COVID-19 Guidance Update
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has updated their guidance as of October 15, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. To read the latest guidance click COVID-19 Guidance.
Updates from Toronto Public Health
Update on Extracurriculars
I know there have been a lot of questions about extra curriculars - especially sports- and what is currently allowed. An update was added to the Operational Guidelines for School on October 13. In the "Return to Play -- Elementary and Secondary Extracurricular Sports" are guidelines for more details on extra-curricular sports, including transportation, officials, staff responsibilities etc. They also include a list of sports/activities that can begin now, updates on volunteers and spectators, etc. For more details on what is happening in your school, please contact your Principal as because these activities are run by volunteers, activities will vary from school to school.
Please note that Toronto Public Health is attending the Board Meeting Wednesday. Please email me your questions.
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Annual Report 2021: Climate Action How the TDSB has put environmental issues front and centre since amalgamation is one of the things I am most proud of as a Trustee.
Our Commitment - The Toronto District School Board is dedicated to preparing young people for their future and recognizes its obligation to respond to the escalating climate crisis with education, action and leadership.
From the Report - Youth today are rightly concerned about the future. As an institution dedicated to the education, health, and well-being of young people, it is incumbent on the TDSB to lead by example and navigate the climate crisis with integrity. Investments into what is taught, how buildings are operated and the ways in which school grounds are designed and maintained must respond to the deepening climate crisis.
To bring about real change at the TDSB, whole institution engagement will be required. Recognizing this, the following report will detail 22 actions the TDSB will undertake in response to the climate crisis, divided into six areas of focus:
- I Climate Change Education and Engagement
- II Buildings*
- III Transportation*
- IV Urban Forest
- V Communications
- VI Environmental Legacy Fund
The Action Plan, timelines and required resources are outlined in the Report. At the Committee Trustees unanimously approved the recommendations that come to Board Wednesday.
It is recommended that:
- (a) Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 be established as an aspirational goal for the TDSB;
- (b) The Director:
- i. Report annually on building-related emissions, vehicle fleet emissions and the revenue and projected expenditures of the Environmental Legacy Fund, as part of the annual Climate Action report;
- ii. support on climate action; and
- iii. Reinvest utility incentives to fund GHG reduction initiatives
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Board Meeting This Week
October 20 (Wednesday) Regular Board Meeting - Public Session 7:00pm - Agenda
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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
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Secret Path Week
WHAT IS SECRET PATH WEEK?
Secret Path Week is a national movement commemorating the legacies of Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack, and takes place annually from October 17-22.
This is a meaningful week as October 17th and 22nd respectively mark the dates that Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack joined the spirit world. We call on all people in Canada to use Secret Path Week to answer Gord Downie’s call to action, to “Do Something” by creating a reconciliACTION and furthering the conversation about the history of residential schools. Scroll down for the Secret Path Week 2021 Schedule and check out our events calendar for more.
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Hindu Heritage Month Poster Contest
Hindu Heritage Month (HHM) is recognized and celebrated at the Toronto District School Board during the month of November. Hinduism is one of the oldest living religions which have flourished for over 10,000 years. It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions, teachings and values that are integral to Hinduism and practiced by millions around the world today. November is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values which promote compassion, tolerance, and inclusion.
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has undertaken a poster design challenge. For the poster design challenge, the focus is on this year’s theme: Sri Rama: Epitome of love, compassion, duty, and service.
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Federal Page Program
Each year, 40 bilingual students are selected from across Canada to participate in the Federal Government Page Program. Pages are first-year students registered at one of the eligible post-secondary institutions in the national capital region. They work on a part-time basis for one year. In the chamber and around Parliament Hill, pages support parliamentary democracy by providing a range of services to members of Parliament. This incredible work experience broadens their knowledge of the rich traditions of the Canadian parliamentary system.
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Islamic Heritage Month - Community Cooking Event with Reem Ahmed - Oct 22
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School Council Training 2021-22
Welcome to School Council! We are here to support you. For more information please contact your Community Support Worker (CSW). Find these events with more information and links on the tdsbHUB.ca calendar.
FALL Training 2021
Leading School Council
- Wednesday, November 3 - 6:30pm
- Tuesday, November 9 - 10:00am
- Wednesday, November 10 - 6:30pm
- Tuesday, November 16- 6:30pm
School Council Bylaws
- Thursday, November 18 - 10:00am
- Tuesday, November 23- 6:00pm
- Thursday, November 25- 6:00pm
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Supporting Youth in a Digital World
Session for Parents/Caregivers
Tuesday October 19, 2021 @ 7:30pm
Keeping kids safe in the ever-changing online world. Learn tips from communications experts from Telus Wise. Find the links on the tdsbHUB.ca calendar.
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Holocaust Education Week
Just 76 years since liberation, a new challenge threatens the memory of the Holocaust. Spread instantly via social media and normalized through pop culture, the surge of Holocaust distortion, myths and misinformation has become increasingly common and dangerous.
It is evident in video game culture, the re-writing of Holocaust history by authoritarian leaders, the yellow star used by anti-vaccination protesters, memes with twisted Holocaust-laden imagery, the appearances of youth dressed as victims of the Shoah on TikTok—to name just a few recent examples. Protecting the facts, countering falsehoods, and safeguarding the memory of the Holocaust is at the core of HEW 2021. Join us November 1 for the launch of HEW 2021 to dispel the myths and misinformation that fuel antisemitism and hatred. Together, we will secure the legacy of the Holocaust and ensure that our society remains an inclusive and respectful place for all Canadians. Please click here for more information and complete programming https://www.holocaustcentre.com/hew-2021.
Please note many organizations across Canada are holding events for Holocaust Education Week and Holocaust Education Month - please click here for “All in the Telling” — An evening in Commemoration of Kristallnacht with acclaimed Canadian actor Saul Rubinek - on November 9 sponsored by the Centre for Holocaust Education and Scholarship.
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Early French Immersion
Students who will be entering Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten in 2022 will be eligible to apply to the Early French Immersion program during the November 2021 application period. Moving forward (2023), the only entry point for Early French Immersion will be Junior Kindergarten. The application to the Early French Immersion program will remain an online process managed by the Central French Department and will take place during the month of November. All information and the online application are available at www.tdsb.on.ca/french website or click on Early French Immersion. Early French Immersion: Applications must be completed online between November 1 and November.
French Immersion Virtual Web Chat Information Sessions for families interested in the application and placement process for the Early French Immersion program (JK and SK Entry for September 2022 only) will be held in November 2021. Please note: To participate in a live scheduled web chat, please visit this web page and a link will be available to join on the dates/times as outlined.
- November 8, 2021 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- November 15, 2021 - 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- November 23, 2021 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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Take Me Outside Day
OCTOBER 20TH 2021
Take Me Outside Day aims to raise awareness about outdoor learning by encouraging teachers to take their students outside for 1 hour on October 20th.
This year will be the 11th annual Take Me Outside Day and we are kicking it up a notch! In partnership with Canada’s Non-profit Outdoor Learning Store and MEC, we are hosting a full week of speakers, activities and events that you can engage your students in throughout October 18-22. Deepen your connections with Indigenous perspectives, strengthen your health and well-being with outdoor learning, and increase your knowledge on climate change and the environment. With three different themes to focus on, this will be an educational and engaging week for students of all ages!
We encourage educators to individually register for TMO Day, rather than on behalf of their grade, school, or organization.
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A Different Booklist Cultural Centre Virtual Event - Oct 26
The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement in partnership with A Different Booklist Cultural Centre invites self-identifying Black-African, Afro-Caribbean, and Black community members to a virtual event on October 26, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Conversations will focus on how to promote meaningful and collaborative school-community engagement and how to implement the mandates of the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. Registration is now open.
If you missed the 1st round, please come share your thoughts with us!
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Islamic Heritage Month Event with Bilquis Abdul-Qaadir on October 21
Grade 6-12 are invited to attend a virtual event with Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir, former American Professional Basketball Player who challenged the International Basketball Federation when informed that she could not participate in the league while wearing a hijab. Bilqis will share the challenges she faced while trying to change this requirement for players. Thank you to the TDSB Islamic Heritage Month Volunteer Planning Committee for organizing this webinar with Bilqis on Thursday, October 21 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.
For additional information, please contact Aly Hirji at aly.hirji@tdsb.on.ca or Anisa Manjra at anisa.manjra@tdsb.on.ca.
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Virtual Drop-Ins
Our Professional Support Services team offers weekly virtual drop-in times where you can connect directly with a staff member to help answer questions and provide support to help you and your child. The drop-ins are beginning this week.
➡️Tuesdays 10-11 am
➡️Wednesdays 7-8 pm (Complex Needs)
➡️Thursdays 7-8 pm
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Truth and Reconciliation in Arts Education: Reflections on Learning and Creating in Expressions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Cultures (NAC1O)
Saturday, October 23, at 11:00AM.
The Ontario Art Education Association invites you to learn as Tanya Senk and Robert Durocher share experiences and reflections on providing Expressions of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Cultures (NAC1O) teachers with ongoing professional learning to teach the course in respectful, responsible, relevant, and reciprocal ways. Part of this learning includes learning from and listening to an Elders Council, along with First Nations, Métis and Inuit artists, and community organizations. This workshop is ideal for K-12 Visual/Media Arts educators interested in learning to engage in the work of Truth and ReconciliACTION through arts education.
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Trustee Code of Conduct Consultations
The Ministry of Education is proposing to update O. Reg. 246/18 (Members of School Boards – Code of Conduct) of the Education Act to implement minimum standards for trustee codes of conduct to ensure consistent standards of behaviour for trustees across Ontario's school boards.
Even though OPSBA has had a template for many years that many boards already use, the proposed regulatory amendments would establish baseline standards of conduct relating to a number of areas, for example: Integrity and dignity of office, civil and respectful behaviour, uphold and respect human rights, respect the role of school board staff, respect for confidentiality, etc. The consultation process includes a backgrounder and a survey open to any member of the public until Nov 1.
The TDSB has had a Board Member Code of Conduct Policy since 2005. It was most recently revised in 2019. The policy establishes governing principles and standards for expected ethical behavior by Trustees. We are unclear why the government is considering revisions at this time, but I encourage you to use your voice.
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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.
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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.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- 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
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