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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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"Once again, we’re trying to find a balance between very painful restrictive realities and hope, renewal and rebirth. And the belief in the resiliency of humankind.” @UIEC_TDSB Elder Joanne Dallaire welcomed spring with a traditional ceremony
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In this Issue:
- Supporting the Ukrainian Community
- COVID-19 Reminders
- Online Learning Graduation Requirement
- Annual Report on Mathematics, 2021-2022
- Spring Into Spring
- Summer School Programs Update
- Committee Meetings This Week
- TDSB System Calendar
- Policy Consultations
- New Invitations - Counterstories and Reimagining Community Partnerships with Itah Sadu; Clothing Swap; Learn About Skilled Trades; FHCI Speaker Series
- Worth Repeating - Sikh Heritage Month Opening; Latin America History Month Opening; Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence; Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voters Lists?; Backpack and School Supplies Drive; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
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Supporting the Ukrainian Community
Our thoughts continue to be with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community here in Toronto. Read the Director's full statement and read tips that may be helpful for parents/caregivers whose children are experiencing difficulties.
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COVID-19 Reminders
With the removal of many protections as directed by the province, cases continue within our schools. I am glad, at least, that staff have confirmed we will be continuing with notification letters to affected classrooms (when the school is made ware of a PCR/RAT confirmed case) until the end of this school year.
We remain committed to supporting a healthy, safe and respectful environment for all students and staff. Masks continue to be strongly encouraged in TDSB schools, though not required, except in the specific circumstances.
And based on the advice of the CDC and Public Health, we also continue to recommend vaccinations as the most important step we can take to ensure the health and safety of all community members.
The CDC released a report a few days ago tracking rates of cardiac issues (myo/pericarditis) after infection or mRNA vaccination combining information across 40 health systems in the USA, stratified by age/sex. This study found that the risk of cardiac complications was higher from COVID infection versus COVID mRNA vaccination in all age cohorts over 5 years, and for both males & females. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/pdfs/mm7114e1-H.pdf. We will continue to follow the science.
Let’s ensure that our schools continue to be welcoming and inclusive spaces for all, regardless of personal decisions related to COVID-19 health measures.
There things we can do - these key points are from the Public Health of Canada website. You can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect yourself and others by:
- Getting your full primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and booster dose when eligible.
- Thinking about the risks before going out and making informed decisions.
- Layer multiple individual public health measures regardless of your vaccination status.
- Stay home when you’re sick.
- Open doors or windows regularly to create a cross-breeze of fresh air.
- Take actions to ensure your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is properly installed, maintained and operational.
- Wear a well-constructed, well-fitting mask in shared spaces with people you don’t live with, especially indoors or in any crowded setting.
- Clean your hands regularly.
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Please get VaccinatedMasks
Masks are strongly encouraged, especially as cases continue within our schools. TDSB schools will continue to be mask-friendly environments. Masks will still be available to both staff and students upon request. Classroom environments will be inclusive of all students.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Stay kind and stay safe.
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Online Learning Graduation Requirement
The Ontario Ministry of Education has introduced a new graduation requirement for secondary students to complete two e-Learning credits as part of the 30 credits required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). It applies only to students who entered Grade 9 on or after September 1, 2020 which means that they are now in Grade 9 or Grade 10.
Students may withdraw/opt out of this new requirement and graduate with an OSSD (details below).
Students working towards an Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) or a Certificate of Accomplishment (CoA) are not required to complete this new graduation requirement. Students who are completing an OSSC or CoA may choose to enrol in e-Learning courses. Secondary schools will communicate directly with students and parents/caregivers (including incoming Grade 9 students) in the near future to provide information about which courses will be available through e-Learning for the 2022-23 school year and how to enrol.
e-Learning Credit Course - e-Learning credit courses are delivered using an asynchronous model, which includes digital content such as readings, videos, blogs, commentaries, and online discussion boards. Students complete the assigned work independently and teachers provide ongoing support for student learning through exemplars, rubrics, tutorials and individual conferences. Evaluation is continuous throughout the course with the teacher providing descriptive feedback.
Opting-Out of the e-Learning Graduation Requirement
Students may withdraw from the online e-Learning requirement. A parent/caregiver/guardian or student (18 years of age or older or 16 or 17 years of age and withdrawn from parental control) may withdraw by submitting the TDSB Opt Out/Withdrawl Form to their school. No explanation or reason is needed to opt out/withdraw.
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Annual Report on Mathematics, 2021-2022
Elementary School Mathematics Student Outcome Data
While students continued to face challenges in their learning experiences due to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the past year, the proportion of students who have achieved Level 3 or provincial standard consistently across the most recent three reporting periods has remained stable and high across all elementary school grades. Equally, there is strong consistency of performance across Grades 1 to 8 in relation to proportions of students receiving a Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4. This consistency suggests some reliability in ways teachers are summatively assessing students’ mathematical ability throughout elementary school through report cards.
Secondary School Mathematics
Proportions of students who have earned a credit in either Grade 9 or Grade 10 mathematics have remained nearly the same and very high despite the significant increase in students moving from Applied mathematics or Grade 8 circumstances that would have previously resulted in their participation in Applied mathematics in Grade 9. As an example, in semester 2 in 2021 there were 601 students in the Applied mathematics course across the TDSB. The following semester, there were only 81 students. Pass rates or credits earned in Academic courses in Grades 9 and 10 are key performance indicators for post-secondary school success. High percentages of students receiving credits in a key academic course area is very encouraging for potential post-secondary school success.
Action Plan and Associated Timeline
The Action Plan for Deep Learning in Mathematics has identified goals to build teacher and leader capacity in mathematics through the School Improvement Process and to use research-informed instructional and assessment practices to help all students develop strong math skills.
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Spring into Spring (SiS)
SiS is an annual celebration of the new season, encouraging participants to spend more time being active outdoors throughout the month of April. Join thousands of students across Ontario by walking or wheeling to school throughout the month of April.
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Summer School Program Updates
Continuing Education Secondary Credit Summer Programs - Please note that space is limited and courses may fill up prior to the close of registration.
In Person & Remote Incoming TDSB Grade 8 Summer Reach Ahead Opportunity
TDSB Grade 8 students are eligible to register for the TDSB Continuing Education, In Person or Remote Secondary Full Credit Summer Reach Ahead course, GLD2O1. In-Person & Remote Full Credit High School Program: Students can enroll in one full-credit course that is offered in July, either remotely or in person at multiple locations. Should an announcement be made that only remote learning can take place, in person students need to be prepared to pivot to remote learning.
In Person & Remote Summer Full Credit Adult 18+ Program
Adults can enroll in one full credit course that is offered in July in-person at Yorkdale Adult Learning Centre or remotely. Should an announcement be made that only remote learning can take place, in person students need to be prepared to pivot to remote learning.
Remote Credit Recovery - For TDSB Students ONLY
Current TDSB students have the opportunity to recover one or two credits for the month of July. Remote summer credit recovery courses are open to current TDSB high school students who have taken the course in the past two years but have not earned the credit.
Summer Dual Credit, SWAC and Coop
These programs will be offered during the month of July. Students can register through their day school guidance counsellors. For more information, including registration dates, please visit our secondary summer page.
e-Summer School
The e-Summer program provides full credit courses for secondary school students in Ontario, aged 13-20 years old. e-Summer courses count toward the mandatory graduation requirement for students who entered Grade 9 in the 2020-2021 school year or later. Courses are fully online. Most of the class time is asynchronous with about one hour/day of synchronous, live lessons delivered by the teacher. e-Summer offers two full sessions, one in July and one in August. Mandatory program orientation for students takes place online for one hour in the week before the course begins. e-Summer course count toward the new graduation requirement of two e-Learning credits.
Elementary Summer SchoolThe focus of the Elementary Summer School Program is to continue student learning and engagement through the month of July. Programs, embedded in Literacy and Numeracy, are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the local school focus. Programs are offered in-person to students in K to Grade 8, from July 4 to July 29, 2022.
Registration Information - Program Dates: July 4-29, 2022 - Registration is online. Program delivery method is in-person this year. One remote (online) program is available. Please see full list of programs.
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Committee Meetings This Week
Wednesday, April 6 - Program and School Services Committee - 4:30pm - Agenda
- 5.1. Community Use of Schools Community Advisory Committee Report, February 8, 2022
- 5.2. Equity Policy Community Advisory Committee Report, February 28, 2022
- 5.3. Inner City Community Advisory Committee Report, February 17, 2022
- 5.4. Parent Involvement Advisory Committee Report, March 8, 2022
- 5.5. Special Education Advisory Committee Report, March 21, 2022
- 6.1. Human Rights Annual Report, 2020-2021
- 6.2. Annual Report on Mathematics, 2021-2022
- 6.3. E-Learning and Online Learning Update
Thursday, April 7 - Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee - 5:00pm - Agenda- 5.1. Contract Awards, Operations
- 5.2. Contract Awards, Facilities
- 6. Lease Agreements With Agencies for the Ontario Autism Program’s Entry to School Program at Beaumonde Heights Junior Middle School, Cornell Junior Public School, and Emily Carr Public School
- 7. Update on 2022-23 Budget Timeline
- 8. 2022-23 Budget Development Presentation Materials
- 9. Second Quarter Interim Financial Report, 2021-22
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TDSB System Calendar
There are many ways for parents/guardians and school community members to get involved, learn, connect and participate in TDSB activities and events. Visit this page often and see what's coming up!
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Policy Consultations
You are welcome to read the draft policies, provide your comments, including suggestions on the wording and provisions of the draft policies, questions or recommendations using the contact information below.
- April 7, 2022 (1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.) - REGISTER
- April 7, 2022 (7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.) - REGISTER
- April 13, 2022 (7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.) - REGISTER
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Counterstories and Reimagining Community Partnerships with Itah Sadu
The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement is hosting Counterstories and Reimagining Community Partnerships with Itah Sadu as part of its Positive Racial Identity Series. This workshop with Itah Sadu, distinguished storyteller, children's author and managing director of A Different Booklist Cultural Centre: The People's Residence, explores creating space for community and leveraging community partnerships to support student achievement and well-being. To register for the session on Tuesday, April 5 from 4-5 p.m., visit https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_o_g8cOz3STi0u-6TVVh-GA.
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Clothing Swap on April 16th
Have you been going through your closets as Spring approaches? Works-in-Progress art collective is organizing a FREE Clothing Swap April 16th in Davisville Village as part of the Ringing in Spring Celebration at June Rowlands Park. Donate what you don't want, take what you want. Donations accepted the night before or on the day of the swap, clean and dry donations in good shape, sorted into bags labelled by size. Swap located in yards and driveways in the Davisville neighbourhood, one size/ yard. There is enough for all!
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Learn About Skilled Trades - For Kids!
Jamie McMillan, the founder of Kick Ass Careers, is on a mission to “engage, educate, and encourage” youth to consider careers in skilled trades. And she speaks from experience. McMillan is a journeyman ironworker and apprentice boilermaker, a career she embarked on in 2002, when women represented just two per cent of the workforce across Canada and the United States.
In her own youth, she wasn’t drawn to the ivory towers of academia and faced challenges choosing a career she could sink her teeth into. She is very determined to share what she knows about skilled trades with youth – that skilled trades come with good job prospects, income and security. Elementary teachers, go to http://oyaptdsb.com/events and book your virtual presentation during the week of April 25-29.
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FHCI's Speaker Series
Please join us on April 27th @8pm for the second event in our 2022 SPEAKER SERIES. CTV's Dana Levenson will sit down with Katie Dudtschak, who revealed her journey to embrace her true self to friends, family and thousands of RBC colleagues in 2019. While facing her true gender was the hardest experience of her life, it provided her with a unique and powerful view on society and the role and practices of business leadership moving forward. Please click the link to register https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fhci-speaker-series-embracing-change-with-katie-dudtschak-tickets-311333154847
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Sikh Heritage Month
We are inviting all TDSB community, students, and staff to join our virtual Sikh Heritage Month launch to recognize the contributions of Sikh Canadians. Join us for a remarkable afternoon of information and celebration:
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Latin-America History Month
Learning about careers in various fields, our students will have the opportunity to connect with accomplished Latin-America leaders and acquire information about their educational and professional journey to success. In addition, secondary students will further their learning on art as a form of healing by attending a workshop hosted by a member of the Afrolatinx community.
Please join us! Please follow us on Twitter @TDSB_LAHM
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Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence
Nominations for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Teaching Excellence, Excellence in STEM & Excellence in Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education are extended to April 21. Educators show unparalleled resilience & commitment in the face of COVID-19. Nominate an educator who goes above & beyond!
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Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voter List?
The upcoming year will be a busy one for Ontario voters, with the Ontario Provincial Election and Municipal and School Board Elections happening just a few months apart. Are you on the voter's list?
For the Ontario Election on June 2, 2022. Ontario residents can visit Elections Ontario - Voter Registration to add, update or confirm your information on the voters list for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, Canadian citizens and residents of Ontario; Register of Absentee Voters for voters temporarily living outside Ontario who intend to return to the province; or Ontario Register of Future Voters for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds who will be automatically added to the voters list when they turn 18.
For the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections on October 24, 2022, Ontario residents can visit Voterlookup.ca at any time to find out whether their information is accurately reflected for inclusion on the Preliminary List of Electors for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections. Eligible electors can also update their information, add a name to an address, or change their school support for electoral purposes. Let's be ready.
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Backpack and School Supplies Drive
This year’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive will run from March 1, 2022 to the end of September 2022. Individual donors and companies can help our students by making a monetary donation and/or a donation of new backpacks and school supplies. Please contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca for more information about how to donate new items. Tax receipts are available for these donations. Donate now.
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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.
Please respect children’s play spaces. And please do not verbally abuse TDSB caretaking staff - I am hearing that when members of the public and caretakers onsite try and inform dog owners, they are met with threats and intimidation.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- 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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Community Safety & Support
If you should you ever see any suspicious activity around school buildings after school hours, please contact 311, Toronto Police Services Dispatch at 416-808-2222, or the TDSB’s 24-hour Call Centre at 416-395-4620.
If you or a family member is in crisis, please contact Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or get support right now by texting CONNECT to 686868.
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