|  | Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin Chair •Trustee, Ward 11 • Don Valley West
Toronto District School Board
416-395-8787 • Rachel.ChernosLin@tdsb.on.ca |
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Dear friends,
It's hard to believe we are coming to the end of the 2023-2024 school year! The first day of the school year seems like a distant memory already, and our students have come such a long way throughout the year, growing academically, physically and socio-emotionally! In between there have been so many wonderful moments and special events, including another full season of in-person graduations and end-of-year events for students and families, providing all of us with memories to last a lifetime.
As we wrap up the school year, I want to acknowledge the hard work of all of our educators and school staff, who together with families, make the magic happen. The last couple of years have been incredibly challenging, with changes galore, and we could not have done it without the collaboration and hard work of so many people. From administrators, teachers, ECE's and EA's, to caretakers, SNA's, and clerical staff, and every other staff and support that keep our students supported and schools in order, a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart!
In June, we often announce administrative changes for the upcoming school year, as administrators retire, transfer, are promoted or go on "4 over 5" leaves of absence. These announcements sometinmes continue into the summer as we fill vacancies left by these changes. This year is no different and I want to congratulate and send best wishes to the following individuals in Ward 11 who will be making changes:
- Principal Julie Kwon, Dunlace PS -- going on 4 over 5, being replaced by retired Principal Shirley Cuthbertson;
- Principal Jessica Feldberg, St. Andrews MS -- going on 4 over 5, being replaced by retired Principal, Laura Slater;
- Principal Caroline Rosenbloom, Owen PS, retiring, being replaced by newly-promoted Principal Jill Kelsall;
- Principal Carlo DeFelice, Marc Garneau CI, retiring, being replaced by newly-promoted Principal Gillian Evans;
- Vice-Principal Lorraine Southerns, Marc Garneau CI, transferring to become Vice-Principal at Lawrence Park Collegiate;
- Vice-Principal Stephanie Bailey, Sunnyview Jr and Sr PS -- retiring, replacement to be announced later in summer;
- Vice-Principal Samantha Rogers, Thorncliffe Park PS -- transferring to become Vice-Principal at Glenview SPS, replacement to be announced later in summer.
Congratulations and best wishes to all in their new roles! For those leaving Ward 11, thank you for supporting our schools and we will miss you! For. those joining us for the first time, welcome to Ward 11!
In Board News...
Budget: On June 22, the Board of Trustees passed the 2023-2024 Capital and Operational Board Budgets. Passing a balanced budget by June 30th of each calendar year is one of the main legislated roles of trustees, as set out in the Education Act. This long and arduous process begins in January. This year was a challenging one, to say the least. With a significant structural deficit due to $70M in unreimbursed covid expenditures, gaps in unfunded statutory payments due to inflation (close to $30M for CPP and EI), and the discontinuance of the Covid Learning Fund, which accounted for 485 staff, our Board was in a very challenging position. Our advocacy at the provincial level brought some relief, but still required many difficult decisions. In the end, we did manage to pass the budget in a 16-3 vote, and found creative ways to make it work (using proceeds of disposition, for example, to pay for adding back in social workers, vice-principals and more) and managed to keep the majority of cuts from programs and supports that directly affect students. Not an ideal situation, but given the funding allocated by the Province to our Board, we did the very best we could.
Student Trustees: Each spring, high school from across the TDSB elect two Student Trustees and the Urban Indigenous Education Council appoints one Indigegous Student Trustee to our Board. This year, we say thank you and goodbye to three fabulous students -- Naomi Musa, Jeffrey Osaro and Isaiah Shafquat -- all of whom made significant contributions in the Boardroom providing student voice and advocating on behalf of their peers. Congratulations to Angelika Bell, Yi Kai Zhou, and Trustee Ozaawaamukwaikwe Secord, TDSB's 2023-2024 Student Trustees, who will officially begin their terms in September! I am certain they will provide important insight and perspective to the work of our Board and can't wait to get to know them!
Fundraising Policy Review: In an effort to ensure our policies are regularly updated, TDSB policies generally follow a four-year review cycle. I'd like to draw everyone's attention to the newly-begun review of our Fundraising Policy, as I think it will be of interest to Ward 11 families. Recently, staff opened this policy up for consultation, providing a survey that will be open through early October. New this time around, staff are looking at different approaches to how fundraised dollars are allocated, and a survey is now open for all parents, caregivers, TDSB staff and community members to complete and provide input. To learn more, visit our Fundraising Policy consultation page. There is also more information below regarding this policy consultation.
In Ward 11 News...
Coffee Mornings
I want to thank everybody who connected with me over the past year. Your input has been invaluable. I have enjoyed meeting many people, thankfully some in person again, and of course many more virtually. Our Coffee Monings continue to be a success. Our last one, over lunch on June 14, was again very well attended and engaging. In our open, informal format, several people shared their updates, ideas and concerns.
For more about my Coffee Mornings and Ward Forums, check out my Ward website at tdsb.on.ca/ward11, where meeting announcements and meeting notes are posted. A schedule for my 2023-2024 coffee moring dates will follow closer to the start of the school year.
Good Neighbours
Finally, a few reminders about being good neighbours. Our local schools are open to the community during non-school hours to enjoy and use respectfully. However, we are finding an increase in older children congregating on school property in the evenings. This is not unexpected with the warmer weather, but we ask that all families and students be considerate of these shared spaces, school property, and our school neighbours. Excessive noise, littering and bad behaviour reflect poorly on our community and are not in keeping with the wonderful sense of community we are fortunate to have in Ward 11.
Please note: No Dogs Allowed on School Ground
A reminder to fellow dog owners (and I know many do not have kids at school) that our furry friends are not allowed on school property at any time. Many people are surprised to learn that TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property. Section 6.10 of PR523 Access to School Premises prohibits canines on our properties “at any time” (except service animals). Please respect children’s play spaces.
Finally, a huge thank you to those I consider essential to my Ward 11 team -- Wilmar Kortleever, who assists as a Trustee Liaison, the staff in Trustee Services, and in particular Araz who has been helping me this year in my new capacity as Chair of the Board. I am also extremely fortunate to have two amazing Ward 11 Superintendents, Andrew Howard and Roni Felsen. Mr. Felsen and Mr. Howard go above and beyond each and every day in support of our students, and while I know they work over the summer, I hope they will also take some well-deserved time off!
And with that, I wish everyone a safe, happy and above all, fun summer break full of love and laughter! Please read on for a few more updates, and all sorts of summer happenings and supports so you never have a dull moment (unless you want one!).
See you in the Fall!
Warm regards,
Rachel
Rachel Chernos Lin, Trustee and Chair, Ward 11, Don Valley West
Rachel.ChernosLin@tdsb.on.ca
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Fundraising Policy Consultation
As mentioned above, the Board's Fundraising Policy (P021) is currently being reviewed.
This policy supports the Toronto District School Board’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and financial viability and promotes student learning opportunities when planning and implementing fundraising activities. The Policy is aligned with the Education Act and the Ministry of Education’s Fundraising Guidelines.
The objective of the Fundraising Policy is to outline expectations and provide directions to TDSB staff and members of school communities when planning and implementing fundraising activities.
Please share with us your thoughts, questions and recommendations on the draft Policy through the online survey or by email to businessdevelopment@tdsb.on.ca on or before October 10, 2023.
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Central Student Interest Programs expanded
TDSB is thrilled to announce the expansion of its Secondary Arts and Math, Science and Technology programs for the 2024-25 school year. These new Central Student Interest Programs create new opportunities, making it easier for students to access programs of interest across the city.
Arts Programs
Located in the northwest and northeast of the city at Westview Centennial Secondary School and Woburn Collegiate Institute, each program will focus on various forms of arts that may include dance, visual arts, drama, film and music. The new programs will be centered around student interest and voice, inclusive curriculum, and focus on the creative process. There will be robust integration of digital media and digital arts production in each program. Further details about the two programs will be available on the Secondary Arts Central Student Interest Program website in the Fall of 2023.
Math, Science, and Technology programs
We are also establishing 8 new Math, Science and Technology Central Student Interest Programs located across the city, adding to the 12 existing programs. The high number of applications this past year indicated the strong interest in Math, Science and Technology programming focused on the interconnectedness of these subjects and the pursuit of post-secondary studies.
For the list of schools, check out the website article.
Each Math, Science and Technology program will have its own unique set of courses making strong connections between the Ontario curriculum and the world. The programs will offer deep, rich and rigorous learning for students with an interest and passion in Math, Science and Technology. More details about the program courses offered at each site will be made available in the fall on the Math, Science and Technology Central Student Interest Program Website.
Local Math, Science, and Technology programs
Additionally, the TDSB is supporting the development of 11 new Local Programs in the areas of Math, Science and Technology, and 2 current Local Programs.
For the list of schools (including York Mills Collegiate Institute in Ward 11), check out the website article
More information about these programs designed to meet the needs and interests of students attending the schools will be made available in the Fall in the individual school’s websites. Staff will be preparing over the 2023-2024 school year for the opening of the Arts and Math, Science, & Technology programs.
In the Fall of 2023, Grade 8 students can apply for Grade 9 entry in September 2024 through the online application process. Visit the TDSB Beyond-8 website and the Secondary Central Student Interest Program website for more information.
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PIAC Post Newsletter
The latest (June edition) PIAC Post newsletter can be found on the PIAC website: here.
Also: see below to hold the dates (October 21 & 22) for the next Parent and Caregivers as Partners Conference.
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FSLAC Newsletter
The latest FSLCAC newsletter can be found: here. It includes
- Save the Date for the September meeting
- Free CPF Summer Virtual Programs
- Toronto Public Library French Fun
- TD Bilingual Summer Reading Club
- TDSB Elementary Programs in July
- TDSB Secondary Core French E-Credits
- French Summer Day Camps
- July 15 is Bastille Day in Toronto
- FREE French Resources and more!
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TDSB Summer Programs
- Elementary Summer School
- Extended Day Program – Summer Camp
- International Languages and African Heritage Language & Culture Program
- Outdoor Education Summer Camp
- Summer Music & Art Camps
(for high school students)
- Credit Courses for e-Summer High School (online
- Continuing Education Secondary Credit Summer Progra
- International Leadership and Peer Support Program
(Special Education and Inclusion)
- Special Education and Inclusion Summer Program
(for adults)
- Adult ESL Summer Program
- Learn4Life General Interest Courses
Please note that some programming is starting shortly, capacity is limited, and some programs may already be full.
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Summer 2023 Well-Being Guide
The Summer Well-Being Guide is created by TDSB Mental Health and Well-Being-Professional Support Services Committee & Systems leadership team.
As we look toward the end of the school year, there may be excitement as well as thoughts and feelings that bring forward a need for support. Our Summer 2023 Well-Being Guide is a place to learn about Culturally Responsive and Identity Affirming resources and activities to make the most of this time of year, while supporting and improving our mental well-being.
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TDSB Backpacks & School Supplies Drive
We know that backpacks and school supplies can be expensive and represent a difficult purchase for some students and families. We encourage you to participate in TDSB’s Backpack & School Supplies Drive. The drive will run until the end of September. We are accepting donations of new products, including backpacks (gender neutral coloured with no commercial logos preferred), lunch bags, crayons, calculators, notebooks and basic school supplies. If you are interested in supporting this great cause for TDSB students, please complete an online donation form. For more information contact BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.
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Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference
Mark your calendars! The TDSB’s Parent and Caregivers as Partners virtual conference is scheduled for October 21 and 22, 2023.
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School Year Calendar 2023-2024
For the 2023-2024 school year, no PA days are scheduled before the first day of classes.
The first day of school is therefore Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
See below for all dates there is no in-school learning.
Updated School Year Calendars for 2023-2024 are available online. These include PA days, exam days for final evaluations, Board and Statutory holidays, and other notable school year details.
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Stay Connected with your school and the board
The TDSB is offering two new ways to stay connected with your school and the TDSB. Learn about opting in for text messages and using the School Messenger app, which provides a faster and easier way to report absences. Learn more.
TDSB UpdateSign-up for TDSB Update and stay informed about recent Board decisions and district-wide news.
Upcoming MeetingsThe next Regular Board Meeting will be held on August 30, 2023. For a list of upcoming meetings, including many about the Budget, please click on the meeting schedule and/or the calendar on the main webpage of www.tdsb.on.ca. Board and Committee Meetings can be watched online.
Follow the TDSBJoin the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter (@TDSB), Facebook (@toronto.dsb) and Instagram (@Torontodsb) accounts.
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If you notice anything at a school that concerns you, please call the TDSB 24-hour Call Centre (416) 395-4620, Toronto Police Services Dispatch (non-emergencies via 416-808-2222), and/or Toronto 311.
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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