Keeping you engaged and informed
Keeping you engaged and informed
Ward 11 Weekly Update header
Week of April 8, 2019

Day of Pink

April 10, 2019 marks the International Day of Pink. It is a day where communities across the country, and across the world, can unite in celebrating diversity and raising awareness to stop homophobia, transphobia, transmisogyny, and all forms of bullying. From the website https://dayofpink.org/about/
The International Day of Pink was started in Nova Scotia when 2 straight high school students saw a gay student wearing a pink shirt being bullied. The 2 students intervened, but wanted to do more to prevent homophobic & transphobic bullying. They decided to purchase pink shirts, and a few days later got everyone at school to arrive wearing pink, standing in solidarity. The result was that an entire school took a stand and began working together to prevent homophobic & transphobic bullying. The message was clear: anyone can bully, any can be victimized by bullying, but together we can stop it.
Have you ever seen a friend hurt because of discrimination? Have you been hurt yourself?
Discrimination comes in many forms, including the following: racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, colonialism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. These social diseases create barriers, bullying, harassment, hate and violence. No one should have to experience the negativity created by discrimination. The Day of Pink is more than just a symbol of a shared belief in celebrating diversity – it’s also a commitment to being open minded, accepting differences and learning to respect each other.

TDSB Committees This Week

Committee of the Whole,  Wednesday, April 10, 2019 4:30 p.m. Boardroom Committee Room A, 5050 Yonge Street
5. Toronto Lands Corporation Reports
5.1 Presentation on the Toronto Lands Corporation -  To be presented
5.2 Management Report to the Board, February 2019
6. Reports From Trustees Appointed to the Ontario Public School Boards' Association
6.1 OPSBA Directors' Report, February 2019
6.2 Preliminary Discussion re OPSBA 2019-20 Priorities 
7. Staff Reports
7.1 New Guiding Principles for the Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy - In the fall of 2018, a more detailed review of the drivers was identified in the action plans related to the implementation of the TDSB’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) to ensure alignment with the goals of the MYSP and consideration of the TDSB’s commitment to human rights, equity, accessibility and inclusion. It is recommended they be approved.
Equity of Access
1. Neighbourhood schools that meet the needs of all students
2. Optimal elementary school size of at least two classes per grade
3. Optimal secondary school size of at least 1,000 students
4. Consistent attendance boundaries
5. School locations that support active transportation
6. Minimal transitions 
Efficient and Flexible Learning Space
7. Optimal utilization rate of 90%
8. Minimal use of portables
9. Flexible buildings and sites
10.Different models of school organization 
8. Written Notices of Motion
8.1 Letter to the Minister of Health re Cannabis Regulations and Creation of Sale of Edibles (Trustees Donaldson and Story) - Therefore be it resolved: That the Chair write to the Ministry of Health to support the recommendations of the City of Toronto’s Board of Health, which are consistent with the Board’s policy, currently under development, Restrictions on Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Use.

Special Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Wednesday, April 10, 2019 6:00 p.m. Boardroom Committee Room A, 5050 Yonge Street
Budget Matters
4.1. 2019-2020 Projected Financial Position - To be presented

Information posted re Yonge-Eglinton PART Phase 2 and Updated FAQs re Hodgson

Yonge-Eglinton Phase 2 PART - The public consultation phase of the Yonge-Eglinton Phase 2 Program Area Review is currently underway. Parent representatives from Bedford Park PS, Eglinton Jr PS, Glenview Sr PS, Hodgson MS, John Fisher Jr PS, and Northlea E & MS are attending a series of Program Area Review Team (PART) meetings with School Principals, Superintendent, Trustees, and TDSB Central Staff to consider accommodation solutions with the aim of reducing enrolment pressures at local schools. The role of the PART is to review data, discuss impacts of proposed changes, and come up with recommendations that will be shared with the Board of Trustees. During this process, we are committed to keeping parents/caregivers and community members informed, and to give you the opportunity to provide feedback, share ideas and to ask questions. Public meetings will take place on Monday, May 6, 2019 and Thursday, May 9, 2019 at Hodgson MS (282 Davisville Avenue) from 7 - 9pm to  provide feedback and to ask questions. The same information will be presented at each of those two meetings. 
 
Presentation material from each of the Program Area Review Team meetings as well as additional resources will be posted on the TDSB’s website:
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Strategy-Planning/Accommodation-Reviews -- Under ‘Current Program Area Reviews’, select:  Bedford Park PS, Eglinton Jr PS, Glenview Senior PS, Hodgson MS, John Fisher Jr PS, Northlea E and MS.
The presentation from the first Program Area Review Team (PART) meeting as well as a Frequently Asked Questions document are currently online.

Hodgson MS - If you have been following along, given the need to build additional capacity at the school beyond a 12-classroom addition, TDSB Planning and Facilities staff have been working with the Ministry since early 2018 to advocate for a larger addition at Hodgson MS. The TDSB submitted a business case in November 2018. No response has been received to-date. TDSB staff will continue advocating for a project that meets the long-term accommodation
needs for the area and will update the community once a decision has been received
from the Ministry.
Updated Hodgson MS FAQs have now been posted online:
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Strategy-Planning/Accommodation-Reviews - Under ‘Other Reviews’, select:  2017 Hodgson MS Addition. 
Hodgson Middle School Questions and Answers – Updated April 4, 2019 

Failing Math?

Thanks to information tweeted by Dr Carole Campbell, an analysis of EQAO results from 2013 to 2018 do not support the government assertion that our students are failing math. Now I am the first to advocate for changes to EQAO and for the full implementation of the report Dr Campbell helped author - Findings and Recommendations from the Independent Review of Assessment and Reporting Ontario: A Learning Province - Executive Summary. But, for this purpose, EQAO shows what investments in education provide.
Yes, as you can see from the Chart below, Grade 6 Math needs attention but all other results have improved - and please remember that these results represent percentage of students who get a "B" - not fail. By the time students get to Grade 9, 84% of students taking academic math get a B or above.
And huge strides have been made in graduation rates - up 23% 
  • 2004 on-time high school graduation rates - 57%
  • 2017 on-time high school graduation rates - 80%
We need continued investments in public education to keep excellence in the system. 

Budget Update

From the TDSB website
Ministry’s Increases to Class Size Averages & Teacher Job Losses
The Ontario Ministry of Education is increasing class size averages in elementary and secondary schools and the magnitude of those changes will have negative impacts on the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Read TDSB's Letter to Minister of Education Regarding Class Size Changes.

The Ministry’s increase to the class size average in Grades 4 to 8 and in high schools is projected to result in more than a thousand teachers (1000) no longer instructing TDSB students over the next four years. Here is how those increases will impact the elementary and secondary school levels at the TDSB:

Class Size Average Increase and Teacher Job Losses – Elementary
The Ministry is increasing the class size average for Grades 4 to 8 to 24.5 students. If our average elementary class size were to change to 24.5 students, it would result in the permanent reduction of 216 elementary teachers at the Toronto District School Board. That reduction in the number of teachers is projected to cost the TDSB a shortfall of approximately $9.6 million in the coming budget year. We continue to work with the ministry to help them understand this situation and to advocate for funding to deal with the shortfall.

The Toronto District School Board, similar to many other Ontario school boards, has in its collective agreement a class size average that is lower than the province’s new average of 24.5 students. In our collective agreement, the elementary class size average is 23.24. We must honor our collective agreement and to do so requires us to have 216 more teachers than the number of teachers we would require to meet the province’s new average of 24.5. By raising the class size average, the government will reduce funding for school boards. The government will achieve reductions in teachers province-wide by not replacing retiring teachers.

Class Size Average Increase and Teacher Job Losses – Secondary
The Ministry is increasing the secondary school class size average from 22 to 28 students over the next four years. The magnitude of that change in class size means the TDSB will have 800 fewer high school teachers by the 2022-23 school year. There are significant and far-reaching challenges associated with reducing this many teachers in high schools including:
  • Fewer course offerings for students;
  • Challenges with growing class sizes;
  • Negative impacts on students; and
  • Challenges with meeting collective agreement class size caps.
In short, a reduction of 800 teachers represents an order of magnitude that is unprecedented. Furthermore, new requirements that high school students take on-line courses may also reduce the number of high school teachers.
Following Wednesday night's meeting we will begin to get a sense of the magnitude of change provincial government decisions will require... and that is before we completely understand the impact of the Grants for Student Need (GSNs) which we understand will follow shortly after the provincial Budget on April 11. As always, I will continue to keep you posted... but there is no question, we are concerned.

Can you help?

In last week's update, I mentioned although students and parents have not been asked to complete the consultation. However, this week in the Legislature, Minister Thompson invited everyone include students and parents to provide your opinion. Here are the links to access the two guides for the consultation process:
Class size: https://efis.fma.csc.gov.on.ca/faab/Memos/B2019/B09_attach1_EN.pdf
Hiring Practices: https://efis.fma.csc.gov.on.ca/faab/Memos/B2019/B09_attach2_EN.pdf
Last week I also included links to advocacy groups. Please find them here. This week I can add that West End Parents for Public Education has created an incredible action tool kit. You can download it at (link: http://www.weppe.org).  
I was so proud to attend the #RallyForEducation Saturday with 16 of my Trustee colleagues and our 2 Student Trustees and tens of thousands of others - our presence was important for our students and their families, our staff and our communities - together we support public education. Together we speak with one voice - we have a world class education system - we need continued investment to support all students achieving success. Cuts hurt kids.

Open Data Webpage 

TDSB Open Data Webpage Provides Transparency to its School Communities
Wednesday, April 03, 2019
Categories: News Releases

To ensure transparency with its parents, students and communities, the Toronto District School Board has posted its Open Data Webpage on the TDSB public website. The page provides context for why it is posting data for the public to view, a link to the TDSB Open Data Policy, and a list with links to the various types of data already available for public view, including the Director’s Employment Contract, Facilities Condition Index, Renewal Needs Backlog, and Health and Safety Workplace Inspection Reports. Open Data is an ongoing commitment and process. On a regular basis, departments of the Board will be asked to review their data for potential reporting under the TDSB Open Data Policy.
We welcome your input regarding the types of data that you believe should be posted here. Please submit your suggestions to GeneralInquiries@TDSB.on.ca.
I am very proud of this initiative - we are the first school board in Canada to do this. 

New Invitation

Worth Repeating 

TDSB Excellence Awards

Every day, nearly 39,000 committed professionals support our students and help them achieve their very best. Their focus, enthusiasm and dedication help build strong and healthy relationships and allow our school communities – and students – to thrive. It’s important that we recognize their great work. Recognizing our staff not only celebrates their efforts, it inspires others to excel in their own roles. 
Every year, we invite staff, students, parents and community members to nominate a TDSB staff member or team whose effort to go above and beyond has made a difference in their lives. This year nominations will begin on April 1, 2019 and close April 26, 2019 with the awards reception being held on May 23, 2019. 

Cedarvale Marketplace Day Saturday, April 13

Join us for a memorable shopping and food experience at the annual Cedarvale Marketplace Day on Saturday April 13th from 10:00-4:00! A fabulous way to spend the day! There will be professional vendors with an array of sensational items available in time for Mother's Day. Come and shop for beautiful art, giftware, jewelry, apparel, accessories, children's items, and so much more. Savour lunch at one of our gourmet food trucks. Buy a gift for a friend, something for yourself, and enjoy this amazing local shopping experience. A raffle with incredible prizes and a whole lot more. Location: Cedarvale Community School, 145 Ava Road, Toronto. Check our Instagram and Facebook pages for regular updates to the incredible vendor list: @cedarvalemarketplace, http://www.facebook.com/cedarvalemarketplace. We look forward to seeing you there!

Clean Toronto Together

In 2018, 363 TDSB schools participated in the Clean Toronto Together Campaign. This year, we want to increase the number of participating schools and encourage them to collect as much waste as possible by going beyond their school yard. On Friday, April 26th at 2:00 p.m. students, staff, and parents from across Toronto are encouraged to help rejuvenate our city’s green spaces by picking up litter in their schoolyard, neighbourhood park, or local community. Register your school today and celebrate Earth Day by joining over 500 schools that are helping to keep our City clean and green! You'll be amazed at what we can accomplish in as little as 20 minutes! (Note: Schools may opt to do their clean-up event at any time). Parents are always welcome to participate with the school. Families can also join Toronto’s annual spring cleanup events on Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th. How Schools register: Complete the School Clean-Up Day Form by April 3rd. Come on Ward 8 - let's do this!

Worth Repeating - School Council PD

The ⁦‪TDSB‬⁩ Parent and Community Engagement Office is hosting three webinars coming soon to help parents/guardians learn more about how school councils work, bylaws, and effectiveness. Click on the links below at the specific times to join in.
  • Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 7:00 p.m.: School Council Effectiveness This webinar examines how communication, committees and volunteers will connect with your community and will ease your workload.
For more information on School Councils, please visit the School Council Page on my website. 

School Year Calendar 2018-2019

The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, inclusive.
  • The last day of class for elementary students is June 27, 2019
  • The last day of class for secondary (full-year) students is June 25, 2019
  • The last day of class for secondary (semestered) students is June 26, 2019 
2018 - 2019 Dates to Remember: Official Holidays and PA Days 
Remaining PA Days & Statutory Holidays
  • Good Friday April 19, 2019
  • Easter Monday April 22, 2019
  • Victoria Day May 20, 2019
  • Elementary School PA Day June 7, 2019
  • Secondary School PA Day (Full Year Schools only)* June 26, 2019
  • Secondary School PA Day June 27, 2019
  • Board-wide PA Day June 28, 2019
Also please note Days of Significance - click for the complete list
You may also find this Days of Significance Resource Guide helpful
  • Passover 2019 will begin in the evening of Friday, April 19 and ends in the evening of Saturday, April 27 (first 2 and last 2 days are considered holy)
  • Ramadan 2019 will begin in the evening of Sunday, May 5 and ends in the evening of Tuesday, June 4 (Dates may vary)
  • Eid al-Fitr celebrated at the end of Ramadan will begin on Tuesday, June 4 
EQAO - The following dates have been established: 
  • Gr. 9 Math:  2nd Semester: June 5-18, 2019
  • Primary/Junior EQAO: May 21-June 3, 2019
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