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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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| Week of November 21, 2021
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"The fundamental mission of a parent is to protect your children from an uncertain world. The vaccine will help"
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In this Issue:- COVID-19 Vaccinations
- COVID-19 Vaccine Approved - Children 5-11
- Health & Safety School Updates
- Educators Make A Difference
- Committee & Board Meetings this Week
- TDSB System Calendar
- Notes from the Virtual Ward Forum - Elections and Combating Online Hate
- School Open Houses and Information Nights
- New Invitations - Holodomor Memorial Day – November 26, 2021;
Learn4Life - General Interest Courses
- Items From Last Week - Worth Repeating - Bridging the Gap - November 27 and 28 PIAC Parent Conference; School Council Grants; Share Your Voice: Consultation on the new Specialized Schools and Programs Policy; Early French Immersion; Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Awards; Restarting School Immunization Programs; No Dogs Allowed on School Property; TDSB Winter Clothing Drive
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COVID-19 UpdateVaccines have always been about public health. It’s not about you. It’s about us.
COVID-19 AdvisoriesCOVID-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 November 19, 1,242 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Ontario's publicly funded schools in the past 14 days. Of those cases, 1,120 are students, 112 are staff, and 10 are not identified. Seven of the 4,844 schools in the province are currently closed.
- In the TDSB, as of November 19, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. there were 273 student cases and 45 staff cases with 264 cases resolved. No schools were closed.
Update on the Implementation of the Mandatory Staff Vaccination Procedure
The mandatory vaccination procedure timeline identified that any staff who attested that they were not vaccinated were to be placed on non-disciplinary administrative leave of absence without pay, effective Monday, November 22, 2021. The Director has confirmed we continue to implement all aspects of PR734 per Ministry and Board direction while prioritizing the safety and well-being of students.
Although rosters of occasional staff are sufficient, the Director confirmed school boards across Ontario are experiencing low levels of take up by these individuals for available jobs. In addition, some TDSB schools have identified that the absence of some roles would have a serious impact on their ability to maintain safety and well-being needs of students.
On Friday, Trustees were informed that after careful consideration and in order to minimize the impact on our students while balancing the health and safety risks of absence and presence of unvaccinated staff, the Director has decided to grant temporary exemptions to certain staff assessed on a case-by-case basis. This would involve approximately 290 staff out of the approximately 650 unvaccinated staff members who were originally scheduled to be put on administrative leave next week and out of the approximately 41,600 staff members (0.7%) covered by this procedure. The majority of those who received a temporary exemption are school-based staff – such as Special Needs Assistants, Designated Early Childhood Educators and Lunchroom Supervisors - who supervise students including those with additional needs, provide safety or health related supports.
The Director confirmed these exemptions will only last until we are able to adequately fill positions using larger quantities of staff that are available and willing to provide service and support to our schools and students. Staff who have been granted a temporary exemption will be required to conduct the rapid antigen testing three times per week and report it as part of their daily screening before reporting to work. This is inline with existing Ministry of Education vaccination requirements. Testing data will be monitored on an ongoing basis.
Below, is the TDSB staff disclosure data as of 5 p.m., November 18, 2021. We will be updated on Tuesday at the Special Planning & Priorities Committee where I will live tweet. Please see the link later in this update on how to join us.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Approved - Children 5-11
On Friday, Health Canada authorized the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 to 11 years of age. This is the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized in Canada for use in this age group. Deliveries of vaccines are expected shortly, and shots are expected in arms before the end of the month.
According to Team Toronto's Media Release, "In preparation for the vaccine’s anticipated arrival and ahead of the Province opening up vaccine booking for kids early next week, the City of Toronto will open approximately 20,000 appointment bookings for vaccination for five to 11 year-olds between November 25 and December 5 at City-run immunization clinics. When booking for these vaccine appointments is opened next week, all Toronto children aged five to 11 years old, regardless of their neighbourhood, will be eligible to book an appointment through the provincial booking system. The new bookings are for appointments at the City’s Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Woodbine Mall, Scarborough Town Centre, Cloverdale Mall and Mitchell Field Arena...
The City is encouraging all kids to be super heroes and get vaccinated. Heroes protect their city – that’s exactly what you’ll be doing when you get vaccinated against COVID-19. The vaccine helps protect you, your family, school and community.
Parents and guardians seeking to vaccinate their child against COVID-19 may also attend a Team Toronto vaccination clinic administered by a Toronto hospital or health care partner, a local pharmacy and/or participating family health team. School clinics are also being planned to start as quickly as possible next week, once the vaccine arrives. Information about specific school clinics will come directly from schools. More information can be found on the City’s COVID-19: Children & Vaccines page.
To make vaccination as accessible as possible for parents and families, clinic hours of operation at all City-run immunization clinics will be extended and expanded over the next two weeks."
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has identified 34 priority neighbourhoods in which vaccinations will begin. Prior to the announcement, TDSB and the TCDSB worked with TPH to identify schools for vaccination clinics in these neighbourhoods. Subsequently, TPH then worked with Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) to identify which OHT would be able to support the clinic. With the approval announcement Friday staff are now finalizing the schedule of vaccination clinics that we hope can begin early next week. More information will be forthcoming.
When the Province opens vaccine booking for kids, appointments at City-run clinics can be booked through the dark blue “Book an Appointment” button on the City’s COVID-19: Vaccines page or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY for people who are deaf, hearing-impaired or speech-impaired: 1-866-797-0007).
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Health & Safety School Updates
On Thursday, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, announced a series of Health and Safety Updates for Schools, including the resumption of regular 4-course semesters in secondary schools (pending local public health approval) the release of the second half of 2021-22 COVID-19 funding, and a rapid antigen testing program for the Winter Break that will provide each student with five take-home tests. We know students and staff alike welcome the news of returning to regular semesters! Details on what this means in the TDSB will be coming shortly. Thank you to everyone who joined with TDSB trustees and trustees across the province who were advocating for this.
In addition, there was confirmation that virtual-only parent teacher conferences/interviews in elementary and secondary schools will continue and starting in January, virtual-only assemblies in elementary schools also continue unless a local PHU/school board chooses to enforce this measure earlier as well as restricting lunches/breaks to classroom cohorts when indoors, where distancing between cohorts cannot be maintained in elementary schools. Click the updated Guide to Reopening Schools, and the media backgrounder for more information.
Requests for Switching Between Learning Models - Update
Further to my last Trustees Update, the timeline for the Switch Form has been revised.
Elementary - The Switch Form for elementary students will now be open from December 3 to January 7. Families and students who do not wish to make a change do not need to complete a form. Classes will reflect changes due to switches beginning on February 22, 2022.
Secondary - We are waiting for data from the secondary student check-in survey and the secondary teacher ThoughtExchange to inform plans for Semester 2. Details will be shared with families and students so they can make an informed decision regarding switch requests. Semester 2 classes will reflect changes due to switches beginning on February 3, 2022.
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Educators Make A Difference
All educators make a difference - some get recognized beyond their schools. Congratulations to the 2021 Winners of the Prime Minister's Awards. "These outstanding educators are instilling a culture of curiosity in the next generation of Canadians."
As a Trustee I see the difference educators make everyday for students and families - Proud of all winners, but especially to the following TDSB educators:
- Cindy Law-Fong, William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute - Science for Grades 10 to 12 - Certificate of Excellence - Through her innovative programming and teaching practice, Cindy Law-Fong builds bridges to learn math and science for all students.
- Kathleen Graham, The Elms Junior Middle School - Special Education, grades 3 to 7 - Certificate of Achievement - A deep passion for fostering global citizenship and her commitment to equity and social justice allows Kathleen Patricia Graham to provide support to students with special needs.
- William Yu, North Agincourt Junior Public School - Health and physical education, grades 1 to 6 - Certificate of Achievement - William Yu supports young people in gaining life skills and sports abilities by being inclusive in the development of the students.
And a very special congratulations to two Ward 8 teachers -
- Andrea Payne, Allenby Junior Public School Grades 5 and 6 - French, English, social studies, math, visual arts - Certificate of Excellence - Andrea Payne has an innovative and creative pedagogical approach which ensures the success of students who learn and think differently; and
- Rania Zaki, Cottingham Junior Public School - all subjects Grade 4 - Certificate of Achievement - With her innovative pedagogical approaches, Rania Zaki celebrates the cultural differences in her classroom, and ensures that all are included and no one is left behind.
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Committee and Board Meetings This Week
November 23 - Planning and Priorities Committee (Special Meeting) 4p.m. Agenda- 4. Staff Reports
- 4.1. PR734, COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure for Employees, Trustees and Other Individuals: Update - Oral Update
- 4.2. Planning for Elementary Term Two and Secondary Semester Two - Oral Update
- 4.3. National School Boards Association Conference 2022: Expense and Presentation Approval
- 4.4. Pandemic Recovery Plan: Resource Allocation - To follow
- 5. Written Notices of Motion
- 5.1. Increased Resource Support and Financial Flexibility to Ensure Multi-Year Strategic Plan Delivers on Equity and Students Achievement (Trustees Mammoliti and Chernos Lin)
November 25 - Special Board Meeting 4p.m. Agenda- 3. Committee Reports
- 3.1. Planning and Priorities Committee (Special Meeting), Report No. 22, November 23, 2021 - To follow
- 4. Resolution Into Committee of the Whole (Private Session) (to consider matters that fall under section 207(2) of the Education Act)
- 5. Committee of the Whole Rises and Reports and the Meeting Reconvenes in Public Session
- 6. Report of the Committee of the Whole (Private Session), November 25, 2021 - To be presented
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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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Notes from the Virtual Ward Forum - Elections and Combating Online HateElections
Congratulations to Kaydeen Bakasingh who was re-elected as our Ward 8 PIAC representative and to Anshu Glover who joins her as alternate for the next two years. Thank you to Terry Phan for putting your name forward and we hope to stay involved. Congratulations to Cheryl Batty who was acclaimed as our FSLCAC alternate joining our representative Lynne LeBlanc.
Program
Melissa Mikel, the Director of Education at Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center introduced Emily Thompson, the Associate Director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Research Department. Emily is the program director for Combat Hate and led the group through a presentation that included a discussion of social media and what the hate speech young people can encounter online looks like. After outlining the concerns, citing data and real examples, and questions and answers, the presentation concluded with actions of how we can support our young people. More information on the presentation can be found in the Meeting Notes. The attendees found the presentation very impactful. The notes and materials are posted on my website here https://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward8/Ward-8/Trustee-Ward-Forum.
Presentation Materials
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School Open Houses and Information Nights
To help you make an informed decision when choosing a school, TDSB schools will host virtual open houses and information sessions (live or pre-recorded) for parents/guardians and students between November and January. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Please note that some schools are hosting “live” virtual open houses that families can join in real time, during the specified date and time. Please check this page regularly, as schools will continue to post information about virtual open house dates/times and available pre-recorded information sessions. You can view the prerecorded sessions at any time by clicking the link provided. If you have questions about a specific school or open house, please contact the school directly for more information.
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Holodomor Memorial Day – November 26, 2021
A genocide begins with the killing of one person, not because of what he has done, but because of who he is. - Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the UN, 2001
On the 29 May of 2008, the Parliament of Canada unanimously passed an “Act to Establish a Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day and to Recognize the Ukrainian Famine 1932-1933 as an Act of Genocide.” As a result of the advocacy of the Holodomor Education Team (UCC-Toronto) and later the National Holodomor Education Committee (NHEC), in 2008, the Toronto District School Board passed a resolution to hold an annual Holodomor Memorial Day in schools on the fourth Friday of November. 28,000 people died per day at the height of the Holdomor in June, 1933 - 30% were children under the age of 10.
Each year for this event, the National Holodomor Education Committee (NHEC) and increasingly HREC Education, prepare an information pamphlet to help educators commemorate this day in their schools.
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Learn4Life - General Interest Courses
General Interest courses are for adults, 18 years of age and older. Seniors’ Daytime courses are for registrants 65 years of age and older. (There are limited spaces for nonseniors.) From art, fitness and food, to languages, business and dance, we have both online and in-person classes to learn a new skill or take up an interesting hobby. New this year and for the first time, Learn4Life will be offering a course called Indigenous Awareness and Practices – Online. This online course will highlight the history, teachings, practices and issues facing Indigenous People’s and communities. For information regarding online classes, please visit www.learn4life.ca. Registration begins on Wednesday, November 24th at 8:30 a.m. While the majority of our courses are online for the winter 2022 term, there are two locations offering in-person courses.
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PIAC Annual Conference: Bridging the Gap - November 27 & 28
Parents, guardians and caregivers are invited to join us for a free, two-day virtual events organized by parents for parents, school councils, students and community members. The event, hosted in partnership by the Parent Involvement Advisory Council (PIAC) and the TDSB is an opportunity to engage with others from across the TDSB as we learn and share best practices, reconnect mentally and socially with ourselves, our schools and our communities. Hear from speakers and participate in workshops focused on bridging gaps in our schools in mental health, parent engagement, curriculum and school councils.
Registration is now open! Registration closes on November 25, 2021. Participants must register in advance. See the full Program Agenda and check out the Workshops.
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School Council Grants
School Councils may submit one request for supports up to $1,500 to support initiatives/ activities that engage parents/ caregivers (including virtual), and builds School Councils’ capacity around Human Rights, Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Indigenous and Anti-Black Racism. School Councils may collaborate and submit one application; however, allocation will remain at a maximum of $1,500 per school. The grants application will open on Monday, November 15, 2021 and close on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. School Councils should visit the grants page at https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Community/How-to-Get-Involved/Parent-Reaching-Out-Grants/School-Council-Grants-Applications for further details.
The School Council grants is one of the initiatives supported by the Parents Partnership Fund-Parent Reaching Out Grant.
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Share Your Voice: Consultation on the new Specialized Schools and Programs Policy
Students from across the TDSB are welcomed into a variety of specialized programs including arts-focused schools, specialized programs in math, science and technology, CyberArts and International Baccalaureate. These specialized programs and schools are part of our commitment to ensure students have opportunity and variety in their school experiences.
You’re invited join our online consultations to learn more, ask questions and share your feedback:
- Monday, November 22, 2021, 1:00-3:00 pm – Public Consultation Webinar
- Monday, November 22, 2021, 7:00-9:00 pm – Public Consultation Webinar
- If you are unable to register online and participating by phone, please call 416-395-3626 to pre-register
- Learn more and share your feedback through our policy consultation website.
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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. 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 26.
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 23, 2021 - 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
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Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Awards
The TDSB would like to honour the creative ways in which Gender Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) across the Toronto District School Board(TDSB) have supported 2SLGBTQ+ students throughout the pandemic. Apply now to the Director's Gender and Sexuality Alliance Awards.
TDSB GSAs have provided unwavering support to 2SLGBTQ+ students during this pandemic. To help ensure that support continues and expands, this fall/winter eight prizes of $1,000 each will be awarded to GSAs from across the TDSB that operated during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 academic school year. Then in the spring of 2022, another four prizes also valuing $1,000, will be awarded. The application deadline is Friday, December 3, 2021 at 4 p.m. Please send applications to GSAAwards@tdsb.on.ca.
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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. 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.
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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TDSB Winter Clothing Drive
Clarification - Please note this drive is for cash donations or in-kind new clothing.
Our need for winter outerwear is greater this year. Canada is welcoming newcomer families from Afghanistan and the TDSB is welcoming many of these newly arrived students into our schools. The newcomer students are adjusting to their first Canadian winter and can benefit from your generous support. The students need proper winter outerwear such as coats, boots, mitts and hats to be able to attend school. This year’s Winter Clothing Drive will run from October 2021 to the end of February 2022. Donations are accepted.
We will also accept new winter outwear items. Due to potential health & safety, hygiene, sorting and storage limitations, the TDSB can only accept new clothing items. Tax receipts are available for these donations. Contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca for more information about how to donate new outwear items. 100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations go to benefit our students.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- 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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