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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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In this Issue -- A Personal Statement
- Combatting Hate
- Culturally Responsive Resources
- Happy Navratri!
- Labour Negotiations Updates
- COVID-19 Vaccine and Flu Sho
- Early French Immersion Application Process begins November
- TDSB Job Fair on October 28th
- Committee Meeting This Week
- New Invitations - Somali Heritage Month Contest; School Health Grant;
2024 Team Canada Olympic Day Grant | Application
- Worth Repeating - Central Student Interest Programs for 2024-25; Registration Open! PCP Conference; TDSB EcoSchools Fall Conference;
School Council Innovation Grant 2023 - 2024; Professional Learning for School Council Chairs/Co-Chairs, Members, Principals and Vice Principals; Ready, set, PollinateTO Grants; Take Me Outside Day; Global School Play Day 2024 - Celebrating UNSTRUCTURED Play - February 7, 2024; Fundraising Policy Consultation; Model Parliament for High School Students; Legislative Page Program - Applications Open! Useful Links; We Have a Dog Problem; 2023-2024 Calendar; Community Safety & Support
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A Personal Statement
As a Jewish Trustee who has worked to combat hate from within the TDSB – all forms of hate – who supported motions to create the Combatting Hate Strategy and before that to ensure mandatory tracking of all incidents of hate by our Principals, I speak from my heart. I have received emails that our TDSB system messaging is anti-Palestinian and at the same time from others, I have received emails that it is antisemitic. We are a learning institution and if we can communicate better, we must.
As has been stated, all our classrooms and offices should be affirming, respectful, and inclusive places to learn and work. It is our duty and obligation to uphold the human rights and to protect the humanity of every individual so that they feel a sense of belonging at school and work.
Last Saturday Hamas invaded Israeli and committed a pogrom – a systematic massacre of Jews. I could not write last Sunday – I am still having trouble processing… However, I want to be clear. I join so many others to state Hamas, not the Palestinian people, plotted and implemented this terrorist attack on Israel. This is not an escalation by Israelis on Gaza. This has mobilized the world’s outrage. Nothing is the same.
Prior to last Saturday the vast majority of Israelis demonstrated for months against the policies of the current government of Israel. The vast majority of Canadian Jews support the human rights of all peoples – Tikun Olam – to repair and improve the world – it is a core tenant of Judaism – and most Canadians support peace and dignity for all Israelis and Palestinians.
For so many of us, especially those with direct connection to the Holocaust – or have been to the concentration camps – echoes of Germany in 1938 are in our consciousness. More Jews were killed on October 7, 2023 than on any other single day since the Holocaust. Our nightmares are living out before our eyes. Never Again is Now.
A number of things can be true at once – I read this on Twitter and it has stayed with me. I learned long ago that people hold different truths depending on their personal experiences.
- Hamas’ massacre of Israeli civilians was horrific and must be condemned by all people of moral character
- Israel has the obligation of governance to defeat Hamas
- Israel must observe international law and avoid civilian casualties
- Palestinian civilians do not deserve to pay for Hamas’ crimes
I join all of you demanding the immediate return of all hostages taken by Hamas and grieving the deaths of all the innocents.
As the Jewish Heritage Committee tweeted when this terrorism began – “Peace will never be achieved through the targeting of innocent civilians.” But this will get worse before it gets worse and I am terrified. Praying for humanity. Praying for peace.
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Combatting Hate
As was shared in multiple statements from the Toronto District School Board, we are committed to continuing to provide inclusive, empathetic and supportive environments for all students, staff and families. As part of this commitment, we will continue to educate our students against hate in all its forms in the hope of creating a more just and peaceful world for everyone.
We have a variety of different programs and initiatives that address racism and hate including, but not limited to Anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Asian racism, homophobia and transphobia.
If you are a staff or a student or a parent/caregiver, and you are a victim of or witnessing an incident of racism, bias, or hate in our schools, please report it to the school's principal, who has a duty to investigate any such incidents. The TDSB has Procedure PR728 - Reporting and Responding to Racism and Hate Incidents Involving or Impacting Students in Schools, tied to our Human Rights Policy, P031. Our Combatting Hate and Racism Strategy falls under this procedure and part of the strategy was the creation of a “Racism, Bias and Hate (RBH) Reporting Portal”. Each time an incident takes place in a school, it is to be recorded in this portal which then begins a system response. We have a responsibility to educate against hate. For more information, please visit the webpage for Reporting an Incident of Hate or Discrimination Involving or Impacting Students. If you experience it, or witness it, report it. Please.
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Culturally Responsive Resources
In addition, I have come across some others -
Hoping you find these helpful.
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Happy Navratri!
Navratri is here, which calls for endless festivities! A nine-day long festival, celebrated by Hindus all over the world. The nine days are dedicated to Goddess Durga and her different incarnations. We recognize all educators & students celebrating in the TDSB. Happy Navratri!
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Labour Negotiations Updates
School boards and unions share a commitment to public education and work together towards positive labour relations. The collective bargaining framework for the education sector features a two-tier bargaining process, involving both central and local bargaining. Learn more about the process.
Information will continue to be updated on the website. There are no further updates this past week.
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Early French Immersion Application Process begins November 6
All students eligible to begin Junior Kindergarten in September can join the Early French Immersion (EFI) program. Students with varying learning styles and linguistic backgrounds can be successful in French Immersion. Proficiency in multiple languages opens doors of opportunity for students!
The application to the Early French Immersion program for 2004-25 will remain an online process managed by the TDSB’s Central French Department, and applications must be completed online between November 6 and December 1, 2023. An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all eligible on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Early French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. Interested families can apply via the Application Link.
Please visit the TDSB French website to view a video that provides information about the TDSB French Language programs as well as the application and placement process in the Early French Immersion and the Middle French Immersion programs. More information about the Early Immersion Program is available in 22 languages, or visit the Information Sessions website for related links to join a live Zoom webinar about the application process.
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TDSB Job Fair on October 28th
The Toronto District School Board is excited to host the 2023 TDSB Employment Opportunity Fair! Join us virtually on Saturday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn more about the hiring process and meet with recruitment staff to discuss the exciting career opportunities at Canada’s largest and most diverse school board! To register for the TDSB Employment Opportunity Fair, please complete this Google Form.
We’re currently recruiting for the following areas:
- Elementary Teaching opportunities for all areas, with high needs in:
French, Special Education (Blind and Low Vision; Deaf and Hard of Hearing), Native Languages and Native Studies - Secondary Teaching opportunities for all subject areas, with particular needs in: Technological Education, Business, Computer Studies, French
- Support Staff, On-call replacement opportunities are available for:
Special Education programs, Educational and Special Needs Assistants, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Educational Assistants
- Noon Hour Assistants
- Lunchroom Supervisors
- Early Childhood Educators (Regular Programs and Bilingual English/French)
- School Based Safety Monitors
- Office Support Staff
- Aquatics - Lifeguards and Swim Instructors
- Child & Youth Workers
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Committee Meeting This Week
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - Program and School Services Committee - 4:30pm - Boardroom - Agenda
- 5. Community Advisory Committee Reports
- 5.1 Parent Involvement Advisory Committee Report, June 6, 2023 School Councils and Advisory Committees Communication Tools
- 5.2 French-as-a-Second-Language Community Advisory Committee Annual Report
- 6. Staff Reports
- 6.1 Annual Enrolment in Early and Middle French Immersion Programs 2023-2024 and Core French Programs 2022-2023
- 6.2 Early Years Literacy Intervention Model, New Ontario Curriculum, Language: Grades 1 to 8 and New Grade 9 English Curriculum (ENL1W) Implementation Update
- 6.3 Supporting Newcomer/Refugee Students and Families
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Somali Heritage Month Contest
Just a reminder that the writing competition ⤵️ closes Friday Oct. 20, 2023. Click on this link for additional information.We cannot wait to read all of the amazing submissions!
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2024 Team Canada Olympic Day Grant | Application
.A total of up to 10 grants of up to $5,000 are available for schools across the country to fund programs and projects that enable more students to access sport and/or support students to stay in sport by promoting the inclusion of underrepresented groups and creating safe and positive sporting experiences. Click here for more information https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/2024olympicday?lang=en.
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Central Student Interest Programs for 2024-25
Secondary Central Student Interest Programs and Schools: Timelines & Open Houses begin November 1st. Check here for dates/times.
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Registration Open! PCP Conference
Join us at our annual Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference on October 21 and 22, 2023. Parents, guardians, and caregivers are invited to participate in a weekend of learning, connection, and engagement and to learn strategies to support your child throughout the year.
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TDSB EcoSchools Fall Conference
Join us for the TDSB EcoSchools Fall 2023 Conference on Saturday, October 28 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, 252 Bloor Street West
A FREE hybrid event for all TDSB educators, staff & the OISE community. Leave this conference with inspiring ideas, strategies & resources to foster CCE in K-12 classrooms! Register here.
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School Council Innovation Grant 2023 - 2024
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Professional Learning for School Council Chairs/Co-Chairs, Members, Principals and Vice Principals
Each year the Parent/Caregiver and Community Engagement Office (PCCEO) provides opportunities for School Councils across the system to support the important work of School Councils. Please refer below for all upcoming events and log in details.
Module 1 School Council Chairs: The Basics Leading your School Council begins by understanding the legislation that guides your work. This module will explore what Regulation 612 says about the Council mandate, membership, roles and responsibilities, and the mandatory actions every Council is required to carry out. We will also begin our exploration of Chair as leader by looking at the seven responsibilities of this position. November 13 6:30-8:00
Module 2 School Council Chairs: Leading Meetings Chairing a School Council meeting can be stressful or fulfilling - or a bit of both. Building on module 1, we examine how Chairs may lead effective meetings. We begin with agendas, minutes and reports, then move into decision making, working with committees and valuing volunteers. We end with the responsibility many Chairs hope to avoid - dealing with conflict. Here’s a hint: it doesn’t have to be awful. November 14 6:30-8:00
Module 3 School Council Chairs: Leading an Inclusive Practice School Councils represent the parent/caregiver community, the WHOLE community. But much of their work follows old practices established by the dominant communities. This module looks at those traditions and then begins to disrupt the notion of “the hard to reach” parent/caregiver. Beginning with relationships and communication - the keystones of successful engagement - we will investigate strategies for consultation that “go to the margins”. October 26 6:30-8:00 or November 15 6:30-8:00
Module 4 School Council Chairs: Leading Effective Engagement This series of modules ends where we began - the Council mandate for effective engagement for student achievement. What is meaningful engagement and why is it important? After a brief review of the significance of relationships and communication, we will explore strategies to build the capabilities of your parents/caregivers to support their children’s learning, building connections between school and home, and an interesting way to consult with your community throughout the year. It’s about valuing parent/caregiver knowledge and teacher knowledge. How might Chairs lead this exciting path to collaboration? November 6 6:30-8:00 or November 16 6:30-8:00
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Ready, set, plant! City of Toronto opens applications for its PollinateTO Grants
Applications are now open for the City of Toronto’s PollinateTO Grants program. Through the program, the City offers grants of up to $5,000 to support community-led initiatives that result in the creation or expansion of pollinator habitat on public and private lands in Toronto. A priority will be placed on funding projects in Toronto’s Neighbourhood Improvement Areas. Projects eligible for funding include those that create new pollinator habitat in green spaces, such as schoolyards and parks, and those that expand existing gardens with pollinator-friendly plants. Projects that create pollinator pathways (multiple gardens on a residential street) are also eligible for funding. Projects must be visible to the public and educate and/or engage the community. Community groups, not-for-profit organizations, student groups, parent councils, Indigenous groups and other resident-led groups are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, October 25.
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Youth Climate Action Grants – Deadline to Apply, November 20, 2023
Calling all TDSB students! City of Toronto grants of up to $1,000 will be available to student groups who want to take on climate action projects in their schools and communities. Applications for grant funding are now open and the deadline to apply is November 20, 2023. The EcoSchools central team is available to support student groups to develop their action projects and assist with best practices for grant writing proposals.
Toronto has an ambitious strategy to address the climate emergency and accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040. Achieving net zero emissions will require big changes in how we live, work, and travel. For more information about the grant program, visit Youth Climate Action Grants.
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Take Me Outside Day
Only one more month until #TakeMeOutsideDay! Did you know each day of the week from Oct 16-20th has a theme? And we have speakers, activities & prizes for all of them!
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Global School Play Day 2024 - Celebrating UNSTRUCTURED Play - February 7, 2024
Register your class/school to show support for GSPD. We will send you an email to remind you of the event and we promise not to share your email! Signing up for Global School Play Day is all about sending a collective message to the world that we believe in the importance of play for every child (and adult's).
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Legislative Page Program - Applications Open!
Applications for the spring 2024 term are now open until November 15th, 2023.
This unique educational program for Ontario students enrolled in Grade 7 or 8 at time of application with an academic average of Level 4 or 80 % (or higher). It provides an opportunity to experience the provincial legislature in action and forge new lifelong friendships with peers from all over the province. For more information https://www.ola.org/en/visit-learn/programs/about-page-program.
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We Have a Dog Problem
Current by-law rules don’t work for school grounds. As a result, many dog owners disregard our signage and don’t seem to care that children play on that same grass! With limited resources the TDSB must rely on dog owners to be responsible and unfortunately, so many aren’t.
Please respect children’s play spaces.
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2023-2024 Calendar
Please ensure you check these dates before scheduling events.
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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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