First Update of the School Year!
Although classes don’t start until after Labour Day, I thought I’d update from the summer and reconnect. I hope you and your families are having a great break.
I had a wonderful summer culminating in the success of the Pan/Parapan American Games - a project I've been involved with since the bid was submitted in 2008.
Please know school offices are open tomorrow with administration and office staff on-site; many teachers and education workers will also be in during the week preparing their classrooms for the new school year.
Weekly Updates – A New Format!
If you are receiving this update, you were either on my mydistribution list at the end of last school year or signed up to receive electronic messages from Ward 11 through the board website. I understand that situations change and should you no longer wish to receive these weekly updates, please click on the link at the bottom to “Opt Out”.
The TDSB is now using “Emma” software to help Trustees communicate with constituents. Although the format of my Weekly Updates has changed, please know that I will continue my practice of sending them out to help you keep connected to education issues in the Ward and across the Board. You can also follow me on Twitter @shelleylaskin. Do not hesitate to contact me with your questions, comments or concerns; e-mail me at shelley.laskin@tdsb.on.ca.
New TDSB Chair Robin Pilkey
Over the summer, Robin Pilkey was acclaimed as Chair of the TDSB when Shaun Chen resigned as Chair to run in the federal election. As an engaged parent who chaired School Councils and former Trustee Irene Atkinson’s Ward 7 Council, Robin understands system priorities with a focus on student, parent and community engagement and student academic achievement and well-being. As a Professional Chartered Accountant, Robin understands ethical, fair and equitable business practices. She has my complete support. “I want to offer my sincere thanks to my fellow Trustees for placing their faith in me as Chair — a role that I approach with both a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of optimism. While there are challenges ahead, I’m confident that our Board will meet them head on.” - Robin Pilkey, Chair, TDSB, August 12, 2015.
Back to School Tips
Looking for some useful tips to start off the school year? Please check out this information posted on the
Welcome Back section on the TDSB website. Posted on the site is the
school year calendar which includes all important dates to remember during the school year. Print a copy and keep it somewhere close-by for easy reference throughout the year. Remember that start and end times for school timetables differ by school so make sure to call your school’s office or check the school's website to find out when the day begins and ends.
Information in Student Agendas
Students in the TDSB are provided with Agenda/Planners that contain common board policy information and are customized for individual schools. Below, please find the common information which will provide you with an understanding of system expectations.
Facility Projects over the Summer
I am so pleased to report that 118 Roofing Projects have been completed between March and the end of August. These included roof repairs at Northern, Forest Hill Collegiate, Humewood, JR Wilcox and West Prep. JR Wilcox also received solar panels. Renovations to increase the number of available classrooms were also undertaken at Brown, Deer Park and McMurrich. The field was re-sodded at Davisville and the turf was repaired at Maurice Cody. Brick work was done at Deer Park; Stairs were repaired at McMurrich as well as at Northern. Northern also had issues with its hot water tanks and they are being replaced. FHCI had its pool repaired and significant repairs to the pool at Deer Park should be completed by the end of October. Planning and fundraising for significant playground improvements are underway at both Deer Park and West Prep as well. Most importantly, caretaking staff worked diligently over the summer cleaning and polishing and mowing – their efforts are so appreciated.
TDSB Capital Priority Projects: Business Cases Submitted
In mid-July, the TDSB complied with a Ministry of Education request (they ask all boards to submit 8 business cases supporting requests for capital funding from the province) submitted
Business Cases to the Ministry of Education for the capital priority projects it is requesting the Ministry fund this year. The number one and two priorities for capital funding in the Board acknowledge the rapid enrolment growth within the Yonge-Eglinton area within our Ward – the rebuilding of Davisville Public School and a major renovation to Hodgson Sr School. It will be some time before we hear back from the province with regard to the acceptance of our proposals. There is no question we need capital funding to cover our enrolment growth and for our renewal backlog.
Fix Our Schools "are parents, students, teachers, grandparents, caretakers and voters who believe that every public school building in Ontario ought to be safe, well-maintained, and funded as a key component of our society’s infrastructure." You may wish to join them in their advocacy.
I have been sharing information on the Yonge-Eglinton Study in my previous updates and held a Special Ward Forum in the spring on the options staff are considering to deal with the enrolment pressures. For more information on the studies in our ward that are part of the Board’s Long-Term Program and Accommodation Plan (LTPAP), please see
Laskin Update - Week of May 3, 2015. Staff are reviewing all studies in September and more information including when public meetings will be scheduled to review staff proposals will be forthcoming. For more information on the types of studies, please see
LTPAR Review Processes.
EcoSchools
And also in early summer we received the Report that 12 schools in Ward 11 have been certified this year as bronze, silver, gold or platinum EcoSchools. In total the TDSB has certified 357 sites inclusive of schools and Outdoor Education Centres this past year. All certified EcoSchools have shown leadership and good environmental responsibility and are congratulated on their achievement. Thank you to the students and parents and staff who support these important initiatives.
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Forest Hill Jr. & Sr. P.S.
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