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May is Asian Heritage MonthAsian Heritage Month is recognized during the month of May at the Toronto District School Board. Our theme this year is, “Our stories. Our voices. Our journey.”
Asia is a land of great political, economic, social, ethnic, cultural and religious diversity; this diversity creates challenges when we attempt to define Asia in geographic and political terms. More than 40% of TDSB students identify as Asian. During May there will be many opportunities to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Asian Canadians and to recognize the narratives and wisdom of various Asian cultures. We are pleased to share with you that a number of Asian Heritage Month Events being held across the system. A few of these initiatives are listed below. - Asian Heritage Month Launch - Monday, May 6 at 9- 10:15am, Corvette Public School, 30 Corvette Ave
- Asian Heritage Month – Student Panel Discussion - Wednesday, May 8 at 8:30-11:15 Agincourt Collegiate Institute, 2621 Midland Ave
- Asian Heritage Month – Culminating Arts Event - Friday, May 17 from 10-12pm – Performances, Northview Heights Secondary School, 550 Finch Ave W
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May is Jewish Heritage MonthDuring Jewish Heritage Month, the Toronto District School Board is partnering with the Ontario Jewish Archives, Blankenstein Family Heritage Centre, to present a “Stories of Spadina” walking tour of Kensington Market. The tour will introduce the market to many TDSB students through a lively and engaging experience that combines history, music and architecture, and focus on the stories of Toronto’s early Jewish community. As part of the tour, groups will also enter the Kiever Synagogue – one of Toronto’s most historic Jewish buildings.
The tours will be delivered to students in Grades 6 to 9 by teachers from TDSB’s Toronto Urban Studies Centre. Before coming on the trip, teachers and students view the video - if you have 10 minutes you too, may enjoy watching it! And will use the workbook.
Teaching Goals
• To present the challenges and opportunities of living in early 20th century Toronto;
• To develop awareness and empathy for the Jews of the past and present; and
• Demonstrate contemporary resonances and connections with Toronto’s contemporary immigrant population. We are thrilled that we have 59 schools participating, some with more than one class, which are approximately 2,640 students.
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Liberation75: Official LaunchOn May 2, Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day), the TDSB as a participating organization will be part of the official launch of Liberation75 – The Global Gathering of Holocaust Survivors, Descendants, Educators and Friends which will be held next year in Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from May 31-June 2, 2020. Liberation75 will focus on remembering the victims, honouring the survivors, showcasing the future of Holocaust and genocide prevention education, reflecting on antisemitism in the world, celebrating the role of the liberators, and committing to protect freedom, diversity, human rights, and inclusion. This initiative is being supported by the leading Holocaust education, genocide prevention, and human rights organizations in the world. The launch of Liberation75 will include moving performances by the students of North Toronto CI and WL Mackenzie, including 15 year old Mackenzie student Isaac Rosenberg, who was nominated for a Grammy this year along with his group for a version of a lost Holocaust song. “Almost 75 years since the Holocaust and hatred, antisemitism, and genocide still threaten the world. Telling the story of the Holocaust transcends the decades and reminds us of the constant need to be vigilant citizens and to stop injustice, prejudice and hatred wherever and whenever they occur.” From The United States Holocaust Museum in Washington. This afternoon I attended the 104th Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide - hate against one is hate against all.
The TDSB is committed to educating against all forms of hate. Yet again another horrific act of of anti-Semitism - another killing in a synagogue near San Diego on Saturday. These acts of violence must end and we must redouble our efforts to stand up against hate in all its forms. I am saddened by the violence at the synagogue in #Poway, praying for the dead and injured.This act of hate and anti-Semitism is deplorable.Too often we are sending messages such as these. Education has a significant role to play to end this hate,but we cannot do this alone.#TDSB - John Malloy, Director
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TDSB Committees This Week
Special Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee, Monday, April 29, 2019 4:30 p.m. Boardroom, 5050 Yonge Street 4.1 Grants for Student Needs Funding, 2019-20 - To be presented - On Friday, April 26, the Ministry of Education released the Grants for Student Needs which outline funding for school boards. Staff are currently reviewing these documents and will be in a position to post additional information on Monday, April 29. After a preliminary review, staff are still forecasting an operating budget shortfall of $54.4 million.
Program & School Services Committee - Wednesday, May 1, 2019, 4:30 Committee Room A, 5050 Yonge Street
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Yonge-Eglinton Part Phase 2 - SuspendedDuring the second meeting of the Yonge-Eglinton Phase 2 Program Area Review Team (PART), it was decided to suspend the process until the fall. During the staff presentation it was explained that as the TDSB’s Planning and Staffing departments work to accommodate the new class size requirements mandated by the Ministry of Education, the scope of the PART needs to be expanded. All active reviews are now to consider secondary properties as opportunities to address accommodation pressures. It was also decided, however, to continue with one of the recommendations - as development in the Yonge-Eglinton area continues to grow at an accelerated pace, and a short-term accommodation solution is required to address continued accommodation pressures at Eglinton Jr PS. A redirection of the portion of the Eglinton Jr PS and Hodgson MS junior and intermediate attendance areas located south of Fairfield Road, east of Cardiff Road, north of Eglinton Avenue East, and west of Bayview Avenue to Northlea E & MS from Eglinton Jr PS is being considered. A Boundary Review has now been established to analyze this option and consult with the affected school communities before a final decision is made. The presentation from the second PART meeting can be found on TDSB’s website: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/AccommodationReviews Under ‘Program Accommodation Reviews’, select: Bedford Park PS, Eglinton Jr PS, Glenview Sr PS, Hodgson MS, John Fisher Jr PS, Northlea E and MS- Presentation Meeting #2. The information that will be shared at the public meeting for the boundary change will be under Boundary Reviews, select: Eglinton Jr PS, Hodgson MS, and Northlea E and MS. The public meeting date will be confirmed shortly.
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Unleashing Learning Conference
Last Thursday, Director John Malloy opened this year’s Unleashing Learning Conference with a keynote about TDSB's vision for students, the importance of checking our privilege and interrupting bias, and how we are working together across the system to create the best conditions for all students to succeed. From all the tweets, It appeared to be a wonderful day.. You can see the videos for yourself that feature TDSB educators and speak to the importance of student voice (featuring McMurrich!) networking and collaboration and professional learning. Below is an image capturing the Director's speech at the Conference.
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Plea to Government to Pause Cuts to Toronto Public HealthDuring a Special Board Meeting Thursday, Trustees voted on an Emergency Motion to have the Chair write a letter to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care, the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and the Minister of Education as well as Toronto Members of Provincial Parliament urging them to hold off on implementing the cuts until there can be further consultation and a full discussion about the known impacts. The following list of programs and services provided by Toronto Public Health (TPH) to TDSB students. This snapshot has been developed by TDSB staff in consultation with TPH and may not be exhaustive of all services and programs offered. These programs are vital to our students and their families. - Management of immunization records, outbreaks and operation of clinics (Toronto Public Health immunizes approximately 100,000 students annually against Hepatitis B, Meningococcal disease and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). They assess over 322,000 Senior Kindergarten to Grade 12 students' immunization records in over 800 schools.)
- Management of Pre-school Speech and Language therapy referrals (Toronto Public Health’s Preschool Speech and Language Program provides help for children (from birth to when they start Junior Kindergarten) with speech and language concerns at no cost and conducts more than 8,000 intervention sessions each year.)
- Administration of student nutrition services (Every day, over 208,000 Toronto students participate in breakfast, snack, morning meal and lunch programs.)
- Childhood dental screening and dental clinics for eligible families
- Food safety inspections (school cafeterias and childcare)
- Smoking bi-laws, tobacco, cannabis, vaping enforcement and support
- Participation in staff training, upon request, where possible, such as assistance with Naloxone administration, suicide prevention and intervention training
- Management and control of reportable infectious diseases
- School Health Liaison nurse (SHLs): They provide professional advice to school educators, students and parents on topics including Sexual Health Promotion, Healthy Schools and Substance Misuse Prevention
- Mental health promotion for our schools
- Communicable Disease Control (including water testing)
“Toronto Public Health funds important programs that TDSB students need for their health, achievement and well-being. Before the Province makes any cuts, it is imperative that we know the possible impacts they will have and have the opportunity to offer our input.”
- Robin Pilkey, Chair, TDSB
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2019-2020 BudgetSince the Ministry of Education’s GSN announcement Friday, although additional analysis is required, the TDSB believes it is still facing a revenue shortfall of approximately $54 million. Staff continue to work with the Ministry and are awaiting detailed technical information to enable them to confirm actual funding. In the past, the Board has made up the shortfall by finding savings and efficiencies during the course of the year in other areas of the budget – cuts that have not affected classrooms and students. But the Board is running out of options. We have many programs and services that respond to the unique needs of urban education – programs that are not part of the Ministry funding envelope. To keep programs we value, we will need to consider how we deliver them differently. As Director Malloy has stated publicly, challenging decisions will need to be made by the Board of Trustees to balance the budget while ensuring student learning and achievement, and providing equitable allocation of resources so that all students, including those with special needs, receive the support they need to be successful. Staff are continuing to analyze and will be in a position to post additional information on Monday, April 29 in time for the Special Finance and Enrolment Committee Meeting at 4:30. Remaining Finance, Budget and Enrolment Committee Meetings (FBEC) re Budget
- April 29, 2019 Monday 4:30 p.m. Tentative GSN Funding Analysis Presentation on Capital Budget Process
- May 13, 2019 Monday 4:30 p.m. Presentation of Draft 2019-20 Capital Budget and Presentation of Draft 2019-20 Operating Budget
- May 15, 2019 Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Hold for Delegations and Additional Budget Discussions
- May 27, 2019 Monday 4:30 p.m. Hold for Delegations and Additional Budget Discussions
- June 11, 2019 Tuesday 6:00 p.m. Approval of 2019-20 Budget for Operating and Capital
You are welcomed to make a presentation in person to FBEC or send us your written comments. Meetings have been scheduled for May 15 and 27 after the Operating Budget is public specifically to hear from you. Both meetings begin at 4:30 p.m. in the TDSB Boardroom. Additional meetings may be scheduled. For information, please click https://www.tdsb.on.ca/leadership/boardroom/delegations.
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PIAC POST - What you can do...
Education is a partnership involving students, parents, teachers, principals, staff, trustees, school boards, government, and the community. The Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) is committed to strengthening this partnership and is committed to assisting parents and school councils in ensuring student success in education. In their latest PIAC POST, PIAC speaks to Supporting Parents as Partners in Education - APRIL 2019 | VOL 18 - 19 | ISSUE (SPECIAL EDITION: CHANGES TO PUBLIC EDUCATION) in response to the many questions PIAC has received from parents about the proposed
Provincial Government education cuts. They have put together some information on what has happened to date and resources on how you can have your say. It is replicated below, but for the complete text, please click here for the Accessible Version.
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Transfer of the School Crossing Guard Program
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Policy Consultations
We would like to know your thoughts about our policy decisions by inviting you to our policy consultations. Please click on the policy of your interest to see the current draft. You are welcome to provide your comments, including suggestions on the wording and provisions of the draft policies, questions or recommendations using the contact information below. Caring and Safe Schools Policy (P051) Closes April 30, 2019 Draft Policy Share your feedback using the survey here: Survey Link - Email: ted.libera@tdsb.on.ca
Objective:
To ensure that all students feel that they belong, are heard, accepted, safe, supported and cared for through the creation of positive school climates that reflect themselves, value their voices and foster a culture of mutual respect and healthy relationships; and to enhance and maintain working and learning environments that embed principles of equity, anti-oppression, anti-racism, acceptance and inclusion in procedures, practices and programs that support the safety, dignity, health and well-being of all. Excursions Policy (P033) Closes May 24, 2019 Draft Policy - Email: michel.leblanc@tdsb.on.ca
Objective:
Outlines the requirements for organization and execution of out-of-school excursions and field trips within the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) system and; establishes the Board’s commitment to and a basis for the full and equitable inclusion of all students in curriculum-based excursions while ensuring that all barriers to access are removed and that safety, accountability and transparency are paramount.
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Worth Repeating TDSB Summer ProgramsAt the TDSB we provide a wide range of enriching summer programs for children, youth and adults.
Elementary Secondary School
Adult
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School Year Calendar 2018-2019The 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
- 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
- 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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