Trustee Shelley Laskin Weekly Updates

Monday, 24 October 2022

WEEK OF OCT. 24/22

DIWALI CELEBRATION AND INFORMATION SHARING AT DPS/SA:
Happy Diwali to all our families celebrating today.
On Friday, Oct. 21, we participated in Diwali festivities. Our parent volunteers generously offered a special Diwali lunch for our staff and took the time to decorate our school atrium. Our students learned about Diwali  in their classrooms as presentations were offered by parent volunteers.
Thank you to the many parent/caregiver volunteers who made this possible. 

Locking the Millwood Gates reminder:  
Parents/Guardians please be reminded that for drop off and/or pick up, the east Millwood gate and the west Millwood remain locked.  We are still getting used to our new school and school yard and, especially at the start of the year with so many students who are new to recess in the big yard and our staggered start and end times this year, we feel more comfortable restricting the access to our yard to the two gates on the east side of our school yard.   We know this might be a few more steps for some but hope that this will not cause too much inconvenience.  If you have any concerns about this new practice, please let us know.  Thank you!

Halloween/Costume/PJ Day: Monday, Oct. 31/22:

It's almost Halloween. While we look forward to celebrating, we encourage students to be mindful of their choice of costume. Caricatures of peoples' cultures are offensive and hurtful. Students may choose to dress up in a costume, in their pyjamas, or for Halloween if they wish.  While we aim to have some fun and enjoy the day, please remember to adhere to the following guidelines:
The students will be having an outdoor walking parade (weather permitted) around the school yard sometime in the afternoon. You are welcome to join by spectating on the exterior of the fence along Millwood. 
Please stay tuned for Parade times later this week.
  • Students must continue to wear masks underneath their costumes. 
  • Students can only bring their own food/healthy treats.
Please be aware of the types of costumes you are selecting for your child.  They should all be respectful, not include weapons or other dangerous accessories, and contain appropriate language if there is writing on the costumes.

Grade 8 Transition Year - At a Glance

Below, please find a general overview of the transition year.

November

December

Round 1 

  • Deadline for parent/guardian to be informed of a Student Interest Program offer (December 8, 2022)
  • Deadline for parent/guardian to accept a Student Interest Program offer (December 14, 2022)

Round 2

January

  • Attend the Secondary School Virtual Open Houses and Information Nights
  • Grade 8 to 9 Annual Reviews for all students with an Exceptionality (e.g., regular class or special education class)
  • Secondary Student Transition Planning
  • Offers for grade 9 ISP programs will begin (e.g., congregated and integrated sites) (last week of January 2023)
  • Students wishing to attend a school other than their designated school by address including Alternative Schools; Out-of-Area Online Applications are available (January 9, 2023)
  • Out-of-Area Online Applications are due (January 27, 2023)
  • Grade 8 Course Selection Opens for all students via myBlueprint (February 4, 2023)
  • Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)

February

Round 1

  • Deadline for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the Out-of-Area Application (February 8, 2023)
  • Deadline for families to confirm acceptance of the Out-of-Area offer (February 14, 2023)

Round 2

  • Deadline for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the Out-of-Area Application (February 15, 2023)
  • Deadline for families to confirm acceptance of the Out-of-Area offer (February 21, 2023)

Final round

  • Deadline for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the Out-of-Area Application (February 22, 2023)
  • Deadline for families to confirm acceptance of the Out-of-Area offer (February 24, 2023)
  • Students must finalize their destination for secondary school (designated school by address, Central Program, Alternative School, Out-of-Area Admission) by completing and submitting the corresponding course selection for the accepted school in myBlueprint (February 27, 2023)
  • Course selection deadline (February 27, 2023)
  • Parent/Teacher interviews
  • Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)

May / June

  • Grade 8 Transition Events at TDSB High Schools
  • Grade 8 Graduation
  • Register for the Grade 8 Reach Ahead Course (optional)
  • Inquire if your secondary school is hosting a Grade 9 Head Start to High School event
  • Complete Individual Pathways Plan task(s)
ROSEDALE HEIGHTS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS: OPEN HOUSE
Please see the following poster and RHSA Flyer for Grade 9 entry: Open House Poster RHSA Flyer
ETOBICOKE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS: OPEN HOUSE
Gr. 8 Open House performance and information session on Tuesday November 8th from 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Please see the following poster: Etobicoke School of the Arts Poster
HEARTS AND MINDS FALL NEWSLETTER:
Please see the most recent Hearts and Minds Newsletter: Fall Newsletter
TDSB website reporting delays or bus cancellations: TSTG
Davisville Spiritwear:
To order Davisville spiritwear check school cashonline, visit  davisvillepublicschool.entripyshops.com
School Trustee's Weekly Newsletter - Ward 8:
  • For updates regarding topics affecting the TDSB, please subscribe to Shelley Laskin's weekly newsletter.

Early French Immersion Application Process:

The entry point to Early French Immersion for September 2023 is Junior Kindergarten as it was this year. The application to the Early French Immersion program will remain an online process managed by the Central French Department and applications must be completed online between October 31 and November 25, 2022. An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all 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. Visit the TDSB website for more information about Early French Immersion, Virtual & In-Person Information Sessions or the Application Process. Note registration for regular JK programs happen in February.
DPS and SPECTRUM HYPERLINKS DOCUMENT: Please make reference to the following document for frequently visited and up-to-date weblinks for Davisville and TDSB. Included is the Safe Arrivals phone number when your child is sick/absent and also the Early Pick-up/

School Bus Delays/Cancellations: 

Please Call School Messenger directly 1-833-250-2290, between (7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) to report child(ren’s)absence for the current day or future date. If you do not report your child(ren’s) absence(s) prior to the start of school day you will be contacted by School Messenger and you must indicate the reason for the absence. Please respond to safe arrival calls. The telephone number 833-250-2290 will display on the caller ID.
Sign out GForm to be completed by 12:00 the day of for your child/children's pickup for appointments. 


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Monday, 17 October 2022

WEEK OF OCT. 17/22

HEALTH AND WELLNESS YOGA WEEK:

MONDAY (October 17 - 21) is the start of YOGA WEEK in Health & Wellness for ALL French and English classes, Grades 1-6. 

IF you have a YOGA mat, BRING IT. If not, I've got one for you...

Come dressed comfortably for yoga together.

Namaste,

Mrs. Sullada

EXTRA EDUCATION PROGRAMS POSTPONED: 

Further information with respect to clubs and start up dates will be shared some time later this week or next week. Thank you for your understanding. Stay tuned.

DIWALI AT DPS:

On Thursday, Oct. 20 and Friday, October 21 our students will have the opportunity to learn more about Diwali. Some parents have volunteered to visit classrooms and do a Diwali themed activity with our students  on Thursday and/or Friday. 

This year, Diwali falls on Monday, October 24. It's the first of the season's festivals of light. Read more from the Hindustan Times - The most significant and holy festival of Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is almost here. Hindus celebrate this auspicious festival to observe the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil and hope over despair. Diwali also marks the death of many demons like Narkasur by Lord Krishna, the arrival of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after killing Ravana, and Lord Vamana defeating Bali. People pray to Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali by performing the auspicious Lakshmi Puja at their homes and offices and ask the goddess to bless them with prosperity, happiness, peace and wealth. In most places in the country, Diwali is celebrated for five days. To all celebrating, Happy Diwali!

DAVISVILLE CROSS COUNTRY AT SUNNYBROOK:

On October 11th our Davisville Cross Country Team participated in a South Conference Qualifier Meet at Sunnybrook Park.  Our team consisted of students from Grades 2-6 who have been training 2-3 times a week over the last 3 weeks in preparation for the meet.  The Davisville Team consisted of a total of 120 student runners and multiple coaches.  Runners showed amazing resilience and perseverance throughout the season and they really displayed excellence at the meet!  We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather and amazing support from parents who came to help out or just cheer our team on!  Huge thanks goes to our coaches: Ms. Harnick, Ms. Harte, Mr. Ross, Ms. Bottos and Ms. Francesca.  Thank you to Mme. Rogers and Mme Gibson for all of your help and support with the practices and with the team and thank you as well to the parent volunteers (Marnie McBean and Beata Strzyzewska) who helped along the cross country course that day.   

We are proud to announce that Davisville has 8 runners competing in the City Finals on Friday, Oct. 21.

Congratulations to: Owen, Vidhyjut, Clark, Sophia, Lucia, Zoe, Ignatije, and Kuba who have advanced to the City Finals. Go Dragons Go!!

DAVISVILLE COMMUNITY AND AQUATIC CENTRE:

The following link is the City website for the Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre project: 

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/construction-new-facilities/new-parks-facilities/davisville-aquatic-community-recreation-centre/

CENTRAL STUDENT INTEREST PROGRAMS-MORE UPDATES:

Admissions to Central Student Interest Programs

When the Board voted to improve access to specialized schools and programs at our meeting in May, Chair Alexander Brown articulated the why - “It is our responsibility to take action to improve access for all students where we identify systemic barriers. This new policy will ensure a greater number of students have access to these high quality programs and schools while reducing barriers that have long-prevented many students from even applying.” 

Central Staff continue to work with school teams and the various programs to collaboratively set the admission criteria for each program.

The following programs have finalized application details and are now available online:

Program webpages will continue to be updated as soon as application details are finalized in the coming weeks.

The secondary central student interest program website contains a Google calendar highlighting all of the program open houses during November. Other important dates include:

  • November 1, 2022 - Grade 8 to 9 Information Webinar 
  • November 3, 2022 - Student Interest Programs Webinar 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.(elementary and secondary)
  • November 7, 2022  - Central student interest programs Online Application opens
  • November 25, 202 - Central student interest programs Online Application closes (4:00 p.m.) 
     
    Virtual Support Sessions are available via Zoom:

Parents as Partners Logo

PARENTS AS PARTNERS HYBRID CONFERENCE 2022:

Registration is now open for #TDSB's Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference!

Join us on October 22 and 23, 2022 to learn strategies to support your child, to connect with experts and other parents, and to hear our inspiring keynotes. Find all of the details at http://www.parentsaspartners.ca/. 
 

CLAUDE WATSON ARTS PROGRAM FOR GRADE 8 STUDENTS 2023-2024:



Greetings!

The Claude Watson Arts Program is committed to championing artists who demonstrate passion in their pursuit of excellence in the arts.

Above is our Open House flyer for grade 8 students interested in focusing on Dance, Drama, Film, Music or Visual Arts at Earl Haig S.S. 

Please register here. https://forms.gle/goTQLZJTANt7jYdy9

 Students, family and friends are invited to attend our IN PERSON OPEN HOUSE on Thursday, November 10th at 6:00 PM.

 For application and audition information please visit our website at www.claudewatson.ca

Applications are due November 25th at 4:00 PM

Thank you

 Tara Lee Blight, Hon B.F.A., B. Ed, M.F.A

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Artistic Director 

Claude Watson Secondary Arts Program at Earl Haig Secondary School 

100 Princess Avenue

North York, ON M2N 3R7

416-395-3824 x20137

www.claudewatson.ca

 IN-PERSON OPEN HOUSE on Thursday, November 10th at 6:00 PM

 Applications are available on the TDSB website www.tdsb.on.ca

Due: November 25th 

DPS and SPECTRUM HYPERLINKS DOCUMENT: Please make reference to the following document for frequently visited and up-to-date weblinks for Davisville and TDSB. Included is the Safe Arrivals phone number when your child is sick/absent and also the Early Pick-up/

School Bus Delays/Cancellations: 

Please Call School Messenger directly 1-833-250-2290, between (7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) to report child(ren’s)absence for the current day or future date. If you do not report your child(ren’s) absence(s) prior to the start of school day you will be contacted by School Messenger and you must indicate the reason for the absence. Please respond to safe arrival calls. The telephone number 833-250-2290 will display on the caller ID.
Sign out GForm to be completed by 12:00 the day of for your child/children's pickup for appointments. 
TDSB website reporting delays or bus cancellations: TSTG
Davisville Spiritwear:
To order Davisville spiritwear check school cashonline, visit  davisvillepublicschool.entripyshops.com

School Trustee's Weekly Newsletter - Ward 8:
  • For updates regarding topics affecting the TDSB, please subscribe to Shelley Laskin's weekly newsletter.

 


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Tuesday, 11 October 2022

WEEK OF OCT. 10/22

Davisville Curriculum Night: Thursday, October 13

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Parent Council will be in the Dragons' Den (atrium) to greet parents from 6 PM.

You are invited to a special self-guided school tour/scavenger hunt sponsored and organized by School Council.  Scavenger hunt winners will get cool Davisville Swag for their children!

6:30 Presentation in gym
7:00-7:20-Classroom presentation Session 1 and 7:25-7:45 Classroom presentation Session 2
(We are holding 2 sessions to accommodate parents/caregivers with multiple children.

Pizza Lunch - Starting October 21 - ORDER by October 14th:

 Pizza lunch is available for purchase this week on School Cashonline.  You must order by Friday, October 14 to receive pizza on October 21.


There will be the traditional options: Cheese, Pepperoni, or a combo slices of Cheese & Pepperoni and new: Dairy-less cheese.  We will also have a snack for the students as well.  

You will also be able to order for the full school year (School day Fridays in October - June), or by term: October - December.

We want to make sure that financial considerations do not impede any child from receiving pizza.  Please contact Principal David or Vice-Principal Wanda and we will make sure that anyone who wants pizza receives pizza.

School Cash Online:

SchoolCash online is an easy to use, safe and convenient way for parents & guardians to pay for their children’s school fees, including class trips, and pizza lunches.

How does School Cash Online work?

All school fees applicable to your child will be posted on School Cash Online. Once you register, you can choose to purchase the items or activities using a debit or credit card. You will be able to see when the school has a new item posted online for purchase and you also have the option to be notified whenever your child has a new school event requiring payment.

If you have not done so, please find some additional information, including How to register: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/School-Cash-Online

TDSB Early French Immersion (Junior Kindergarten Entry) Application Deadline: 

The application to the Early French Immersion program will remain an online process. The application period runs from October 31 and November 25, 2022. An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all 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.

Please see the following poster that contains Early French Immersion Application Poster

Visit the TDSB website for more information about Early French Immersion, Virtual & In-Person Information Sessions or the Application Process.

TDSB Central Student Interest Programs Updates:

Admissions to Central Student Interest Programs

When the Board voted to improve access to specialized schools and programs at our meeting in May, Chair Alexander Brown articulated the why - “It is our responsibility to take action to improve access for all students where we identify systemic barriers. This new policy will ensure a greater number of students have access to these high quality programs and schools while reducing barriers that have long-prevented many students from even applying.” 

As outlined in last week's update, all programs, including the Arts will be moving forward with consistent, interest-based admissions criteria in November 2022 for the 2023-24 school year. Central Staff have been working with school teams and the various programs to collaboratively set the admission criteria for each program. Applications for central student interest programs (e.g. Arts, International Baccalaureate) open on November 7, 2022 and close on November 25 at 4:00 p.m. 

The following programs have finalized their application details and are now available online:

Program webpages will continue to be updated as soon as application details are finalized in the coming weeks.

Arts Program Structure - Program structure is the way the program is organized with courses and key areas of focus, such as dance or performing arts. In secondary arts programs, each school has its own unique structure. To provide more access to programming to students in the areas where applications are higher, arts schools are reviewing and revising their program structures to provide greater flexibility and choice. Additionally, schools are considering new course offerings to further enhance the dynamic and engaging experience for students and ensure that a variety of students see themselves reflected in the curriculum.

Longstanding structures take time to change and secondary arts schools have been offered an additional year to address these complex changes to ensure that the work is successful.

While some schools will be prepared to share their new program structure with students and parents/caregivers/guardians this fall, other Arts-focused schools are still in the early stages of this work and will develop their program structure over the course of this school year for implementation in 2024-25.

During this school year, Senior Staff will continue to focus on collaborating with teachers, administrators, superintendents and central staff to manage these changes as effectively as possible while working towards full implementation of this component of the policy. Together, we will work to build culturally affirming and responsive, inclusive, modern, and high-caliber programs with equitable access and outcomes so that all TDSB students feel they belong and are successful.

Preparing for High School Information Sessions for Grade 8 Families:

To support our Grade 8 students and families, the TDSB will be hosting a series of Preparing for High School Information Sessions. Students and families from any grade are welcome to attend. The series includes:

The Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transition Information Session, taking place on November 1, 2022,  will share the Top 10 Tips and Considerations in the Transition to High School. This presentation is designed to augment the work already taking place through secondary open houses and at the Grade 8 schools. 

The Student Interest Programs Information Session, taking place on November 3, 2022, will help students and families learn more about local programs, Facilitated Access to Skilled Trades programs, out-of-area admissions and applying to centralized programs and schools, including:

  • Arts Focus Programs/Schools (elementary and secondary)
  • CyberARTS Programs (elementary and secondary)
  • Elite Athlete Programs (elementary and secondary)
  • Integrated Technology School
  • International Baccalaureate Programs
  • Leadership Pathway Program
  • Math, Science & Technology Programs

To further support students and families with the application process, central TDSB staff will be hosting three (3) Centralized Program Admissions Support Sessions to answer any questions that students or families may have when completing the Centralized Program Application. Live, online support will be available on the following dates:

  • November 8 - 4:00pm – 5:30pm (LINK)
  • November 15 - 7:00pm – 8:30pm (LINK)
  • November 24 - 4:00pm – 5:30pm (LINK)

The Virtual Secondary Alternative Schools Fair, taking place on November 9, 2022, will introduce families to the Alternative schools in the board that offer Grade 9 to 12 programming. Alternative schools are highly engaged, smaller school environments. They use non-traditional hands-on approaches to learning. Each school has a distinct identity and focus, such as democratic education, holistic learning, physical art, mindful living, entrepreneurship, social justice, community outreach and more. These schools are ideal for students seeking an alternative to mainstream education and who want to take an active role in their own learning. 

Webinar Details:

The Preparing For High Schools Series webinar details, including the link to register and request an interpreter, can be found here. Additionally, families can join the webinar link via Zoom or via the Parent & Community Engagement Office YouTube channel. 

Resources:

TDSB Parents and Caregivers as Partners Conference 2022: 

The TDSB’s Parents and Caregivers as Partners conference is scheduled for Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 2022! This year, you can attend the conference virtually and also join pre-conference sessions in person. This year’s conference has 3 themes of Affirming, Belonging and Connecting.
DPS and SPECTRUM HYPERLINKS DOCUMENT: Please make reference to the following document for frequently visited and up-to-date weblinks for Davisville and TDSB. Included is the Safe Arrivals phone number when your child is sick/absent and also the Early Pick-up/

School Bus Delays/Cancellations: 

Please Call School Messenger directly 1-833-250-2290, between (7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) to report child(ren’s)absence for the current day or future date. If you do not report your child(ren’s) absence(s) prior to the start of school day you will be contacted by School Messenger and you must indicate the reason for the absence. Please respond to safe arrival calls. The telephone number 833-250-2290 will display on the caller ID.
Sign out GForm to be completed by 12:00 the day of for your child/children's pickup for appointments. 
TDSB website reporting delays or bus cancellations: TSTG
Davisville Spiritwear:
To order Davisville spiritwear check school cashonline, visit  davisvillepublicschool.entripyshops.com

School Trustee's Weekly Newsletter - Ward 8:
  • For updates regarding topics affecting the TDSB, please subscribe to Shelley Laskin's weekly newsletter.

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