Week of April 24th, 2023

 

Combatting Hate and Racism Source: Shelley Laskin, Trustee, Weekly Updates    Educating against hate is one of the priorities of the TDSB. Through our Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy, the TDSB aims to be responsive to the voices of communities by developing tailored action plans each based on the pillars of the Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy. Each plan will be developed to distinctively honour the issue of injustice being addressed. Strategies tied to this work necessitate partnerships within and across diverse community groups. This plan will allow communities to see themselves in the actions. It also requires ongoing collaboration and support of families, communities and partner organizations. During Ramadan, there were increased attacks against the Muslim community. At our last Planning & Priorities Committee, Trustees unanimously supported a strategy to address Islamophobia to ensure it will be incorporated into the broader framework. The other strategies will include Anti-Indigenous Racism, Anti-Black Racism, Ableism, Anti-Asian Racism, Homophobia & Transphobia and Antisemitism. I know the work on Antisemitism has already begun as the Jewish Heritage Committee is involved in early discussions. We recognize that accountability and measurable indicators are required to ensure consistency in fulfilling the actions in each plan and will be defined as the distinct plans are being developed. It is our aim as the strategy evolves further a more detailed plan will be shared. An update of the actions of the Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy is planned for October/November 2023. Committee & Board Meetings This Week Source: Shelley Laskin, Trustee, Weekly Updates    The Toronto District School Board is committed to developing opportunities for our wider school community to connect and engage in conversations about education issues. Meetings will be broadcasted live to the public. Click here at the start time to view - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Live-Webcast-of-Meetings. The TDSB is committed to advocacy for students, parents and communities. We welcome members of the public to bring forward issues and concerns they have through a delegation, which is addressing a committee of the Board of Trustees (by speaking virtually, in person or submitting a written statement). Our Delegation Procedure is designed to set out a consistent and easily understandable process for the public and to manage the process in a fair and equitable manner. https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Leadership/Boardroom/Delegations Vax and Spring Source: Shelley Laskin, Trustee, Weekly Updates    Eligible high-risk residents are recommended to get their Spring COVID-19 booster for added protection if it’s been 6 months since your last COVID-19 dose or infection. Learn more at Toronto Public Health. Read the full ministry guidance here. Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance Version 6.0 - April 6, 2023  PIAC Conference: Save May 6! Join the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) as it returns to the first post-pandemic, in-person conference, with speakers and workshops focused on bridging gaps in Parent Engagement and School Councils. Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Earl Haig SS. Register here. Elementary Summer School 2023 Looking to build your child’s literacy and numeracy skills? Elementary Summer School registration is now open! The focus of the 2023 Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program is to continue student engagement through the month of July. Programs, which are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the local school focus, are offered in-person to students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, from July 4 to July 28, 2023, in various locations around the city. This year, one remote program will also be available. For more information, including a list of schools and online registration forms, visit our summer school program page. Elementary Summer School at Deer Park The program includes Kindergarten to Grade 8. Any student registered in an Ontario school can apply. (TDSB and Non-TDSB). Program dates: July 4 – July 28 Program time: 9:00am - 12:00pm Families should feel free to complete and send the registration by email or bring it in person to the school office. Continuing Education Programming at the TDSB Source: Shelley Laskin, Trustee, Weekly Updates    Did you know we offer a wide variety of Continuing Education at the TDSB? We encourage you to explore learning opportunities available for children, families, adults, and visitors - click here for more information on continuing education programs and click here for more information on summer programs. Parent Engagement Session Please view the embedded document below for a parent session scheduled on May 30th. This session will focus on summer transitions and will include ideas to engage students during the summer months such as home activities, library resources and information on how to use Read & Write Gold at home. Information on community agencies will also be shared. There will be an opportunity for parents/guardians/caregivers to ask questions about these processes. The sessions will be facilitated by Special Education and Inclusion staff. Special Education and Inclusion-Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session Summer Day Camp (Spiral Garden) Please view the website below if you are interested in registering your children for a summer day camp. Spiral Garden is an integrated summer camp for all children age 6-18. Though the registration deadline has passed, there are still many spots available.  More information can be found here: https://hollandbloorview.ca/services/programs-services/spiral-garden