Week of May 22nd, 2023

School Fun Fair

Our School Fun Fair was a great success and brought the community together in a spirit of fun. A big thank you to our school council and all the volunteers and staff who volunteered their time to help out. The weather was perfect, the students had a blast and all the games, activities and bouncy castles provided hours of fun and engagement for our students and families. The cotton candy was definitely a hit and made the perfect fun fair treat as many lined up for its sweet and fluffy taste.

 

Upcycling Club

Since April, several of our Grade 4, 5 and 6 students, along with our students from Spectrum Alternative, have been learning to make new, usable items from old clothing. Every Wednesday, students have Upcycling Club where they gather and make new and exciting projects! So far, students have made no-sew bags and yarn from old t-shirts, braided bracelets from the t-shirt yarn and drawstring bags and hair scrunchies from donated fabric. The students have also learned how to use a sewing machine and once they practiced a few times, they imparted their newfound skills to other students by teaching them how to use the sewing machines. Our Upcycling Club project has been funded through a Youth Climate Action Grant from the City of Toronto. What a great way to repurpose materials through crafts and projects and teach our students to be mindful stewards of the Earth!

The Gardening Club

Our Gardening club has been busy throughout the year with various gardening initiatives. Our main initiative continues to be our pollinator garden on the side of Davisville. For this initiative, we received a grant from the World Wildlife Fund to help with the garden. This year, students were able to plant various seeds or bulbs and have had the opportunity to watch them grow. In the next few weeks, we will be putting in our native perennials into the ground and will have to maintain them over the summer by watering them.

Besides gardening, students have also made lavender sachets from our harvested lavender on the rooftop as well as plant kits to sell for fundraising. This initiative has been such a success and provides students with an opportunity to learn about vermicomposting and different kinds of plants. 


African Heritage Club

Our African Heritage Club has been an incredible place to build community, celebrate Black excellence and honour our Black students' experiences and voices, while cultivating Black joy. During this weekly club, students learn about the African diaspora around the world and are able to connect to their own heritage or family. Students have developed an understanding of why it is important to learn about African heritage and have been learning about Black Canadian trailblazers of African descent. This club has provided our students with a welcoming and affirming space where they can learn and share about their identities. 

Davisville Food Drive: A Message From Student Council

Our student council has organized and put together a food drive to bring students together and give back to our community. We will be donating all the food to the Thorncliffe Food Bank. If possible, please send your children to school with any canned or individually packaged non perishable food items. There will be big boxes on every floor by door 5 to place all the food items in. We will start collecting donations this Monday, May 29th and will continue to do so for the duration of the week. The cut off day will be June 5th.

Thanking you in advance for your support,
Davisville Student Council

Ultimate Frisbee News!

Davisville ultimate frisbee teams are participating in tournaments at Dovercourt Public School on Monday, May 29th. Our students will be competing against schools from across the TDSB. Go Davisville Dragons Go! Thank you to our coaches for their ongoing efforts!

Film Screening: Wanda Robson

Film Screening : Wanda Robson You’re invited! Join the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement for a screening of Wanda Robson and a Q & A with co-producers Donna Harrow & Aaron Weiss.
When: May 31; 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3AXDoYT

Week of May 15th, 2023

 Spring Concert

On May 16th, some of our classes performed for our Spring Concert. The concert provided our students with a platform to showcase their talents and it was a huge success!

It is important to acknowledge the efforts of those behind the scenes. Therefore, we would like to thank all of the staff involved in preparing and organizing the concert. We appreciate all the time and dedication put forth into planning the concert and overseeing the multitude of rehearsals.

We would also like to thank our families for joining us on the evening of the concert. Your participation made the evening even more memorable for our students and we thank you for your continued partnership and involvement.

Mono Cliffs Excursion

Our Grade 6 students went on a two night excursion to Mono Cliffs, which provided them with a dynamic and memorable learning experience. Students were immersed in active learning experiences in the natural environment and were able to experience outdoor adventure while learning about curriculum based topics. 

What a great opportunity for our students to be able to experience an overnight trip in their elementary school years. Our Grade 6 students created lasting memories with their peers as they prepare to finish off their final year at Davisville.

Track and Field

On May 16th, some of our junior students on our Track and Field team had the opportunity to go to Varsity stadium. Our students showed great teamwork, sportsmanship and athleticism. Our Track and Field was a huge success and served as a great opportunity to celebrate our student athletes! A special thank you to Ms. Francesca Piccione for coaching and preparing the students for this event and to all the staff involved in making this event a success. We would also like to recognize our top finishers and wish them a huge congratulations as they will be moving on to the finals on June 6th. 

Register for Upcoming Events 

Below are some upcoming opportunities from the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement.

Virtual Screening: Wanda Robson

You’re invited! Join the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement for a screening of Wanda Robson and a Q & A with co-producers Donna Harrow and Aaron Weiss. Wanda Robson, sister of Viola Desmond, was an educator and civil rights activist. This video documents their experiences with racism over decades in Canada and serves as a historical artifact. Wanda Robson, a Canadian icon, provides guidance as to what should be done moving forward.

Audience: Students, Staff and Community
Date: May 31, 2023
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Register here

Healing Engagement Series - Navigating the System: Mental Health and Wellness for Black Parents/Caregivers

Join us for the first session of our Healing Centred Engagement Series hosted by Social Workers from the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. This session will feature a panel conversation with Black professionals and Black-serving organizations on supporting the mental health and well-being of Black students and their families.

In this session Black parents/caregivers will:
Explore the impact of systemic anti-Black racism on mental health;
Build tools for nurturing joy and wellness;
Learn strategies on how to support a child’s well-being;
Engage in knowledge sharing of Black-affirming mental health programs and services.

Audience: TDSB Parents, Caregivers
Date: June 1, 2023
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Register here

Summer Learning Programs – Inspired to Excel
Summer learning programs provide students and families with rich Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogical (CRRP) programming alongside strong literacy and numeracy practices. Many students enrolled in the Pre-Kindergarten Inspired to Excel summer programs participate in virtual African Drumming, Storytelling, Spoken Word, Visual Arts and/or Reggaecise activities with community-based arts educators. Students are encouraged to engage in activities that reinforce positive racial identity, honour the lived experiences of learners and explore methods of creative expression. Register your child in the Africentric Pre-Kindergarten Summer Learning Program or the Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pre-Kindergarten Summer Learning Program.

Audience: Pre-Kindergarten, JK, SK
Program runs: July 4 to July 28, 2023
Time: 9 – Noon
Register here by June 2.


NCCM: Culturally Responsive Healing - Black Muslims
You’re invited! Join us as we explore culturally responsive healing for Black Muslims through engaging in critical learning and discussion around events that have a direct impact on the safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and families. The session will offer practical strategies, resources, and recommendations to help educators create safe and inclusive learning environments that effectively support students who have been impacted by Anti-Black Islamophobia. By emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and self-care attendees will be encouraged to identify their own biases and explore how to engage in self-care practices to foster resilience in the face of challenging situations.

Audience: Students, Staff, Caregivers
Date: June 8, 2023
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Register here

TDSB Event to Commemorate 90th Anniversary of Christie Pits Riot on Sunday, June 4, 2023

Everyone is invited to enjoy a free baseball game featuring the Toronto Maple Leafs Baseball Club on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, June 11, 2023). This event is one of several initiatives organized by the TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Month Committee and Italian Heritage Month Committee to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Christie Pits Riot, the largest race riot in Canadian history that involved people from Toronto’s Jewish and Italian communities. The riot happened during a baseball game. Now, 90 years later, we invite you to come and show everyone that Baseball Builds Bridges. From May 9 - June 16, a theatrical performance based on the Christie Pits Riot take place in the park at 10am and at 1:15pm, Tuesday through Friday in Christie Pits park (northwest baseball diamond). These are offered to Grade 8 and Grade 10 students, but as the park is public, you are welcome to attend. Special Education and Inclusion Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #3 Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM LC1 and LC4. If you require a language interpreter, please send in your request by Mon., May 22nd to SpecialEd@tdsb.on.ca. 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. Please click the link below to join the webinar for LC1/LC4:  Zoom Link for May 30, 2023 at 07:00 PM https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/96753209262 Credit Summer Programs The Continuing Education Department (synchronous) and e-Summer (asynchronous) are pleased to provide you information about credit summer programs for students in Grades 8 to 12, which includes: Grade 8 Summer Reach-Ahead and Summer Credit Opportunities for Secondary School Students. 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.

Week of May 8th, 2023

Lunch Time Supervisors Needed

Dear Davisville JPS/Spectrum Alternative families,

We are in need of lunchtime supervisors for our school. This is a paid position for an hour and 15 minutes per day. If you are interested in this position, please let us know at your earliest convenience. Please email the school principal: David.Finkelstein@tdsb.on.ca and vice principal: Ramona.Moftakhar@tdsb.on.ca.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Davisville Multicultural Festival

On May 5th, we had our Multicultural Night at Davisville. It was a wonderful evening where our families had the opportunity to share various elements of their cultures and ethnicities with the rest of our school community through food, clothing, dance performances, arts and crafts and other aspects that make our cultures unique. What a memorable night of acknowledging, sharing and honouring the rich cultural diversity within our school community. We would like to extend our gratitude to our parent council for their tireless efforts organizing this event and to all of our volunteers for their time and commitment supporting this very important event.  

Combatting Hate and Racism at Davisville: Speak Up!

At our school, we are working hard to cultivate an inclusive environment that respects and upholds everyone's human rights. As part of this work, we have been having discussions with our students about ways they can intervene in the face of bias and providing them with strategies they can utilize to speak up and intervene against racism, bias and discrimination. 

This guide is being used to help our students develop the skills to speak up, intervene and respond to bias. Our students are helping to make a positive change in our school. We are proud of what we are accomplishing together to ensure that our school is more inclusive and respectful of everyone. 

Cottingham Fun Fair

Dear families,

You are invited to the Cottingham Fun Fair on Saturday June 3rd from 11:30am-3:30pm. Please see below for details:

Asian Heritage Month Virtual Celebration - May 15
Source: TDSB 

As part of the celebrations to mark Asian Heritage Month, all students, staff, and community members are invited to attend Asian Heritage Month Virtual Celebration on Monday, May 15!

We are proud to celebrate the numerous achievements of Asian-Canadians. Canada has been enriched by the vibrant traditions that we continue to recognize in our brilliant city by celebrating our heritage proudly through festivals and traditional events that continue to be celebrated through generations.

This year our theme is Joining Our Table: Celebrating Asian Canadians.

Please join us!

Asian Heritage Month Virtual Celebration
Monday, May 15, 2023
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Live TDSB Webcast - Asian Heritage Month


Census 2023
Source: TDSB 

The TDSB Census has been conducted every five years since 2006. Census data has provided schools, parents and the community with valuable information to help improve schools for the benefit of all students. Extensive input from students, parents/guardians/caregivers, staff and the community informed the Census.

The confidential survey asks students important questions about their school experiences and identities including participation in school activities, safety, well-being, mental health, outdoor learning, etc. It is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system.

The TDSB is asking all parents/guardians/caregivers and/or students to consider filling out a census survey online. Based on opt-out and consent information, all Census surveys have been sent to students or families. JK to grade 3 families and grade 4 to 8 families (completing the Census at home) check your emails for TDSBStudentCensus@qemailserver.com.

For more information, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/census and read the Student Census Questions and Answers.

Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) Renewal – Have Your Say!

Source: TDSB 



We are renewing our Multi-Year Strategic Plan at the TDSB, and I invite you to share your opinions to help shape the Board’s future! Please complete the MYSP online survey or if you are a part of a community group or committee that is interested in contributing to the MYSP renewal, the Facilitation Guide is now available online in multiple languages. I encourage you to review the guide, record your discussions and submit input. To learn more, please visit: www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal.

Committee Meeting This Week
Source: Trustee, Shelley Laskin, 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

Week of May 1st, 2023

Jewish Heritage Month
Source: Trustee Shelley Laskin's Updates/TDSB Website




Jewish Heritage Month continues to be recognized at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) during the month of May. Subsequently, the Canadian Jewish Heritage Act, was passed in May 2018 and is also recognized by the Province of Ontario by the passing of the Jewish Heritage Month Act, 2012. “May is a significant month for the Jewish Canadian community. Israeli Independence Day (Yom ha-Atzmaut) and Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom ha-Shoah) frequently occur in May, as do various Jewish artistic and cultural events.”

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Christie Pits Riot that took place in Toronto in August 1933. To commemorate this moment in history, the TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee in collaboration with the Italian Heritage Committee are offering TDSB students a chance to learn about the largest race riot in Canadian history. Together, both committees created a program designed for students in Grades 8 and 10 to learn about the riot through a re-enactment, workshops, and a visit to a newly created TDSB Peace Garden at Christie Pits Park. For students unable to attend due to limited capacity, resources were also prepared for in-classroom teaching and discussion.

This program is part of the committees’ commitment to plan annual educational opportunities and to enrich the curriculum for further learning. With these actions our staff, students and our TDSB communities celebrate and learn about the diverse cultures of individuals within our schools and communities.

Please follow Jewish Heritage Month @TDSB_JH and Italian Heritage Month @TDSBItalianHer1

Red Dress Day-May 5th

Source: TDSB Website

Friday, May 5th was Red Dress Day, a National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People. As a way to commemorate and honour the memories of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls across Canada, Métis artist Jaime Black started the REDress Project, where red dresses are hung from windows and trees to represent the pain and loss felt by loved ones and survivors. The Urban Indigenous Education Centre has resources in the attached PDF.

To read the Reclaiming Power and Place Final Report.


Asian Heritage Month
Source: Trustee Shelley Laskin's Updates/TDSB Website

Asian Heritage Month is recognized formally across the nation through an official declaration that was signed in May 2002. Subsequently, the Province of Ontario passed the Asian Heritage Act (2005), and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) elected Trustees passed a motion to recognize Asian Heritage Month in April 2007.

Canada has been enriched by the vibrant traditions that we continue to recognize in our brilliant city by celebrating our heritage proudly through festivals and traditional events that continue to be celebrated through generations. This year our theme is Joining Our Table: Celebrating Asian Canadians.

The TDSB is the largest and one of the most diverse school boards in Canada. Nearly one-quarter of our students were born outside of Canada and collectively we speak more than 120 languages. According to the 2017 TDSB Student & Parent Census 40% of TDSB students self-identified as Asian. During the month of May we are honoured to share with you several opportunities and resources to learn about the traditions, customs, and significant individuals that this heritage brings. Stay tuned as we share details with you throughout the month of May!

We invite all students, staff and the TDSB community to join us for an Asian Heritage Month Virtual Celebration to learn further about the Asian heritage on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Live TDSB Webcast
Follow us on twitter: @AsianTDSB

Census 2023
Source: Trustee Shelley Laskin's Updates

The TDSB Student Census is an opportunity for students to share their voice. The confidential survey asks students important questions about their school experiences and identities including participation in school activities, safety, well-being, mental health, outdoor learning, etc. It is an opportunity for students to share their voice and provide valuable information to help improve our schools and system.

The TDSB is asking all parents/guardians/caregivers and/or students to consider filling out a census survey online. Based on opt-out and consent information, all Census surveys have been sent to students or families. JK to grade 3 families and grade 4 to 8 families (completing the Census at home) check your emails for TDSBStudentCensus@qemailserver.com.

 
A new consent process for students in grades 4 to 8 provided parents/guardians/caregivers the choice of having their child complete the Census themselves at school, at home, or opt-out. Approximately 60% of families did not respond to this consent process. Because of this low response, most students in grades 4 to 8 are completing the Student Census at home, by default. Students or families in grades 4 to 8 received their Census links on April 25. Parents of students in JK to grade 3 received their Census link at the end of March.

For more information, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/census and read the Student Census Questions and Answers.

Committee & Board Meetings This Week
Source: Trustee Shelley Laskin's 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

The Joys of Parenting (Part 2)

Source: Trustee Shelley Laskin's Updates

The Joys of Parenting (Part 2): Building Home-School Partnership on Tuesday, May 9th, 2023 at 6:30PM. The Community Support Workers are offering this learning opportunity -Exploring ways to strengthen the connection between school and home to serve our children. Register - here


More Joy
Source: Trustee Shelley Laskin's Updates

TDSB Community Support Workers (Model Schools) present MORE JOY! A 30-minute after-school family literacy series Wednesdays from 7:00pm to 7:30pm

From May 3 to June 14

For more information, contact a Community Support Worker http://tdsbHUB.ca #supportingliteracy #righttoread @TDSBLibrary Click here to join


Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #3 (Special Education and Inclusion)




Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #3
Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM LC1 and LC4

If you require a language interpreter, please send in your request by Mon., May 22nd to
SpecialEd@tdsb.on.ca. 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. Please click the link below to join the webinar for LC1/LC4: Zoom Link for May 30, 2023 at 07:00 PM
https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/96753209262