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