Week of February 19th, 2024

 Canadian Multicultural Inventors Museum

On Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, we had the CMIM at our school. The exhibit showcased and highlighted the contributions and achievements of innovators and inventors of African descent from the United Kingdom, Africa, Caribbean, North, South and Central America. At Davisville JPS & Spectrum Alternative, we are making a concerted effort to rethink and reframe our curriculum to ensure we bring in African and Black Canadian history into our curriculum. Our curriculum needs to be inclusive and representative of the diverse perspectives, voices and contributions of all, especially those who have historically been marginalized and disenfranchised.

The contribution of Black scientists, engineers, and mathematicians has led to game-changing and revolutionary discoveries and inventions. Black innovators and inventors have changed the world significantly throughout history. From space exploration and scientific discoveries, to tech innovations and more, there are many Black heroes in STEM whose work has shaped our lives. 

Guest Speaker, Karl Subban

On February 29th, we welcome guest speaker, Karl Subban, to our school. Karl will read his new book to students and share his experiences as a coach, hockey dad and educator. Karl will share his empowering stories of family, community, and resilience to encourage students to live out their dreams and reach their potential.  

Please note that all families are welcome to attend this event. If you are interested in attending, please ensure that you look the schedule below and coordinate your visit accordingly, so that it corresponds to the time when your child's grade will be in the gym for the presentation. 

9:15-10:00: Grades 1-3

10:05-10:30: Kindergarten Classes

10:35-11:20: Grades 4-8

Responding to Everyday Prejudice, Bias and Stereotypes at Davisville JPS & Spectrum Alternative

The TDSB serves the needs of a diverse student and staff population. This context is relevant in understanding the impact(s) of bias, hate, and/or racism. TDSB's foremost goal is to eradicate discrimination in all of its forms because of the impact it has on individuals (students and staff), the school climate, and the academic achievement and wellbeing of our students.

At Davisville JPS/Spectrum Alternative, we strive to ensure equitable and inclusive learning and working environments for all of our students, staff and families. This is an important element of our overall school vision and school goals. We recognize our duty to protect human rights and to proactively disrupt discrimination, racism, and bias in our school community.

We recognize that disrupting and dismantling hate, bias and racism is a concerted effort involving staff, students and families. Our goal is to work collectively together to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all in our school community. Students in our classes will be having important discussions on racism, hate and bias, and will learn ways to "call in" and "call out" bias, racism and discrimination. There is no place for this in any of our schools.

One guide that is particularly helpful is the Speak Up Guide: How to Respond to Everyday Prejudice, Bias and Stereotypes.  Please take a moment to review this information on ways we can take collective action to ensure an inclusive school environment for all. It would be helpful to have these discussions at home with your children and also equip them with strategies to speak up, challenge and take a stand against bias, racism, and discrimination.

Building Mathematical Minds

Inviting all K-Gr. 8 parents/caregivers to a session entitled, "Building Mathematical Minds." This parent/caregiver session will offer math strategies that you can use to support your child's learning at home. Please refer to the link below for further details on the time and date of this event, as well as details on how to register:

Building Mathematical Minds

Special Education and Inclusion: Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #2

Special Education and Inclusion is pleased to offer their second engagement session for parents/guardians/caregivers this year. Please see the below for details: Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #2 Morning Session - Tuesday, March 5th, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Webinar Link Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Session #2 Evening Session - Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Webinar Link If you require a language interpreter, please send in your request by February 20th to SpecialEd@tdsb.on.ca. City of Toronto Spring Recreation Programs The City offers thousands of low-cost & affordable recreation programs. From painting classes to karate to pickleball and cooking classes, there’s something for everyone. Find the spring programs online & get ready to register on March 5 & 6: http://toronto.ca/SpringRec. Level Up Middle School Engineering Science Fair The Science Fair provides students with the chance to collaborate with peers, receive feedback from industry professionals, and showcase their solutions to real-world challenges. Contact Kirusha Srimohanarajah, P.Eng Education Chair, PEO Kingsway Chapter at kirushasri@gmail.com for a comprehensive registration guide that includes everything teams need to get started, from registration procedures to preparing a compelling pitch.

 

 

 

 

 

Week of February 12th, 2024

 Spectrum Bake Sale

Thank yo to all the graduates and our school council for their collective efforts with organizing a fantastic bake sale for the school. There was an abundance of delicious baked goods for everyone to enjoy! Such a wonderful treat for us all. As well, thank you to all the families, staff and students that supported the bake sale. 

Toronto Marlies-Game (Field Trip)

On February 14th, our Junior classes (M. Kule, Mme Andreasen, Ms. Harnick, Mr. Baillie, Ms. Jackie, Mr. Jegede, Mme Smegal) all participated in a school field trip to watch the Toronto Marlie's Hockey School Game at the Coca Cola Coliseum. What a wonderful opportunity for students to be part of the excitement cheering on the Toronto Marlies. A special thank you to, Ms. Francesca, for all her hard work and efforts organizing and setting up this opportunity for students. We also extend our appreciation to all the staff and parent/caregiver volunteers who helped with the trip. We value your contributions and participation.

Change Makers Program

We will be launching our Change Makers initiative next week at Davisville JPS. Some of our graduating students were provided with learning and training in conflict resolution skills. They learned effective tools and strategies for managing peer conflicts. Their role is to serve as student leaders and role models outside during recesses and to help their peers be "the change they want to see." Change makers will support their peers outside with conflict resolution strategies and with any disputes that may arise. Our goal is to ensure that all of our students can develop conflict resolution and problem-solving skills, as this is essential to their success especially in their interpersonal relationships with others. Change makers will also encourage students to develop positive relationships with their peers by role modelling the behaviours we expect of all students including showing empathy, respect, inclusion, equity and kindness towards all members of our school community. 

CMIM Black History Month Exhibit at Davisville JPS/Spectrum Alternative

  

On February 21st, we have the Canadian Multicultural Inventors Museum coming to Davisville & Spectrum. The CMIM will showcase an educational exhibit for students that focuses on Black/African excellence and achievement in the area of STEAM. The exhibit is a great way to disrupt dominant and traditional perspectives and narratives that don't acknowledge or celebrate the many contributions that diverse communities have and continue to make in advancing science and technology.

Worth Repeating....

Special Education and Inclusion-Parent Engagement Session

Special education and inclusion is pleased to offer their second engagement session for parents/guardians/caregivers this year. Please see the flyers below for further details:

Morning Session – March 5th Flyer
FLYER Parent Session March 5th AM Session.pptx - Google Slides

Evening Session – March 6th Flyer
FLYER Parent Session March 6th PM Session.pptx - Google Slides

Let’s Connect About Mental Health and Well Being Webinar Series

Please see attached information about the virtual Let’s Connect About Mental Health and Well Being Webinar Series: Parent Voices-Creating fun opportunities to  connect and boost positive mental health, joy and happiness on February 22, 2023 from 7pm-8:30pm.

Audience: Students, families, parents, guardians, caregivers and staff; ALL are welcome!

Members from our Mental Health and Well-being Parent Partnership Committee will add their voices on the importance of exploring fun activities for positive mental health and wellness.  In addition, please come and enjoy break out rooms, which will be co-lead by Professional Support Staff and community partners, on different ways we can enhance overall mental health and wellness.

Let's Connect About Mental Health Flyer

Week of February 5th, 2024

Term 1 Report Cards

Term 1 Report Cards will be sent home electronically on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024. We encourage you to sit down with your child to review their progress so far. You may read the comments in each subject section carefully and pay close attention to the Learning Skills comments of the reports. Term 1 Report Cards provide information on how well your child has achieved the curriculum expectations in a subject and whether or not they have reached the expected level of achievement in various subject areas.  Letter grades are given for students in grades 1-6 and percentage marks are given for students in grades 7-8. 

Report cards focus on six essential learning skills and work habits students need to succeed. Each skill is reported as Excellent (E), Good (G), Satisfactory(S) or Needs Improvement (N). The six skills and habits are: 

-Responsibility
-Organization
-Independent Work
-Collaboration
-Initiative
-Self-regulation

Revised Language Curriculum (2023)

Please note that the Language Curriculum, Grades 1-8, has now been revised. Therefore, achievement in Language is now reported as ONE overall mark/grade, with supporting comments. When assigning a grade or mark in this area, teachers give due consideration to a student's integrated learning across all the strands in Language that have been taught each reporting period. If you have any further questions about the new Language curriculum, please contact the school.  

Kindergarten Communication of Learning

In the Kindergarten Communication of Learning, educators share their observations and documentation showing student's learning and progress; there are no grades provided. The comments on Kindergarten reports focus on each child's strengths in learning that the student has demonstrated in relation to the overall expectations. Kindergarten educators gather evidence of learning based on what children are saying, doing and how they are representing their thinking and learning in relation to the overall expectations. Lastly, you will note that all four frames of the Kindergarten Program will be referenced in the comments. 

Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

IEPs are evaluated and updated at least once in every reporting period. For students who have an IEP, evaluation on the report card is based on the expectations outlined in their IEPs. More specifically,  if student's have an IEP, then their report cards reflects their achievement of learning expectations outlined in the programming pages of the IEP. Please note that all IEPs will be sent home with your child between Tuesday, February 13th-Wednesday, February 14th. Please note that the IEPs that are sent home can be retained for your own personal records. 

ELLs and Progress Updates

The TDSB uses continua based on the Ministry’s Steps To English Proficiency (STEP) framework for monitoring English language development. If your child is an ELL learner, they will receive their progress update on Tuesday, February 13th. This will be sent home with your child in an envelope. Please note that ELL Progress Updates for all students will be sent home at every reporting period. Please keep the copy sent home for your own records. 

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Parent-teacher interviews are scheduled throughout the year after report cards are sent home. Please note that parent teacher interviews are being held on Thursday, Feb. 15th and Friday, February 16th. This term, an interview with you may not be required, however, you are still free to request an interview.  These interviews are your opportunity to ask questions about your child's progress and to discuss any issues. Parent-Teacher conferences provide a valuable opportunity to meet with your children’s teachers to review their progress and consider next steps in their learning. 

In addition to regular scheduled parent-teacher interviews, you can request a meeting at any time during the school year by contacting the school or your child's teacher directly. 

Supporting Parents/Guardians with Report Cards

The Ministry of Education provides a parent guide called Supporting your Child’s Learning through Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting and is accessible in 22 languages. 

Special Education and Inclusion-Parent Engagement Session

Special education and inclusion is pleased to offer their second engagement session for parents/guardians/caregivers this year. Please see the flyers below for further details:

Morning Session – March 5th Flyer
FLYER Parent Session March 5th AM Session.pptx - Google Slides

Evening Session – March 6th Flyer
FLYER Parent Session March 6th PM Session.pptx - Google Slides

Let’s Connect About Mental Health and Well Being Webinar Series

Please see attached information about the virtual Let’s Connect About Mental Health and Well Being Webinar Series: Parent Voices-Creating fun opportunities to  connect and boost positive mental health, joy and happiness on February 22, 2023 from 7pm-8:30pm.

Audience: Students, families, parents, guardians, caregivers and staff; ALL are welcome!

Members from our Mental Health and Well-being Parent Partnership Committee will add their voices on the importance of exploring fun activities for positive mental health and wellness.  In addition, please come and enjoy break out rooms, which will be co-lead by Professional Support Staff and community partners, on different ways we can enhance overall mental health and wellness.

Let's Connect About Mental Health Flyer

Week of January 29th, 2024

 

I am Big with Itah Sadu

 

On Friday, February 2, classes throughout the school tuned in to an inspiring presentation with Toronto Story teller, Itah Sadu to kick off Black History Month at our school. Itah shared insight into her writing process, some history of the contributions of Black Canadians to our country and of course her new book, I Am Big which explores the experiences of a young Black hockey player as he finds joy and confidence in his talent on the ice. Itah’s messaging that we are all important, that we should all have confidence in who we are and that we all have the power to make change was inspirational to all who tuned in.

Family Skate Night

Thank you to our School Council for organizing such a fun night of family skating on Friday.  Many thanks to everyone who came out and supported the event. 

Reading Instruction at Davisville JPS

Thank you to Ms. Johnson and Ms. Viner for presenting at Thursday evening's Ward Forum. They shared how they explicitly embed evidence-based strategies in their classrooms centered on the Science of Reading and the TDSB Early Reading Framework. The Science of Reading has impacted the way reading is taught in our classrooms and our two educators provided great examples of how our approaches to reading instruction have changed not only at Davisville JPS, but across various schools in the TDSB. Bravo!

Members of the Alternative Schools Community Advisory Committee (ASCAC)

This is a message for all ASCAC members:

Our next meeting is online:

Date and Time: Monday, February 5th, 7-9 pm
Location: [ZOOM LINK]
Meeting ID: 928 4715 8077
Passcode: 136688

Our upcoming ASCAC meeting on February 5th promises to be an engaging and informative session. Here's a brief overview of the agenda:

1. Secondary School Updates: Laurie McAllister, Chair of the Secondary Alternative School Subcommittee, will provide updates and lead discussions on secondary school matters.

2. Elementary Enrolment Subcommittee: Joanne Huber, Chair of the Elementary Enrolment Subcommittee, will share insights and recommendations.

3. TDSB Updates: Peter Chang from the TDSB will update us on secondary school staffing, program reviews, and the centralized application process.

4. Volunteer Co-Chair Election: We'll begin with the election of the volunteer Secondary Schools Co-Chair. If you're interested in this role or know someone who would be a great fit, please contact anna.catalano@TDSB.on.ca to submit your name for consideration.

5. Student Delegates: We also seek student delegates to join our team. If you're a student passionate about alternative education, please reach out to anna.catalano@TDSB.on.ca to express your interest.

Please note that your active participation is essential. You can ask questions during the meeting by raising your “Zoom” hand or typing in the moderated chat. If you prefer, you can send your questions in advance to anna.catalano@tdsb.on.ca or directly to me at connect@torontoalternativeschools.com. Any questions not addressed during the meeting will receive a personal response afterward.

Find the FULL AGENDA and more information about ASCAC HERE

Your engagement is invaluable to us, and we appreciate your support. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Proposed School Year Calendar 2024-25 Excerpt from the Report at PSSC Regulation 304 requires that there be a minimum of 194 school days between 1 September and 30 June, including a maximum of ten examination days for secondary schools and a maximum of seven Professional Activity (PA) days. It also establishes the dates for the Winter Break and the Mid-Winter Break. Staff has consulted with the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB), as well as the Peel and York Region District School Boards, to ensure the most consistency possible with their School Year Calendar plans. It is important that the Board align the calendar as much as possible with the TCDSB because of shared student transportation services. Please note the calendar still must be approved by the Ministry.

February is Chinese Heritage Month TDSB’s Chinese Heritage Month is proudly recognized in February each year. This year we celebrate the Year of the Dragon: Majesty, Brilliance, Confidence, Leadership. Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important celebrations for Chinese communities around the world.  Lunar New Year is celebrated annually, and its dates are based on the lunar calendar. For 2024, it starts Saturday February 10 and ends Saturday February 24. The festivities include family gatherings, decorations, and of course a feast! All TDSB students were invited to participate in the CHM’s popular annual poster contest, and we are excited to share the winning posters shortly on our TDSB websites. In addition, all TDSB students and staff were invited to submit a 1-minute video on one of four guiding questions emphasizing the importance of Chinese heritage and/or a tradition. Submissions are currently being collected and a selection of the entries will be posted shortly.   An in-person Chinese Heritage Month celebration will be held at A Y Jackson Secondary School with performances, presentations, and speakers to mark the day. Stay tuned for the full video to be posted soon! Please follow us on X (formerly Twitter) for daily messages throughout the month of February @tdsbChineseHM.