Trustee Shelley Laskin Weekly Updates

Saturday, 27 April 2024

Week of April 22nd, 2024

 Black Inventor and Innovator STEM fair



Our Black Inventor and Innovator STEM fair was a huge success. Our Davisville JPS students researched and highlighted Black heroes in STEM whose contributions have led to revolutionary discoveries and inventions. Our Spectrum Alternative students applied their STEM skills and their equity lens to create accessible and inclusive playgrounds and inventions that remove and break down barriers to promote inclusion for all. So proud of all the work achieved and the sense of dedication, pride and accomplishment displayed by all of our students. Thank you to all the families who were able to join us for this wonderful event. 

School Cleanup Day (Earth Day)


The Eco-club organized the School Cleanup Day for Davisville by registering with the City of Toronto's School Cleanup Day on April 22nd (Earth Day).  Participating classes cleaned up our Davisville school yard and surrounding area. Some classes also went to clean neighbourhood parks, such as June Rowlands Park and Oriole Park.

Thank you to Ms. Heath and all other eco-club members who put forth great effort and time to organize our school cleanup. 


Earth Day: Student Created Slide Deck

We would like to highlight one of our students from Mr. Ballie's class who took the initiative to create a google slide deck focused on the importance of Earth Day. Aeindri, thank you for sharing this important and inspirational message with us all. Our Earth should certainly be celebrated and we should treat our planet with love, respect and kindness. 

Earth Day

School Sports

The following is a message from our coaches, Ms. Francesca and Mr. Hannah:

Both of our Davisville Badminton teams (Grade 5 and 6 teams) played in tournaments this week. All of our players played very well. They showed a huge improvement in their skills, strong sports etiquette, respect for their opponents, and perseverance. We are so proud of all of our Badminton players and every student who came out to our practices on a regular basis.


Davisville Junior Mini - Track and Field Meet - Wednesday May 1st : 12:40pm - 3:10pm

All of our Junior students in grades 4, 5 and 6 will be participating in a school Mini-Track and Field meet in our school yard in the afternoon on Wednesday. Students have been practicing their event skills for Standing Long Jump, Running Long Jump, 200 metre dash and 60 metre Dash in their Physical Education classes. This will be a culminating event of what they've learned. Students interested in being on the Davisville Track and Field team will have the opportunity to use this as a tryout for these events. Top finishers in each event will be selected for the team.

After-School Procedures


Please review the following information and after school procedures for students attending Davisville JPS:

  • At dismissal time, we ask for your cooperation and support by ensuring that you pick up your child(ren) as promptly as possible. Our school yard needs to be cleared by 4:00 pm to allow for our after care program to use our yard and access our playscape. Therefore, we kindly ask that families vacate the premises by 4:00pm. 
  • Please note (as per the image above) that families can regain access to our playground at 6:00pm.
  • At the end of the day, it is important that students are picked up by a trusted person; this may be a parent, caregiver, grandparent, daycare provider, babysitter, older sibling, etc… This should be arranged with the teacher, so they know who to be looking for and to release to an authorized person and should be discussed with the student ahead of time, so they can identify the person picking them up. 
  • Students should be picked up at 3:25pm. If students are not picked up after school at this time, they will be supervised by Door 5 in our vestibule area (inside entrance of school) with a staff member until you arrive. Beyond 3:40pm, students will be taken to the office and asked to wait until an authorized person comes to pick them up. During this time, you may receive a phone call from us to clarify on timing or pickup. *It is very important that parent(s)/caregivers try to pick up their child as close to 3:25pm as possible on a daily basis. We appreciate your support on this. 

Summer School (Deer Park)

Dear Parents/Guardians/Caregivers,

Elementary Summer School Registration is now open. PROGRAM DATES: July 2-July 26, 9 am – 12 pm.

*Please note that there has been an important location change for summer school that was initially supposed to be held at Deer Park. Due to major construction scheduled for July and August at Deer Park, their Summer School will now be held at Brown Public School, 454 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON, M4V 2J1, just a short distance from Deer Park. 

The Summer School Program includes Kindergarten to Grade 8. Please refer to the following points:
  • Any student registered in an Ontario school can apply (TDSB and Non-TDSB).
  • Families should feel free to complete the online registration or send the registration by email or bring it in person to the Deer Park school office. See link and registration form below.
  • Space is limited and registrations will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.
  • The Summer School Program is dynamic, inclusive, interactive, fun, and driven by passionate and inspired teachers from across the TDSB.
  • The over-all focus of the 2024 Elementary Summer Schools is Literacy and Numeracy Achievement, with program delivery through the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) subjects’ areas as well as close attention to environmental studies and well-being.
  • The programmes will build on students’ core understanding of academic concepts and further develop their social and learning skills.
  • The grade 6,7 & 8 programs will also focus on skill development required while transitioning to higher grades and learning environments.
  •  Each summer school site will be staffed with a principal, an office staff, and a school wide ratio of 1 teacher to approximately 20 students.
Online registration can be completed through this TDSB website link:
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Elementary-Summer-School

Also, below is the fillable registration if you cannot access the online link.
If using this form, please email the completed registration to nadine.clarke@TDSB.on.ca or drop off in the Deer Park School office. PLEASE DO NOT DROP OFF TO BROWN SCHOOL.


Jewish Heritage Month - May 2024 - The Mouse who Danced The Hora

Source: Shelley Laskin's Weekly Updates



Jewish Heritage Month is recognized at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) during the month of May. The TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee’s (JHC) program for 2024, as in previous years, is part of the committee’s commitment to plan annual educational opportunities and enrich the curriculum for further learning about Jewish heritage and culture. Each year we choose one grade or division to focus on with a program and in some years, we have been fortunate to work with other organizations to provide larger scale programs.

This year, the Jewish Heritage Committee is focusing on students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 using the book The Mouse Who Danced the Hora by Pamela Mayer, illustrated by Christine Davenier, to teach our youngest students about diversity and equity through Jewish wedding traditions, and learning to dance the Hora.

Click here for the Jewish Heritage Month poster with more information about TDSB Jewish Heritage Month.

Please follow the Jewish Heritage Committee on X: @TDSB_JH. Please visit the JHC website for other resources.

Summer School Programs





At the TDSB we provide a wide range of enriching summer programs for children, youth and adults.

Elementary
Elementary Summer School
Extended Day Program – Summer Camp
International Languages and African Heritage Language & Culture Program
Outdoor Education Summer Camp
Summer Music & Art Camps

Secondary
Credit Courses for e-Summer High School (online)
Continuing Education Secondary Credit Summer Programs
International Youth Summer Program

Special Education and Inclusion
Special Education and Inclusion Summer Program


Adult
Adult ESL Summer Program
Learn4Life General Interest Courses






Saturday, 20 April 2024

Week of April 15th, 2024

 

Happy Passover

As we head into Passover, we wanted to wish our students, staff and families a Chag Sameach! May this year's celebration bring you all joy, peace and good health.




 MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR OUR.....


Black Inventor and Innovator STEM FAIR






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 contributions of Black scientists, engineers, and mathematicians has led to game-changing and revolutionary discoveries and inventions. Our students have been researching Black innovators and inventors who 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. On April 25th, we will be having our Black Inventor and Innovator STEM Fair. Our junior classes and intermediate classes have been researching the contributions of African Canadian, African American, and African Caribbean innovators and inventors. At the STEM fair, students will display their research along with the inventions they designed and built. We look forward to seeing you all at this event as a celebration of our students' discoveries, creativity, research and stem skills. 


Greenwood's Visit to Rm. 203




Mr. Farbstein's Grade 11 Technological Design students from Greenwood school visited Ms. Casselman's Grade 2 students. The grade 11 students are designing toys and games for room 203. In the pictures below, the Grade 11's are receiving feedback and suggestions to help them refine their games for their Grade 2 clients. What a great way for students to feel empowered to freely experiment, design and create their own games. 

Call Out for Volunteers



The Junior Choir is looking for a volunteer flute player to accompany the choir for one of our pieces at the LN5 Choral Music Festival and possibly subsequent performances beyond this, if possible. The LN5 Choral Festival is on Thursday, May 9th at 7:30 pm.  

If you are interested, please contact Ms. Heath at: Patricia.Heath@tdsb.on.ca

HOLD THE DATE - Ward 8 Virtual Forum: School Building in Toronto: Where Are We Now?

Tuesday May 7, 2024, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm




Attached you will find Trustee Laskin Virtual Ward Forum Flyer. If you are interested in participating, please Register Online or https://forms.gle/oV16YCRRXAvJodjj8


Extended Day Program (EDP) Summer

Source: Shelley Laskin's Weekly Updates


The Extended Day Program (EDP) is the Board’s directly operated before-and after-school program that operates throughout the school year. As part of our commitment to providing enriching experiences beyond the traditional school year, EDP will be providing Summer Programs from July 2 to August 16, 2024. The EDP Summer Program will operate in 14 TDSB schools based on a parent survey of interest and corresponding viability assessment. The EDP summer programming is available to all TDSB students with priority given to those currently enrolled in the program.

Led by TDSB Designated Early Childhood Educators and Early Childhood Assistants, the EDP Summer Program is dedicated to providing fun learning opportunities for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Through interactive sessions and creative projects, students will develop skills such as collaboration, responsibility, problem-solving, creativity, citizenship and leadership through interesting activities, experiences, and excursions.

Information about the EDP Summer Program, including school locations, fees, and registration will be shared with families and posted on the EDP webpage on Monday, April 15th when registration is scheduled to open.

Panfest Vybz

Source: Shelley Laskin's Weekly Updates

Panfest Vybz: A Celebration of Music, Arts, & Community -
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 6-8 p.m.

Winston Churchill CI
This free community event celebrates Carnival culture through Arts such as costuming, dance, drumming and steel pan music. All are invited to join us to enjoy student and professional performers and a series of fun workshops.

RSVP here.

Presented by the TDSB Arts Department in partnership with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement


Backpack and School Supplies Drive

Source: Shelley Laskin's Weekly Updates
This year’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive will run from March 1, 2024 to the end of September 2024. Individual donors and companies can help our students by making a monetary donation and/or a donation of new backpacks and school supplies. Tax receipts are available for these donations.100% of all proceeds and in-kind donations go to benefit our students. NOTE: Due to potential health & safety, hygiene, sorting and storage limitations, the TDSB can only accept new items. For more information about how to donate new items, please contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.

TDSB Summer Music & Art Camps 2024

Source: Shelley Laskin's Weekly Updates


We are excited to announce that registration for our summer music camp in Toronto 2024 is now open! Explore your musical talents and creative flair at the TDSB Summer Music and Art Camps! Our camps welcome young artists and musicians of all skill levels, offering diverse programs including band, orchestra, strings, and personalized instruction. It's a chance to develop your skills, build friendships, and celebrate in an exciting final concert. Join us for a summer of music-making, artistic expression, and endless fun! For more information and details, click here - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Summer-Programs/TDSB-Music-Camps









     



     


     


     



     



     



    Saturday, 13 April 2024

    Week of April 8th, 2024

     

    Save the Date: Black Innovator and Inventor Fair on April 25th 






    Dear Families,


    On April 25th, we will be having our Black Inventor and Innovator STEM Fair. Our junior classes and intermediate classes have been researching the contributions of African Canadian, African American, and African Caribbean innovators and inventors. To showcase and celebrate all of their hard work, our STEM fair will serve as a culminating event, where students will display their research and inventions that they designed and built. We welcome our families to join us for this event. Please note that our STEM fair will commence at 1:10pm. For our Davisville parent(s)/caregivers, you can visit the fair during two time slots: 1:10-1:50pm and 2:05-3:00pm and for our Spectrum families, you can attend the fair between 1:10-3:00pm. The Inventor Fair for Davisville students will be set up in the school gym, while the Spectrum fair will be held upstairs on the third floor in students' classrooms. 


    We look forward to celebrating our students' achievements with you all. 


    Davisville's 2025 Graduating Class: Call Out for Volunteers




    Dear Families of English Grade 4 and French Grade 5 children,

    We are less than three months away from our Davisville 2024 Graduation, which means we are a year and 3 months away from your children's graduation. We are seeking parent/caregiver volunteers who would be interested in being involved with this year's graduation planning, so that you could then help to plan for the following school year. If you are interested, please sign up on the attached google sheet and Ms. Harnick will be in touch with you regarding next steps.

     

    2025 Graduating Class


    Hearts and Minds Newsletter

    Please take a moment to view and read the latest newsletter from TDSB's Psychological Services. The Spring edition of the Hearts and Minds Newsletter includes the following topics: 

    • Study Tips
    • Emotional Intelligence
    • Mnemonic Strategies

    Hearts & Minds Newsletter-Latest Edition


    International Day of Pink at the TDSB




    On April 10th, the TDSB recognized the International Day of Pink. The International Day of Pink is recognized at the Toronto District School Board and around the world in support of creating a more accepting and inclusive world by encouraging TDSB students and staff to stand up against bullying, discrimination and harassment directed towards 2SLGBTQ+ communities. International Day of Pink began in 2007 when a teenager faced homophobic bullying at a Nova Scotia high school for wearing a pink t-shirt and students organized to wear pink as an act of solidarity. 

    At Davisville JPS and Spectrum Alternative, we are committed to creating spaces that reflect and affirm the lived experiences and intersectional identities of all in our school community. The TDSB’s Human Rights Policy and the Ontario Human Rights Code protects all staff and students from discrimination and harassment based on gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. On April 10th, many members of our school community wore pink as a way of demonstrating support and solidarity with 2SLGBTQ+ communities. 

    Grade 8 Summer Reach Ahead Opportunity

    Grade 8 Summer Reach Ahead Opportunity: Current Grade 8 students are eligible to register for the e-Summer Full Credit Summer Reach Ahead course, GLD2OE. Successful completion of this e-Summer course counts towards the Ministry of Education’s mandatory e-Learning credit requirement. If interested, please read the following poster for further information: elementary poster

    TDSB Backpack & School Supplies Drive

    Source: TDSB website

    All students should have access to backpacks and school supplies. These essential items support well-being so that students may focus on achievement in and out of the classroom. The TDSB is pleased to launch the annual Backpack & School Supplies Drive (“the Drive”) this month. Backpacks and school supplies can be expensive. They can also wear out easily or are often lost or misplaced by students throughout the school year. They represent a difficult purchase for some students and for their families.

    The Drive is LIVE and will run until the end of September, 2024. We are accepting donations of new products, including backpacks (gender neutral coloured with no commercial logos preferred), lunch bags, crayons, calculators and basic school supplies. Those interested in supporting the drive with In-Kind donations can complete our online donation form. Monetary donations towards the purchase of backpacks and supplies are also welcome and can be made online through School Cash Online.

    For information related to the Drive, please contact Educational and Business Partnerships at 416-395-9694 or businessdevelopment@tdsb.on.ca.


    Saturday, 6 April 2024

    Week of April 1st, 2024

     Davisville's Got Talent





    Davisville's Got Talent was a huge success! Our students showcased their hidden talents, built their confidence and it was a great way to bring our community together.  We would like to extend our gratitude to Ms. Tiralongo, Mr. Shragge and Mme Andreasen for all of their hard work organizing this wonderful event. All of the rehearsals paid off as the talent show proved to be an incredible display of student talent. 

    Family Game Night



    Thank you to our school council for organizing a successful game night. It was a great way for parent(s)/caregivers to bond with their child(ren) and spend quality time together. The event brought our families together to share an evening of fun, interaction and joy.


    PA Day Monday, April 8th: Solar Eclipse   



    Dear Families,
    As you may already know, the TDSB announced that to ensure student safety due to the solar eclipse on April 8th, schools will be closed. 

    Are you ready for the #SolarEclipse? Check out this @wakelet collection of resources!

    https://wakelet.com/wake/rFn-tygQ0gnr-vp3hJiKn


    Elementary Summer School 2024

    Source: TDSB site


    The focus of the 2024 Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program is to continue student engagement through July. The local summer school principal develops programs focused on Literacy and Numeracy priorities and aligned with the school's specific focus.

    Programs are offered in-person to students in K to Grade 8, from July 2 to July 26, 2024. This year, one remote program will also be available for Grades 4 to 8. The remote (online) program is NOT associated with a particular school. Students who are registered will be grouped by grade and assigned an online teacher.

    Registration Information

    Program Dates - July 2 to July 26, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
    Registration is online. To fill out an application, please click on the registration form link for the school below.

    TDSB Elementary Summer School


    Upcoming Event: Black Innovator and Inventor Fair on April 25th

    Dear Families,


    On April 25th, we will be having our Black Inventor and Innovator Steam Fair. Our junior classes and intermediate classes have been researching the contributions of scientists and inventors from the African Diaspora. To showcase and celebrate all of their hard work, our STEAM fair will serve as a culminating event, where students will display their research and inventions that they designed and built. We welcome our families to join us for this event. Please stay tuned for more information on this.