Embedded Files
Superintendent's Message
Superintendent's Message
Hello team! As we head into the last month of "school", please take a moment to breath, stretch, smell the spring flowers, feel the breeze.....There is so much going on......
Thank you for your ongoing work to connect with our students and parents, and in supporting your staff in doing so as well. Some ongoing strategies being used in LN14:
newsletters
twitter
teleconferences
"office hours" for students, parents and families with Admin., teachers, social worker, EICs...
town hall
"face to face" virtual involvement
yoga, motivational speakers, WE speakers, nutrition/dieticians
"call outs"
use of translators
"welcome to kindie"; "welcome to grade 7"; "welcome to grade 9" for students and parents - google meet
staff "we are thinking of you" videos
highlights in the media....
When writing your report cards, please decide whether you are going to use the past or present tense - it is the Principal decision. Also please note that staff who are on medical leave cannot come into the school during their medical leave.
Thank you.
Anti-Black Racism
Anti-Black Racism
- Statement from TDSB Chair Robin Pilkey and Director John Malloy on the TDSB web:
- Statement from TDSB Chair Robin Pilkey and Director John Malloy on the TDSB web:
Racism in all forms is deeply rooted in our history. This week reminds us of the ongoing impact of anti-Black racism on individuals and communities. Through the media, we have witnessed violence and harassment against members of the Black community. We are acutely aware of the devastating impacts of anti-Black racism in our world, in our community and in the Toronto District School Board.
These events are felt personally, and in different ways by our students, staff and community at the TDSB. We recognize that there are a myriad of feelings being experienced by Black staff and students in the TDSB. There is a heightened sense of vulnerability and reactions of sadness, insecurity, anger, and grief – to name a few. It is incumbent upon all of us to stand up and do whatever it takes to end racism, hate and oppression of all kinds. Silence is not acceptable. The profound harm it causes to individuals, families and communities can no longer be debated or tolerated and must be stopped.
The Toronto District School Board continues to be committed to equity and inclusion, and we acknowledge the importance of addressing anti-Black racism. As we continue to serve students and communities, these acts of violence are critical reminders that we need to remain focused and committed to the changes that need to happen for our students and families. We need to continuously examine our commitment on how we make schools safe places for all students, staff, parents and communities.
In the TDSB, we do not always get things right, but we will maintain an unwavering focus on ending anti-Black racism and all forms of oppression. We know we need to hear the voices of our students, community and staff, and make sure our equity efforts are informed by these voices. In our sadness, let us work towards change and hold each other accountable for taking a stand against individual and systemic acts of anti-Black racism. Let us work together to make a difference and fight against all forms of racism and hate as we strive to change the future in the lives of our TDSB community and beyond.
The Rise of Anti-Asian Racism During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Rise of Anti-Asian Racism During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Anti-AsianRacism.pdfJune @ the TDSB
June @ the TDSB
Italian Heritage Month
Italian Heritage Month
From the TDSB Web:
"Italian Heritage Month is recognized proudly during the month of June at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). (Italian Heritage Month Poster). The TDSB passed a motion to recognize Italian Heritage Month in June in May 2012 and is also joined by the Province of Ontario in celebrating Italian Heritage Month since June 2010 when the Italian Heritage Month Act was passed. As stated in the Italian Heritage Act, 2010, “Ontario is home to more than 1,350,000 Italian Canadians. Since the 1880s, the Italian Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Province of Ontario.”
Italian traditions are shared throughout the City of Toronto and enjoyed by our students, staff, TDSB communities and beyond. Italian cuisine is one custom that is appreciated around the globe. There are infinite recipes that are enjoyed by many, from signature tomato sauces with pasta, to various meat and fish specialties, and let us not forget the amazing desserts!
David Rocco is a well-known chef recognized for his Italian style of cooking. His parents emigrated from Italy in the 1950’s and raised David with traditional Italian cooking flare. David’s interest in food and his Italian roots contributed to his success as author of numerous cookbooks such as Dolce Famiglia, (Harper Collins; November 2016), and Made In Italy (Clarkson Potter, Harper Collins, October 2011). He is also a celebrity chef and host of several internationally syndicated television series promoting Italian cuisine.
Multicultural broadcasting in Canada was founded by Johnny Lombardi (CHIN Radio, 1966 and CHIN-FM, 1967), son of Italian immigrants. Johnny’s passion for celebrating the Italian language expanded to recognizing multiculturalism in Toronto. A bench honouring his accomplishments is located near College Street and Grace Street.
Dina Pugliese is also a Canadian television personality of Italian immigrants. She is currently the co-host of Breakfast Television and she grew up in the Greater Toronto Area enjoying Italian customs. She provides insight into Italian family life in this past Chatelaine article.
People from around the world travel to Italy, and many decide to make this country their home. This year, as the world marks the 75th Liberation anniversary , it is interesting to note that there has been a large Jewish population in Italy since ancient Roman times. A museum called, National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah (MEIS) is currently being built in Ferrara, Italy, with an anticipated completion date in late 2020. Early in 2018 their inaugural exhibition was called “Jews, an Italian Story: The First Thousand Years”, that illustrates the history of Jewish presence in Italy from ancient Roman times until the Middle Ages.
TDSB Professional Library: bit.ly/PLItalianHeritageMonthGuide"
Portuguese Speaking Heritage
Portuguese Speaking Heritage
From the TDSB Web:
"June is Portuguese Speaking Heritage Month at TDSB
Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of June at the Toronto District School Board (Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month Poster). This year we recognize the significant contributions of Portuguese-Speaking individuals both nationally and internationally.
The contributions of the Portuguese-Speaking heritage to Canada are significant as they include the arts, sports, and public life. Canadians, along with all TDSB students, staff, and its communities and beyond all enjoy the energetic and vibrant traditions that are shared through the customs of this heritage. Over 1,400 TDSB students speak Portuguese as their mother tongue or as a primary language.
The bossa nova style of composition is known as the music of Brazil. This method of music is attributed to João Gilberto, a singer/songwriter and a musician whose passion was creating and performing music of his heritage. Further information about João Gilberto is available at this link: https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jo%C3%A3o-gilberto-mn0000785283/biography and a performance of his amazing music may been seen at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfy2ggYnxsk
Cristiano Ronaldo is a renowned sports figure recognized for his talents on the soccer field. Cristano was born on February 5, 1985, and raised on the Portuguese island of Madeira. He has played with many teams throughout his career including Manchester United and Real Madrid and is currently playing with the Juventus Football Club since 2018. He was considered one of the highest-paid athletes by Forbes (2016 and 2017) and Time (2014) listed him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Further information about Cristiano Ronaldo may be found at https://www.biography.com/athlete/cristiano-ronaldo
Representing the citizens of Ontario in various government elected positions continues to be a way for Canadians to demonstrate their democratic privileges. Currently, Ana Bailão was elected in 2018 as City Councillor at the City of Toronto and acquired the position of Deputy Mayor. Ana Bailão was born in Villa Franca de Xira in Portugal in August 1976 and moved to Toronto with her family at the age of 15. She was elected as City Councillor in 2010 and continues to serve the citizens of her ward. For more information about City Councillor Ana Bailão, please see this link: http://www.anabailao.com/about_ana.
Internationally, there are 250 million Portuguese-speaking people worldwide, making it the fifth-most spoken language. The heroic efforts of many Portuguese-Speaking individuals had a momentous impact on thousands of people around the globe. This year, 2020, we mark the 75th Liberation Anniversary. We take this opportunity to highlight four Portuguese-Speaking individuals: Joaquim Carreira, Aristides de Sousa Mendes, Sampaio Garrido, and José Brito Mendes who risked their own lives to save thousands of Jewish individuals from the Holocaust through selfless acts. Their names have been engraved on the ‘Wall of Honor’ of the ‘Righteous of the Nations Garden’ at the Yad Vashem Memorial in Jerusalem, Israel. For additional information these four individuals and the ‘Wall of Honour’ may be found at the following link: https://portuguese-american-journal.com/honor-rev-joaquim-carreira-joins-righteous-of-the-nations-garden-wall-of-honor-israel/
Additional information about Portuguese-Speaking may be found on the attached document may be found below called “Did you know” and also in the resources provided by the TDSB Professional Library.
TDSB Professional Library: bit.ly/PLPortugueseSpeakingHeritageMonthGuide "
National Indigenous Peoples History Month
National Indigenous Peoples History Month
"During the month of June, people across the country mark National Indigenous History Month in recognition of the rights, histories, contemporary realities and extraordinary achievements of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The unique cultures and perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are celebrated nationally and locally.
On June 21, the TDSB also recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day. June 21st is a day of significance for many Indigenous Peoples in Canada. It marks the day when the Sun is closest to the Earth. It is the longest day of the year and the shortest night. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples celebrate Summer Solstice. It is a time that reminds us to remain grounded, humble and appreciative. It is usually celebrated by coming together with family and community for a feast, although ceremonies and traditions are being marked in different ways this year due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional foods are an important aspect of the feast as they signify connection to the land and animals.
Learn more!
Getting Ready for Liberation75
Getting Ready for Liberation75
As many of you are aware, the TDSB was planning on sending thousands of our students to Education Day at Liberation 75 (a global gathering of Holocaust survivors, descendants, educators and friends @ the Metro Convention Centre) on June 2, 2020. Sadly the event was cancelled due to the pandemic. In acknowledgment of this upcoming special date (75 years since the end of World War 2, liberation from the Holocaust) here are some additional resources which may be of interest to educators and their students.
For more information please contact Shari Schwartz-Maltz – shari.schwartz-maltz@tdsb.on.ca. Also please check out our website where these resources will live permanently.
From our friends at Liberation75:
Sadly, we can no longer see you and your students in person for Liberation75. However, we still wanted you to be able to offer your students best-in-class Holocaust and genocide-related education through our educational partners – so we have compiled free online teaching resources for you to use. Each resource has been carefully curated by experts in Holocaust/genocide studies and labelled by age. Some resources are available in French. You will find these resources on the Liberation75 Educator Toolkit on our website at www.liberation75.org/educator-toolkit.
Most content is for middle- and high-school students, but we also feature content for primary-school children. Featured lessons range from one-time stand-alone lessons to full units/courses with built-in assignments and activities. Resources also vary in their academic and creative approaches.
We will continue to add resources to this Toolkit, which currently features more than 15 fantastic options from the USC Shoah Foundation, Facing History and Ourselves, Anne Frank House, the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, Fighting Antisemitism Together (FAST), Yad Vashem World Holocaust Remembrance Center, Montreal Holocaust Museum, Historica Canada, Echoes & Reflections, Second Story Press, and The Memory Project. A main contact for questions, assistance, or feedback is included in each resource description.
Now, more than ever, the lessons of the Holocaust remain paramount. The 75th anniversary of Liberation reminds us of the need to fight hate, racism and antisemitism – and to create a caring society. We hope these resources will help you achieve your goals, and make your life a little easier.
From our friends at the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre (UJA Federation of Greater Toronto):
Please see attached pdf which contains a guide for a liberation film as well as interactive reflection activity for students.
June is Pride Month @ the TDSB!
June is Pride Month @ the TDSB!
"In June, we celebrate Pride in the TDSB. It’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity and raise awareness among all staff and students about the rich culture and history of our LGBTQ community.
This year, we celebrate entirely online but there's still a lot to learn about and participate in:
Check out what's happening across the city in Virtual Pride by Toronto Pride
The TDSB's Professional Library has pulled together a list of resources to celebrate Pride, including an LGBTQ Resource Guide
Join the conversation online with #PrideTDSB "
NEW Student Registration
NEW Student Registration
Important Note:
Online registration is for students new to the TDSB. Please do not complete an online registration for a current TDSB student. For further information and instructions, contact the school where you would like to register.
Need help? View the Online Registration Video Tutorial for more information. For technical issues related to the OLR application, please contact your local school.
Student Online Forms
Student Online Forms
School start up forms will be made available to parents this September in digital format.
Parents with emails recorded in Trillium will automatically be sent a message containing a link to complete forms for each of their children using a tool called “Permission Click”.
This message will be sent the day after student attendance is taken and they become active in Trillium.
Question: Should schools print Start of Year forms in June?
Answer: No. It is anticipated many parents will complete the forms online. Additionally, the current Start of Year forms are being reviewed for changes.
Agincourt CI Staff Message to Students
Agincourt CI Staff Message to Students
The staff of Agincourt have prepared a little “hello video” for our students and ACI community. We miss you!
Port Royal PS Parade
Port Royal PS Parade
CTV (May 22) 23M50S
Following the announcement that in-person classes won’t return until the fall, the staff at Port Royal PS decided to bring some school spirit to their students at home with a vehicle parade.
Forever Yoga an Educational Partner
Forever Yoga an Educational Partner
~thanks for the recommendation Mary Ann!
Contact Forever Yoga's Sangita Balasara, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist @ 416.522.8733 or sangita.balsara@gmail.com
At Forever yoga we are dedicated to offering the teachings of Yoga and mindfulness in its purest form to all sincere seekers, respecting the needs, interests, abilities and experiences of each individual. Anyone who wants to can practice yoga and mindfulness!
Educational Programming Partnerships are programs, workshops, seminars, presentations, performances and/or educational services that are led by external agencies in our schools during instructional time.
Through the list of Our Partners, you can connect directly with educational programming partners to schedule them at your school.
READ ALONG with MICHELLE OBAMA!
READ ALONG with MICHELLE OBAMA!
"Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss and "Can I Be Your Dog?" by Troy Cummings! - PBS KIDS
Update From Director John Malloy
Update From Director John Malloy
Friday, May 29, 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I hope you and your family continue to be well. As we enter the final month of the school year, I want to provide an important update in a number of different areas:
Retrieval of Personal Belongings
Parent/Guardian Online Survey Results
Synchronous/Real Time Learning
Report Cards
Summer School
Retrieval of Personal Belongings
We know that a number of students and parents/guardians are eager to collect personal belongings from schools prior to the end of the school year. The TDSB has now finalized a comprehensive protocol — developed in consultation with the Ministry of Education and Toronto Public Health — and guidelines that will allow for the retrieval of personal belongings beginning the week of June 8, 2020. It is not mandatory to come to the school to pick up belongings and students or parents/guardians should only visit the school if absolutely necessary. Anything that is not collected will be bagged, labelled and stored until schools reopen. In the coming days, you should hear directly from your Principal with additional details, including the schedule for your school for picking up and returning items.
Parent/Guardian Online Survey Results
Thank you to all parents/ guardians who took part in our recent online survey. We asked about your experiences with learning at home this past month — what has worked well, what have been the greatest challenges, and what are your suggestions. 38,599 parents participated in this ThoughtExchange, generating 46,924 thoughts. Moving forward, this information will be used to improve our remote learning practices and to plan for the next school year. Parents’ voices are critical in helping us strategize both centrally and locally. This summary identifies some of the key ideas shared by you.
Synchronous/Real Time Learning
Earlier this month, Ontario’s Minister of Education directed educators to incorporate more synchronous learning — “real time” learning by one or more students with their teacher via online platforms or through the phone. Using the TDSB’s already established guidelines, as well as direct feedback received from parents, educators and administrators via multiple online surveys, we are now implementing Refined Expectations for Remote Learning. For the remainder of this school year, and as we transition into September, teachers and Designated Early Childhood Educators will begin to connect with students and families in a variety of ways. We have stated in the revised expectations that there should be a minimum of two interactions per week, if this was not already being done. We know that not all students can engage in learning at a specific time so educators are encouraged to find a variety of ways to connect with their students, have students connect with each other, and to celebrate student learning in the last few weeks of school.
We recognize that we are now into the final weeks of the school year and know this document cannot be fully implemented overnight. However, we must begin to move towards this model of best practices, knowing the learning taking place between now and the end of June will help to inform plans for September.
Report Cards
With schools being closed, the distribution of report cards will look a little different this year. Since it is not possible to distribute hard copies in school, report cards will be electronically distributed via email. For families with no email address on file, a hard copy will be mailed to your address.
Kindergarten Communication of Learning and Grades 1 to 8 report cards: will be sent home electronically between June 22 and 26, 2020
Grades 9 to 12 report cards: will be sent home electronically between June 24 and July 3, 2020
Summer School
As we indicated in our last communication, the TDSB will be offering an expanded summer learning program this year. The Ministry of Education is asking school boards to plan for summer learning to be delivered remotely, however, in some cases, in-person teaching and learning could be possible should emergency measures be eased or lifted during the summer.
Elementary Summer School: Our elementary summer school program focus is to close the achievement and well-being gap and to continue student engagement into July. French programs will also be available for students currently in a French Immersion or Extended French Program.
International Languages Elementary/African Heritage: The International Languages Elementary/African Heritage Program offers language classes to students Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Credit Courses for e-Summer High School (online): Ontario high school students can earn credits online this summer. Reach ahead or catch up on high school credits. There are dozens of courses available in July and August.
Hybrid Remote Summer Credit Program: The program includes courses in all subject areas from Grades 9 to 12, with a focus on compulsory courses. This summer, a variety of upgrading courses are also available to students who completed a course this year who wish to upgrade their passing mark in a 55 hour upgrading course.
Remote Credit Recovery: This program allows current TDSB high school students to “recover” the credit in a course in which they were unsuccessful within the last two school years. It is a NEW summer program and will be delivered only online.
For more information on TDSB Summer School, including how to register, dates available and course details, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/summer.
Many of the challenges and successes we have experienced over recent weeks are a first for everyone — parents/guardians, students and staff alike — so I want end this letter with my sincere thanks for your continued patience and support. As this very unique school year winds down, we will continue to keep you updated with any other details about the upcoming weeks. Until then, should you have any questions, please speak with your child(ren)’s teacher or Principal.
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