TDSB Trustee Anu Sriskandarajah
National School Food Program Needed
In 2020, the Board sent a letter to the federal government advocating for the government to follow through on its commitment to invest in a national school food program. The Board did not receive a response.
In 2022, the City of Toronto increased its funding for student nutrition programs. The Board of Health has also called on the provincial and federal government to increase funding for school nutrition programs and for the creation of a national school food program.
The pandemic coupled with inflation has increased inequalities and food insecurity. There has been an increase in food bank use. The federal government is consulting on a possible national school policy but has not committed to when it will be implemented. On January 18, the Program and Services Committee asked the Board to write a letter to the provincial and federal governments to highlight the even more pressing need.
School and Community Safety
In December 2022, the Board passed Phase One of the “A Collaborative Approach to School and Community Safety” plan that is set to address the urgent safety concerns in schools and community violence. Phase One includes:
1. Additional resource investments
2. Compulsory learning and compliance training for staff
3. Restorative practice and restorative justice training
4. Safety audit
5. Increase in programming for students
6. Expert table reference group
7. Increase in community partnerships
8. Work with Toronto Police and City of Toronto
9. Update security technologies
10. Advocate for the provincial government to return the Priority Schools Initiative funding
Tamil Heritage Month at the TDSB
Tamil Heritage Month was proudly recognized during the month of January at the Toronto District School Board. January is also the month that Thai Pongal is celebrated. One of the most important festivals celebrated by Tamils, it is a harvest festival that offers thanks to the sun and nature for its crops.
Save the Date: EnVision Conference
The annual EnVision Conference (in-person) will be from Tuesday, February 28 to Wednesday, March 1. The focus of this year’s conference is 2SLGBTQIAP+ Indigenous, Black and Racialized Joy, Intersections, and Futurity.
TCDSB Trustee Garry Tanuan
Love is the virtue of the month of February. Exciting things continue to happen at the TCDSB. Our staff and students continue to amaze us with their dedication to Catholic education, learning, and most importantly, spreading love and having fun.
Proclamation
On January 12, at the Student Achievement and Well Being Committee public meeting, a proclamation was passed to declare January 23, as Loretto Sisters Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary Day.
The 175th anniversary of the arrival of the Loretto Sisters Institute in Canada represents a significant opportunity to celebrate the Order’s enormous contribution to Catholic education in Toronto. January 23 is the birthday of Mary Ward, founder of the institute.
Saint Mother Teresa was also a Loretto Sister. As an 18-year-old, she joined the Order at Loretto Abbey in Rathfarnham, Ireland. The TCDSB’s own St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy proudly carries on her spirit of charitable works in the Scarborough community.
The Angel Foundation, the official charity of the TCDSB, in partnership with the Loretto Sisters, raises resources for the Loretto Fund to support newcomer students entering TCDSB schools.
French Immersion and Extended French
In-person and virtual sessions will be held in January and February by schools offering French Immersion or Extended French Programs: tcdsb.org/article/959046
Innovative Exemplary Practice Award
Innovative Exemplary Practice Award applications are now open. Each winning school will be the recipient of a $750 award, which will be directed toward sustaining the project. Principals must submit their applications by March 3.
Night School Registration
Registration opens on January 16 at 9 a.m. and ends on March 3 for both TCDSB and non-TCDSB students. tcdsb.org/o/continuingeducation
FAQs: tcdsb.org/FORSTUDENTS/back-to-school/Pages/faq.aspx
Questions? Contact: Trustee Garry Tanuan 416-512-3408 or 416-222-8282 ext. 2659 (Constituency Officer Ida Serpe).