TDSB Trustee Anu Sriskandarajah
Pandemic Recovery Is Not Over
TDSB Trustees issued a TDSB-wide budget survey to all parents/guardians/caregivers to gauge their opinions on the impacts of the pandemic. The survey was completed by nearly 18,000 people. Results showed that 70 percent believe the impacts of the pandemic are still being felt by their children, 86 percent believe that pandemic funding should continue, and 90 percent believe that the ministry should fully or partially cover pandemic costs.
Multi-Year Strategic Plan Renewal
Have your say! We are renewing our Multi-Year Strategic Plan at the TDSB, and I invite you to share your opinions to help shape the Board’s future! Please complete the MYSP online survey at: tdsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cBew9CHG4DSVl0G. If you are part of a community group or committee that is interested in contributing to the MYSP renewal, the Facilitation Guide is now available online in multiple languages. I encourage you to review the guide, record your discussions and submit input. To learn more, please visit: www.tdsb.on.ca/MYSPrenewal
Summer Languages & African Heritage
The International Languages Elementary Summer Program combines language and culture learning with engaging activities like games, songs, dance, storytelling and writing. No language background knowledge is necessary. The African Heritage Summer Program connects students to the contributions, histories, legacies, cultures and traditions of people of African descent through inquiry and experiential learning. Go to tdsb.on.ca and search for “ Summer International Languages”
tdsbCREATES is a board-wide arts initiative that connects local artists with classrooms through Mentorship and Residency Programs, fostering creativity while exploring various art forms, including visual arts, dance, drama, spoken word, film, music, and multidisciplinary arts. It is funded by the TDSB Arts Department and the Toronto Arts Council with administrative support of artists from Prologue Performing Arts. Planning for tdsbCREATES 2023/2024 will begin soon, incorporating learnings from 2022/2023. Prologue will prepare a full report for the Toronto Arts Council in consultation with the Arts Department. tdsbCREATES has positively impacted students and teachers based on their feedback. The program has positively impacted professional practice, student creativity, and well-being, as reported by both teachers and students.
The TDSB Arts Department offers various subsidies to the system, such as the Instrument Repair Budget, the Arts Opportunity Funds, and the Arts Building Communities Subsidy. Additionally, digital learning resources, such as access to Soundtrap digital recording platform and Musicplay online resource modules, are provided to support the Arts curriculum. The Arts Department also allocates tens of thousands of free and subsidized ticketing to performances from local organizations.
TDSB to Develop Strategy to Address Islamophobia
TDSB Trustees have unanimously voted to develop and implement a system-wide strategy to address Islamophobia. The creation of this new strategy will build on the work of the broader TDSB Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Strategy, which addresses all forms of racism, hate and discrimination. Staff will now prepare a report to be presented to the TDSB’s Planning and Priorities Committee at a meeting this fall, where they will update Trustees on the development of the new strategy. Learn More at https://www.tdsb.on.ca/home/ctl/Details/mid/43823/itemId/107
TCDSB Trustee Garry Tanuan
To say that June is a busy month would be an understatement. The vibrant activities within the TCDSB family of schools are alive and well with fun fairs, concerts, awards and so much more!
Congratulations to all Graduates!
Congratulations to all our Grade 8 graduates with wishes of a smooth transition to high school, and all our Grade 12 graduates, the very best in their endeavours as they move on to post-secondary education, a new career or perhaps some travelling.
STEAM Education: Ultimate Science
Ultimate Science is a program that stimulates STEAM education at an early age by harnessing students’ curiosity and fostering the development of innovative thinkers to pursue solutions to global challenges.
This year’s science projects at St. Malachy highlighted a diverse range of innovative ideas from students, with each project offering a unique solution to real-world problems. From cleaning up space junk to developing environmentally friendly school uniforms, these marvelous projects demonstrate a clear commitment to sustainability and innovation. Jada, a Grade 7 student at St. Malachy Catholic Elementary School, received the highest achievement award for Ultimate Science.
Exemplary Practice Award
St. Columba Catholic School was awarded the TCDSB Exemplary Practice Award for a project aptly named “St. Columba Cougars STEAM and Zen Den.” The “Zen Den” invites students to find their peace. It has fidgets, and books for self-regulation, emotions and social situations. It also has noise-cancelling headphones and emotion wheels. The library is separated into sections to distinctly make the best use of the space. Congratulations St. Columba!
Filipino Canadian Heritage Month
TCDSB has annually proclaimed June 12 as Filipino Heritage Day and June as Filipino Heritage Month, with elementary and secondary schools encouraged to celebrate Filipino heritage with relevant educational events and lessons. This month acknowledges the long and rich history of Filipino Canadians and their contributions to Canada. It also provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to celebrate the contributions Filipinos have made in enriching the diversity and social fabric in Ontario and across Canada. The 2023 theme is “Reconnecting with our Filipino Roots.” For details: tcdsb.org/o/communityrelations/page/filipino-canadian-heritage
Summer School Programs
Registration is now open for both TCDSB and non-TCDSB students. Students must register before June 23. Full details: tcdsb.org/o/continuingeducation/page/registration
FAQs: www.tcdsb.org/page/parents
Contact: Trustee Garry Tanuan 416-512-3408 or 416-222-8282 ext. 2659 (Constituency Officer: Ida Serpe).