TDSB Trustee Anu Sriskandarajah
Charlottetown JPS Traffic Update
By TDSB Trustee Anu Sriskandarajah
I am happy to share that Charlottetown Junior School Public has been selected to take part in the Traffic Safety Program for the 2022/23 school year. The program is run by Green Communities Canada and each year 15 schools out of the 583 TDSB schools are selected for it.
In the upcoming months I will be working with the Principal, Superintendent, school staff and parent council as part of the program to address traffic concerns at the school.
As part of the program, schools receive a Traffic Safety Facilitator who:
- Provides solutions in collaboration with the community.
- Conducts field studies: for example, traffic observations and travel surveys.
- Identifies infrastructure improvements and an action plan to monitor progress.
- Works with city Transportation staff to address traffic concerns around school.
- Develops and implements initiatives for active modes of school travel.
Combatting Hate and Racism
Hate and racism in any form have no place in schools and workplaces and we are committed to interrupting and confronting racism, discrimination and hate, in all its forms when we see or hear it.
There is an incredible amount of work happening in classrooms and schools every day to support this commitment through professional learning, curriculum resources, encouraging and supporting critical conversations, and building connections with each other as well as community organizations to support this important work. Learn more about our strategy at Student Equity Collective – tdsb.on.ca
Backpack and School Supplies Drive
All students should have access to backpacks and school supplies to help them get the most out of their school experience – and you and/or your business can help our students and families in need with a donation to the TDSB’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive.
This year’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive will run from March 1 to the end of September. 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. Learn more at Backpack and School Supplies Drive – tdsb.on.ca
Free Employment Services
For free, job seekers can access employment services and resources to get a job, secure the training needed for a new career, and so much more. The TDSB’s Community Services Unit operates seven convenient Next-Steps Employment Centres across the GTA. Visit www.next-steps.ca to learn more.
Enhanced Language Training for Newcomers
Continue your professional career in Canada! Internationally Experienced/Educated Professionals new to Canada can sign up for the Community Services Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program. Trainees receive in-class instruction on their sectors and gain the opportunity to secure work placement in their related industry. Learn more at www.elt4employment.ca.
TCDSB Trustee Garry Tanuan
Easter is a time to ponder and reflect on all that is currently happening around us. On one hand, we are heartened that the pandemic restrictions are being lifted and a sense of hope to normalcy is finally upon us, while on the other hand, we’re anxious about the imminent threats to our freedom in society as terrible events unfold. Many of our TCDSB families have deep connections to Ukraine and have been profoundly affected by recent events.
On March 3, the TCDSB Board of Trustees passed a motion to stand in solidarity and support #StandWithUkraine by declaring March 10 as “Blue and Yellow Day.” A ceremony and flag- raising was held at the Catholic Education Centre as a symbol of our ongoing support and hope for peace. Schools throughout the board participated in “Blue and Yellow Day” as toonies were donated. Funds raised will go directly to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Multi-Year Strategic Plan
The TCDSB is pleased to share our new 2022-2025 Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) which reflects our Board’s priorities, strategic directions and goals. More info. on the plan: tcdsb.org/board/mysp/pages/multiyearstrategicplan.aspx
Schoolyard Revitalization Fund
School communities are invited to submit applications via their principal for funding their outdoor improvement projects. This includes playgrounds, sports or outdoor learning projects. Application deadline is April 5. Contact play.ground@tcdsb.org.
Olympic Swimmer & St. Brendan Grad
Kayla Sanchez, St. Brendan Catholic School graduate, is a Canadian Olympic Level swimmer. As a member of the Canadian National Team, she has represented Canada at the Olympic and World championship level and is a two-time Olympic medalist. She is one of Canada’s most prominent Filipino Canadian athletes. After overcoming a shoulder injury and surgery in 2020, Kayla worked extraordinarily hard to win in the Olympics in the summer of 2021. Congratulations and well-done, Kayla! Mabuhay!
Questions? Contact: Trustee Garry Tanuan 416-512-3408 or 416-222-8282 ext. 2659 (Constituency Officer Ida Serpe).