Trustees Report April 2022
TDSB Trustee Anu Sriskandarajah
Online Learning Graduation Requirement
The Ontario Ministry of Education has introduced a new graduation requirement for secondary students to complete two e-Learning credits as part of the 30 credits required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). It applies only to students who entered Grade 9 on or after September 1, 2020, which means that they are now in Grade 9 or Grade 10. Students may withdraw/opt out of this new graduation requirement and graduate with an OSSD. For more info, go to tdsb.on.ca and search for “Online Learning Graduation Requirement.”
Consultation
Consultation is underway for the TDSB’s revised Student Attendance, Safe Arrival and Safe Departure Policy (P085), and we want to hear from you. Complete the survey and/or sign up to participate in a consultation webinar. You can find more information if you go to tdsb.on.ca and search for “Student Attendance.”
Join the Conversation
TDSB is pleased to be offering parents/caregivers FREE access to this great three-hour recording Reboot session with Dr. Shefali Tsabary. She will help answer questions and concerns on five stressors for parents/caregivers: 1) screen addiction, 2) children’s disrespect, 3) lying, 4) tantrums, and 5) anxiety. The session provides golden nuggets to address these stressors. Visit tdsb.on.ca/conversation to sign up for free access to the recording.
High Water Levels Bring Risks
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority monitors hazardous ice conditions as thaw begins, and is reminding everyone to be very careful around all bodies of water. Spring thaw can bring extreme danger to the shores and surfaces of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, according to TRCA.
As warmer temperatures arrive, stream banks become increasingly slippery and unstable. During this time, the potential for flooding is high. Parents and caregivers are being asked to keep children away from stream banks, ponds and lakes.
TCDSB Trustee Garry Tanuan
Every May at the TCDSB, we celebrate the virtue of compassion. It is the month of Mary, a timeless role model to women. In commemoration of International Women’s Day, we hosted a unique conversation about Mary with theologian Dr. Josephine Lombardi. It is no coincidence that on May 8, we honour motherhood and take the time to appreciate mothers’ roles.
Catholic Education Week
Celebrated across Ontario in May, the purpose is to celebrate the gift we have in publicly funded Catholic Education and to highlight the good work being accomplished in all Catholic schools. Visit. goodnewsforall.ca for themes and resources.
Virtual Budget Town Hall
Thank you to all those who were able to attend on April 7. If you missed it, visit tcdsb.org/budget for detailed information about the budget process. All stakeholders were invited to participate in the Budget Consultation Survey, which was due on April 22. Further information on the consultation will soon be available on the website.
Sri Lankan New Year
On April 5, my motion to declare April 14, 2022, and every year thereafter as Sri Lankan New Year Day was unanimously passed. On April 14, the TCDSB recognized Sri Lankan New Year, which is a national holiday in Sri Lanka.
Innovative Exemplary Practice Award
Each year, TCDSB acknowledges innovative special projects at our schools that inspire learning in unique and ground-breaking ways. The project Black Excellence Alliance (BEA), with the collaborative effort of the Francis Libermann Catholic High School staff and students, was no exception. Thank you and congratulations to the dedicated staff.
Congratulations to Nicole Boye
Nicole Boye, Grade 12 student at St. Mother Teresa Catholic Academy, was the recent recipient of the Zonta International Young Women in Public Affairs Award. A well-deserved recognition!
Proudly Pinoy Song Contest
To all TCDSB students: participate by submitting a video performance/song rendition of an original written song that communicates the theme – Bayanihan. Deadline: May 13. For more information visit tcdsb.org/FORCOMMUNITY/HeritageCelebration/FilipinoHeritageMonth
Questions? Contact: Trustee Garry Tanuan 416-512-3408 or 416-222-8282 ext. 2659