The following are some highlights from Trustee Chernos Lin’s Sept 23rd update that pertain to our school. For all the information in this update click here
Laird in Focus/Rio Can Proposal (815-845 Eglinton Avenue East)
The Laird in Focus draft Site and Area Specific Policy (SASP) is now available for review and comment on the City of Toronto website, and the draft can be accessed here. TLC staff are currently reviewing the draft SASP and will continue to work with the City to ensure the TDSB’s interests are protected. City staff are expected to bring forward a Staff Report with final SASP and urban design guidelines to Community Council sometime this fall.
STUDENT STRIKES FOR CLIMATE ACTION
As a Board, we know that climate change is an important issue that needs to be addressed and that students play an important role in building an environmentally sustainable future. The TDSB EcoSchools Program provides opportunities within the classroom, the school, and the community for students to engage in education actions that prepare them with the knowledge, skills, perspectives, and practices they need to be environmentally responsible citizens. This approach is guided by the TDSB’s Global Competencies, which encourage students to engage in local and global concepts and initiatives while demonstrating responsibility and ethical citizenship.
With regard to the September 27 rally, safety is our top priority for students who may be planning to participate. We’ve asked our schools to work closely with student organizers so that their plans include consideration of student safety and logistical issues.
As always, students under the age of 18 require parental permission to leave class. Any students who are not in attendance at school will be marked absent. As is the case with all absences where parental permission has been granted, the absence will be deemed “explained.”
To ensure students receive no academic penalty for taking part in the rally, we have also asked our schools to avoid scheduling tests and other assessments on that day.
In the days ahead, we will be providing additional curriculum resources to support our teachers as they provide learning opportunities for students on climate change.
We encourage parents/guardians to discuss this climate change rally with their child(ren). Student voice and action is important for our students and parent/guardian involvement in this process is key.”
CHANGES TO FRENCH PROGRAMMING/TIMELINES:
At the first French as a Second Language (FSLAC) meeting of the school year, Staff presented a Q and A regarding the implementation of the French Review Recommendations (passed last spring at our June board meeting). In this new update, there are important timelines regarding entry to JK French Immersion and Grade 4 Immersion, along with dates for phasing out all other French specialty programs. To learn about these implementation details and other related significant changes, please click here.
CAPITAL PRIORITIES PROGRAM SUBMISSION: Hodgson MS
Last week at Committee of the Whole, our Board passed staff’s submissions to the Provincial Capital Priorities Program. Beginning September 30th, each school board is allowed to submit its ten most pressing capital pojects for Provincial funding. As many of you are likely aware, back in 2016, the TDSB received funding for an addition to Hodgson Middle School. However, after it’s approval, additional information that came out of the Midtown In Focus Study (where the TDSB had a seat at the table) indicated that the current scope of the funded project was not large enough to accommodate the revised numbers for the midtown area. As a result, the TDSB resubmitted its business case to the Province but has not received an answer. After several inquiries, we have been informed we must re-submit this case as part of this current round of applications if we wish to be considered for a larger project. The TDSB considers this capital project a top priority, and is now proceeding with the newly-required resubmission. While this does not guarantee additional funding, we are hopeful the government will recognize the massive growth of midtown Toronto and provide the necessary funding. We expect to hear back in the new year, and I will endeavour to keep the community aware of any updates regarding this project.
BUSSING UPDATE
If you are experiencing problems connecting with Student Transportation, please try TSTG’s temporary new phone line for the month of September to contact the call centre. You shouldn’t get a busy signal using the new number at 647-790-3829.
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR 2019-2020
