Special Education, January 19 Information Sessions

The TDSB is holding two information sessions on January 19 for parents and guardians who are interested in learning more about Individual Education Plans (IEP) and the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IRPC).

Click here for more information.

Info from TDSB Planning and Priorities Meeting

Irene Atkinson, School Board Trustee, notes that there were several issues brought to the forefront at the October 20 TDSB Planning and Priorities Meeting. The various documents that were provided for the meeting are available at this page:

http://www.tdsb.on.ca/boardroom/bd_agenda/AgendaMeeting.asp?siteid=88&menuid=391&enablenav=true&id=9269

Submitted by Paula Larrondo, Ward 7 rep

Staffing cuts at Toronto District School Board

The following letter was received from TDSB Trustee Irene Atkinson.
uploads/Staffing_Cuts_2009-2010.pdf

Submitted by Paula Larrondo, Ward 7 rep

Laughter For The Arts

Do you feel like going out and having a good laugh? This might be something you would be interested in attending. Click the link below for more details.

uploads/LaughterForTheArts.pdf

Swansea Gala & Dream Auction

Swansea is holding a Gala & Dream Auction in an effort to revitalize part of their school playground. If you are interested, please click the link below for additional information.

uploads/Gala%20Feb%2028.pdf

Event: Story Staircases, the art of telling tales

Story Staircases is a breathtaking art piece found on five stairwells at Queen Victoria Public School. 190 grades 3 and 4 students have transformed these stairwell walls into vivid allegorical paintings reflecting fables and mythology that express universal values of love and friendship, loyalty, trust, compassion and integrity. The 100+ feet of winding and climbing art introduces us to brilliant leopards, spiders, snakes, frogs, turtles, rabbits, woodpeckers, deer, monkeys, swans, roosters, hoopoe birds and humans too-all interacting with each other and with their natural world. These are the children's visual interpretations of the many stories told to the students: Jataka tales from South Asia, narratives from Africa and Europe, from Jewish and First Nations traditions.

The project took six weeks to complete and involved many collaborators – including arts education partners Inner City Angels, Mariposa In The Schools, Ontario Trillium Foundation (funder) and education partner York University – who worked with children in creating the art and design.

Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 6:30 to 9:00 pm.
Location: Queen Victoria Public School, 100 Close Avenue (King and Jameson)
Contact: Leslie Moody, Principal, 416-393-9200, leslie.moody@tdsb.on.ca

Sent on behalf of Trustee Irene Atkinson

Upcoming workshops at Humberside

Humberside Collegiate Institute School Advisory Council invites parents and community to participate in upcoming workshops.

Wednesday, October 22, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Substance Abuse
Identifying Stressors Contributing to Social-Behavior or Mental Health Concerns
Presenter: AVRUM NADIGEL, Youth Outreach Program, CAMH
Location: Staff Lounge, 2nd Floor of Humberside Collegiate Institute (HCI), 280 Quebec Avenue

Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Getting Your Child Ready for University
Presenters: WILLIAM WETZEL and CURTIS COLE, Department of Academic Advising, University of Toronto
Location: Lismer Hall, Humberside Collegiate Institute (HCI), 280 Quebec Avenue

Submitted by Paula Larrondo, Ward 7 rep

Workshop on parent-school partnerships

Workshop for School Council Members, Vice-Principals and Principals
Presented by TDSB Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC)

Through the sharing of experiences, these workshops are designed to provide information and strategies for all school councils whether experienced or inexperienced on how to strengthen existing parent-school partnerships.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Richview Collegiate Institute Library, 1738 Islington Ave. (@ Eglinton)

Thursday, October 23, 2008
David and Mary Thompson CI Library, 2740 Lawrence Ave. East (@ Midland Ave.)

Thursday, October 30, 2008
Jesse Ketchum Public School Library, 61 Davenport Road (@ Yonge)

Thursday, November 6, 2008
York Mills Collegiate Institute Library, 490 York Mills Road (@ Bayview)

§ Light Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. Sessions commence at 7:00 p.m.
§ All interested participants are encouraged to pre-register for the session of their choice. To register, please call 416-395-5040 OR email piac@tel.tdsb.on.ca.
§ Interpretation and child-minding is available for registered participants. Please call 416-397-3529 or email outreach@tdsb.on.ca to register for these services. Please ensure your name and the location of you will be attending is indicated when registering.

French as a Second Language Advisory Committee News

1. FSL Policy Development
Policies and procedures on aspects of FSL programs have developed at the Board over the years but there is no overall policy in place against which procedures can be developed and evaluated. The Gossling report of 2005 noted this and the Board responded by passing a motion for the development of an Extended and Immersion French policy "establishing a commitment to French-as-a-Second Language as a community-based program that supports French-language proficiency and bilingualism."

System Superintendent Nadine Segal formed a policy review committee of staff to work on an initial draft. In May, the committee expanded to include trustees and FSLAC members. It will meet again in September and in the coming months, the policy will go to the FSLAC, to the Program and School Services Committee of the Board and then to the full Board.

The FSLAC is proposing that the commitment be as stated in the Board motion but also include a commitment to research and innovation, to collaboration with stakeholders, to having a range of programs open to all applicants and to providing learning materials, special ed and literacy support and professional development equitable to the regular program.

2. TDSB Planning for the Future
The TDSB has a real estate portfolio that is larger than its current and projected needs. The Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC), an arm's length corporation, wholly owned by the TDSB, is now administering the portfolio. The TLC's board includes real estate experts and trustees. Any real estate that is sold will generate funds for capital reinvestment.

The GAPP (General Asset and Program Planning) committee is setting up a multi-year process for examining and making recommendations on how to address current and future programming and capital needs. The current array of programs and schools will be reviewed and recommendations made on freeing up resources to improve programs and the condition of schools. Every ward and every school will have the opportunity to provide input as the GAPP process develops recommendations about specific areas and schools. The Board has approved some policy directions concerning optimum school size, grade structure, program distribution, daycare and continuing (adult) education.

Peter Gooch, the Director of Strategy, Policy and Accountability and chair of the GAPP Committee is talking with the FSLAC about how FSL programs will be part of the questions that will guide system-wide planning. Depending on direction from the GAPP Trustee Working Group, he will be bringing recommendations to the Board in the fall. The FSLAC has begun the discussion by identifying some key facilities issues for FSL: the distribution of FSL programs across the city, the JK to SK immersion school transition, the need for flexibility to meet demand, the lack of daycare spots and the dual and single track school models for elementary and secondary.

3. SK Immersion Expansion
New SK Immersion programs will open in September 2008 at Fern PS and Duke of Connaught PS as a result of the November 2007 SK Immersion entry policy. These will provide enough spots for all applicants in these two areas of the city with room to grow in the coming years. TDSB staff is to be commended for their excellent work in meeting the Board's commitment to place all applicants and their commitment to continuing to work towards sustainable solutions to meet demand in the areas noted below.

Extra classes were added at Tumpane, Humbercrest, John English and Rawlinson. A new site was proposed at Davisville to meet the demand from Brown and John Fisher; however, there were not enough registrants to open. Placements for overflow applicants to Brown, John Fisher, Allenby and RH McGregor were offered at neighbouring SK immersion schools using proximity as the determining factor.

An extra class was added at Jackman, however this still did not provide spots for all applicants. Lotteries were held at Jackman andWithrow with the waiting lists being offered placement at Winchester. The growing demand for spots in the Broadview/Danforth area is expected to be addressed by September 2009 and meetings are underway with the trustee, staff and parents to determine solutions.

4. Award for 35 years of Immersion
Canadian Parents for French (CPF) presented the TDSB with a plaque in recognition of over 35 years of immersion at the TDSB at the May meeting of the Programs and School Services Committee. Trustee Chris Bolton and Associate Director Dave Rowan accepted the award on behalf of the TDSB. Immersion started with one small class in 1970 and that has grown to more than 19,000 students in immersion/extended French. Betty Gormley from CPF commended the TDSB for its commitment to best practices citing the 100% French instruction in immersion from SK to grade 4, our French Immersion centres at John Fisher, Broadlands and Lester B. Pearson and the level of parent engagement encouraged through the FSLAC.

5. Special Funding for New FSL Projects
TDSB FSL staff has received special funding from the Ministry of Education for 5 FSL renewal projects. Over the summer, work will continue on developing and refining diagnostic assessment tools for use by primary, junior and intermediate FSL teachers to support student literacy. The TDSB is also leading a project with neighbouring school boards to develop performance tasks for classroom use for grade 8 core, extended and immersion. The 07/08 budget for these projects as well as for expansion of the grade 4 extended program and for teacher FSL qualification courses is $804 119.

6. FSLAC Parent Co-chair 08/09
Lise Snelgrove was elected as the Parent Co-chair of the FSLAC for 08/09 at the June 3, 2008 meeting. Lise has served as the Ward 7 FSLAC alternate for 07/08, has been Howard PS council's rep to Ward 7 council and will have a child in the new SK Immersion program at Fern PS in September. Lise received the unanimous support of the FSLAC and under her leadership in the coming year, the FSLAC will continue to work with staff and trustees to foster growth and excellence in FSL programs.

7. Meetings
Parents, students, teachers and staff are invited to attend and participate at FSLAC meetings. Meetings start at 7 pm at the TDSB offices at 5050 Yonge St., ground floor committee room A or B. Meeting notices, reports and minutes are posted on the TDSB website at: www.tdsb.on.ca/fslac. Upcoming dates: Tuesday, October 14, 2008 & Thursday, November 6, 2008

8. Email list
This list is being maintained by FSLAC parent volunteers and will be used for this once/term newsletter and occasional FSL news forinterested community members. To get on the distribution list or to get in touch, please email: fslactoronto@gmail.com

Submitted by Mary Cruden, FSLAC Parent Co-chair

Full-day kindergarten

The new full-day kindergarten -- looking for parent input.

Dr. Charles E. Pascal has been appointed by the Province to offer advice on implementation of the new program of full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds (full-day Kindergarten). Parents who are interested in this topic can go to the following site to learn more and to offer their own input.
http://ontario.ca/earlylearning
The site provides a discussion guide to help understand the process.

Submitted by Catherine Marjoribanks, Ward 7 rep.

Jackman School's green roof

Tuesday, June 10, 4:00 - 7:00 pm (remarks at 4:30)
79 Jackman Ave (Chester subway station)

Premiere of Raising the Green Roof, a 15-minute documentary of the Jackman Green Roof. Event includes refreshments, industry experts, information and tours.

Click here for more information.

Information for Chinese parents

Free Community Information Session on Education
in English/Mandarin/Cantonese

Wednesday, June 4, 6:30 - 9:00 pm

多伦多小学教育体制与ESL 课程、中文学校课程及在校安全话题

TDSB Elementary School: ESL, International Language Programs at TDSB & School Safety

地点(Location): Ryerson Community School
96 Denison Avenue, Toronto
(near Dundas and Bathurst)

联系人 Contact ：
赵女士 Cathy Zhao 电话 Tel: (416) -596-0833 ext. 5

Click here for more information.

April 14 - free lecture on early childhood bilingualism

The Canadian Council on Learning is pleased to inform you that the fifth speaker of the Minerva Lecture Series will soon be visiting Toronto.

On Monday, April 14, Dr. Fred Genesee will be giving a free, public talk at the Toronto Public Library’s Deer Park Branch, at 7:00 PM. The title of his lecture is “Early childhood bilingualism: Perils and possibilities”. We believe this presentation will appeal to anyone interested in issues pertaining to bilingualism in education, second language learners, immersion, and the challenges associated with accommodating the varied needs of learners from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Dr. Genesee is a world-renowned scholar of bilingualism, language development and language immersion programs, a Professor of Psychology at McGill University and the author of numerous scientific research books and reports on language learning in children.

The Minerva Lecture Series was created by the Canadian Council on Learning to foster discussion between Canadian learning researchers and citizens from across the country. It is a unique opportunity to understand how research can inform and affect students’ learning and the everyday work of educators across the country. It also offers participants a chance to discover why learning and education are topics that matter to everyone.

For additional information on Dr. Genesee’s talk or our series in general, please visit the Minerva Lecture Series page on the Canadian Council on Learning’s website at http://www.ccl-cca.ca/minervaseries.

Submitted by Irene Atkinson, TDSB Trustee

TDSB Closes 23 Pools in June 2008

TDSB Closes 23 Pools in June 2008 to Fund Other Priorities

Toronto, ON, April 4, 2008 – Effective June 2008, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) will be closing 23 school pools. Additional pools have been identified to close effective June 2009 (see attached list). The pools where the City runs community programs, as well as pools that are needed for Special Education programs, will remain open. The estimated cost savings of $4 million can be applied towards the Board’s budget shortfall or used to fund new investments such as the increased number of ESL teachers approved by the Board for 2008-09.

The decommissioning of these pools is a result of a previous Board decision, made by Trustees, in June 2007, stating, “if, by February 1, 2008, the provincial government does not agree to fund Board unfunded pools either through operating or capital grants or through a specific education mill rate, that the process of decommissioning all school-based pools effective June 1, 2008 be implemented.”

Earlier in the year, the Board completed a comprehensive review to identify the schools that would not be able to timetable physical education programs if their school pool was closed. Decommissioning criteria also included pool rental revenue and the average number of weekly swims. “The Board regrets having to close any pools over the next 2 years. There is no question of the value of enabling children to learn how to swim and of the benefits of physical activity,” said John Campbell, Chair of the TDSB. “Unfortunately, the funding formula used by the Provincial Ministry of Education does not provide school boards the ability to operate and maintain pools.”

The TDSB has been actively engaged in funding discussions with both the City of Toronto and the Provincial Government. The Province and the City have indicated additional funding will not be available. An agreement is being negotiated with the City of Toronto to continue operating pools with City-run community programs until 2011.

Schools identified for decommissioning in June 2008:
Elementary Schools: Carleton Village Sr PS, Earl Grey Sr PS, Fern Avenue Jr & Sr. PS, Keele Street Jr PS & City Community Centre, Kensington Community School, Queen Alexandra Sr. PS. and Winona McMurrich Jr PS
Secondary Schools: Bickford Centre, Central Commerce Collegiate, Central Technical School (2 pools), Danforth Collegiate & Technical Institute, Downsview SS, Forest Hill CI, George Harvey CI, George S Henry Academy, Jarvis CI, Monarch Park, North Toronto CI, Riverdale CI, Rosedale Heights SS, SATEC @WA Porter and Ursula Franklin Academy at Western Technical
School identified for decommissioning in June 2009:Allenby Jr PS, AY Jackson SS, Deer Park Jr & Sr PS, Glenview Sr PS, Bloor CI, Harbord CI, Humberside CI, Lawrence Park CI, Malvern CI, Northern SS, Oakwood CI, Parkdale CI, RH King Academy, Stephen Leacock CI, Western Technical-Commercial School, and Westview Centennial

Breakdown of 84 Pools in TDSB schools:
34 City Owned or Funded to 20112 Special Education to remain open23 Decommissioned in June 200816 To be decommissioned in June 20099 remaining pools that are either already decommissioned, in closed schools, or will be reviewed in future years.
*The pool at Annette PS is owned by the City of Toronto.

The Toronto District School Board serves more than 266,000 students throughout 560 schools.

For more information, please contact: Kelly Baker, Communications and Public Affairs, Toronto District School Board, 416-395-2721, kelly.baker@tdsb.on.ca

TDSB Parent Survey

All parents of students from JK–Grade 6 will be invited to complete a Parent Survey from April 21–May 5, 2008.

This research project will give us very important information about our students that will help us in our mission to enable all students to achieve high levels of success.

The Parent Survey for JK-Grade 6 students will be sent home to each parent/caregiver. Translations of the survey will be available. If you require assistance with completing your survey, please contact the TDSB Student and Community Equity department at 416-397-3138.

The survey is voluntary, but we encourage all parents/caregivers to complete the survey. The survey is confidential and only the staff of the TDSB Research Department will have access to the information.

Please return your completed survey(s) by May 5th.

Please visit the TDSB equity in education website: www.tdsb.on.ca/equity.

April 3 - How to Cope with Stressful Teenage Years

Western Tech School Council is hosting a workshop for parents. This year there will be a representative from the Parent Education Network present on the topic of “How to Cope with the Stressful Teenage Years.” The workshop will give parents strategies on how to deal with difficult situations they face at times raising teenagers. The session is being held at Western Techs library on Thursday April 3 at 7:30 pm.

Submitted by Irene Atkinson, TDSB Trustee.

SK French Immersion at Fern P.S.

March 31, 2008

Dear Parents/Guardian of Fern PS, Indian Rd PS and Garden PS:

There will one class of 23 students in SK French Immersion at Fern PS for September 2008 for the Fern PS, Indian Rd PS and Garden PS catchment. Currently, there are 18 confirmed placements for the class. We are offering you an opportunity to apply to fill the remaining spaces. Process to determine selection of late applicants for available spaces for September 2008 is as follows:

Application forms will be made available to parents: hard copies and /or website download
All completed forms will be returned to the office of each respective school by Wednesday, April 2, 2008 by 4 p.m.
All late applications date stamped by April 2, 2008 will be forwarded to Fern PS by Thursday, April 3, 2008.
A lottery of late applications date stamped April 2, 2008 will take place at Fern PS on Friday, April 4, 2008. A waitlist will be formed in order of lottery number.
The waitlist will be held at Fern PS.
The applicants selected through the lottery process will be contacted on Monday, April 7, 2008.
All offers of placement will be confirmed by parents by Thursday, April 10 at 4 p.m.

Applicants will be offered spaces as they become available. Students are admitted to the program up to and including the last day of school in December as spaces are available.

Follow-up on Homework Survey

A big thanks to all who participated in our Homework Survey!

Our school will be making a presentation at the Ward 7 Education Council meeting on Tuesday, February 26. Since this is a special meeting on the subject of the Board's Homework Policy, up to six parents from each school can attend. We have two parents already planning to come.

If you are interested in joining our contingent, please contact Catherine Marjoribanks at wordplay@sympatico.ca. The meeting is at 7:00, Tuesday February 26, in the cafeteria at Western Technical-Commercial School, at 125 Evelyn Crescent (north of Bloor, east of Runnymede).

Application deadline for Crestwood P.S.

A reminder ... Those parents interested in Crestwood P.S., the new arts middle school in Toronto's west end, should note that applications are due by noon on Friday, February 22. The school is accepting applications from students who will be entering Grade 6 or Grade 7 in September. For more information about the school, and to download an application form, go to:
http://www.tdsb.on.ca/crestwood

Posted by Catherine Marjoribanks, Ward 7 rep.

Budget decisions at the TDSB: an update

Trustee Atkinson has provided us with new, up-to-date information concerning recommendations for the 2008-2009 budget.

Kindergarten Educational Assistants: Staff has withdrawn the proposal to reduce regular kindergarten Educational Assistants by $23 million (approximately 600 positions). What will be before the Finance Committee Thursday, February 21, are the following two, somewhat less drastic options.

Option 1: Status quo approach, with a reduction of 27 positions due
to attrition and declining enrolment. Staff is recommending this.

Option 2: 1/3 reduction of Educational Assistants. Reduction of 182, leaving 409 remaining.

Swimming Pools: The City is proposing that the following Ward 7 pools be rented by the City for Parks and Recreation programs: Parkdale P.S. Swansea PS Runnymede C.I. There has been, however, no interest in renting the pools at: Fern, Humberside, Keele, Parkdale C.I., Western Tech, and Ursula Franklin Academy.

The Board approved a motion in June 2007 that called for decommissioning pool operations beginning in September 2008. Attempts to secure funding from Provincial and City sources have been unsuccessful.

It is proposed that unfunded pools be closed over the next two years, beginning in 2008-09. A list of pools identified for closure in June 2008 would be provided at a committee meeting on February 27, 2008. Space conversion would be undertaken at schools that would otherwise experience scheduling challenges.

Pools funded through the City (35 total) would continue to operate as long as there were no capital maintenance requirements. (This is contrary to the City proposed Letter of Understanding which requires the TDSB to pay up to $250,000 in repair costs per rented pool.)

An analysis of the program impact of pool closures is expected to be completed by the end of March. It has not yet been determined how many pool support staff would be laid off.

Elementary teacher librarians: No reduction recommended.

Some other proposed changes:

Reading Clinics: Closed. Early Years Literacy Project, Reading Recovery, and Literacy and Math coaches remain. Each Family of Schools can access one Literacy and one Numeracy coach through realignment.

Special Education teachers: Reduction of 27 due to declining enrolment.

Lunchroom Supervisors: No reduction recommended.

Clerical support staff: Status quo. No reduction.

Safety Monitors: An increase of 26 recommended.

Caretaking staff: Status quo -- no reduction recommended.

Vice-Principals: Status quo -- no reduction recommended.

Teachers: Declining enrolment applied. No change.

Discussion of proposed budget decisions will be part of our School Council meeting at 7:00 pm on February 21. If you would like to join the discussion, please come out to the meeting -– all parents are welcome, and childcare is provided. Feedback from Fern P.S. parents will be forwarded to Trustee Atkinson.

Budget decisions at Toronto District School Board

The TDSB is moving towards making its budget decisions for the 2008-2009 school year, and anticipates having to address a shortfall of roughly $40 million. In order to deal with this, Board staff is suggesting that Trustees consider a number of potential cuts to school programs and services, which will be considered at the March 5 Board meeting.

Trustee Atkinson is looking for input from parents, and the Fern School Council will be discussing this issue at its meeting on Thursday, February 21.

The staff-recommended cuts are outlined below, and your School Council wants to know: What is your position? Do you support these cuts? Some, but not others? Do you endorse a no-cuts position?

If you would like to join the discussion, please come out to the meeting at 7:00 pm on February 21 – all parents are welcome, and childcare is provided.

If you can’t attend the meeting, please e-mail your ideas to me, Catherine Marjoribanks at wordplay@sympatico.ca. I will consolidate comments from Fern families and forward them to Trustee Atkinson.

Among the suggested budget items for cuts are:

Elementary Library Teachers: A staffing formula reduction from .6 to .5, which would result in the loss of the equivalent of 36 full-time positions.

School Budgets: a potential 5% reduction.

Pools: Beginning a phased-in decommissioning of 22 of the 44 pools fully funded by the TDSB (i.e., not used by the City for its programs). This would lead to closure of the pools at Fern and at Parkdale Collegiate.

Educational Assistants: A reduction to regular Kindergarten EAs – from 734 to approximately 100 -- in light of class-size capping.

English as a Second Language: A modification of the proposed increase that would see more ESL dollars spent on ESL and not diverted to other programs, and a phasing in of that proposed increase over two years.

Special Education: Home School Program (HSP): This would be a reduction of staff (20 full-time employees) in underutilized schools, following on a Board review of the program.

Central Department and Family of Schools budget reduction: This would be a continuation of a series of significant budget cuts in this area and would affect purchases, travel, staffing, and otherwise unfunded supports, such as small school repairs.

Other budget lines under consideration include: a transfer of IT hardware costs to the capital fund; a leveraging of Student Success and other Ministry-specific funding to offset other costs; a realignment of funds for the Model Schools for Inner City Project.

Wanted: your opinion on homework

Here’s a subject every parent has an opinion about … HOMEWORK! What do YOU think?

The Toronto District School Board is looking at homework practices in our schools in order to review its homework policy (www.tdsb.on.ca/pandp/ppdocs/docs/p/P036%20CUR.pdf).

The Fern Avenue P.S. School Council would like to hear from you, so that we can forward your ideas to the TDSB. Here’s how.

We’ve posted the survey online at:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=tFGT1QJiu9iq2gCrvsslxQ_3d_3d
Please complete the survey before Thursday, February 14. If you have more than one child at Fern, you can complete the survey more than once, with each child in mind. Results will remain anonymous and will be compiled by the School Council so that we can take your opinions forward to the TDSB.

Thanks very much for taking the time to voice your opinions!

Catherine Marjoribanks, School Council, Ward 7 Rep

Safety Weather Alert: Early Dimissal

On behalf of Dave Rowan and Penny Maidens:


"We are continuing to monitor the weather. The latest update indicates the intensity of the storm is increasing throughout the afternoon with the potential of freezing rain and higher winds.

The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority.

With the anticipated deterioration of weather conditions, we are requesting that Principals facilitate an early dismissal this afternoon for students and staff, if possible.

Elementary students must be released to a parent or caregiver. Please begin telephone contact with them immediately, including your afternoon Kindergarten families.

Appropriate (age, ability) secondary students must also be released to their parents or caregiver to ensure their safety.

The Principals are requested to facilitate a staggered dismissal of staff as long as appropriate student supervision is ensured.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact your Superintendent of Education."

Humberside C.I. Emergency

You may hear from your children, or through community sources, about an incident that occurred at Humberside C.I. this morning, which resulted in a one-hour lockdown at that school. We want to inform you that both staff and students at Humberside are safe.
This incident arose as a result of a conflict between two students. Emergency personnel were on site at the school within minutes and there were no life-threatening injuries. One student was arrested immediately.

Please be assured that we were always kept aware of the situation at Humberside.

Feedback on online registration for extended French

This year, the Toronto District School Board created a system for online registration for the Grade 4 Extended French program. If you registered for this program online and you have feedback concerning the process, the French as a Second Language Advisory Committee (FSLAC) would like to hear it. Please send your comments to me at wordplay@sympatico.ca, and I will forward them to the FSLAC.

Posted by Catherine Marjoribanks, Ward 7 rep

Keeping It "Green"!

Parents who are interested in how the Ministry of Education is supporting environmental education might be interested in a new resource: "Ready, Set, Green!"

This new booklet from the Ontario Ministry of Education lists successful Green projects that have been undertaken by Ontario schools. It also lists 30 quick, simple, and fun activities and projects for students, and a "Toolbox" section listing government websites and groups involved in environmental projects.

"Ready, Set, Green!" is a 63-page document, and is available as a downloadable pdf file on the Ministry of Education website at: www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/policy/readySetGreen.pdf

Posted by Catherine Marjoribanks, Ward 7 rep

Homework Policy

The TDSB is looking for parent input towards reviewing its Homework Policy. A meeting will take place on Monday, February 11, for representatives from our area (trustee, 7 parents, 6 teachers, 4 principals) to provide feedback. Ward 7 Council will also be holding a meeting on February 26 in which each of our School Councils will have an opportunity to present their views to Board staff.

The Fern School Council will be discussing a strategy for consulting with parents on this issue at our January 24 meeting.

Click here to download the current Homework Policy.

Posted by Catherine Marjoribanks, Ward 7 rep.

Africentric Schools

January 29, 2008 at 6 p.m.

The TDSB's Program and School Services Committee (PSSC) is holding a special meeting to discuss the Africentric school issue. This meeting will provide community partners and members of the public with the opportunity to discuss the issue. This special committee meeting will be the only opportunity for members of the public to be heard on this issue.

The report on Africentric schools will be posted on the TDSB public website (www.tdsb.on.ca/) in advance of this meeting. All persons wishing to speak to the issue must register as delegations prior to the special committee meeting by contacting Board Services at: david.tomczak@tdsb.on.ca. For more information for the procedure on delegations, go to http://www.tdsb.on.ca/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=88&menuid=310&pageid=239.

Posted by Catherine Marjoribanks, Ward 7 rep.

Special Education and Support Services

Tuesday, January 22, 7 to 9 p.m.

Information session concerning the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC).

Bloor Collegiate Institute (1141 Bloor St, corner of Dufferin and Bloor). No registration required.

Posted by Catherine Marjoribanks, Ward 7 rep.

New Arts-Focused School for SW Toronto

Parent Information Night
7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Where: Gym, Norseman JMS
105 Norseman Street (east of Islington, between Bloor and Queensway)
Who: Interested Parents of students entering grade 6 and grade 7 in September 2008 and anyone else interested in this exciting new school.

Is your grade 5 or 6 son or daughter excited by the arts? Are they looking for a middle school experience in an enriched arts environment? Next September, middle school students interested in the arts will have another educational option available to develop their skills. On January 29, join TDSB staff and Trustees for a Parent Information Night to learn about this new school for the arts opening in South West Toronto for students from across the city. Qualified teachers with special arts training will deliver the Ontario curriculum through a program that will focus on visual arts, drama and movement, and vocal music. Located in the former Crestwood Public School, 60 Berl Avenue, the new arts-focused school is situated close to the Etobicoke School of the Arts (ESA). Students are welcome to attend too! Information about the application process will also be available at the meeting.

Visit and bookmark www.tdsb.on.ca/SWartSchool to keep up with the latest information about our new school.

Posted by Catherine Marjoribanks, Ward 7 rep.

Pilot Student Safety Line

Dear Student and Parent/Guardian:

Today, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) announced the launch of the pilot Student Safety Line, 416-395-SAFE (7233).

Although we always encourage students to talk to an adult they trust, the TDSB established the Student Safety Line as a proactive measure to help students report school-related or personal safety concerns.

The TDSB Student Safety Line is a confidential reporting line for TDSB students. All messages are anonymous, unless the student chooses to leave his/her name or personal information. All information will be dealt with in a confidential manner. Students can leave a voice message on the Student Safety Line without anyone knowing or finding out who they are.
School administration will be informing students about the importance and purpose of the TDSB Student Safety Line. More information about the TDSB Student Safety Line is available in school offices and on the TDSB website at www.tdsb.on.ca/395SAFE. There will also be an opportunity for you to discuss school safety issues at a School Council meeting at your school.
We believe that the Student Safety Line will help make our schools even safer, fairer and more caring learning environments so that all our students can achieve success.

Important: In an emergency, students should contact 9-1-1. Students can call the Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) for counselling support.

For reporting information on crimes, students can call Toronto Crime Stoppers (416-222-TIPS). The TDSB Student Safety Line (416-395-SAFE) provides students with another option to report school-related safety concerns.

School Community Safety Advisory Panel + TDSB

Dear Parent/Guardian:
Due to the media’s premature release of the draft Final Report on school safety from the School Community Safety Advisory Panel (SCSAP), the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has moved up the official release of the report to today.
The School Board commissioned this Report as part of a proactive response early last June to examine the events leading up to the tragic death of Jordan Manners in one of our schools in May. The Report examines in great detail the topic of violence in schools and its impact on students, staff and communities.
The Report makes many recommendations to the TDSB, to Police Services, as well as to the City and Provincial Governments. We will work together to take action to address the issue of violence in our communities.
Although youth violence is a societal issue, the Board is committed to doing everything we can to ensure that all our schools remain safe and caring places for our students.
We will study this Report and its recommendations very carefully. It provides us with valuable insight into important issues that will help make our schools even more safe and fair so all our students can learn and reach their fullest potential. There will be an opportunity for you to discuss issues from the Report at a School Council meeting at your school.
The full report is available on the TDSB website at www.tdsb.on.ca/schoolsafety, and more information is available on the Director of Education’s blog at www.tdsb.on.ca/directorsblog.
The TDSB extends its gratitude to panel members, Julian Falconer, Peggy Edwards and Linda MacKinnon for this Report. We also sincerely thank the many students, school staff, parents, community members, organizations and partners for courageously and honestly sharing their views throughout this process.
Yours truly,
John Campbell
Chair of the Board
Yours truly,
Gerry Connelly
Director of Education

Music By The Lake

Music By The Lake is an eight day residential instrumental and vocal music camp for TDSB students in Grades 6 - 8. It will take place Saturday May 31 through Saturday June 7, 2008. The application information and paperwork was mailed on January 8, 2007 to the attention of ''The Principal'' in all schools having Grade 6, 7, and 8 students.
The mailing consists of:
 Principals’ Information Package;
 Teacher Guidelines;
 Parent/Student Information Package, which includes the medical and application forms (see attachment);
 School Recommended Priority List
This is the prioritization which will be used should there be a need to wait list students. The deadline for student camper applications is February 20, 2008

If you would like a package, please ask in the office.

Family Day

On 11 October 2007, the Government of Ontario announced the creation of a province-wide statutory holiday known as “Family Day”. This day will occur on the third Monday in February of each year, beginning 18 February 2008, for the purpose of emphasizing and celebrating the importance of families taking time to be together.

In January the Regulation 304 was amended to permit a one-time reduction in 2007-08 in the number of instructional days in the school year. As a result of this change, the Toronto District School Board's school year calendar for 2007-08 will now reflect the new statutory holiday.

The new calendar will be posted on the TDSB website by the Communications and Public Affairs Office.