Ward Council Meeting – October 27

Next Ward Forum: Tearing Down the Walls I hope you can join me next week for a Ward Forum on equity in our schools. It’s such an important topic for us all! Topic: “Tearing Down the Walls: How We Help Students Overcome  Barriers to Success and Well-being” We’ll be looking specifically how the TDSB approaches equity issues, how we support kids and families living in poverty in particular, and how you can be involved in improving our work in these areas.  Date: Thursday, October 27, 2016 Time:7-9 pm Location: Queen Alexandra Middle School (181 Broadview Ave) Elections: We will also be electing leadership positions for our Ward Council: Chair, French as a Second Language rep and Parent Involvement Advisory Committee rep, and minute taker. If you are interested in running for any of these positions, please be sure to attend this meeting, and email me if you have any question in advance.  Light refreshments and child-minding will be available. 10th Annual Parent Involvement Makes a Difference Conference: Registration Now Open All TDSB parents and guardians are invited to our free conference. It is an opportunity to make connections and participate in informative and empowering workshops, which include learning about French and specialized programs, how to help with homework and supporting literacy at home. Child-minding, Interpretation and Busing will be available through registration only. Learn more – and register – at www.tdsb.on.ca/parentconference Date: Saturday, November 19, 2016 Time: 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Location: Earl Haig Secondary School Address: 100 Princess Avenue French Programs Application Deadline For families interested in the Toronto District School Board’s French Immersion or Extended French programs, we offer an online process for applying to: Early French Immersion (EFI) which begins in Senior Kindergarten; Junior Extended French (JEF) which begins in Grade 4 We guarantee an offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) to all on-time applicants. Transportation is provided as per the Board’s Transportation policy. The timelines for applying for these programs for September 2017 are: Applications for Early French Immersion (for a Junior Kindergarten aged child), must be completed online between November 1, 2016 and December 1, 2016. Applications for Junior Extended French must be completed online between January 9, 2017 and February 2, 2017. Offers of placement within your chosen program will be made to all on-time applicants in the weeks following the close of the application window. Please note: families with an older sibling currently in a French program are still required to complete an online application for the new student. Further information on French as a Second Language programs and the application process is available online at www.tdsb.on.ca/french. Getting Ready for Grade Nine If you’re in Grade 8, the TDSB’s Choices for 9 booklet will give you all the information you need for going to High School. You can also explore our High Schools by visiting them on Open House and Information Nights. TDSB high school students have access to some of the most innovative and unique schools, programs and courses in the country. Take advantage of your time in high school to customize your learning and focus on your interests and passions. You’ll find what you’re looking for at the TDSB and graduate ready to be successful in your post-secondary pursuits and future career.