1. TDSB 2010-2011 Budget
On May 26th the Board passed its 2010-2011 operating budget with no cuts to programs.  The budget was balanced by deferring maintenance work on buildings.  I am not happy about this – our schools need to be maintained – but since the Provincial funding formula has not changed, we continue as a Board to be forced into choices that are far from ideal.

I want to bring your attention to a few decisions from the meeting that I think you will be interested in.  

Support for Adult Students and the Toronto Adult Student Association
The Board decided to terminate its agreement with the Toronto Adult Student Association (TASA), having heard sufficient evidence that the association was not serving the needs of students.  While the arrangement with TASA was unproductive, I feel that our adult learners need more supports, not less.  To that end, I added an amendment to the motion directing staff to conduct a thorough consultation and review of services in adult schools and report back on how the Board can begin to address the unmet needs of adult learners.  I am happy to say that this passed and I look forward to the process.  Once it begins, I will let you know how you can get involved.

International Language Programs
There was community concern that international language programs would no longer be offered on weekends.  I am pleased that the Board voted to have weekend delivery of the program continue.  There is ample evidence that learning another language, especially a language from the child’s own cultural heritage, has a variety of positive effects on cognition and sense of belonging.

Process for the Selection and Transfer of Principals Pilot Project
Beginning this fall, a new process for the selection and transfer of Principals will be piloted.  One of the goals of the new process was increased parental involvement.  You can find the details of the new process in the middle of page five of this document.

You can find all the decisions from the meeting, including operating budget decisions, here.

2. Full Service Schools 
I have now almost completed my visits to school councils across the ward.  It has been an inspiring experience.  Many great ideas were generated and there was an incredible level of enthusiasm and insight.  The next step in this dialogue about how our schools fit into our communities will take place in the fall.  In late September, I will create a community work group which will look at developing a new way to re-purpose our school space.

A key tenet of the recently released People for Education Annual Report on Schools is the need for schools to be true hubs of community.  I have worked with People for Education for many years and was excited to be involved with the report.  I would like to congratulate them on a great report and look forward to continuing to work with them.

3. Ward Council at Woodgreen
We held our May Ward Council at Woodgreen Community Services.  I was extremely impressed by the breadth and quality of programming they are providing for many community members.  I encourage everyone to take a look at their website and explore what they have to offer.  If you are looking to donate to a great local organization, they are certainly one of the excellent possibilities in our neighbourhood.

4. Spring Fairs and Graduations
It’s that time of year again!  I have been making it to as many school fairs as possible and will be doing the same with graduations this month.  The fairs have been great fun, especially in the lovely weather we’ve had.  Graduations will be an exciting time to celebrate the work of our students; my congratulations in advance to all our graduates.

5. Swim Programs at Our School Pools
There are many opportunities to use our fabulous school pools:

• Bronze Medallion Course (offered by the YMCA)

Pre-requisites:  13 Years of age
Dates: June 13, 19 and 20
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Earl Grey Sr PS (100 Strathcona Ave. South of the Danforth between Pape and Jones)
Cost: $165
Registration deadline: Thursday, June 10th

To register contact Heidi McLeod at: Heidi.Mcleod@ymcagta.org.  Financial assistance may be available.

• Swim to Survive  (free program)
• A 5-day program (one 30-45 minute lesson per day) offered for 7 weeks this summer at Monarch Park CI  for children in grades 3-8. 
• The program focus is survival (not stroke perfection) and the three skills that are instrumental in preventing drowning.
• All-girl and all-boy classes will be offered

• Muslim Girls and Women Swim
• Offered on Wednesdays from 7:45 - 8:45 p.m. at Monarch Park CI.
• The last spring date will be June 16
• It will start up again in the fall

• Senior’s Swim
• This will be offered for 10 weeks in the fall at Monarch Park CI.  I will share more details when I have them.

• Community Swim

The Earl Grey Sr PS community is hoping to hold free community swims this fall.  I will keep you updated on this.

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