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July 14, 2009

Enjoying the Summer!


In the final days of school I attended 11 graduations. It was a great thrill to share a few words with students, parents and educators. We have a great team here in Ward 5 (York Centre) and its great to see a good education system getting stronger.

I'm still working through the summer, but I still take some time out to do gardening. I planted 8 small trees, 3 bushes and got the hammock up.

W. L. Mackenzie C.I. Launches 50th Anniversary Celebrations


I had the honour of helping plant a tree in front of W.L. Mackenzie Collegiate Institute as that school launches its 50th anniversary celebrations. There are great events being organized for Spring, 2010 and I plan to be a part of them. Principal Helene Green has been a great inspiration and alumnus Linda Miller has been a fantastic organizer.

July 13, 2009

Director Gerry Connelly Leaves the TDSB


I have been working with departing TDSB director Gerry Connelly for almost three years. During that time, Gerry was the key note speaker at two of my ward forums and attended Martin Luther King Jr. ceremonies at Rockford PS. She is a strong supporter of social justice and fiscal responsibility and always worked in the best intersts of students in general and the needs of York Centre in particular. She will be working at the Ministry of Education and we wish her well.

July 12, 2009

Trustees approve a balanced budget



Trustees are legally required to balance their budget. At the June 29 Board meeting, Toronto District School Board Trustees approved a balanced budget plan of $2.5 billion for the 2009/10 school year. The plan invests in priority areas of teaching and learning, student success, and support for vulnerable students. By balancing its budget the TDSB has perhaps the best managed finances of major governments in Canada.


I tabled a motion that stopped cuts to special education.


TDSB has taken two important steps toward long-term budget sustainability and to address the impact of declining enrolment. The Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) was established in 2007 to make the most of the Board’s under-utilized capital assets. The Better Schools, Brighter Future process takes TDSB to the next level through a multi-year strategy supporting investment in school consolidation, up-to-date programs and school buildings to meet the 21st century needs of students and communities.


“The approval this evening of a balanced operating budget for the 2009-10 school year by the TDSB Board of Trustees marks an important step by this board as it continues to demonstrate its resolve to manage its affairs responsibly,” said Campbell after three nights of budget debate.


“Tonight’s decision was preceded by a number of difficult decisions that have been made by trustees over the past few months.”


May 15, 2009

Case of H1N1 influenza detected at W.L. Mackenzie

A student or staff person at William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute has become infected with the H1N1 influenza virus, which is also known as the “human swine flu” virus.
Toronto Public Health is advising that the school should continue to operate as usual. This recommendation is consistent with guidelines issued by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

It is Toronto Public Health’s practice to notify the school when the first H1N1 infection has been confirmed in that facility. The H1N1 virus is now circulating in the community and precautions similar to those for seasonal flu should be taken. We encourage parents/staff to follow the precautions outlined in this letter, to help prevent the transmission of H1N1 and other influenza viruses.

May 6, 2009

Information Session @ Summit Heights Public School: Tuesday May 19, 7-9 p.m.

Trustee James Pasternak
Invites the Community to Our Information Session

The Parent-School Partnership:
Early Thinking Makes for Smart Choices

Tuesday, May 19, 2009
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Summit Heights Public School
139 Armour Boulevard

Guest Speakers:

Heather Goldberg, Early Childhood Specialist, Adventure Place
“Early Indicators” in Childhood Intervention

Gen Ling Chang, Superintendent of Education, TDSB
Staffing Schools like a Chess Master:
The Inside Story on Getting from A to B

Cindy Burley, Special Education and Section Programs,
Central Co-ordinating Principal, TDSB
Toward Special Education Success Through Shared Solutions


Please RSVP at 416.395.8406 or via email at dave.horowitz@tdsb.on.ca

Free child care and free movie at 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments provided