A night of pride at W.L. Mackenzie's 48th Graduation

October 23, 2008 was a night to remember as W.L. Mackenzie held its 48th Annual Commencement. Here are some of my comments.


"Our great responsibility as educators is that when students leave our schools they take with them the understanding that the value of time in school is not only measured by a grade point average but by the strength of their character and the drive for future success.

Your journey will take you through those decisions that lead you to do the right things for the wrong reasons; the wrong things for the right reasons; but in the end no matter where you end up and what you do, I am confident that the leadership and example at Mackenzie has taught the importance of always lending a helping hand and never kicking the ladder down from behind you.

While there is a certain degree of sadness when students leave a school, there is also a sense a pride that a new generation of Canadians are moving forward. This should be a source of pride for everyone here.

I know that the dedicated staff of MacKenzie understand that our mission is to graduate students with intuitive minds and not axes to grind. And I am also confident that this graduating class will make smart choices and that parents need not have a hand on a telephone waiting for a call from a son or daughter in trouble."

Here I am just before the ceremony with W.L. Mackenzie principal Helene Green.

Carwash and Barbeque Fundraiser for Taylor Lindsay-Noel: Sunday September 28, 2008 @ Northview SS

UPCOMING EVENT! SAVE THIS DATE!

I am honoured to lend a hand and support this Sunday's Carwash and Barbeque Fundraiser that was initiated by the Leadership Class at Northview Heights Secondary School. The fundraiser is for Northview student Taylor Lindsay Noel, a star gymnast who was paralyzed during a practice session this past July.

The road to recovery for an injury of this nature is long, arduous and takes considerable funds. Her immediate goal is to return to her Northview grade 11 class by September, 2009, a goal that can only be reached with considerable rehabilitation.


Date: Sunday, September 28, 2008
Times: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Northview Heights Secondary School
550 Finch Avenue West
(north-west corner of Finch Avenue West and Bathurst Street)




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Taking the role of the TDSB's Chair, Special Education Advisory Committee

I started my position as Chair, Special Education Advisory Committee of the Toronto District School Board. We have a great team on SEAC and I look forward to advocating for students and adults with special needs. If you would like to sit as a member on SEAC, please e-mail me at james.pasternak@tdsb.on.ca.

Propane Blast Repairs Update: All schools Open in York Centre

It's back to school for about 20,000 students in Ward 5. I hope everyone had a restful and fun summer. However, I realize it was not easy for many near the Wilson and Keele area. I didn't know the late District Chief Bob Leek, but we all know what he represented. When the call came he was at home, on vacation and yet he headed to the propane explosion. He passed away in the line of duty as part of a team that was protecting us, our homes, our businesses and our schools. For most of us we owe a great debt to someone we didn't even know. At the same time, Ward 5 will always be indebted to the TDSB teams in health and safety; repair and construction; communications; fellow trustees; safe schools; our counseling services; principals Elizabeth Bell (Ancaster PS) and Maria Palermo (Downsview SS); and their superintendents, Gen Ling Chang and Jeff Hainbuch. The talent of our staff were never in doubt. I am proud to say that both Ancaster PS and Downsivew SS are up and running today thanks to that great team.

Assessing the Damage, Doing the Repairs and Opening by September 2

As soon as we received official clearance, Toronto District School Board staff assessed damage to two schools in this area (Ward 5 – York Centre).

I have taken tours of the two schools damaged in my ward. Over 100 windows and frames were shattered at Downsview Secondary School. Ceiling tiles, floors and window walls also sustained damage. Ancaster Public School had 30 windows on its upper floor blown out.

I have been working with TDSB staff and the principals for both schools to take the necessary steps to evaluate the damage and begin the clean up process.

The TDSB communiations department has been very supportive. Here I am being interviewed by Galit Soloman of CTV News.

The objective is to ensure both Ancaster PS and Downsview SS are safe and that there is no risk to students and staff when school commences. I have been in touch with our facilities team and a project manager is currently working to assess the damage at the two schools."

Director of Education, Gerry Connelly stated that, “We anticipate that both of these schools will be open and ready for our students by Tuesday, September 2.”

Explosions Shake Ward 5: Radio updates explain evacuations.

Our family was awoken at 4:00 AM to explosions near the Downsview Park. The blasts shook our home and windows. Like many other neighbours we went into the street and heard more explosions and viewed an orange fireball. I took the above picture looking west along our street during the early part of the fire. Please stay tuned to local Toronto radio stations as evacuation information is being provided on a regular basis. I will be working with staff at the TDSB to see if there are any ways in which we can help out. I will be seeing whether schools can be used as evacuation centres.