Ward 21 Trustee Newsletter 2009

In This Edition

• Message from your Trustee
• Newcomer Services officially launches
• Premier Dalton McGuinty visits Grey Owl
• Risk Watch Safety Night at Heritage Park
• Historic class on Nubian language and culture
• Elementary student art contest winners
• Earth Hour a citywide success
• Respect for the elderly

Message from your Trustee

Dear Scarborough–Rouge River Residents,

Once again, it is back-to-school time for students and families across Toronto. I hope this letter finds you well rested after the summer and ready for the challenges of another school year.

Last fall, I was humbled and privileged to be appointed by the Board to the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA), serving as Alternate Enrolment Vice President and Director. This year, OPSBA played a significant role in successfully negotiating employee contracts across the province.

In June, the Board approved a balanced operating budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. While budgetary constraints meant difficult decisions, we managed to preserve special education teachers and keep pools open. Staff also presented a five-year plan to address a looming $120 million capital deficit. I firmly believe such discussions must include residents and will soon be holding community meetings to gather public input.

As the Board continues its focus on student success, I am pleased to report that system-wide results in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test have increased by two percent to 82%. I look forward to continuing to work with our schools and staff to ensure high standards of achievement for all students.

Sincerely,

Shaun Chen
Trustee, Ward 21

Newcomer Services officially launches

Centre offers programs and services that empower new immigrant youth to succeed

Thanks to funding from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), Newcomer Services for Youth officially opened at four Toronto-area sites this year, including a new centre at 31 Tapscott Road.

Located next door to sister program Newcomer Services for Adults, the TDSB-operated centre provides settlement assistance to newcomer youth.

"I look forward to see the programs and services here continue to flourish and be a source of empowerment to our new immigrant communities," said Trustee Shaun Chen at the official opening on March 29.

The centre offers information on community resources, assistance with referrals to available services, interpretation and translation, as well as support with the daily issues facing new Canadian youth.

Trustee Chen hopes the program will help address such challenges as the language barrier and improve programming access. "We know there is a persisting achievement gap faced by new immigrant students, and this centre provides a space for encouragement and support," he added.

Gary Green, a TDSB Contracted Services Specialist who oversaw the centre's launch, talked about "the importance of connecting people to community partners."

The youth "come in here, they get some supports, they go to our community partners to get some support, and they do well." Green added, "Without Citizenship and Immigration Canada, all of this would be a thought on paper somewhere."

Scarborough–Rouge River MP Derek Lee recognized the centre for offering much-needed assistance to newcomer youth. "I commend all those who have worked hard to bring this initiative to our Scarborough community and wish you every success," he wrote.

Green thanked Trustee Chen, MP Lee, the federal government and TDSB staff, as well as the many community partners and volunteers who have made the centre an ongoing success.

Premier Dalton McGuinty visits Grey Owl

Surprises students in talent show

When the students at Grey Owl Junior Public School first began preparing for a May talent show, little did they know the Honourable Dalton McGuinty would be among those in the audience.

The Premier of Ontario, who visited the school on May 7 to make a media announcement, also spoke to students assembled in the gymnasium for a rehearsal performance of the evening's multicultural showcase of song and dance.

Premier McGuinty quizzed the students on their knowledge of the countries in the world, after walking through the school's hallways which were lined with students' display boards on various cultures.

The Premier then proceeded to the library, where he and Ontario's Minister of Education, Kathleen Wynne, talked to reporters about improving student achievement and school board governance.

Risk Watch Safety Night at Heritage Park

Promotes public safety for all

On June 17, fire trucks pulled up to Heritage Park Public School for the Risk Watch Safety Night, held during the city's third annual Safety Awareness Week, June 15 to June 20.

Fire Chief William A. Stewart worked with Heritage Park staff on the community event as part of their "continuing support of the Risk Watch Injury Prevention program in Toronto elementary schools."

The event featured various safety-promoting displays, demonstrations and workshops, as well as an obstacle course and other fun activities for children.

"Not only are we promoting safety and injury prevention, but also building community capacity through an informative and fun-filled evening," said Trustee Shaun Chen.

Also present were Toronto Police Services, Public Health, Transportation Services, EMS, Animal Services, and Canadian Red Cross.

Historic class on Nubian language and culture

Dr. Marion Hilliard Senior Public School is home to Saturday-morning class

Last April, the TDSB launched its first Nubian class for elementary students as part of the International Languages and African Heritage programs.

Offered on Saturday mornings at Dr. Marion Hilliard Senior Public School, the partnership between the TDSB and the Nubian community is historic. The last time the Nubian language was officially taught with the backing of a government was in 1504.

Davenport City Councillor Adam Giambrone and Trustee Shaun Chen joined students, staff and members of the Nubian community on April 4 for the official launch celebration at Hilliard.

Nubia is the homeland of one of Africa's earliest civilizations, with a history tracing back many thousands of years. The Nubians are an ethnic group originally from the northern Sudan area. Many are now settled in the eastern and north-eastern parts of Africa, including southern Egypt. The language is central to modern Nubian identity.

Elementary student art contest winners

Elementary schools in Scarborough–Rouge River were invited in April to participate in the first-ever Ward 21 student art contest.

Trustee Shaun Chen, who initiated the program, wanted students to think about how generations and cultures can unite in harmony. Eight winning finalists were selected from 199 submissions sent by over a dozen schools.

One winning piece is by Justin Sivanathan, a student in Ms. Haslett's grade 3 class at Brimwood Boulevard Junior Public School. It depicts an intergenerational and multicultural family sharing a diverse meal at a very large dining table.

Another winning piece, by grade 1 student Raagavi Puvithas in Ms. Shaw's class at Percy Williams Junior Public School, shows a grandmother and her grandson spending time together on a sunny day.

Professional artists Peng Ma and Mahmoud Meraji spent many hours evaluating the entries as the official judges of the contest. Impressed by the diverse range and quality of the submissions received, they ultimately determined the final winning pieces on the basis of content, form, artistic expression and creativity.

Participating students were asked to submit original pieces of art that illustrate an intergenerational and/or multicultural theme. The size of each piece was required to be 11" by 17". Any format was acceptable, including paintings, sketches, drawings, cartoons and electronic designs. Finalists were awarded a jacket and certificate.

Earth Hour a citywide success

During Earth Hour on March 27, schools in Scarborough–Rouge River and across Toronto reduced their energy consumption by 27.8%, up from last year's 22%, and also reduced 16% throughout the weekend.

Over the March Break, caretakers turned off lights and programmed vacation schedules in building automation systems for air handling and boiler equipment.

A sample of 29 electronically monitored schools showed savings of 15% in natural gas and 31% in electricity.

Twelve schools in Scarborough–Rouge River are certified EcoSchools. For more information, please visitwww.ecoschools.ca

Respect for the elderly

Students pay tribute to Yee Hong seniors at intergenerational event

It was an unexpected Sunday afternoon of visitors, entertainment and food for Lau Chi Yan, a senior resident at Scarborough's Yee Hong Centre for Geriatric Care.

The 91-year-old was given V.I.P. treatment with musical performances by the Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute quintet, under the direction of music teacher Violetta Marciniak, followed by a proper English afternoon tea with the help of students from Agincourt Collegiate Institute.

Young volunteers Stacy Huang and Carl Eng were instrumental in leading a team of Agincourt students who served the seniors a menu of finger sandwiches and scones with Devonshire cream.

The May 24 event, dubbed Intergenerational Ensemble, brought together youth to promote the Asian Heritage Month theme of filial piety, which is a respect for one's parents, grandparents and ancestors.

Trustee Shaun Chen, one of the organizers, said the afternoon's purpose was two-fold: "We want to honour the seniors with a celebration and at the same time, instil in young people a sense of respect for their elders."

Miss World Canada 2009, Lena Ma, 21, was on hand to open the event with a rendition of O Canada after greeting and shaking hands with the seniors in attendance.

Dr. Joseph Wong, Yee Hong's founder, extended his "heartfelt appreciation" to the organizers and students, "who took part in bonding and understanding seniors."