In This Edition
- Message from your Trustee
- New school honours Alvin Curling
- Aboriginal history at Burrows Hall
- Special guest visits Albert Campbell
- 25th anniversary celebrations
- Recognizing excellence
Message from your Trustee
Dear Scarborough–Rouge River Residents,
Every day, I am incredibly proud of the work we do to prepare our students for the challenges of tomorrow.
In October, the Director of Education, Donna Quan, visited our Ward 21 Council and reported that according to EQAO test results, Ward 21 students have outperformed system-wide and provincial averages in literacy and mathematics.
Also this year, I hosted a visit for the Northern Ireland Minister of Education, John O'Dowd, who complimented our diversity and work to support student achievement.
With that said, the TDSB has also seen its share of challenges. Whether it is increasing staff efficiency or financial accountability, our focus must always be to provide the very best education for our students.
At the Board, I was honoured to be re-elected for a third time as Vice Chair. It is truly humbling to be supported by my fellow Trustees in this leadership capacity.
As the new school year nears, I hope you take time to enjoy the summer with family and friends.
Sincerely,
Shaun Chen
Vice Chair and Trustee
Ward 21, Scarborough–Rouge River
New school honours Alvin Curling
'Growing roots, building futures' is theme of newest TDSB elementary school
The smiles of 450 children fill the gymnasium as a group of young dancers patiently await their performance.
It is a packed room at the grand opening ceremony of Alvin Curling Public School, Toronto's newest elementary school located in the Rougeville community.
Its namesake, prominent community advocate and former local MPP Alvin Curling, is on hand to offer a few words of wisdom.
"It is quite unusual for a school to be located in the heart of Canada's premier urban wilderness, where there is a long history of human habitation, century-old trees, peaceful meadows and lush wetland," he says.
The longtime educator hopes the school's proximity to nature will not be lost on the students, who he hopes to see as "ambassadors for environmental sustainability and social justice."
According to Principal Wayne Leavey, the school already has plans to partner with the nearby Toronto Zoo and ensure that sustainability is front and centre in every classroom.
"Whether it is environmental education or the newest technology, this new school is truly a model for teaching and learning in the twenty-first century," says Leavey.
With the scenic Rouge Park in its backdrop, the kindergarten to grade 8 school opened in January after years of planning, design and construction.
"This school has been a test of patience and a labour of love," says TDSB Vice Chair and Trustee Shaun Chen, who championed the project.
After meeting with parents and community members, he successfully fought to have the new school ranked as the TDSB's top capital priority.
Construction began in the fall of 2013 for the $15.2 million project, funded by $12.3 million through a Ministry of Education capital priorities grant and $2.9 million from the TDSB.
"This school is the heart of our community with which we put our soul in its celebration," says Suzanne Soo Man Pow, chair of the School Council.
The May 8 grand opening ceremony ends with a performance of the new school song, written in honour of Dr. Curling.
"I can think of no better person to represent the values of our school community than Dr. Alvin Curling," says Trustee Chen.
"He is someone whose boundless energy and commitment to children continue to create a culture of positive change in our schools."
Dr. Curling began his career in 1972 as an educator at Seneca College, later becoming president of the World Literacy of Canada organization.
He was first elected in 1985 as the MPP for Scarborough–Rouge River, becoming the first Black Canadian to sit in the provincial Cabinet and serve as Speaker of the Legislature.
Following his retirement from provincial politics in 2005, he served as Canada's ambassador to the Dominican Republic.
In 2008, Dr. Curling co-authored the landmark report on the Roots of Youth Violence.
Aboriginal history at Burrows Hall
Burrows Hall honours Aboriginal history with former Prime Minister Paul Martin
On February 24, the students of the Me to We club at Burrows Hall Junior Public School were thrilled to share their projects exploring Aboriginal history, culture and tradition with the Right Honourable Paul Martin, former Prime Minister of Canada.
"We are very fortunate in this country that the culture, beliefs and worldview of Indigenous people is still very fresh," says the founder and president of the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative (MAEI). Martin adds that "there is a clear gap between what many non-Aboriginal Canadians understand about the issues and circumstances faced by Aboriginal people."
The TDSB has partnered with MAEI to launch the upcoming Aboriginal Youth Entrepreneurship Program as part of its commitment to champion Aboriginal education and advance student achievement.
Special guest visits Albert Campbell
Northern Ireland Education Minister visits Albert Campbell on fact-finding trip to Canada
Northern Ireland's Minister of Education, John O'Dowd, says he has learned from Canada's education system after meeting with officials and touring Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute on October 3.
"Ontario is one of the few jurisdictions in the world that demonstrates a small gap in performance between high and low-income students," O'Dowd told the Belfast Telegraph after returning from his trip to Toronto. "Successive international surveys place Canada above the international average in the key areas of reading, mathematics and science," he noted.
The visit to TDSB was hosted by Vice Chair and Trustee Shaun Chen, who was contacted by officials from the British Consulate General in Toronto. O'Dowd also met with his Ontario counterpart, Minister of Education Liz Sandals.
25th anniversary celebrations
25th anniversary celebrations take school communities on trip down memory lane
Former and current staff and students and special guests gathered for a special trip down memory lane at two Ward 21 elementary schools celebrating their 25th anniversaries this year.
On October 5, displays showing how school life has changed in the last 25 years lined the hallways of Banting and Best Public School. "We have a long standing tradition of encouraging our students to be the best that they can be," says Principal Ken MacKinnon. "Today we are true to our school motto as we celebrate the joy of discovery."
At Macklin Public School, Trustee Shaun Chen is welcomed by an unexpected reunion with his elementary school Principal, Victor Harding, who was Macklin's Vice Principal when the school first opened. "The place has much respect and memory," says Harding. Also at the May 24 ceremony is Bob Macklin, great-great-grandson of the school's namesake, who says, "The school spirit is fantastic."
Recognizing excellence
'Incredible students and staff' inspire award winner Mama Marshall to teach
Alyssa Marshall, an exemplary educator who goes beyond the call of duty, was recognized as one of 19 recipients of this year's TDSB Excellence Awards on May 6.
"I feel fortunate to work in a wonderful school with incredible students and staff that inspire me to teach," says the assistant curriculum leader at Lester B. Pearson Collegiate Institute.
"She is the advocate for our students who struggle academically and socio-economically," explains Vice Principal Jinah Park, who accompanied Marshall to receive her award at TDSB headquarters.
Marshall has strongly supported special education, giving students extra help and engaging lessons. She helped create the annual Camp Olympia that enables students to further their leadership skills.
Over the past eight years, she has also advised the school's nutrition program, which provides students with a hot and healthy breakfast, as well as co-chaired the Mental Health and Wellness Committee.
A familiar face in the halls of Lester B. Pearson, she is affectionately referred to by her students as Mama Marshall.
"The passion and commitment with which Ms. Marshall demonstrates her commitment to the health and well-being of students is unrelenting and inspiring," says Nadira Persaud, Superintendent of Education.
The awards are given out annually to recognize outstanding achievement among 38,000 staff members who work in TDSB classrooms, schools, offices and sites across the city.