POSSIBLE CUTS TO CHILDCARE - WRITE TO YOUR MPP!

Attached for your information is the latest fact sheet on the possible cuts to childcare in the 2017-2018 City of Toronto Budget, as well as some sample letters that trustees are encouraging parents to send to local councillors, the Mayor and MPP's. 

Download the fact sheet here. Download the sample letter here. 

A MESSAGE FROM PARENT COUNCIL

 Hello, IRC Families! 

As you may know, the IRC Parent Council raises money for important enhancements to our children’s education and overall school experience. Here are just some examples of what Parent Council subsidized in 2015/2016: 

- Shared Chrome Books for classroom use 

- $1000 to set up a new classroom 

- $5/student per classroom for teacher supplies and materials 

- Scientist in the Classroom 

- Buses for field trips/athletic tournaments 

-  Art, drama and music presentations 

- Athletic equipment 

If you are interested in learning more about how our school is funded, you can view our school’s operating budget at www.tdsb.on.ca. 

Families are busy and many have expressed a desire to be able to simply write a cheque to IRC Parent Council, instead of attending/supporting the various fundraisers we host. Let us assure you - we are happy to accept your cash in any way you wish to give it! Please consider the following request, which is 100%, totally and completely voluntary. 

 [ ] $25 – Yes! I’d be happy to give $25 instead of buying ingredients and providing baked goods for your next Bake Sale. 

[ ] $50 – For sure! I never remember to check out the Fun Fair Silent Auction items – here’s what I would have spent on a Gift Certificate. 

[ ] $75 – Absolutely! I didn’t want a magazine subscription, anyway – please accept my cheque instead. 

[ ] $100 - Done! I don’t have time to help but kudos to everyone else who can. Consider this my Volunteer Hall Pass for the year. 

[ ] $_____ - OK, Parent Council; clever letter but I’m actually comfortable giving this amount, instead. 

If you would like to donate, please download this donation form here, make your cheque payable to IRC Parent Council, and please drop off at the main office or send to school with your student. 

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL!!!

CCPA study

In addition to the Budget discussion at the last Parent Council Meeting, the parent council would like to share the attached study, released this past February by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives/Ontario which takes a look at public education funding over the last 20 years. It explains in further detail the shortfalls faced by all the school boards due to insufficient funding by the province and paints a very clear picture of the issues facing our schools today.

Please click the link CCPA - ON Harris Era Hangovers to download the full report.

BALANCING THE 2014/2015 OPERATING BUDGET

At wednesday's parent council meeting, Joe Costa, IRC Parent Council executive member and Ward 7 representative, gave a presentation on the TDSB school operating budget. You can download his presentation here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/96zkaxsk4r1idod/Balancing%20the%202014%202015%20Operating%20Budget.pdf?dl=0

you can find supporting documentation on the TDSB website here:

http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/AboutUs/Budget/Ward%20Forum%20Presentation.pdf

as well as additional link the IRC school budget page here:

http://www.tdsb.on.ca/AboutUs/BusinessServices/BudgetsandFinancialStatements/SchoolBudgets.aspx?schoolNo=5281

FIX OUR SCHOOLS