Ward 3 Update - March 2022
March Greetings!
It's hard to believe that Spring is finally upon us, I am hopeful all of our students, staff and families have enjoyed some downtime, fun and a break from all the routines of school this past winter!
Our thoughts continue to be with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community here in Toronto. Read the Director's full statement and read tips that may be helpful for parents/caregivers whose children are experiencing difficulties.
As we are all likely aware, our Chief Medical Officer of Health in Ontario (CMOH), Dr. Kieran Moore, released a detailed memorandum for all Boards of Education included many changes to the risk mitigation measures in schools that help prevent the spread of COVID-19. These include the removal of cohorting, allowing for in-person assemblies, proms and graduations, and the wearing of masks becoming optional as of March 21st.
In my opinion, we are ready for many of these changes now -- including the removal of cohorts (especially outside!), and I am very pleased to see the go- ahead given for proms and in-person graduations. When it comes to masking, I am keenly aware that personal opinions vary tremendously on these becoming optional -- some never want to see a mask again, while others feel terrified at the thought of them not being required. Over the past two days, I have heard from countless parents, citizens and staff on this issue in particular and know that people have strong feelings on this issue.
At the TDSB, Trustees have always made every effort to ensure a safe and caring learning environment, as is our duty under the Education Act, while taking into account parent, community and stakeholder advice. Toronto Public Health confirmed that; ”all policies related to mask mandates in schools are within the provincial government's purview. Further, with the most recent update to the Reopening Ontario Act, local medical officers of health are precluded from issuing Letters of Instruction to implement local measures, including the requirement that masks be worn in schools or other locations.”
I want to thank all the students, teachers and parents who have been so patient and worked together throughout this pandemic. I am very much aware of the negative impacts these mandatory precautions have had on everyone. From learning gaps to our mental health, the stress this has put on our communities is immeasurable. As we cautiously move forward let's not forget what we have learned and how far we have come. Our schools will remain safe and inclusive environments where everyone’s personal choice about wearing masks is respected.
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Supporting the Ukrainian CommunityAs the world watches the shocking developments in Eastern Europe, our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and the Ukrainian community here in Toronto. Read our full statement and read tips that may be helpful for parents/guardians whose children are experiencing difficulties.
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Letter re Update on COVID Protocols On March 11 the Chair of the Board wrote a letter to the Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce and Medical Officer of Health Dr. Eileen de Villa asking for additional guidance and time to adjust health and safety measures in schools with regard to the province’s recent announcement about lifting most public health measures, including mask mandates, by March 21, 2022.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, responded to the TDSB’s request for more time to implement these changes, and reiterated their previous direction. Toronto Public Health responded by noting that all policies related to mask mandates in schools are the responsibility of the provincial government, but underscored their continued partnership with the TDSB as we continue to navigate health and safety measures together.
Revised Health Screening
Toronto Public Health has updated its screening for children/students/adults to align with the new direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health with respect to isolation guidelines and masking requirements following a COVID-19 diagnosis or identification of being a close contact. Please do a daily self-assessment with this screening tool before coming to school and follow the isolation guidelines and other requirements, such as masking, as necessary. As of Monday, you do not need to provide verification of this self-assessment through either the Health Paper Pass or Health Screening App.
Masking
As of March 21, masks will be strongly encouraged in TDSB schools, though not required, except in the following circumstances:
- For days 6-10 after a self-isolation period of five days after a COVD-19 diagnosis. Learn more.
- If you are identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19. Learn more.
- In public spaces, including schools and childcares, for the first 14 days following travel outside of Canada. Learn more.
TDSB schools will continue to be mask-friendly environments. Masks will still be available to both staff and students upon request. Classroom environments will be inclusive of all students.
Cohorting and Physical Distancing
With the lifting of all cohorting and physical distancing requirements, students may now sit, work and play together. As schools move towards these more normal, pre-pandemic conditions, some activities such as extracurriculars and events, require a more thoughtful, phased-in approach in schools, as well as significant staff support. Please be patient as schools work to implement these changes in their local community.
This new direction also impacts our Severe Weather procedure. As classes can now combine, moving forward, when busses are canceled as a result of severe weather, schools will now remain open, in line with the Toronto Catholic District School Board with whom we share bussing services.
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Combatting Hate and Racism – Student Learning Strategy Hate and racism in any form has no place in schools and workplaces and we are committed to interrupting and confronting racism, discrimination and hate, in all of its forms when we see or hear it.
Every day, there is an incredible amount of work happening in classrooms and schools every day to support this commitment through professional learning, curriculum resources, encouraging and supporting critical conversations and building connections with each other as well as community organizations to support this important work.
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Backpack and School Supplies Drive All students should have access to backpacks and school supplies to help them get the most out of their school experience – and you and/or your business can help our students and families in need with a donation to the TDSB’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive!
This year’s Backpacks & School Supplies Drive will run from March 1, 2022 to the end of September 2022. Individual donors and companies can help our students by making a monetary donation and/or a donation of new backpacks and school supplies. Tax receipts are available for these donations.
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COVID-19 VaccinationsThe TDSB continues to work with Toronto Public Health and other healthcare partners to offer vaccination opportunities for students and their families. Learn more about vaccination opportunities and how you can talk directly to a doctor about the vaccine.
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COVID-19 Reporting Each day, the TDSB provides detailed daily absence data to help provide a comprehensive picture of a school community. Absences for both staff and students could be for a variety of reasons and are not necessarily related to COVID-19. Learn more.
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Let’s Connect About Mental Health and Well-Being Parents and Caregivers are invited to join us online on March 10 at 7 p.m. to hear parent voices and experiences, increase mental health literacy and learn strategies to better support your child’s mental health and well-being. Learn more.
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Free Employment Services for Job Seekers in the GTA For free, job seekers can access employment services and resources to get a job; secure the training you need for a new career; and so much more. The TDSB’s Community Services Unit operates seven convenient Next-Steps Employment Centres across the GTA. Visit www.next-steps.ca to learn more.
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Free Enhanced Language Training for Newcomers Continue your professional career in Canada! Internationally Experienced/Educated Professionals new to Canada can sign up for the Community Services’ Enhanced Language Training (ELT) program. Trainees receive in-class instruction on their sectors and gain the opportunity to secure work placement in their related industry. Learn more at www.elt4employment.ca.
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International Languages: Elementary and African Heritage (ILE-AH)
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Learn4Life Adult General Interest Program Learn a new skill or take up a hobby this spring with courses in art, computers, food, languages, fitness and much more! Both in-person and online classes are available. Registration is now open. View our online brochure for more information.
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Adult ESL Program Adult learners will have an opportunity to improve their English in-person and online with the TDSB. A broad range of English as a Second Language classes will be available, from beginner to advanced levels. Learn more by visiting our program website.
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Earth Hour on March 25 at 2:00 pmEarth Hour is a world-wide celebration where millions of people around the world turn off their lights for one hour to tackle the dual challenges facing the planet – climate change and loss of nature. Earth Hour started off as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. It has grown to engage 192 countries and territories to raise awareness for energy consumption and effects on the environment. By turning off non-essential electricity, participants join a global movement to raise awareness and take action for a healthy planet. For more information, please visit Earth Hour Reports.
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Environment, Energy and Climate Action The Toronto District School Board is dedicated to preparing young people for their future and recognizes its obligation to respond to the escalating climate crisis with education, action and leadership.
Learn more about the history of climate action and sustainability at the TDSB.
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High Water Levels Brings Increased Risks The Toronto and Region Conservation monitors hazardous ice conditions as thaw begins and are reminding everyone to be very careful around all bodies of water. The first hint of warming weather and the promise of spring thaw can bring extreme danger to the shores and surfaces of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, according to Toronto and Region Conservation.
As warmer temperatures arrive, stream banks become increasingly slippery and unstable. Lake and river ice weakens, becoming thinner or with higher flows breaking with little or no warning. During this time, the potential for flooding and ice jamming is high.
Higher, faster-flowing water and extreme cold temperatures combine to create increased dangers on or near rivers, streams and ponds for people wishing to enjoy the seasonal changes. Parents and caregivers are being asked to keep children away from stream banks, ponds and lakes.
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Steps to Address Your Questions and ConcernsThe TDSB wants to hear your questions and concerns, and makes every effort to address them as quickly as possible.
In any situation, your child's classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school's principal, the school superintendent and your Trustee.
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Greek Heritage Month at the Toronto District School BoardThe Toronto District School Board is proud to recognize Greek Heritage Month (GHM) during the month of March.
During the month of March, several activities will be shared to mark GHM. A poster contest was held and all students from the Toronto District School Board were invited to submit images that best reflected this year’s theme. The selected images are posted below.
The theme for this year is based on healthy living:
“Harmony of Life - Healthy Mind, Healthy Body”
“Αρμονια της Zωης - Νους υγιης εν σωματι υγιει”
This year’s website includes “Word of the Day” and “Daily Announcements” along with featured focussed days with activities.
“Movement Mondays”
“Travelling Tuesdays”
“Wellness Wednesdays”
“Thoughtful Thursdays”
“Foodie Fridays”
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