October 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Hoping all of you had an enjoyable September and continue to stay safe. The transition to back to school in the past month has been characterized by new challenges and uncertainty. I thank you all for your patience and understanding during this time. TDSB staff are trying their best to ensure students meet their learning goals while adhering to public health guidelines and procedures.
Toronto Public Health Update: Extra-Curriculars
Toronto Public Health (TPH) has released updated guidance with regard to extra-curricular activities such as sports, clubs, bands, and fields trips. They are now recommending the gradual return of extra-curriculars as schools establish routines and cohorts and are confident in health and safety protocols.
TPH guidance about extra-curricular activities including clubs, bands and sports with mixed cohorts includes the following:
- The gradual return of extra-curricular activities should begin with students between the ages of 12 and 17 (those eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccination).
- High-contact and high intensity activities (such as football, field hockey & basketball) are only recommended outdoors at this time. Masking is not required when participating in high intensity activities outdoors. Masks and physical distancing should be considered when possible.
- Low contact and low intensity activities (such as clubs, bands and some sports) are permitted indoors. Masking and physical distancing is required for indoor activities.
- Guidelines should be developed to limit the number of clubs/extracurricular activities/cohorts a student can participate in at any one time.
- Individuals from different schools and mixed cohorts limit interactions to the outdoors.
- Guidelines should be developed for spectators to limit the spread of COVID-19.
TDSB Recognizes First National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
In addition to being the 8th annual Orange Shirt Day, September 30, 2021 was the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Together we recognize the legacy of Canada’s residential school system and continue to learn the many truths of these institutions. We honour First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children and communities impacted by this system. During Truth and Reconciliation Week September 27 to October 1, we encouraged schools to participate in events offered by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
TDSB Releases Mandatory Vaccine Procedure
Through this procedure, the TDSB is taking action to protect the health and safety of employees, students, families and community members and is in line with Ministry of Education direction, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s instructions, and a resolution by the Board of Trustees. The TDSB also conducted consultations with several stakeholders. By November 1, 2021, employees, Trustees, and other individuals who have direct contact with staff or students at a TDSB workplace, must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (subject to approved requests for exemptions under the Human Rights Code). Until then, those who are not vaccinated or have not disclosed their vaccination status must continue to undergo rapid antigen testing at home and provide proof of a negative result, twice per week. In addition, those who do not have a medical/disability exemption will be required to undertake an education session on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.
As required by the Ministry of Education, the TDSB is collecting the COVID-19 vaccination disclosure information of its more than 40,000 staff members. To date, approximately 94% of the staff who have responded (approximately 83%) have indicated that they are vaccinated.
TDSB Will Open Boyne Natural Science School as Indigenous Land-Based Learning Site
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC), with guidance from the Elders Council, will open the Boyne Natural Science School as an Indigenous Land-Based Learning site. Trustees unanimously supported the initiative.
This site is located on 308.5 acres of the Niagara Escarpment, adjacent to the Bruce Trail and the Boyne River Provincial Park. Its reopening supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action and supports Indigenous Education on The Land for all students, staff and Indigenous communities.
