Ward 6 Update - October 2020
According to the revised guidelines, students and children with symptoms such as fever and cough will still be advised to stay home until they are able to consult with a health care provider and receive an alternate diagnosis or a negative COVID-19 test. A second set of questions now deals with symptoms that are commonly associated with other illnesses, such as runny nose or headache, and provides the following direction:
- Students and children with only one of these symptoms will be advised to stay home for 24 hours, after which they can return to school or child care if their symptoms are improving.
- Students and children with two or more of these symptoms will be advised to stay home until they are able to consult with a health care provider and receive an alternative diagnosis or a negative COVID-19 test.
In addition, based on the latest public health guidance, the symptom list for children in school and child care no longer includes abdominal pain or conjunctivitis (pink eye).
has also been updated to reflect these changes.
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Return to School: In-Person Learning and Virtual School
The Toronto District School Board officially welcomed students and staff back to school earlier this month, for both in-person and virtual learning. For the most up-to-date information, including letters to parents/guardians, please visit:
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Health and Safety Measures
The health and safety of students, staff and school communities continues to be the main priority of the Toronto District School Board. Read more about the TDSB’s health and safety measures, including daily health screening, mask and face covering requirements and the response plan.
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COVID-19 Advisories
The Toronto District School Board is committed to providing up to date information about confirmed cases of COVID-19 in schools (students and staff). This information is easily accessible by clicking on the COVID-19 Advisories banner on the main webpage of www.tdsb.on.ca.
Please note that all schools where there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, who was contagious while at school, will receive a letter from Toronto Public Health to inform them about the possible exposure.
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Director of Education Search
The Toronto District School Board is in the process of recruiting its next Director of Education. This process is being led by a Trustee Director Search Committee, in partnership with Mandrake, an executive search firm. The job is tentatively scheduled to be posted on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020.
For more information, including key dates, the recruitment process, how to apply and contact information, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/directorsearch.
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International Languages – Elementary and African Heritage (ILE-AH)
This free program welcomes JK to Grade 8 students to learn a language (except for English and French) for 2.5 hours a week. Learn more and register online today. Classes began on Saturday, October 3.
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Saturday International Languages Credit Program
19 international language credit courses are available to current high school students. All courses are subject to sufficient enrolment. Online registration closes on October 9. Classes begin on Saturday, October 17.
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TDSB Connects App Now Available! TDSB has launched a new online app to help high school students stay connected and organized. Phase 1 is designed with secondary students in mind, helping them stay organized with school work, see their daily school calendar and stay in touch with their school community. By logging in with their TDSB school ID, their timetable is automatically populated allowing them to easily add notes, goals and details to each course. Schools can also share announcements, updates, local calendars and more to help students stay connected and informed. Subsequent phases include features such as the student safety line, notifications and opportunities to share your voice, and also a version for elementary students and families. The TDSB Connects App supports our commitment to be more digitally-friendly, reduce paper and find new and engaging ways to connect with students to support their success. Download the app now at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
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Lockdown and Fire Drills At the beginning of each school year, our students and staff prepare for the year ahead by establishing the foundations for a successful year. One of the ways we know we can help students be successful is to create a safe environment. Though no one ever wants to see an emergency happen at a school, it's important for school staff to be equipped to deal with those situations, should these occur. The TDSB has taken steps to ensure your child's safety while in school. Each school has developed emergency preparedness plans that include steps staff will take in the event of an emergency, how staff will get students away from possible dangers, and how students' families will be contacted. One aspect of emergency preparedness is the lockdown and fire drill. All schools are required to conduct a minimum of two lockdown drills and six fire drills each school year. The drills last approximately 5 minutes and ensure plans are effective and can also systematically identify any safety concerns. This year, as all cohorts need to participate, additional drills may be required. Communication is also critical in any emergency situation. Please ensure the school office has accurate emergency contact information and advise us of any changes during the school year.
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Anaphylaxis - Taking the Necessary Precautions Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can be life threatening. This medical condition can cause a severe reaction to specific foods or other materials, and can result in death within minutes. Although foods such as peanuts, milk, eggs, and sesame seeds are the most common cause of anaphylaxis, insect stings, medicine, or latex can also cause a reaction. In recent years, anaphylaxis has increased dramatically among students. The TDSB, in partnership with Toronto Public Health, is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for all students and staff. As required by Sabrina's Law, the TDSB has established policies and procedures to prevent and manage anaphylactic reactions and to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic causative agents in classrooms and common school areas. Although this may or may not affect your child's class directly, we want to raise awareness about this life-threatening condition. Students who have severe allergies to such food substances are exposed to a severe health risk when such products are consumed in their environment or shared with them. As prevention is the best approach, we ask that you speak with your child about not sharing their snacks or lunches with other students and please do not send any snacks or lunches with your child that contain peanuts. If your child has health problems of any kind, please inform your child's teacher or office staff immediately so that the necessary health protection steps may be taken and to ensure everyone's co-operation for a safe learning environment. Whether you are living with the allergy yourself, caring for someone who is, or concerned about people in your community, more information about life threatening allergies is available at http://foodallergycanada.ca.
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Student Transportation At the TDSB, busing service may be provided for elementary students (K-5) residing 1.6 km or more from their designated school. TTC tickets may be provided for middle school students (grades 6-8) residing 3.2 km or more from their designated school. The health and safety of students is our top priority, and the Toronto Student Transportation Group (TSTG), working with school bus operators, has put a number of COVID-19 protocols and precautions in place to help ensure the safety of students and drivers on the bus. Here are some resources for more information:
Occasionally, severe weather conditions may require the TDSB to cancel transportation. Visit the https://www.tdsb.on.ca or https://www.torontoschoolbus.org/, check Twitter @tdsb or listen to local radio or TV stations starting at 6 a.m. for bus cancellations. Please note that the TDSB’s Empty Seat Policy (PR504) has been put on hold for the 2020-21 school year to help promote physical distancing on school busses, as well as to help the TSTG and bus operators effectively plan bus routes and seating arrangements in line with the COVID-19 health and safety precautions.
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Road Safety It's back to school time and we would like to remind drivers to slow down in school zones. In recent years, TDSB staff has been working closely with the City of Toronto's Transportation Services, Toronto Public Health and other community partners to improve road safety for children and youth. In 2017, the TDSB launched its Traffic Safety Program (TSP) which helps schools identify travel issues and develop workable solutions. The TSP program aligns with the City of Toronto's Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, which seeks to reduce the number of traffic-related deaths and serious injuries on Toronto's roads. Together, we can keep school zones safe! To learn more about road safety, please visit: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Road-Safety
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Heritage and History Months
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TDSB Update
Sign-up for TDSB Update and stay informed about recent Board decisions and district-wide news.
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Follow the TDSB
Join the conversations happening on TDSB's social media communities. You'll find the most up-to-date information about us on our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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