Return to School
As mentioned in recent ward forums, there have been multiple changes and directions by the province over the last number of weeks which have resulted in changes to the TDSB plans for back-to-school. Plans have now been finalized, registration is almost complete, and schools are now receiving lists of families who will be returning in-person and those who will be learning remotely. Schedules and class configurations will be determined in the week ahead. This year's return to school will not be like any we've experienced before and I know many families are feeling stressed and confused. I hope this newsletter can provide some of the information needed to help prepare families for the return to school. Read below for information on:For the most up to date information, please follow my Facebook page, check the TDSB Return to School Webpage, and watch for communications from your local or virtual school.If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at Trixie.Doyle@tdsb.on.ca
Cheers,
Trixie Doyle
Trustee for Ward 14 - Don Valley East
| |
Start Dates
There will be a staggered start for elementary students over the first three days (September 15 to 17). All secondary students begin school on September 15.
The start dates for each grade level are outlined below, based on school configuration. Once a student starts school on the first day for their grade, they will continue to attend school every day. Schools with split grades or alternate configurations will receive more information from their local school.
| |
Safe Return to School Detailed Plan
Please check out the updated guide to find information on:
- supporting students with special education needs,
- health and safety measures,
- well-being and supports for students,
- elementary models for in-school and virtual learning,
- secondary models for hybrid in-school and virtual learning,
- before-and-after school programs,
- devices for remote learning,
- transportation,
- community use of schools, and
- nutrtition programs.
| |
Resources for Back to School
Returning to school after so many months away may be a challenging and scary experience. To help get all students and families ready for September, we have put together some resources to help with the transition.
The TDSB has created a Returning to School video to allow students to see what their schools will look like when they return in September.
| |
The resources webpage also has videos on safety protocols, mental health and well-being, transportation, hand washing, proper mask use, and links to the TDSB Online Conversation webinar series of engaging and informative conversations on topics we heard you want to learn more about.
| |
Students of all ages may be experiencing stress, and anxiety in this uncertain and unprecedented time of the Covid-19 pandemic and school closures. Visit our mental health and well-being page for links to supports and resouces for both students and their caregivers.
| |
Masks/Face Coverings
For the health and safety of our students and staff, masks or face coverings are required indoors on school property. Specifically:
Staff are required to wear medical masks and, when physical distancing of 2m is difficult, or close contact (less than 2m for more than 15 minutes) with others is expected, eye protection in the form of a face shield is also required. Medical masks and other PPE for staff will be provided by the Board.- Students are required to wear non-medical masks or face coverings
indoors on school property and on school busses. Students may wear their own mask or face covering, or use a non-medical masks provided by the school.
This decision is informed by, and consistent with, the City of Toronto requirement that anyone over the age of two wears a mask/face covering in indoor public spaces — with exemptions and accommodations. The requirement for all school board staff to wear medical masks follows the direction of the Ministry of Education.
| |
Response Plan for COVID-19 Cases
Ensuring the health and safety of students and staff is a priority. The Toronto District School Board follows direction from the Government of Ontario, who has provided a recommended process for school boards to follow in the event of a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in a school. The TDSB also works together with Toronto Public Health who is responsible for determining if an outbreak exists, declaring an outbreak, and providing direction on outbreak control measures to be implemented as well as supporting contact tracing efforts.
The TDSB Response Plan includes information on self-assessments, protocols for when students or staff become sick at school, how cases will be managed if someone tests positive for COVID-19, and what happens in the event of an outbreak.
| |
Elementary Class Sizes
Schools in communities identified by Toronto Public Health as higher risk for contracting COVID-19 will have JK/SK classes capped at 15 students, while Grade 1 to 8 classes would be capped at 20. This includes the following Ward 14 schools: Victoria Village PS, Sloane PS, Grenoble PS, Gateway PS, and Valley Park MS.
In all other schools, JK/SK classes would be capped at 27, Grade 1 to 3 classes would be capped at 20, while Grade 4 to 8 classes would be capped at 27.
A total of 81 schools fall into this category. Using TPH’s data and also taking into consideration a combination of additional factors that include larger enrolments, physical characteristics of class room, the TDSB’s Learning Opportunities Index, and large numbers of students attending the school that reside in higher risk areas, an additional 13 schools have been identified as ones needing additional measures to lower class sizes. No Ward 14 schools are listed in the new additions.
| |
|
|
|
|
