Ward 6 Update - December 2020
Fresh Air in Schools in Colder Weather
The TDSB continues to do everything we can to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Daily self-assessments, regular hand washing, mask wearing and physical distancing are some of the most important things we can do. In addition, according to Toronto Public Health, increasing fresh air is an important strategy in our schools and classrooms.
To learn more, read the web story on tdsb.on.ca.
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TDSB Approves 10-Year Planning Strategy
Trustees with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) have approved the Board’s Long-Term Program and Accommodation Strategy (LTPAS) for 2020-2029.
The strategy, which is aligned with the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan, outlines program and student accommodation studies to be conducted over the next ten years, allows the TDSB to develop plans to balance enrolment and increase access to programs and opportunities for all students.
For more information, please read the news release.
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Student Senate Election (2020-21)
The Toronto District School Board is now accepting applications for the 2020-21 Student Senate, including the positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Communications Officer, Conference Chair, Alternative School Rep and Learning Centre Reps.
Interested students are asked to apply online by Friday, December 4. Each position is open to Grade 9 – 12 students, with the exception of the Learning Centre Reps, which is open to Grade 7 – 12 students.
To learn more, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/StudentSenateElection
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Traffic Safety Tips: Help Make this a Safe Winter Season
As winter approaches, we know that severe weather will be part of our daily lives for the next several months. While traffic safety is an important matter all year long, this is a particularly good time to review what we can do to keep students safe.
The need to be aware and alert at all times, on any road, and even in the most routine circumstances is key to traffic safety. This applies to students and drivers alike. Road conditions can be challenging in the winter months. So, to those of us who drive, please take extra care on the roads and in parking lots, especially in areas where children might be present.
School staff periodically review street and traffic safety with students. Parents can help reinforce these safety messages with children at home. Below are some tips that might be helpful to review.
- Stop, look, and listen for traffic.
- Only cross at corners and crosswalks.
- Make eye contact with drivers.
- Walk on the right side of the crosswalk.
- Wear appropriate footwear to reduce the chances of slipping.
- Never run into the street.
- Obey crossing signals.
- Cross only if clear.
- Walk on sidewalks.
- Where there are no sidewalks, walk as far away from traffic as possible, facing traffic.
The safety of our students is always a top priority. Let's work together to make the winter season safe so we can enjoy all it has to offer.
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Winter Weather and Student Transportation
From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices or sites.
With approximately 246,000 students in 582 schools, any decision to cancel buses, classes and/or programs or to close sites can have a significant impact on thousands of families across Toronto. This decision is not taken lightly. When schools remain open on days with inclement weather, parents/guardians make the final decision on whether to send their children to school and they can keep children home from school if they so choose.
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Stay Healthy During Flu Season
Flu season is here again. In Canada, flu season tends to run between October and April. The Ontario government is encouraging Ontarians to avoid getting sick this flu season by getting their annual flu shot.
Toronto Public Health is recommending that whenever students and staff experience flu-like symptoms, they are sent home and do not return to school until they are no longer infectious to others. Therefore, ill students and staff should be symptom-free (especially from vomiting and diarrhea) for at least 48 hours before returning to school.
The primary concern is for the health and safety of all students and staff. Please note that no special measures are required when there is a case of influenza in a school or daycare. However, everyone should do their part to stop the spread of the flu. As parents, you can also assist by:
- Reminding children to wash their hands often especially after using the washroom and before and after eating;
- Reminding children to cover their sneeze and cough;
- Watching for symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and/or high fever;
- Informing the school if your child is ill;
- Keeping your child at home when he/she is ill.
For more information, please visit the Toronto Public Health website www.toronto.ca/health, contact your family doctor, or Telehealth Ontario. 1-866-797-0000.
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National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6
On December 6, TDSB students and staff mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Established in 1991 by the Parliament of Canada, this day coincides with the anniversary of the death of 14 young women who were tragically killed on 6 December, 1989, at l'École Polytechnique in Montreal because of their gender.
On this national day of remembrance, we honour the memory of these women and reflect on the ways that gender violence continues to affect us. For more information, visit Status of Women Canada and participate in their #ActionsMatter campaign. To find out how you can help prevent violence against women visit www.ontario.ca/page/lets-stop-sexual-harassment-violence. Within the TDSB, please contact www.tdsb.on.ca/gbvp for further support or questions on any issues related to gender-based violence.
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Continuing Education - International Languages Elementary and African Heritage Programs
The International Languages – Elementary / African Heritage Program is offering online language classes to students (TDSB and non TDSB) Kindergarten to Grade 8. Orne day each week, students have live face-to-face interactive lessons with their instructor and classmates for approximately 30 minutes. Activities are focused on building student’s abilities in oral communication, reading and writing.
Visit www.ILEprograms.ca for more information. Twitter: @TDSB_ConEd
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Continuing Education - Community Programs
Online Learn4Life winter registration begins December 2. Take up a new hobby or learn a language from home. Stay active with our many fitness classes or gain knowledge on how to invest in the stock market. Classes are for adults 18 + and seniors, and start the week of Saturday, January 23, 2021.
Register today at www.learn4life.ca Twitter: @TDSB_ConEd
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Adult ESL
Gaining proficiency in English is a critical skill for many newcomers to our city. Every year, nearly 20,000 adults benefit from the TDSB's English as a Second Language classes. Through general language training, and a host of specialized courses, we serve learners at all levels - from those with little or no formal education to those with post-secondary degrees. Currently, all Adult ESL classes are on-line.
Visit www.ESLToronto.ca for more information. Twitter: @TDSB_ConEd
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