email : Webview : Ward 13 - October 2021 Newsletter (Resend)

Happy October!

Dear Friends,

I hope the start of school this year has gone well for all of you and that all our kids are enjoying school either virtually or in person. Although much of our school operations are still affected by pandemic measures, I am very happy and excited to know that important things like music, sports, and other extracurricular activities are slowly being reintroduced.

As we progress through this school year, please know that you can always reach out to me at any time if you have a question on the school system or have a concern you would like to share. I, along with our school staff, are always here for you.

If you haven't already done so, I invite you sign-up for my newsletter to receive the latest updates.

Sincerely,

James

Map of Location - Boyne Natural Science School as Indigenous Land-Based Learning Site

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 during this evening’s Regular Board Meeting.

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.

For more information, please read the news release.

TDSB Releases Mandatory Vaccine Procedure for Staff and Trustees

The Toronto District School Board has released a Staff and Trustee COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccine Procedure for implementation.

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.

In November, 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.

For more information, please read the news release.

School Immunization Program

Toronto Public Health is hosting vaccination clinics for students, in Grade7 and higher who need the following vaccines: Meningococcal-ACYW, Human papillomavirus and/or Hepatitis-B. Read the full letter from TPH and complete the consent form to access.

Virtual Mental Health Support

Professional Support Services is offering virtual drop-in hours for parents and caregivers to discuss strategies to help support the mental health and well-being of your child. Learn more about Virtual Mental Health Support.

Student Transportation

Are you a parent/guardian of a child who takes the bus to school? Don’t forget to register for the Student Transportation Parent Portal to access important information and updates, and to sign up to receive email notifications of bus delays and cancellations. Please also ensure that student contact information and phone numbers are up-to-date.

International Languages: Elementary and African Heritage (ILE-AH)

This free online program welcomes JK to Grade 8 students to learn a language (except for English and French) for 2.5 hours a week. Learn more about ILE-AH and register online today.

Halloween Safety Tips

Halloween provides an opportunity for parents and children to spend time together creating costumes, carving pumpkins, planning trick or treat activities and participating in family parties. Hallowe'en is a big event at schools and provides opportunities for parties, creative activities, art programs and impromptu history lessons. Hallowe'en is also a time for students, parents, and schools to take extra care to ensure safety and security.

TRICK OR TREAT SAFETY
If parents are concerned about trick or treating, here are some basic safety rules to follow:

Children should NEVER eat any treats until parents have had a chance to go through them and inspect them. Parents should look for tampering of packages and discard any they believe to be unsafe or unknown.
Have your child carry a flashlight.
NEVER go into a stranger's house.
NEVER trick or treat with people you do not know
Trick or treat only at homes you know
Children should always stay in groups if no parent is present
Younger children should ALWAYS be accompanied by an older person
Accompany your child when trick or treating
If you can not accompany your child then know the route your child will take
Flame resistant (retardant) costumes are in order. Keep costumes short and remind children to stay away from pumpkins with candles in them
Remind children to stay away from pets they do not know
Remind children of road safety rules. Cross only at corners. Do not criss-cross the road. Go up one side of the road and down the other side. Never cross between parked cars. Walk facing on-coming traffic if there is no sidewal
If adults are driving their children, drive slowly, with lights on and be cautious when pulling to the side of the road.
Children should wear their own shoes when trick or treating. Wearing costume shoes/boots can be dangerous and uncomfortable.
Remind children that not everyone celebrates Hallowe'en, and to avoid any homes that have no lights on. Also remind children not to run through neighbours yards or gardens.
With older children, be sure to know what other events (such as parties) they plan on attending.
Set time limits when children should return home.

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Toronto, Ontario | M2N 5N8 CA

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