Revised Health Screening Guidelines
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).
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Returning to School
For more details, please click on the links below that will bring you right to the information
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Elementary Reorganization The impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic created a need for more significant classroom reorganization this fall in elementary schools across the TDSB than in past years. Far more students opted to attend Virtual School than projected when staffing was allocated to schools in September. At the start of the school year, 58,271 elementary students were in Elementary Virtual School; after switching this month 7,882 additional students opted for Elementary Virtual School and 2,921 students switched to in-person school from Elementary Virtual School leaving the Elementary Virtual School with an enrolment as of October 13 of 63,232.
I understand that these changes can be stressful for families and students, particularly when we have already been dealing with significant challenges related to the ongoing pandemic. II have heard from many parents concerned for their children. These changes will take effect the week of October 13, 2020. For now, the reorganization of schools and classes will increase the availability of permanent TDSB teachers for the Virtual School and enhance stability.
Why Reorganization at all? Leaving class sizes the way they were means that the TDSB would require at least $30 million in additional funding. The TDSB is already using reserves and deficit financing to fund additional teachers, above and beyond Ministry funding. We are using these funds to keep class sizes lower and to have even lower class size limits in schools serving communities where Toronto Public Health advises there is a greater risk of COVID-19 transmission. Without any further funding from the Ontario government for teachers, the Board had no choice but to make these changes. Please note we consulted with Toronto Public Health to make these changes.
Switching between In-Person learning and the Virtual School again, so soon? I share concerns I am hearing from the community re the November 6 deadline for switching between In-Person Learning and the Virtual School in elementary given we will have just completed reorganization the week of October 13. I see a dichotomy with balancing the health and safety of students who may choose Virtual School given the increase in COVID-19 community spread vs the health and safety of students and staff in bricks and mortar schools with the disruption reorganization causes in the mixing of cohorts. We need to have that discussion at the Board to re-evaluate options to manage overall system change - as we are learning in real time. Given the cases of COVID-19 in Toronto, I supported cancelling the November switching opportunity so that our system and classrooms can stabilize.
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Virtual Elementary Staffing Update
Reorganization Process and Staffing
The reorganization process is complete and all teachers have now transferred from in-person schools to the Elementary Virtual School.
The number of permanent teachers available to transfer to the Elementary Virtual School was lower than expected. We continue to use LTO’s where needed to fill any gaps and as a reserve to fill daily vacancies.
Projections indicated approximately 570 FTE teachers to be transferred. The final transfer was 440 FTEs. Reasons for this variance include:
The majority of schools had a reduction of 1.0 FTE or less. Therefore, prep teachers could not be removed from those schools without a significant number of itinerant prep teachers being required to work in multiple buildings each week.
A small number of adjustments were made to allocations for emerging class size issues.
Teachers on various leaves were not redeployed to Virtual School (the positions were reduced from school allocations).
Teachers on a half time contract were not moved to Virtual School (not transferring 0.5 teachers).
English Classes
We have now successfully filled all current English teacher vacancies in the Elementary Virtual School and we anticipate more stability in English speaking staffing /classes.
Teachers new to the Virtual School have all been assigned a class and are connecting with families and students.
French Immersion (FI)/Extended French (EF) Classes
We have just over 6000 students in FI/EF in the Virtual School.
As a result of the elementary school reorganization, we were anticipating enough French teachers to fill most of the vacancies in Virtual School. Forty two French language teachers were added to the Virtual School to fill EF/IF classes. However there are still 48 EF/FI classes with an English teacher in place until additional French teachers are confirmed.
We continue to have a shortage of French language teachers, as do other GTA school boards. The occasional teacher roster does not have any additional teachers who could be assigned to French Immersion/Extended French at this moment.
Staffing of FI/EF classes continues to be a priority and are taking the following combination of steps to help resolve the teacher shortage:
Look at delivering EF/FI Grades 5-8 with a French and English teacher since 50% of the curriculum is French (this will require some class reallocation).
Continue to actively recruit French language teachers including from other parts of Canada to work remotely.
Begin recruitment of French speaking individuals who are not members of the Ontario College of Teachers, who could be hired on a Letter of Permission from the Ministry of Education to assist with these challenges.
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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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Air Purifiers
The TDSB is currently looking to source air purifiers/HEPA filters to use in classrooms without mechanical ventilation or with limited ability to provide fresh air. Once these units are procured, they will be installed in schools based on need. Staff are in the process of finalizing the criteria for determining which schools/classrooms would receive HEPA filters, but the criteria may include things such as the classroom ventilation, class size vs. space available, infection risk rating, etc. I will continue to keep you posted.
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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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Save the Date for the Virtual Parents as Partners Conference!Join us on October 24 and 25 for our first-ever virtual parent conference. This online version offers all the same exciting, inspiring and informative content as our in-person conference, but allows you to participate all from the comfort of your own home.
This year’s conference includes two amazing keynotes as well as a host of breakout sessions that you can choose to tailor to your own interests and needs. Some of the sessions offered include special education, mental health and well-being, anti-Black racism and virtual engagement. In the breakout sessions – led by both TDSB experts and panelists from outside organizations – you also get a chance to connect in a more intimate way with other parents, ask questions and participate in discussions.
We hope you find this new format as useful and engaging as we do! Registration opens on Tuesday, October 13. Learn more at www.parentsaspartners.ca.
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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:
• For information regarding COVID-19 safety protocols and precautions, visit https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Return-to-School/Operations/Transportation.
• To access information specific to your child's transportation, including route number, stop location, times and bus company contact details, visit https://busplannerweb.torontoschoolbus.org/Subscriptions/Login.aspx. Or you can contact the Toronto Student Transportation Group at 416-394-4287 or transportation@torontoschoolbus.org. For delay notifications, visit https://busplannerweb.torontoschoolbus.org/Cancellations.aspx.
• Please review the Responsibilities and Safety sections of our website with your child https://www.tdsb.on.ca/EarlyYears/Kindergarten/Transportation.
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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