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| Shelley Laskin, Trustee Toronto District School Board Ward 8: Eglinton-Lawrence & Toronto-St Paul's 416-395-8787 Shelley.Laskin@tdsb.on.ca
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"Thank you for your continued patience and flexibility as we... resume in-person learning and continue to prioritize health and safety as well as student learning, engagement, and well-being." - Colleen Russell-Rawlins, TDSB Director of Education
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In this Issue:- Update from Toronto Public Health
- In-Person Learning
- COVID-19 Update
- Bell Let’s Talk Day is January 26!
- International Holocaust Remembrance Day – January 27, 2022
- National Day of Remembrance & Action Against Islamophobia – January 29, 2022
- Tamil Heritage Month
- Kindergarten Registration
- Committee Meetings this Week
- TDSB System Calendar
- Policy Consultations - Naming Schools, Special-Purpose Areas, and Teams (P047)
- New Invitations - Winter Walk Day - February 2
- Worth Repeating - ScienceUpFirst National Kids & Vaccines Day Town Hall; January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day: The Tattooed Torah is back!; Grade 7-11 Students Needed - Student Equity Collective; Global School Play Day - February 2, 2022; Winter Well-Being Guide; FSWC Speaker's Idol; Middle French Immersion Program – Grade 4 Entry; School Open Houses and Information Nights; Optional Attendance 2022-2023; Help Close the Digital Divide; Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voters Lists?; Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
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Update from Toronto Public Health
On January 18, at a special meeting of the TDSB's Planning & Priorities Committee, Dr. Vinita Dubey, Associate Medical Officer of Health and Nicole Welch, Director and Chief Nursing Officer provided an update to Trustees from Toronto Public Health (TPH). They confirmed while early evidence suggests Omicron is less severe than Delta, it can still result in serious health outcomes. They confirm that research has proven vaccines protect against hospitalization and severe illness, but 2 doses are not enough against getting infected with Omicron. Vaccine effectiveness of booster doses can be seen as early as 7 days post vaccination. All adults, aged 18+ are now eligible to book booster dose 84 days after their second dose. A third dose is effective in reducing the risks related to infection, hospitalization, and death from Omicron. While the number remains low, the proportion of all hospitalized cases that are pediatric has increased. No booster dose has been recommended so far for 5 to 17 year olds. And a vaccine for 6 month to 4 year-olds is in trials and that is why the recommendation is a child has to be 5 to be eligible for the 5-11 year-old vaccine.
They also confirmed the new isolation rules. If you have a symptom, you need to isolate for 5 days if the person is fully vaccinated or 11 years or younger. Use 10 days: If they are 12 years or older and not fully vaccinated; or immune compromised. Everyone in the household must stay home and self-isolate if the student/staff or another member of the home has symptoms of COVID-19 or a positive PCR test or a positive rapid antigen test. The student/staff who has symptoms/COVID-19 positive can return to school when symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if nausea/vomiting/diarrhea) AND they complete the required self-isolation time, OR they have a negative PCR test, OR they have two negative rapid antigen tests 24 to 48 hours apart.
TPH confirmed a close contact in the community is anyone who the person with symptoms/ COVID-19 positive and that means they spent at least 15 minutes of time with outside of the classroom/ school AND where the contact was within two meters for at least 15 minutes, or multiple shorter lengths of time AND contact occurred in the 48 hours before the symptoms began (or the positive test result) or while had symptoms (e.g. at an indoor gathering, playdate, indoor activity). Based on the new provincial guidance, being in the same classroom cohort is not considered a close contact because preventive and protective measures are in place.
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In-Person Learning
A number of Qs and As were provided in last week's update. Below are some further updates to questions I have received to hopefully help.
- Yes, if there is severe weather and buses are cancelled (decision made at 6am), schools will close to in-person learning and virtual learning as per the direction sent by staff on December 13.
- No, we have still not received any confirmation from the province or from Toronto Public Health with regard to a return to the full semester model (4 course model) for Semester 2 in secondary schools.
- No, we do not yet have an update from Toronto Public Health on whether the time for lunch can be extended in secondary schools.
- Yes, the Rapid Antigen Test Kit supplies have all been sent to schools to assemble into two test per person and most schools have distributed these.
- No, the future availability of test kits is still not known at this time.
- Yes, at the TDSB, when schools become aware of a PCR or Rapid Antigen Test confirmed case of COVID-19, directly impacted classes will continue to be informed.
- No, after considerable thought, TDSB staff will no longer be updating cases on the TDSB website. It’s because it wouldn’t be accurate – not only because it wouldn’t represent the true number of cases (as it’s only test-confirmed cases), but that with everything going on right now, staff wouldn’t be able to tell you how many cases are “active” vs “resolved” as isolation periods are varying and the need of schools to update that on a daily basis is just not doable. If we just posted “cases” without “active” vs “resolved” it would be even more worrying for parents/staff as the cumulative number (especially as we go through upcoming weeks) would keep growing with no end.
- Yes, we will be posting absence information on our website starting Monday, January 24.
- Yes, in the fall, the TDSB received 3 different sizes of 3-ply cloth masks for students (small, youth, and adult) from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (MGCS). Based on the school level (primary, junior, secondary) assorted sizes of 2 masks per student were shipped to all schools, which are also able to order additional quantities of the sizes required via the TDSB’s internal ordering system. This January, the TDSB received 3-ply cloth masks in 2 sizes (youth and adult) from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. We continue to ship a mix of sizes to schools, which can also continue to order additional quantities of the sizes required. Should students require a different size mask, they can bring it to the attention of the school, which can order them.
- No, the province still has not supplied N-95 or medical masks for children and youth.
- Yes, for those families and students choosing to continue learning remotely for a period of time students are encouraged to maintain connection to their class and engage in learning opportunities through their Brightspace or Google Classroom which their teachers will be updating regularly. In addition, both elementary and secondary students and parents/caregivers can find additional learning resources and activities on Remote Learning Resources for Students and Families.
- Yes, staff are now working through switch Requests for elementary Term 2 (as of February 22, 2022) and secondary Semester 2 (as of February 3, 2022).
- No, it does not seem like district-wide reorganization will be necessary to implement the switches for elementary schools - there were 2,853 (55%) requests to move from in-person to virtual and 2,291 (45%) requests to move from virtual to in-person for a total of 5,128 requests.
- Yes, the goal is that there will be fewer hybrid classes in secondary schools - there were 2,627 (58%) requests to move from in-person to virtual and 1,876 (42%) requests to move from virtual to in-person for a total of 4,503 requests.
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COVID-19 UpdateVaccines have always been about public health. It’s not about you. It’s about us. Please get vaccinated. Get your children vaccinated.
And please continue to follow all other public health measures - self-monitor, wear a mask that fits, wash your hands frequently, distance where possible and stay home if not feeling well. Sincere appreciation and gratitude to all health care professionals - let's all do what we can within our own power to ensure they can continue to support us.
How to Book a Vaccine- Learn more about vaccines for children and youth, including how to book and prepare for your child's vaccination appointment (Ministry of Education)
- Visit the How to Get Vaccinated webpage by Toronto Public Health
- Kids Health First -- developed by the Children's COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Table in Ontario - Although the recommended second dose is 8 weeks after the first dose, my understanding is parents can give informed consent for their child (5-11) to receive their second dose sooner when they book at the provincial booking centre - 1-833-943-3900.
- Please see A Parent's Guide to Vaccination.
- Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for children and youth? You can book an appointment with the COVID-19 Vaccine Consult Service (VSC) to speak with a Registered Nurse to get answers to your questions. Appointments are available Monday to Friday.
- To cut through the confusion, family doctors have come together to help patients and the public make sense of the current COVID rules and realities. The 'Confused about COVID? Family doctors answer your questions' series offers patients and the public trustworthy advice about protecting their health and how family doctors can help.
- Parents and Caregivers you can join January 27 at 8 pm EST at ScienceUpFirst Kids & Vaccines Town Hall. Ask questions and get the best available evidence from Canadian healthcare leaders.
Book a vaccine appointment online at the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button on toronto.ca/covid-19 or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).
Vaccine Hunters - Do-it-yourself resource for finding vaccine related info. Find details on eligibility, appointments, walk-ins, pharmacy search tools, vaccine receipts + more!
Vaccine Opportunities for Students
School vaccination clinics during the school day will continue to be established in consultation with TPH and Hospital partners. Schools will receive consent forms to be sent home with students aged 5-11 indicating if they wish their student vaccinated when a clinic becomes available. Clinics will be established based on number of consent forms received and availability of health care providers. During the vaccination clinics, schools will be allowed to have parent volunteers assist who are triple vaccinated. Doing our best to make it easy for parents and caregivers - you are invited to also get your vaccination or booster with your child in schools.
Vaccine Opportunities for StaffEducation and child care staff can now book appointments at 10 health clinic locations across the GTHA. Appointments for any of these clinics can be scheduled through the dedicated FH Health booking website. The TDSB continues to work with Toronto Public Health and other local health partners to provide additional vaccine opportunities for staff.
Update on Screening Procedures
Please review and become familiar with the screening tool including the second page which provides direction on isolation measures in a variety of scenarios based on age and vaccination status. Please complete the TDSB Health Pass or Health Screening App daily. Anyone who has symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or is a confirmed positive case must self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status.
Update on the Implementation of Mandatory ProcedureThe TDSB has updated its timelines for staff who still need to have their vaccination. The date for employees who attested that they had received their first dose by November 19, is now midnight on January 21, 2022 to attest that they have received their second dose.
Staff who have asked to be exempted are expected to adhere to the procedure by completing Rapid Antigen Testing 3 times per week as required by the Ministry of Education and the TDSB and adhere to all other health and safety protocols including daily screening. Senior staff have informed us that final decisions on these cases will be made in the upcoming weeks. Click for TDSB staff disclosure data as of 5 p.m., January 18, 2022. 97% of staff are compliant (excluding staff on leave or seeking exemption).
Mental Health and Well-Being
Virtual office hours Tuesdays and Thursdays
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Bell Let’s Talk Day is January 26!
"On Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell will donate more towards mental health initiatives in Canada by contributing 5¢ for every applicable text, call, tweet or TikTok video using #BellLetsTalk, social media video view and use of our Facebook frame or Snapchat lens. Join the conversation."
Supporting mental health and well-being is a priority for the TDSB, especially during this uncertain era of the pandemic. The Professional Support Services and Mental Health and Well-Being teams have developed a comprehensive program of supports including user-friendly resources, engaging webcasts, culturally-relevant resources and opportunities to “drop in” to speak with a staff member, live, to discuss mental health concerns.
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International Holocaust Remembrance Day – January 27, 2022
January 27 is designated by the United Nations General Assembly as International Holocaust Remembrance Day (IHRD). Since 2005, the UN and its member states have held commemoration ceremonies to mark the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism. On this annual day of commemoration, the UN urges every member state to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism and to develop educational programs to help prevent future genocides. #WeRemember.
The purpose of International Holocaust Remembrance Day is two-fold: to serve as a date for official commemoration of the victims of the Nazi regime and to promote Holocaust education throughout the world. While this day is used to pay tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and reaffirms the need for education surrounding genocide awareness and prevention, some stories are undertold or even untold. The stories of Sephardim and Mizrahim in the Middle East and North Africa (JIMENA, Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa) are seldom featured in Holocaust Education, despite the presence of concentration camps, systemic laws that reduced Jews to second class citizens, pogroms and even the Farhud in Baghdad, Iraq, on June 1-2 of 1941. These stories must be centred, as well, when discussing the expansiveness of the Holocaust and its impact of worldwide Jewry. As we approach IHRD, it is important to recognize that the antisemitism that laid the foundation for state sanctioned persecution and the escalating stages of genocide still exists today.
On January 27, we are providing “The Tattooed Torah” for TDSB students in Grades 4-8 to commemorate IHRD. Please see below.
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National Day of Remembrance & Action Against Islamophobia – January 29, 2022
Five years ago, on January 29, 2017, the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City was subjected to a tragic, hateful and Islamophobic crime. A gunman entered the place of worship and opened fire on the worshipers, killing 6 men and injuring many more. This horrific attack continues to shake many hearts and bring deep sadness within our school communities. As we approach January 29, it is important for us to be mindful that this time can be increasingly difficult for Muslim staff, students and families. School communities are encouraged to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action Against Islamophobia with trauma informed conversations and classroom learning. We encourage every class to participate in the National Council of Canadian Muslims’ (NCCM) Green Square Campaign. The Green Square Campaign takes place in the week leading up to January 29, every year to remember the victims and survivors of the Quebec City mosque attack. Let’s stand up against all forms of hate and create safe and inclusive school climates for all students, staff and families!
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Tamil Heritage Month
As a part of the Tamil Canadian Centre for Civic Action’s and Tamil Heritage Month Council’s Tamil Heritage month initiatives, they collaborated with local artists and youth (including a number of TDSB current and former students) to create this Tamil Heritage Month poster.
This poster celebrates some of the many trailblazing Tamil women who helped and are still helping to fight injustice, shatter the glass ceiling and change the course of history. Visit www.tamilheritagemonth.com for more details.
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Kindergarten Registration
Registration for all TDSB Kindergarten programs begins in February 2022. You may choose to register using the online registration system or Virtual Face to Face, via Zoom.
Children who will be four by December 31, 2022, can start Junior Kindergarten in September 2022. Please note: Only parents or legal guardians can register a child for TDSB programs. Find your school.
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Committee Meetings This Week
Wednesday, January 26 - Special Planning and Priorities Committee 4:30pm - Agenda- 5.1. OPSBA Directors' Report - To be presented
- 6.1. Lease Agreement: Lakeshore Collegiate Institute Field Recreation Inc. Dome Expansion
- 6.2. Islington Junior Middle School, 44 Cordova Avenue Crane Swing Agreement: Residences of Westerly Inc.
- 6.3. Ryerson Community School, 95 Denison Avenue Crane Swing Agreement: Dundas Alexandra Park Residences Inc.
- 6.4. 2020-21 Toronto Lands Corporation Annual Report
- 7.1. 2022-2023 School Year Calendar
- 7.2. PR734, COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure for Employees, Trustees and Other Individuals: Update - Oral Update
- 7.3. Surplus Declaration of Parking Lot at 42 Brock Crescent
- 7.4. National School Boards Association Conference 2022: Application Withdrawal
- 7.5. National School Boards Association Conference 2022: Expense Approval
- 8.1. Increased Resource Support and Financial Flexibility to Ensure Multi-Year Strategic Plan Delivers on Equity and Students Achievement (Trustees Mammoliti and Chernos Lin)
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TDSB System Calendar
There are many ways for parents/guardians and school community members to get involved, learn, connect and participate in TDSB activities and events. Visit this page often and see what's coming up!
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Policy Consultations - Naming Schools, Special-Purpose Areas, and Teams (P047)
Please read the current draft of the proposed policy and complete the survey. You are welcome to provide your comments, including suggestions on the wording and provisions of the draft policies, questions or recommendations using the contact information below.
Objective: To establish guiding principles and criteria for the naming and renaming of schools, special-purpose areas, and teams consistent with the Board’s Mission, Values and Goals Policy (P002) and the Equity Policy (P037) commitments.
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Winter Walk Day - February 2
Winter Walk Day (WWD) is an annual celebration of winter walking that takes place on the first Wednesday of February.
Schools across Ontario will celebrate WWD with special events on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022, or throughout the month.
Share your WWD Stories - Tag @OntarioAST #WinterWalkDay #WWD2022 #JourneyOutside #WinterWalk2School
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ScienceUpFirst National Kids & Vaccines Day Town Hall
Join us on January 27 at 8 pm EST for our ScienceUpFirst Kids & Vaccines Town Hall
The first COVID-19 vaccines for kids aged 5-11 were approved in Canada in November, and yet uptake has been slow. Many parents and kids have made the choice to get the shot, but many more remain unvaccinated as a new variant sweeps across the country.
If you are on the fence, know that it’s absolutely normal to have questions about your children’s health. Tune into a live Q&A with physicians and researchers across the country and get the best information available.
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We are providing “The Tattooed Torah” for TDSB students in Grades 4-8. Based on a true story, and narrated by the late Ed Asner, this short animated film (21 minutes) has won numerous awards at film festivals across the US. This event is presented by the TDSB‘s Jewish Heritage Committee, Liberation 75, and the USC Shoah Foundation.
Included with the film are two activities.
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Winter Well-Being Guide
Within this guide you will find a variety of culturally responsive resources and accessible activities to help make this winter a little easier and fun for you and your family. Information on where and how to reach out for help is also included. Read the Winter-Well Being Guide.
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Middle French Immersion Program – Grade 4 Entry
To apply for the Middle French Immersion Program (Grade 4 entry) for September 2022, applications must be completed online between January 3 and January 28, 2022.
An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants and will be made in the weeks following the close of the application window.
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Grade 7-11 Students Needed - Student Equity Collective
We are launching a Student Equity Collective. This is an opportunity to not only sit at the table, but to design what the table looks like, drive the conversation, and bring ideas, solutions and recommendations forward that address what you want to address.
If you are a TDSB student in Grade 7 to 11 with an understanding of, and commitment to, addressing racism, hate and all forms of discrimination; if you bring a passion and enthusiasm for collaborative problem-solving, idea generation and change, please apply by February 11, 2022 at 4pm.
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School Open Houses and Information Nights
Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. Please note that some schools are hosting “live” virtual open houses that families can join in real time, during the specified date and time. Please check this page regularly, as schools will continue to post information about virtual open house dates/times and available pre-recorded information sessions. You can view the prerecorded sessions at any time by clicking the link provided. If you have questions about a specific school or open house, please contact the school directly for more information.
TDSB alternative schools are open and free to any resident of Toronto. Space in alternative schools is limited and students can apply to attend on optional attendance. The application process is different for each alternative school.
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Optional Attendance 2022-2023
Students who reside within the City of Toronto have the right to attend a school which is designated to serve their residential address. The "Find Your School" section of the website identifies the designated schools for each residential address. Students also have the opportunity to access schools outside of the school that is designated to serve their residential address by applying on optional attendance. Acceptance at these schools is subject to space availability and program suitability. Most schools in Ward 8 are closed to Optional Attendance.
If you are planning to apply to a TDSB Elementary school through the Optional Attendance process, please visit the TDSB Optional Attendance webpage to get up to date information.
Elementary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:- February 11, 2022 Optional attendance forms due at elementary school
- March 04, 2022 Deadline for parents/guardians to be informed of the status of the application request
- March 25, 2022Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer
Secondary Optional Attendance – Key Dates:- January 28, 2022 Optional attendance forms due at secondary school
- February 11, 2022 Date for parents/guardians of students to be informed of the status of the application request
- February 22, 2022 Parents/guardians must inform the requested school of their acceptance of the offer via email and submit course selections via MyBlueprint
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Global School Play Day - February 2, 2022
Almost 4,000 schools have already registered for Global School Day on February 2, 2022! Register for this free event bringing awareness to the importance of unstructured play! #GSPD2022.
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Help Close the Digital Divide
Not all students have the same access to digital tools and the internet. And, during this unprecedented year of remote learning, the pandemic has highlighted the gaps of technology access.
The TDSB is taking a lead in solving this problem because in today’s fast-paced world, technology is not just a nice to have, it is a must have. So, we are going above and beyond what the Ministry of Education funds to ensure that our students have the tools, resources and opportunities to develop the 21st century skills necessary for future success.
Help close the digital divide and ensure technology is accessible to all. Your support will give students access to technology -- both inside and outside the classroom -- so they can participate, learn and succeed. Learn more - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/techaccessall.
Donate Here. 100% of all proceeds go to benefit our students. Used equipment cannot be accepted. If you have any questions, please contact the Business Development department at BusinessDevelopment@tdsb.on.ca for more information about your donation.
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Elections 2022 - Are You on the Voter List?
The upcoming year will be a busy one for Ontario voters, with the Ontario Provincial Election and Municipal and School Board Elections happening just a few months apart. Are you on the voter's list?
For the Ontario Election on June 2, 2022. Ontario residents can visit Elections Ontario - Voter Registration to add, update or confirm your information on the voters list for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, Canadian citizens and residents of Ontario; Register of Absentee Voters for voters temporarily living outside Ontario who intend to return to the province; or Ontario Register of Future Voters for eligible 16- and 17-year-olds who will be automatically added to the voters list when they turn 18.
For the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections on October 24, 2022, Ontario residents can visit Voterlookup.ca at any time to find out whether their information is accurately reflected for inclusion on the Preliminary List of Electors for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections. Eligible electors can also update their information, add a name to an address, or change their school support for electoral purposes. Let's be ready.
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Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
Dogs are not allowed on school property at any time. Many people are surprised to learn that City of Toronto By-Laws and TDSB Policy prohibit dogs (leashed or unleashed) being on school property.
Please respect children’s play spaces. And please do not verbally abuse TDSB caretaking staff - I am hearing that when members of the public and caretakers onsite try and inform dog owners, they are met with threats and intimidation.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- The last day of class for elementary students is June 30, 2022
- The last day of class for secondary students is June 29, 2022
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