Week of August 1, 2021 - Summer Edition #2
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Hope you are taking time recover, rejuvenate, reflect and renew...
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This Week's Update- Emancipation Day
- Covid-19 Youth Vaccination Information from Toronto Public Health
- Anishinabek First Nations
- Get Your Shot!
- Health Guidance for the 2021-22 School Year
- Learning Model Selection for 2021-22 School Year
- Return to School - Virtual Ward Forum - August 9th
- School boards need provincial help covering pandemic costs
- Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
Worth Repeating -
TDSB Summer Menu of Activities and Supports
- 2-1-1
- Development Committee’s (K-12 SDC) Initial Recommendations Report Consultation
- School Year Calendar
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Today, August 1 is Emancipation Day
On March 24, 2021, the House of Commons voted unanimously to officially designate August 1 Emancipation Day. It marks the actual day in 1834 that the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 came into effect across the British Empire.
Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today.
Therefore, each August 1, Canadians are invited to reflect, educate and engage in the ongoing fight against anti-Black racism and discrimination. Emancipation Day celebrates the strength and perseverance of Black communities in Canada.
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COVID-19 Youth Vaccination Information from Toronto Public HealthJuly 23, 2021
Dear School Community:
We look forward to seeing students, staff and family back at school in September. In order to reduce the number of cases of COVID-19 in our community, and in our schools, Toronto Public Health continues to work with schools and school boards to provide those who are eligible opportunities to get their first or second COVID-19 vaccine doses.
There is still time to get fully vaccinated before school starts. The first day of school is about seven weeks away. Youth 12 years of age and older, at the time of vaccination are eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. To be fully vaccinated before school starts, students will need two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. All students who have not received a first dose should get one as soon as possible, or get your second dose if your first dose was at least 28 days ago. To make it as easy as possible, first dose walk-in appointments are now available at most vaccine clinics.
Currently about 73% of 12 to 17 year olds in Toronto have already received one dose of vaccine. We encourage all youth and their family members to book a vaccination appointment as soon as possible at Book a Vaccine or by attending a walk-in clinic. Toronto Public Health will also be offering some pop-up vaccination clinics in community sites to help reach more youth. For more information on how to get vaccinated, visit our website. With your continued support and promotion, we are confident we can increase vaccinations in youth and have them receive both doses before the start of school in September. Some helpful resources on Youth vaccinations include:
Thank you for all that you are doing to keep our schools and communities safe. Please continue to visit our website at: www.toronto.ca/COVID19 to stay up-to-date. Information specific to school communities is available at: COVID-19 school information for parents & caregivers. If you have general questions about COVID-19, please call our Hotline at 416-338-7600, Monday-Sunday 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM. Interpretation services are available. If you need immediate health care assistance, please call Telehealth Ontario 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-866-797-0000.
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Anishinabek First Nations
Wear a mask! Wash your hands!
Mnaadendan gibi-maadiziwin – Respect your life
Mnaadenim kwiiji-bimaadiz – Respect your fellow being
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Get Your Shot!Vaccines provide the best protection against COVID-19 and variants. The sooner you get both of your shots, the better for all.
Toronto's data is updated twice per week on Monday and Thursday by 4:00 PM, except on statutory holidays. As of July 29th
- Eligible population (12+) - 80.2% of 12+ with at least one shot;
- 69.9% of 12+ fully vaccinated
Vaccine Hunters Canada now has vaccine finding information by region / PHU, including DAILY POPUPs, WALK-INs and APPOINTMENT options - and the information is updated nightly -please click vaccinehunters.ca/diy.
As mentioned we take our lead from the Ministry of Education, which is not mandating vaccines at this time. The TDSB will continue to help facilitate vaccination opportunities and clinics within our schools, together with local health partners as we have over recent months.
And On Thursday August 12th and Friday August 13th, from 9am-7pm, Councillor Matlow is co-hosting a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Fairbank PS.
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Updated Health and Safety Guidance for the 2021-22 The latest information from the Ministry is that they will release a detailed plan this coming week... and once released then Toronto Public Health will revise their guidelines for TDSB schools. The TDSB continues to take their guidance from Toronto Public Health (TPH) and the Ministry of Education on the public health measures that will need to be implemented in schools for the 2021-22 school year.
There is no question TPH's advice will depend on key public health and health care indicators. That is why the best thing everyone can do to ensure schools reopen safely is continuing to follow health and safety guidelines and those 12+ get double vaccinated. Information will continue to be updated on the TDSB's website - below please find a summary of the information to date.
Ventilation in Schools
Ventilation is one strategy to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 in schools by helping to reduce the number of virus particles in the air. The TDSB has focused on several areas to improve ventilation in schools and keep students and staff healthy. The board follows the May 2020 American Society of Heating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHAE) guidance for building operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. What are we doing as we wait for the Ministry and Toronto Public Health? Filtering the Air
- Installing more than 14,000 HEPA units in TDSB schools to enhance air cleaning and meet the TDSB’s commitment of placing an institutional-grade HEPA filter in every occupied classroom, occupied portable and wellness room for the start of school.
- Ensuring the filters in existing mechanical systems are replaced prior to school starting and increasing the frequency of changing them throughout the year.
- Ensuring Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Settings are Maximizing Ventilation
- Conducting assessments on all mechanical ventilation to ensure they are fully operational and servicing where necessary.
- Prioritizing repairs for mechanical systems to ensure they are operating efficiently.
- Adjusting the operating schedules for all mechanical systems to increase the amount of air exchanges per day in the building.
- Setting the systems to run at maximum outside airflow a minimum of two hours before school starts and two hours after it ends to refresh the air before arrival and remove remaining particles at the end of the day.
Maximizing Outdoor Air
- Encouraging schools to open windows for short periods of time throughout the day to increase ventilation and bring in natural fresh air.
- Promoting and supporting classes, activities and lunches to be held outside where possible. Learn more how the outdoors is being considered an extension of the classroom.
Addressing Local Projects to Improve Ventilation - Investing more than $35 million in:
- Upgrading the air handling equipment in 66 TDSB schools.
- Upgrading Building Automation Systems in 103 schools to provide new digital controls to operate HVAC systems. These new controls will allow updated programming to increase the amount of fresh air delivered to the school throughout the year and also provide improved diagnostic capabilities that will alert school operations staff if ventilation equipment is not operating correctly.
- Installing new ventilation systems in 21 portables.
- Continuing to address and prioritize local ventilation needs.
More on Industrial-Grade HEPA Air Filtration - Listening to the science regarding air filtration as COVID-19 is airborne, the Board has purchased industrial-grade HEPA Air Filtration Units for every occupied classrooms - model HM400 - https://www.austinair.ca/products/healthmate-hm400-standard-air-purifier. We are told this is the same model deployed by FEMA and the US Military during disasters, as well as SoCal Gas to California schools during a natural gas leak in 2015. In medical settings, these units are used at hospital across Toronto and at the Schulich School of Medicine in their operatories at Western University. "Ventilation has emerged as one of the most critical COVID prevention strategies, and HEPA filters are among the most efficient at capturing human-generated viral particles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." This study finds portable, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaners can reduce airborne particles and, along with universal masking, offers greater protection from COVID-19.
Public Health Guidelines - Regarding decisions on whether to relax guidelines on wearing masks or physical distancing (cohorting) in schools, we will rely on the advice of Toronto Public Health - and this will depend entirely on the amount of community spread and vaccination rates which is why we all must continue to do our part.
Testing - Regarding testing in schools, we understand Toronto Public Health and the hospitals are developing a plan to have a convenient, accessible, non-invasive Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests available at schools - take home saliva kits. There will be more on this prior to school reopening and it will be an important part of the strategy.
Outdoor Learning - As noted above, staff have confirmed t here will also be an emphasis on outdoor learning when schools reopen which will also encourage teachers to take students outside, even in the winter, as there are many health and well being benefits for increasing the amount of time outdoors. We have updated information on the website on this direction - Taking Learning Outside. The current model for outdoor education will also be restructured to provide instructional support in schools while ensuring that all staff and students have access to resources made available through the TDSB Outdoor Education Centres; and investments in school ground infrastructure will be prioritized based on the guiding principles and priorities outlined in the report approved by the Board in May.
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Learning Model Selection 2021-22
From August 5 to August 12, the TDSB will be asking families to complete an online Selection Form for In-Person or Virtual Learning for the 2021-22 school year.
While requests for Virtual Learning will be accommodated where necessary, we strongly encourage all students to select In-Person Learning. Based on our TDSB data about how students feel they learn best, and available data with respect to students returning to in-person learning, we feel confident that this is the best choice for students following what has been a challenging year.
Families can complete the Selection Form for In-Person or Virtual Learning online from Thursday, August 5 to Thursday, August 12. An email with a Selection Form link will be sent on Thursday, August 5. Families with two or more children will receive a separate email and link for each student. Families must complete the Selection Form using the link provided. Those without an email address on file with the TDSB will receive a phone call to complete the Selection Form between August 10 and 12. Students will be placed in In-Person Learning if we do not receive a completed Selection Form by August 12.
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Return to School - Virtual Ward Forum - August 9th
Parents/Caregivers, Students, Community Members, Superintendents, and School Staff are invited to join me and Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin for a Virtual Joint Ward Forum!
Monday, August 9, 2021 - 5:30pm to 7:00pm
As we re-open our schools, under the direction of Toronto Public Health and the Ministry of Education, the TDSB is doing everything possible to ensure the physical health and safety of all school community members, while also providing the best learning experience possible for students, supporting mental health and well-being and considering the needs of families and staff. Please join us and our Superintendents to discuss what that will look like and answer as many of your questions as we can. We may not have all the answers but we will have the most up-to-date information available.
The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom video conference platform. Registrants will be sent a meeting invite with a link and call in details for the session the day of the meeting.
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School boards need provincial help covering pandemic costs Toronto Star (July 27) Opinion by Chair Alexander Brown
As we all look ahead to September and await the Ministry of Education’s plan for a safe return to school, it is important that Toronto’s public schools not be left behind. The Toronto District School Board has serious concerns regarding the long-term financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our ability to meet the needs of students in the years ahead. Throughout the pandemic, keeping staff and students safe has been our top priority. However, this has resulted in a significant financial burden to the TDSB and we are concerned that future operations, and the programs and services our students need, may be negatively impacted if the ministry does not fully fund all pandemic costs and reimburse school boards for the use of their reserves.
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Respect the Rules - No Dogs Allowed on School Grounds
I understand that in many communities our school grounds are used as community parks - and when school is not in session (during the school year, grounds are for school-use only from 8am - 6pm), we welcome the community - the humans. 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. Again, dogs are not allowed on school property at any time.
This summer, in particular, I have received multiple complaints that dog owners are completely ignoring this - and not only bringing their dogs onto school playgrounds, but allowing their dogs to run unleashed - Children should be able to play freely - From a community member - Children no longer are seen playing in the field in the early evening as the space has been taken over by dogs. Tonight, two dogs had a vicious fight which deterred a family that had been heading into the schoolyard. The animals are also defecating in the field which discourages families from using it even when the dogs are not present as not everyone cleans up after their dog.
Especially during COVID-19, children’s play spaces should be respected.
Please respect the rules and let the children play. Dogs are not allowed in Toronto Public School grounds.
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TDSB Summer Menu of Activities and Supports
Programs and activities are being provided by TDSB’s Professional Support Services (PSS) staff from Social Work, Speech- Language Pathology, Psychology, Child and Youth Services and Occupational/Physical Therapy.
Join us for our Virtual Drop-Ins!
During the month of July and the last two weeks of August, PSS Staff will continue to offer Virtual Office Hours for Caregivers/Parents of all students, as well as Caregivers/Parents of students with special/complex needs (please below for new summer times).
Connect directly with staff from TDSB Professional Support Services. Join us to explore ideas regarding your child or youth's mental health and well-being.
Virtual Office Hours for parents/caregivers of students with special/complex needs
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2-1-1
Do you need help finding food, housing, financial assistance, mental health support, employment support, support for seniors, winter clothing and/or shelter? For information and referral to government, health, community and social services.211 is free, confidential and available 24/7 in 150+ languages to connect you to local community supports.
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Development Committee’s (K-12 SDC) Initial Recommendations Report Consultation
The province is encouraging participation in the public consultation on the K-12 Standards Development Committee’s (K-12 SDC) Initial Recommendations Report (Initial Report). In Ontario, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) outlines the legislated process for the development of new accessibility standards through Standards Development Committees.
The mandate of the K-12 Education SDC is to provide recommendations to government on removing and preventing accessibility barriers in the publicly funded education system. The Initial Report is the result of an extensive joint effort of Government appointed representatives from the disability community and the education sector to identify the barriers that students with disabilities face and the measures needed to remove and prevent them.
This new video will help you better understand the report, and how and why you should provide feedback. I encourage you to watch the video and to fill out the survey.
The Initial Report was posted online on June 1, 2021 for a period of business 65 days. The public may also provide written submissions by email to: educationSDC@ontario.ca. The public has an opportunity to participate in these consultations until September 2, 2021.
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School Year Calendar 2021-2022- First day of classes for students is September 9, 2021
- First day back from Winter Break is January 3, 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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