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.

The health and safety of all students, staff and school communities is our top priority. In partnership with public health officials, the Toronto District School Board is closely monitoring the current situation with regards to the novel coronavirus.

We understand that many of our families have questions and concerns. Public health officials continue to advise that the risk to the public remains low. As a result, the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health and Toronto Public Health are not advising schools to take any additional precautions, including the wearing of medical masks or denying entry to students, at this time.

The TDSB will continue to keep school communities updated and will promptly advise should any additional precautions become necessary. If you have concerns about your or your child’s health, please contact a medical practitioner or Toronto Public Health. For more information, including questions and answers, and updates from Toronto Public Health, please visit the TDSB webpage:

https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Elementary-School/Supporting-You/Health-Active-Living/Coronavirus .

Registration for all TDSB Kindergarten programs begins in February. We look forward to welcoming you and your child at our school in September! In the Kindergarten program, your child will develop their skills and abilities through inquiry and intentional play-based learning that includes math, science and literacy. Teachers and early childhood educators plan learning experiences where children are actively engaged in learning and thinking creatively.

To attend Junior Kindergarten in September, children must turn four-years-old by December 31. To register for Senior Kindergarten, children must be five-years-old by December 31. You may choose to register in person at the school or begin the process online.

Learn more at https://www.tdsb.on.ca/EarlyYears/KindergartenFebruary2020

There will be no classes on Monday, February 17 to reflect the province-wide statutory holiday called Family Day. The holiday occurs on the third Monday in February of each year for the purpose of emphasizing and celebrating the importance of families taking time to be together.

Students will also not be attending school on February 14 as this is a board-wide PA day. This means all TDSB students will not be at school on Friday, February 14 or Monday, February 17.

The Toronto District School Board is the largest, and one of the most diverse school boards in Canada. Nearly one-quarter of our students were born outside of Canada and collectively, we speak more than 120 languages. Understanding all cultures is essential to the success of our young students today as they transform to our future leaders of tomorrow. February is African Heritage Month at the Toronto District School Board. It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Peoples of African Descent to Canada and the world.

The chosen theme for 2019-2020 is "UBUNTU: I am because we are” which is derived from the Nguni Bantu term in Southern Africa. UBUNTU is a South African term used by the Zulu community that represents an ethic of African traditional life. The philosophy of UBUNTU realizes that everything is interconnected; “everything that I do has an effect on you and your well-being and everything that you do has an effect on me and my well-being.”