TDSB Trustee Anu Sriskandarajahons
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. In partnership with Toronto Public Health, the TDSB 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 schools.
Although this may not affect your child’s class directly, we want to raise awareness about this life-threatening condition. Students with 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 food with your child that contains peanuts.
If your child has health problems of any kind, please inform their 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.
More information about life-threatening allergies is available at:http://foodallergycanada.ca.
Road Safety
In recent years, TDSB staff has been working closely with Toronto’s Transportation Services, 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’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. Please visit: www.tdsb.on.ca/Road-Safety
TCDSB Trustee Garry Tanuan
Exciting possibilities for 2021
Happy New Year to one and all! I hope you and your family enjoyed the much-needed break and are ready to bring forth new and exciting possibilities for 2021. As your school trustee, I’ll continue to advocate for the betterment of our community and to support Catholic education in collaboration with our community members. Together, we have faced many trials in 2020 yet we remain optimistic that the future will bring hope and relief from the challenges of these pandemic times.
TCDSB’s Unsung Heroes
Every month, employees and volunteers are nominated for their contribution to student success across the TCDSB. We are proud to recognize Ward 8’s newest Unsung Heroes: Robin Joseph, a special education teacher at Francis Libermann Catholic High School, and Maria Gracia, a lunchtime supervisor and nutrition coordinator at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic school.
Playground Reserve Grant
On December 7, step one of this project was completed at St. Brendan Elementary School. Games were repainted to encourage physical distancing between students and allow for more positive interactions with outdoor activities.
Registration begins Wednesday, January 20, at 10 a.m. online at soar.tcdsb.org. Children born in 2017 are eligible to attend Kindergarten in 2021.
Schools that register by January 29 will be entered to win a prize package from EcoSchools Canada for your school’s environmental initiatives! For more information, contact Bruno Pileggi, Resource Teacher, or Valeria Luciani, Officer of Environmental Services.
Toronto’s Online Activities
Free activities for all ages to enjoy in the comfort of your home, including: Art Ignite Digital Workshops, Subjects like Digital Art, Storytelling, Web design and more, Active Games Ages 4-12, Outdoor and Indoor activities
For the latest updates, frequently asked questions, School Reopening Action Plan and more, visit: www.tcdsb.org
Questions?
Contact: Trustee Garry Tanuan 416-512-3408 or 416-222-8282 ext. 2659