TDSB Trustee Anu Sriskandarajah
Keeping track of COVID-19 in the schools
The TDSB is keeping track of confirmed COVID-19 cases at the TDSB. The link below will allow you to get the most up-to-date information on confirmed case numbers:
tdsb.on.ca/Return-to-School/covid-19-advisories
Screening in schools
A question I often get asked from concerned community members is the screening process in the schools. For the first two to four weeks all staff and students are expected to conduct a self-assessment and verify it based on direction from Toronto Public Health.
A self-assessment for students is verified in two ways: a parent or guardian signs the TDSB HEALTH PASS daily and the student shows it to the staff member at the entry door. The parent or guardian is also able to complete the assessment on the TDSB Health Screening App, which generates a QR code that a student scans at the entry door if they have a mobile device or the student gives their name and the staff member at the entry door verifies the status. If a student does not have the verification to show their self-assessment was completed, they are asked if they are feeling well. If the student is feeling well, they are allowed into the classroom. Their names are noted down and their parents contacted to provide verification. If they say “no,” they are brought to the Wellness Room. High school students are responsible for their own screening.
Mental Health
The Toronto District School Board has released some videos to help provide support for mental health and well-being for students and parents/guardians. You can find the videos on the website below:
tdsb.on.ca/Return-to-School/Resources-During-Covid-19/TDSB-Mental-Health-Video-Series
Ventilation
Over the summer, staff worked to review ventilation and filtration systems. Staff are engaging in several things to improve ventilation and increase fresh air into the school. Things the schools are doing include starting the HVAC systems two hours before the school day. Schools will also be running exhaust fans for additional time at the end of the school day. We will also be increasing the frequency of filter changes from four times per year to six times.
TCDSB Trustee Garry Tanuan
Grateful for front-line school workers
I express my heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary leadership and contribution of our TCDSB front-line school workers, custodians, administrators, superintendents, teachers, support staff, parent councils and community leaders (MPs, MPPs, City Councillors) in addressing all the concerns and anxieties of our students, staff and their families. As we celebrate Thanksgiving on October 12 this year, let us thank God and give special appreciation to the hard-working school staff for their tireless effort in making the “return-to-school” reopening a safe and loving environment for everyone.
The TCDSB has launched the opening of the St. Anne Catholic Academy Virtual School that was approved on September 17. View the Personal Devices for Students for more information, including important features to look for when purchasing a device. See Digital Store on our website at tcdsb.org.
The 2020-2021 school year marks the third year of our board’s three-year pastoral plan – Rooted in Christ: We Belong, we Believe, we Become. Throughout this year we will explore the theme: Rooted in Christ we Become, celebrating our belonging as members of God’s family, our belief in God through our vision and mission, and the invitation to become all God has created us to be.
COVID-19 Hot Spot areas
For information on the city’s hot spot areas, refer to the map at: tcdsb.org/forstudents/back-to-school/documents/tcdsb-schools-identified-tph-higher-risk-areas.pdf
Night School Registration
Registration for evening credit courses and Saturday language programs begins soon. See Continuing Education at tcdsb.org.
International Languages Program
For 2020-2021, the program will be delivered in a distance learning model and online registration is a requirement. Please note that a minimum of 23 students is required to open a language class. See International Languages at tcdsb.org.
Contact info: 416-512-3408; 416-222-8282 x2659 | garry.tanuan@tcdsb.org | 80 Sheppard Ave. East