To All TDSB Families,
 

The countdown to the first day of class is on and we know that families are anxiously awaiting information about the upcoming year. Whether returning to school in-person or online, families can expect to receive information about the year ahead directly from their school after September 3. Thank you for your patience as we prepare to welcome students back on Thursday, September 9.

As new details continue to be finalized, below is the most recent information to help families and students prepare for school.
 

Daily Health Screening

Before coming to school each day, all students must conduct an active student health screening self-assessment. This is the most up-to-date screening tool from Toronto Public Health and has key changes from last year’s tool, including:

• A shortened list of symptoms that are most commonly associated with COVID-19
• Consideration for immunization status
• Revised isolation period protocols
• Revised international travel protocols
• Consideration for rapid or home-based self-testing kits

If, based on the answers, you are clear to come to school, you must either complete the TDSB Health Pass (paper) or the TDSB Daily Health Screening app, to enter the school.
 

Mask Wearing and Daily Checklists

A reminder that all students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 must wear masks indoors. Students are not required to wear masks outdoors during recess, lunch or outdoor learning. Parents/guardians and visitors must wear masks when outdoors on TDSB property as per the TDSB Mask Procedure.
To help remind families and students of health and safety measures in place and how to prepare for school each day, please review the Daily Checklist for Elementary and Daily Checklist for High School.
 

Updates to Practices and Protocols

Staff continue to review the guidance from the Ministry of Education and Toronto Public Health to develop specific operation plans for TDSB schools. Overall, the TDSB is taking a cautious approach to reopening and we are constantly evaluating practices and processes with the hope that we can ease up on restrictions with support from Toronto Public Health.
 

Specific guidelines, practices and protocols for elementary and secondary are available on the TDSB Return to School website. Some recent updates are available in the following areas: extra-curricular activities, music programs, and school council meetings.
Exemptions from Synchronous Learning
For students who have selected virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year, more details about the process for an exemption from the minimum requirements of synchronous learning will be available on September 9. Information and materials will be posted to the website in the 2021-22 School Year section under Virtual Learning.

Complete School Forms Online
Many TDSB school forms can be completed online beginning September 9. It is easy, simple and secure, will help streamline the process of a number of standard forms, and will save paper and resources.

Watch for an email from TDSB Online Form (noreply@tdsb.on.ca), which will arrive after your child’s first day of school. You can then visit the secure site to complete and submit your child’s school forms (e.g. medical information, media release form, etc.). Learn more.

We appreciate your continued understanding as we establish new practices and school routines. It will take some time for everyone to adjust and for everything to run smoothly but working together we can make the start of the school year a positive experience. Stay healthy and safe and enjoy the last few days of summer.

Colleen Russell-Rawlins
DIrector of Education