Please refer to the TDSB email to parents and guardians of Thursday, January 13 for an extensive update on supporting a safe return to in-person learning on Monday, January 17th.
As we return to in-person learning on Monday and contend with the very contagious Omicron variant, we will need support from you to keep our school, students, staff and families safe. As outlined in this newsletter, we ask that:
- You review the screening process with your student.
- Your student is reminded of the masking requirement.
- You attest to the vaccination status of your student.
- All students on spares remain or return home.
- When on break, all students remain with their class and not mingle with other classes.
- Any student who is able to return home for lunch should do so as this will support us to manage the number of students who may need to unmask to eat while at school.
We thank you in advance for your support as we attempt to keep everyone healthy and safe while at school over the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Yvette Duffy, Principal Joseph Ghassibe, Vice Principal Anita Love, Vice Principal
In this issue:
- The Next Two Weeks at a Glance
- Late Start – Wednesday, January 19 – Classes Begin @ 10:00 a.m.
- Student Vaccine Attestation – Please Complete
- Now Mobile App – Updated Covid-19 Self-Assessment Screening Tool for Students
- Mandatory Masking Requirements for Students – Reminder
- Rapid Antigen Test – Not Currently Available
- Paused at This Time: In-Person Extracurriculars Clubs, Councils, Sports and Music
- Messages from Guidance
- Messages from School Council – Chair Tracy Kowal
- Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
- Worth Mentioning Again…Spirit Wear!
The Next Two Weeks at a Glance
Keep apprised of what is happening by linking to our school year calendar which is live on our school website landing page.
Late Start – Wednesday, January 19 – Classes Begin @ 10:00 a.m.
This Wednesday will be a late start for students to support departmental planning and professional learning. Classes will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Student Vaccine Attestation – Please Complete
Students and families are asked to voluntarily attest to the student's Covid-19 vaccination status. These records will be used to help determine next steps when dealing with a case of Covid-19 in a student or staff member. Thank you in advance for your support to assist the school in maintaining accurate vaccination records.
How to Attest to Being Vaccinated via App on your Smartphone
- Log into the TDSB Now Mobile Health Screening App
- Click on the “My Vaccination Status” menu item, followed by “Update Vaccination Status”
- Carefully read each question and answer appropriately
- Upload proof of vaccination (vaccine dose administration receipts or equivalent documents)
- Click on “Add Attachment” to upload proof of vaccination
How to Attest to Being Vaccinated via Health Screening Web Portal
- Access "Safe Return to School and Work" Portal via https://tdsb.service-now.com/tswp
- Click on the “My Vaccination Status” button, followed by “Update Vaccination Status”
- Carefully read each question and answer appropriately
- Upload proof of vaccination (vaccine dose administration receipts or equivalent documents)
- Click on “Add Attachment” to upload proof of vaccination
Now Mobile App – Updated Covid-19 Self-Assessment Screening Tool for Students
The TDSB requires all students to complete the Covid-19 screening before entering school each day. Prior to the break, we had many students attempt to enter the school without completing the screening process. It has been clearly communicated to students and families that it is the student’s responsibility to complete the screening process daily.
Every student is expected to present a QR code indicating that they have completed and passed the screening or have a staff member complete the screening process with them upon arrival. If student’s refuse or choose not to participate in the screening process, they will denied access to the school site and directed to return home. Parental and guardian support with having students complete the screening process prior to departing for school is much appreciated. Please remind your children of this requirement.
Please note that Toronto Public Health has updated the Covid-19 screening tool to support students and families with self-assessment and decision making with regard to possible Covid-19 exposure: Covid-19 Screening Tool for Children and Students.
Mandatory Masking Requirements for Students – Reminder
According to TDSB Operational Guidelines, “students are required to wear non-medical face covers/masks indoors on school property.” It is important for everyone’s safety that students remain masked at all times, with the exception of eating or drinking. The act of eating refers to when food or drink is being consumed and not when sitting around chatting. Parents and guardians of students who cannot adhere to these requirements will be contacted and the student will not be permitted to remain at school. Please remind your student of this school expectation. If your student requires access to 3-ply cloth masks, please direct your student to the Main Office and we will provide such a mask.
Rapid Antigen Test – Not Currently Available
According to the Ministry of Education, rapid antigen tests will be provided to secondary school in-person students in the coming weeks. The school has not been provided with rapid antigen tests at this time. The tests will be distributed to students upon arrival at the school.
Paused at This Time: In-Person Extracurriculars Clubs, Councils, Sports and Music
Owing to the contagious nature of Omicron, all in-person clubs, councils and sporting activities have been paused at this time. All virtual clubs and councils are welcome to continue online. All vocal and instrumental music is also paused until further notice.
Messages from Guidance
PLAR - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Information Session - January 17 - 6:30 p.m.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is how students may obtain credits for prior learning. Prior learning includes the knowledge and skills that students have acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside secondary school. This information session will outline how students' prior learning is assessed for the purpose of granting credit for a Grade 10, 11, or 12 Ontario curriculum course. Find out more about PLAR - Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition by joining a virtual information session on Monday, January 17th at 6:30 p.m. See this flyer for more information. Sign up by linking to PLAR - Information Sessions for Families.
Night School – Semester 2 – Registration Opens Monday, December 6 & Closes Friday, January 28
The TDSB offers night school credit courses to all high school students with current pre-requisites. Students may take a new credit or retake a course to upgrade a mark. Students cannot enroll in a course that they are taking in day school. Students need to connect with their Guidance Counsellor if they are considering taking a night school course. Registration for semester 2 opened on Monday, December 6 at 10:00 a.m. and will close on Friday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. More information can be found at: TDSB Night School 2021/2022.
Semester 2 Timetable Change
Many courses are at capacity at the moment, which limit our ability to help students make changes. We strongly encourage students to use the drop form if they no longer need a course in semester 2. Once spaces in courses become available, we will be able to open the process for semester 2 course change requests.
The Guidance Office
During the pandemic, the main area in the Guidance Office is for students waiting for appointments only. In order to reduce the chance of Omicron transmission, students are not permitted to hang out in the Guidance main space. All students must book an appointment using our online booking system: Make An Appointment. This booking system is monitored regularly and students will receive an email indicating the date and time of the appointment. Students with appointments will be welcomed at their scheduled time.
Semester 2 e-Learning
The majority of the courses offered at Forest Hill CI have a waitlist. Currently, there are only 3 Grade 11 courses with availability. Please note that additional courses are offered through eLearning. Deadline for registration is February 17th. Visit TDSB eLearning for more information and registration.
Semester 2 Night School
The deadline for registering in a full credit night school course is January 28. Students cannot enrol in a night school course if they are taking the same course in day school. In the Remote Night School Learning model students will be at home learning synchronously with their teacher from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. twice each week. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY. Visit Remote Night School for more information and registration.
Thank you to Ms. Ng, Mr. Oosteroff, Ms. Robles Evans for all they are doing to support our students.
Messages from School Council – Chair Tracy Kowal
Talking to Your Teen about Substance Use – Gloria Chaim, MSW – Monday, January 24 @ 8:00 p.m.
Join the North Toronto School Council and Gloria Chaim, MSW, on Monday, January 24 at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom to learn more about what you should look for and what you need to know to support your youth around substance use and abuse.
As you know, the teen years are years of growth, change and challenge for young people. Experimenting with alcohol and drug use is often part of the picture. This presentation will discuss the signs of possible substance use, when to be concerned and what you as a parent or guardian can do.
Gloria Chaim, MSW has been a recognized leader in the youth substance use and mental health system for over 35 years. She recently retired from her leadership roles at CAMH in Child Youth and Family Services and the Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health. Her focus has been on system innovation to reduce barriers to care and improve service delivery and outcomes for youth struggling with substance use and mental health issues and their families. She has provided training and consultation nationally as well as internationally and authored and co-authored dozens of journal articles, treatment manuals, reports, and clinical texts
Details to join the zoom call are below. Please note that the meeting will be recorded and posted for delayed viewing.
https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/97837029479?pwd=K21ReVlGbVBMMDZmMENNeU43cWw5dz09
Meeting ID: 978 3702 9479
Passcode: 719142
Our School Council Chair, Tracy Kowal, can be reached at tracy.kowal@yahoo.ca.
Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
Learn more about upcoming events and keep informed by linking to Trustee Laskin's Weekly Newsletter.
Worth Mentioning Again…
Spirit Wear - Sales Extended Until January 31 - Get Yours Now!
Forest Hill Spirit Wear sales have been extended until January 31. If you haven't ordered your spirit wear yet, you can still do so through School Cash Online. You must have an account to see items that are available. If you need support with creating an account, link to How to Register for School Cash Online.
Anyone who has already placed an ordered – please note that owing to the sales date being extended to January 31st, our spirit wear order will be sent to our vendor at the beginning of February. We anticipate our spirit wear arriving at Forest Hill near the end of February/beginning of March. Once it is received, we will communicate with all individuals who placed an order with pick up instructions. Go Falcons! Thank you to Ms. Homatidis and Ms. Ibe for organizing us!