What a week it was last week – with a remote learning snow day, a real snow day, and then a return to in-person learning. In spite of the stresses, our teachers were excited to welcome students back. We appreciated the renewed efforts of all our students to maintain COVID protocols of proper masking, physical distancing and daily screening. We also appreciate that many students, who could, returned home for lunch which eliminated some of stresses of unmasking while eating lunch. Everyone following and supporting with these protocols helps to keep our Forest Hill community healthy and safe.
A reminder if you wish to switch your student to short-term virtual learning for the remainder of this semester, please inform the school of this request via email at foresthill.ci@tdsb.on.ca or 416 393-1860. If your student is intending to learn remotely this coming week, please let the office know as soon as possible. If a student opts for short-term virtual learning, the student is required to attend virtually for the remainder of this semester. If a student opts to continue with in-person learning, then the student is expected to attend in-person each day. We are challenged when students show up in person, then stay home the next day and vice-versa. Our attendance protocols need to be maintained and such maintenance is extremely challenging when students change their learning mode. We ask that parents and guardians make the decision that best supports their student and inform the school accordingly.
Sincerely,
Yvette Duffy, Principal Joseph Ghassibe, Vice Principal Anita Love, Vice Principal
In this issue:
- The Next Two Weeks at a Glance
- Transferring to Short-Term Virtual Learning
- Late Start – Wednesday, January 26 – Classes Begin @ 10:00 a.m.
- Bell Let's Talk Day 2022 - Wednesday, January 26
- International Holocaust Remembrance Day – Thursday, January 27
- End of Semester – Important Dates & Credit Rescue
- Now Mobile App – Updated Covid-19 Self-Assessment Screening Tool for Students
- Rapid Antigen Test – Still Not Available
- Messages from Guidance
- Messages from School Council – Chair Tracy Kowal
- Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
- Worth Mentioning Again…Attesting; Mandatory Masking; In-Person Extracurricular; 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.
Transferring to Short-Term Virtual Learning
Many families and students have opted for short-term virtual learning until the end of this semester. During this time, it is extremely important for students to remain connected to our school and their teachers. This can be done through joining simultaneous classes, email or posting to the online classroom. If your student has opted for short-term virtual learning, they should check their online classrooms for the format and instructions. All requests to transfer to short-term virtual learning must come directly from a parent or guardian (unless the student is 18+).
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to the appropriate Vice Principal:
Late Start – Wednesday, January 26 – Classes Begin @ 10:00 a.m.
This Wednesday will be a late start for students to allow for our monthly staff meeting. Classes will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Bell Let's Talk Day 2022 - Wednesday, January 26
Mental health stigma is one of the biggest hurdles we face as a society and Bell Let’s Talk Day on Wednesday, January 26 reminds us that talking is the best way to start breaking down the stigma. Staff are encouraged to talk with our students about mental health and wellness. Students are welcome to participate in the Bell Let’s Talk Day by joining the conversation with #BellLetsTalk.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day – Thursday, January 27
In 2005, the United Nations Generally Assembly designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The purpose of this day is to officially commemorate the victims of the Nazi regime and promote Holocaust education.
The TDSB’s Jewish Heritage Committee, working with Liberation 75, USC Shoah Foundation and Azrieli Foundation have put together an activity to support student learning in grades 9 through 12. Survivor Pinchas Gutter shares his experiences in the Warsaw Ghetto, Majdanek and Theresienstadt concentration camps, and Liberation. The links below allow students to explore the history of each of these places, as well as Pinchas' lived experience:
Ghetto and Camp Experience – Pinchas Gutter’s Story
Dimensions in Testimony – A Conversation with Pinchas Gutter
Learn more about this day: UNESCO International Holocaust Remembrance Day
End of Semester – Important Dates & Credit Rescue
The official last day of classes for semester 1 is Thursday, January 27.
Credit Rescue will begin this Friday, January 28 and continue until Tuesday, February 1. Credit Rescue is an intervention to support student achievement. The intention of this intervention is to support students who currently have 50% or lower in a specific course. Only students who have been contacted by their teacher, Special Education or Student Success departments will attend in-person (or virtually if the student is a simultaneous learner).
Parents and guardians should be made aware of their student’s invitation and expectation to participate in Credit Rescue.
Thank you to all our teachers who are working hard to continue to support our struggling students.
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.
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.
THIS WEEK: If your student is having difficulty with the NOW Mobile app, the student may want to delete and reinstall the app. The app can be downloaded from Apple App Store or Google Play. Upon installation, the app will request the user to “Enter the instance address or scan a QR Code”. The TDSB instance address is tdsb.service-now.com. Enter the student name and save. The next page will request the student’s TDSB credentials – which are their TDSB student email address and password.
Rapid Antigen Test – Still Not 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 still has not been provided with rapid antigen tests at this time. When available, the tests will be distributed to students.
Messages from Guidance
Semester 2 Timetables & Format
Unfortunately, we still do not have confirmation as to what the semester 2 schedule will look like. Our understanding is that more information will be forthcoming this week. As soon as we learn more, this information will be shared.
Please note that our school was fortunate enough to be provided with two additional staff for semester 2. Additional staff means the creation of new course sections and reduction of number of students per class. This means there will be movement of students between class sections to allow us to balance classes appropriately. Updated student timetables will be provided via the TDSB Connects app on January 31.
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.
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
Committee Call – Workshop & Speaker Series
The School Council is setting up a Committee to help organize a speaker series that would be of interest to our parent and guardian community. If you wish to join this committee or have ideas about interesting speakers or ideas of interest to parents, please reach out to our School Council Chair, Tracy Kowal, who 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…
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 in assisting 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
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.
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.
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!