ips returning to school overview 2021-22
TRANSCRIPT
5 TIPS FOR COPING
WITH
UNCERTAINTY &
THE RETURN TO
SCHOOL
(Shared by Nicole
McSweeney, IPS
Social Worker)
1) TAKE CARE OF BASIC NEEDS● Make sure you are eating and sleeping well
● Try to maintain regular physical activity/exercise
● Get outside
● Maintain social connections
2) IDENTIFY & VALIDATE FEELINGS….& TRY TO UNDERSTAND
THE FEELINGS UNDER THE BEHAVIOUR
● Identify & label different feelings you might be having
● Accept that all feelings are okay (& that sometimes we can
have what feels like opposite feelings at the same time)
● Normalize the feeling (eg. lots of people probably have
very similar feelings)
● Try to understand what feelings might be underlying
certain behaviours – think of the iceberg analogy: the
behaviour you see is like the tip of the iceberg….the
feelings underlying the behaviour is what is in the part of
the iceberg under the water
5 TIPS FOR
COPING WITH
UNCERTAINTY &
THE RETURN TO
SCHOOL
3) PLAN FOR WHAT YOU CAN● Try to understand what the new routine is going to be (at home & at
school)
● Start regulating bedtimes & wake up times
● For younger kids, practice what 6 ft apart looks like, how to take masks on
& off safely, how to wash hands properly
4) FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL● Focus on the areas you DO have control over (eg. my own social
distancing, washing my hands, being kind to others, asking for help if I
need it)
● Showing gratitude: refocusing & appreciating the good things that are
going on
● POSITIVE THINKING/POSITIVE SELF-TALK: Remind yourself that: I’ve gotten
through hard things before & I have strategies to deal with hard things, I
will get better at this (things that are new can be hard & scary but with
practice it WILL get easier), I can always ask for help if I need it.
● The present moment: ground yourself in the present using mindfulness
skills
5 TIPS FOR
COPING WITH
UNCERTAINTY &
THE RETURN TO
SCHOOL
5) DEVELOP A VARIETY OF COPING STRATEGIES/SKILLS TO
DEVELOP RESILIENCE (the ability to cope with whatever life
throws at you or bounce back from challenges) & DEAL WITH
STRESS/ANXIETY/UNCERTAINTY……
● Make a list of different coping strategies: some can be
more active to help get the body moving, while others
can be helpful for calming the body and the mind
● Practice the different strategies: not every coping
strategy works for all people or in all situations
● Here are a few to get you started…..deep breathing,
listening to music, reading, drawing or painting,
squeezing a stress ball, going for a walk, exercising,
playing with a pet, writing in a gratitude journal, talking
to a friend or family member, mindfulness activity,
muscle relaxation, visualization, watching funny videos
etc….
TDSB Elementary
School Checklist
The most important thing IPS Families can
do to help slow the spread of COVID-19, is
to screen your child(ren) daily for
symptoms of COVID-19 and also follow the
circumstances in which they should stay
home.
You can further review the Toronto Public
Health Information COVID-19 Decision
Tool for School Students
Q & A About Health Screening App
Before coming to school...All students (& staff) must conduct an active COVID-19 Health Screening for
Children.Students, considering the following questions:
1) Does your child have any of the following new or worsening symptoms?○ Fever○ Cough○ Difficulty breathing○ Decrease or loss of taste or smell○ Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
2) Does anyone in your household have one or more symptoms of COVID-19 and/or are waiting for test results after having symptoms?
3) In the last 10 days, has your child/student tested positive on a rapid antigen test or at home-based self-testing kit?
4) Has your child/student been notified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or told to stay home and self-isolate?
5) In the last 14 days, has your child/student travelled outside of Canada AND been advised to quarantine per the federal quarantine requirements?
If yes to any symptom:● Stay Home & Isolate
AND● Get Tested
OR● Contact a Health-Care
Provider
If yes to any question 2, 3, 4 or 5:● Stay Home & Isolate
AND● Get Tested public
health advice
Daily Health Screening
● All Students (& Staff) must conduct a daily health screening
● City-side Students: Health Screening takes place at the city ferry
docks by IPS Staff
● Island-side Students: Health Screening takes place at Centre
Island ferry docks by IPS Staff
Click the links below to learn more about two ways record your
child’s active health screening results before you leave home:
● Health Screening App
● Health Screening Paper Pass
COVID-19Screening Poster
Wearing Masks or Face Covering
Parents and students should remember:● To pack multiple snug and comfortable masks/face
coverings each day● IPS will provide a reusable mask for each student
at the beginning of school● Extra disposable & re-useable student masks will
be always available● Staff will ensure regular outdoor breaks
throughout the school day to take a break from wearing masks/face coverings
● To bring a breathable bag (paper or cloth) to store soiled masks, as well as a bag to store masks during outdoor breaks
● To teach their child to properly wear and care for their mask - we will encourage the same
● More info Available @ TDSB Mask Procedures
Transportation: Ferry & School Bus
● Students & Staff are required to wear a mask on the ferry (as
determined by City of Toronto) & school bus
● Students will be provided with a reusable face mask
● Students will be provided a coloured tag to attach to their
knapsack that will determine their cohort for boarding and
seating on the ferry & bus (ie. a specific colour tag/area on ferry
& bus)
● Transportation until Thanksgiving weekend - will be to/from
Centre Island
● Grade 1 to 6 Students will walk into school (weather permitting)
● Kindergarten students will be transported by school bus
● IPS has 3 large school buses & 1 small school bus - face masks,
open windows, student assigned seating & spacing when
possible
● Island-side students who chose to bike from their home to
school may meet at Centre Island by 9:00am to join their class
Please teach your child how to wear and care for their mask. We will encourage the same.
Drop-off & Pick-Up Routines
City-side Families● There is limited access and capacity inside the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal● Travel Safety Assistants will supervise students boarding/traveling on the ferry● Health Screening to be completed at home by parents before leaving● Health Screening results to be shown to IPS Staff upon arrival at docks/school● Health Screening begins at 8:30am in front of the ferry docks ticket booth● Students will board the ferry and be seated in a cohorted designated area (coloured tag)● Ferry leaves terminal at 8:45am arriving at Centre Island at 9:00 am● IPS Staff will greet students, take initial attendance and walk into school from Centre Island docks
Island-side Families● Meet the school bus at Ward’s Island by 8:45am to be transported to Centre Island dock - physical distancing
protocols and use of masks will be required● Health Screening to be completed at home by parents● Health Screening results to be shown to IPS Staff upon arrival at Centre Island docks or the school● IPS Staff will greet students, take initial attendance and walk into school from Centre Island docks
Transportation Designated Cohort Tags
● Kindergarten Students Leaf Green
Midnight Black
● Grade 1s & 2s Students Snowy White
Pumpkin Orange
Bubblegum Pink
Grape Purple
● Grade 3s & 4s Students Lemon Yellow
Grape Purple
Aqua Blue
Royal Blue
● Grade 5s & 6s Students Sunshine Yellow
Fire-Engine Red
Screening Station & Wellness Room
● All people entering the school are required to conduct a Health Screening
self-assessment prior to entry on a daily basis (staff & students)
● The main entrance will be set-up as a health screening station
● TPH Signage - Healthy Habits & Self-assessment Info posted
● Exterior markings reinforce physical distancing when entering the school
● Alcohol-based sanitizer will be available at every main school entrance and
each classroom entrance
● Masks will be available for those who require one
● Designated Health Wellness Room inside office in the event a student or
staff member become ill while at school (supervision, PPE, hand-sanitizer
available)
Practices to Increase Ventilation in TDSB Schools
Ventilation is one strategy to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 in schools by reducing the number of virus particles in the air. The TDSB has focused on several areas to improve ventilation in schools and keep students and staff healthy.● Filtering air through individual classroom
portable industrial HEPA filters● Setting IPS school mechanical ventilation system
to run at maximum outside airflow a minimum of two hours before school starts and two hours after it ends to refresh the air before arrival and remove remaining participles at the of the day
● Read more: Ventilation Practices in TDSB School
Enhanced Cleaning Measures
● Caretaking staff will perform routine cleaning of general facilities throughout the day and will conduct enhanced cleaning of high touch surfaces such as light switches, handrails, door handles, etc. twice daily
● Mechanical HVAC systems have been checked during the summer months to ensure they are operating as designed, and filter changes will increase in frequency of filter changes. In addition, the intake settings will be adjusted to increase the amount of fresh air and reduce recirculation
● All classrooms have an industrial-grade portable HEPA filter system
● Hand-sanitizer Stations are located at each entrance of the classroom and front entrance of the school
● Students will have designated washrooms & water bottle filling stations
Visual Reminders Assist Students & Staff
with Physical Distancing
● Decals on floors & hallways - paw prints, sneakers, arrows
● Entry & Exit Signage for each door
● Walk-flow arrows on floor for directionality
● Various coloured painted sunshine icons to visually show physical distance and
designation for zoned play areas during recess
● TPH Signage - Healthy Habits; proper use of hand-washing; hand-sanitizing;
sneezing/coughing; proper putting on/taking off masks
● Spacing markers to encourage 2M distance
Individual IPS Classroom Wellness
● Floor Decals for Physical Distancing (paws, sneakers, arrows)
● TPH poster information of Healthy Habits
● Hand-Sanitizer Station in entrance of each classroom
● Windows &/or Doors open to assist with fresh air & ventilation
● Mechanical HVAC system setting to be adjusted to increase & maximize the amount of fresh air in
the classroom with filters change increased (TDSB procedure)
● Industrial portable HEPA filters in each classroom
● Designated space (ie. bins, tables) for items to be disinfected
● Masks/face coverings worn by all kindergarten to Grade 6 students
● All staff will be wearing masks & face shields (when necessary)
● Planned breaks outside scheduled to alleviate mask wearing
● Physical distance of tables/desks/chairs
● Designated seating to ensure physical distancing
● Recess/lunch/washroom break times posted
● Backpacks behind chairs to avoid crowding at cubbies/hooks
Some Items to Bring to School
● Backpack (indoor shoes; change of clothes for
younger students)
● Bagged Lunch (please remember our severe allergy
policy)
● Snacks
● Water Bottle
● Reusable masks and/or face covering
● You may bring your own hand-sanitizer to keep at
your desk; however all classrooms will have
hand-sanitizer, soap and paper towel
● Students are welcome to pack school supplies
(crayons, markers) to avoid sharing
● All students need to dress appropriately for the weather each day when they come to school as we will utilize the outdoors on a regular basis
Student Washrooms
Grade 1 to 6● Students will continue to travel in the hallways with a partner● Physical distancing will be encouraged at all times using floor decals & signage to help
assist students in directionality● Washroom Signage will indicate “One At A Time” while second student waits outside ● Signage for proper hand-washing posted in every washroom● Hand dryers & soap dispensers checked regularly● Designated classroom use specific washrooms
Kindergarten● Individual washrooms are located in each classroom● Floor decals & signage help assist students with washroom routines● Washroom Signage will indicate “One At A Time” while second student waits outside ● Signage for proper hand-washing posted in washroom● Paper towel & soap dispensers checked regularly
Access to Water
● TPH recommends that water fountains are
not to be used to drink water (these will
continue to be closed)
● Students are encouraged to bring a labeled
water bottle
● IPS has two water bottle filling stations
which students will be able to use on a
regular basis
● Designated classroom use water bottle
filling station
Student Breaks
● Student wellness breaks - frequent, in-class as well as outside
● Outdoor Learning is essential for all grades and will provide a fluid learning environment where the indoors and outdoors co-exist so that students outdoors can have a break from mask wearing
● RECESS & LUNCH - staggered exits to allow for physical distancing; students eat in classrooms and bring own lunch; Supervisors will ensure physical distancing
Lunch Routines
● Students will eat in their classrooms● Proper mask removal, hand sanitizing/washing procedures
will be reviewed and used prior to eating lunch● Students bring their own Lunch & Snacks - Litterless lunches
are encouraged and students will take home own garbage● Food, drinks and utensils will not be shared● Designated seating plan will be posted● Each student will have 40 minutes of designated outside
break time @ lunch● Students are to bring a lunch, snacks & water bottle each day
Nutrition Services Program - Starts September 13th○ Hot Lunch Program: individually packaged hot lunch delivered to classes○ Snack Program: individually brown bagged snack delivered to classrooms○ Click here to sign-up and complete google form
Designated Outdoor Areas for Learning, Breaks &
Recess
● Outdoor Classroom● Large Stump & Bench Area● Pollinator/Butterfly Pathway Area● Rock Circle Outdoor Classroom
Area● Wood Rounds Outdoor Area● Kindergarten Outdoor Classroom● Soccer Field● Pathway Outdoor Classroom● Rocket Tree Area● Kindergarten Area● Flag Pole Area● Forest Area● Baseball Area ● Three Trees Area ● Climbers
Specific areas designated for
physical spacing to encourage
outdoor learning & body breaks
Click to see a picture
IPS Walking Excursionsthat Encourage Outdoor Learning
● Chickadee Feeding Station
● Franklin’s Garden & Newly Created Turtle Pond
● Saturn Park Playground & Splash Pad
● Collecting Maple Sap to Create Maple Syrup
● Far Enough Farm at Centreville
● William Meany Maze & Cherry Blossom Trees
● Gibraltar Point Lighthouse
● Nature Hikes
● Beach Visits
Meeting Mr. Woolford Prior to the First Day
On Tuesday, September 7th, meet Mr. Woolford to collect your child's reusable face mask and transportation coloured cohort tag. To support physical distancing, please do your best to adhere to the designated time below.
● Island-side Kindergarten to Grade 6 Families can meet Mr. Woolford at Ward's Island Ferry Dock at 2:15pm-2:40pm.
● City-side Families can meet Mr. Woolford @ Jack Layton Ferry Docks Entrance near Westin Hotel at the designated time below.
● Kindergarten 3:00pm-3:30pm● Grade 1 & 2 3:30pm-4:00pm● Grade 3 & 4 4:00pm-4:30pm● Grade 5 & 6 4:30pm-5:00pm
Building IPS School Spirit
School-wide Assemblies
● We will continue to hold our Virtual School-wideAssemblies that celebrate how IPS shines!
Extra-curricular Activities (TDSB Practice)
● Extra-curricular activities may gradually and responsibly return this fall. Elementary students may participate in any number of virtual extra-curricular offerings, a maximum of one indoor extra-curricular activity with appropriate masking and physical distancing. This number may increase when it is safe to do so and procedure are well established. We will keep you posted!
IPS Well-being Focus to Return to School
School-wide Focus● The First 10 Days (& Beyond) to Creating Caring
Connections and Supporting Student Mental Health and Well-Being During the Return to School
● The Third Path - Building Relationship - Focussing on the Foundational 4 (Safety; Regulation; Belonging; Positivity) to encourage Re-engagement
Kindergarten to Grade 6 Students● The Minds-Up Curriculum - In-class Activities to
Build Mindfulness
● Outdoor Learning
IPS Achievement Focus to Return to
School
Math Overview● Growth Mindset; Inspirational Math; MathUP:
Problem-solving w/real world problems that focus on social justice; Math skills/knowledge that build efficiency
Literacy Overview● Post-Card Writing (Character Trait; Seven Sacred
Teachings; The Third Path Conditions to Student RE-Engagement); Reading Focus in Primary
Student Support in Reading & Math● Specific student needs will be determined in
collaboration with the teacher, parent and principal to provide additional support for success
Thank you for cooperation and supporting a safe return to school. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out via email at