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Written on March 18th, 2022

Well it looks like masking mandates and cohorts will all disappear as of Monday March 21. Here is the update from the TDSB:

Revised Health Screening

Toronto Public Health has updated its screening for children/students/adults to align with the new direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health with respect to isolation guidelines and masking requirements following a COVID-19 diagnosis or identification of being a close contact. Please do a daily self-assessment with this screening tool before coming to school and follow the isolation guidelines and other requirements, such as masking, as necessary. As of Monday, you do not need to provide verification of this self-assessment through either the Health Paper Pass or Health Screening App.

Masking

As of March 21, masks will be strongly encouraged in TDSB schools, though not required, except in the following circumstances: 

  • For days 6-10 after a self-isolation period of five days after a COVD-19 diagnosis. Learn more.
  • If you are identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19. Learn more.
  • In public spaces, including schools and childcares, for the first 14 days following travel outside of Canada. Learn more.

TDSB schools will continue to be mask-friendly environments. Masks will still be available to both staff and students upon request. Classroom environments will be inclusive of all students. 

Cohorting and Physical Distancing

With the lifting of all cohorting and physical distancing requirements, students may now sit, work and play together. As schools move towards these more normal, pre-pandemic conditions, some activities such as extracurriculars and events, require a more thoughtful, phased-in approach in schools, as well as significant staff support. Please be patient as schools work to implement these changes in their local community.

This new direction also impacts our Severe Weather procedure. As classes can now combine, moving forward, when busses are canceled as a result of severe weather, schools will now remain open, in line with the Toronto Catholic District School Board with whom we share bussing services.

Stay safe out there everyone and please let your kids know that it is okay for other children to wear masks!

Karen