Physical Distancing

How will physical distancing be enforced among students?

• TMS is committed to the concept of cohorts of 20 students or less and, for all staff/faculty and for students in Grades 1-12, masking. Teachers can connect in class and on the playground while still maintaining physical distancing.
• In common areas through both campuses, we have markers to remind people about spacing and will continue to limit the number of people in larger meeting rooms.
• We may continue to require more physical distancing measures based on the age and level of the students (e.g. plexiglass, dividers, etc.). It is important to note that throughout the school we have a number of large classrooms, common spaces and outdoor learning areas that lend themselves to being used for student learning and student activities.
• We will continue to monitor the guidelines and advice from York Region Public Health

 

Updated: August 9, 2021

Testing and Masks

What is TMS's masking policy?

• Masks for all staff, faculty and students from CH 2/3 (NEW) to Grade 12 are required to be worn in classrooms, hallways, common areas and on our shuttle bus.  Masks will not be required outdoors as long as physical distancing can be maintained (but should be carried at all times).
  • Please send any child in your house in CH 2/3 to Grade 12 to school wearing a three-layer mask and with additional back-up masks in their backpacks. The masks must fit well, covering the mouth and nose without any openings around the face and, should be either a medical mask or 3-layer non-medical mask.
• If students are unable to wear a mask for health reasons, please contact your child's teacher. The student will require appropriate medical exemption from a physician and should adhere to alternative methods in order to maintain health & safety.
• If a student loses a mask or forgets theirs, TMS will have a limited quantity of extras on hand, available at both reception desks. 
• Parents: Please ensure you are also wearing masks when dropping off or picking up your child, especially at the Lower School when you may need to exit your cars to help your children in and out of car seats.

 

Will students, staff and/or faculty be required to do tests this year?

In alignment with the updated testing guidance from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, a child or staff member may receive a rapid antigen test kit, to be used only if the individual is experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19.

This testing option is voluntary for children and staff. If a symptomatic individual chooses not to participate, they are presumed positive and should isolate immediately and follow updated testing guidance: https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/contact_mngmt/management_cases_contacts_omicron.pdf

Please read the information below carefully, if choosing to participate:

When to Use a Take-home Rapid Antigen Screening Kit:

For individuals choosing to participate in this testing option, they must display symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19. As outlined in the updated guidance (https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/2019_reference_doc_symptoms.pdf), this includes:

• Fever and/or chills; OR
• Cough; OR
• Shortness of breath; OR
• Decrease or loss of taste or smell; OR

Two or more of:

• runny nose/nasal congestion
• headache
• extreme fatigue
• sore throat
• muscle aches/joint pain
• gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. vomiting or diarrhea)

• Symptomatic individuals must complete the rapid antigen tests at home.
• If the first RAT test is positive there is no need to use the second test. A positive RAT is highly indicative that the individual has COVID-19. A positive RAT does NOT need to be confirmed with a PCR test. Positive RAT tests do NOT need to be reported to the public health unit, but must be reported to the Nurse (aanantharajah@tmsschool.ca) and your child’s Academic Head.
• If the first RAT test is negative complete the second test separated by 48 hours.

Using the Take-home Rapid Antigen Screening Kit:

There are 3 different varieties of rapid antigen tests that are being distributed by the province. Please see the links below for instructions on how to use each variety:

1. Panbio - https://www.ontariohealth.ca/sites/ontariohealth/files/2021-10/Panbio%20Self%20Screening%20Instructions_v3.1.pdf
    
2. BTXN Rapid Response™: https://www.ontariohealth.ca/sites/ontariohealth/files/2022-01/BTNXSelfScreeningInstructions.pdf
    
3. SD Biosensor: https://www.ontariohealth.ca/sites/ontariohealth/files/2021-12/SDBiosensorSelfScreeningInstructions.pdf

• The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table has updated the recommendations for how to complete an oral/nasal swab used for rapid antigen testing. This is an optional swabbing approach. Directions on how to collect a sample can be found here: https://www.ontariohealth.ca/sites/ontariohealth/files/2022-02/COVID-19RapidAntigenTests-HowtoCollectaSample.pdf
• You may also reference this how-to video for a nasal swab: https://youtu.be/EWSFJ1JoUd0

 Please note: When rapid antigen tests are used according to instructions, they do not pose a risk to the health of Ontarians. Note that the liquid in the tubes can irritate your eyes and skin and is dangerous if swallowed. If the liquid accidentally touches your skin, wash it with plenty of water. If it touches your eyes or mouth, rinse with plenty of water for 15 minutes and contact your healthcare provider or the Ontario Poison Centre (1-800-268-9017) for assistance.

Important note: Parents or guardians may choose to administer this screening on children who may need help (i.e. younger children).

 What to do after your test:

•  You will know the outcome of the test within 15 minutes.
• If the first rapid antigen test is negative, complete the second test within 48 hours of the first test. If two consecutive rapid antigen tests, separated by 48 hours, are both negative, the symptomatic individual is less likely to have COVID-19 infection, and the individual should isolate until symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms are present).
• If the individual who tests positive is fully vaccinated or 11 years of age or younger, they must self-isolate for at least 5 days from symptom onset and until their symptoms have been improving for 24 hours (or 48 hours if gastrointestinal symptoms), whichever is longer in duration.
• If the individual who tests positive is 12 years of age or older and is either partially vaccinated or unvaccinated they must self-isolate for 10 days from symptom onset or from the date of their test (whichever was earlier).
• If the individual who tests positive is immune compromised (regardless of age and vaccination status) they must self-isolate for 10 days from the onset of symptoms, or from the date of their test (whichever came sooner).
  • If symptoms persist / worsen, individuals are encouraged to seek advice from Telehealth or their health care provider.

Please note that the Chief Medical Officer of Health has updated guidance for anyone who has had a positive test result (molecular/PCR or RAT). Individuals who receive a positive test result should not participate in antigen testing for 30 days from their COVID-19 infection (based on the date of their symptom onset or test). After this period, symptomatic individuals can resume COVID-19 rapid antigen testing in accordance with:  https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/docs/contact_mngmt/management_cases_contacts_omicron.pdf

 

If/how will the school communicate a positive test within the school community?

• TMS will continue to follow all directives from York Region Public Health, just as we currently follow their directives when it comes to all communicable diseases.

Updated April 7, 2022

Cleaning Procedures

What are the cleaning procedures at both campuses?

• All cleaning/disinfecting procedures follow protocols as laid out by Public Health Ontario and the Ontario Healthcare Housekeepers Association (OHHA).
• All TMS Facilities staff have been trained on the correct and appropriate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), infection control and new training protocols.
• A 10am to 7pm shift will continue to allow for more frequent daytime cleaning and disinfecting.
• Cross training/familiarizing between both campuses will be conducted for daytime staff to allow for increased flexibility in supporting both campuses as needed.

 

What kinds of products are being used for daily cleaning?

• We are using Oxivir TB disinfectant for daily cleaning/disinfection.

 

What changes from last year will continue to ensure health and safety?

• We are aiming to reduce high touch points wherever possible so are planning to:
  • Prop open doors during arrivals/departures (taking Fire Code into account)
  • Going paperless in offices wherever possible
• Automatic hand sanitizer dispensers are located at each entry/exit point of school.
• Standalone automatic hand sanitizer dispensers are at each reception area.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers are placed by each classroom entrance

 

How often will the school be cleaned/disinfected?

• High Touch Point disinfecting will be completed in all commons areas by 9am, 12pm and 2pm.
• We will continue to do full cleaning /disinfecting of classrooms, washrooms, and offices in the evening 5 days a week.
• Common area washrooms will be cleaned midmorning and midafternoon or “on call” as required.
• A washroom cleaning sign off sheet will be posted in all common area washrooms.  
• In addition to the daily cleanings, all washrooms/change rooms will be steam cleaned monthly.  
• Enhanced cleanings will take place during school holiday weekends and breaks.
• At both campuses, we will use disinfectant foggers and electrostatic sprayers to clean the playground, disinfect classroom supplies and Athletic equipment.

 

What is the plan for required fire drills?

• ·Working with guidance from the Fire Code, Fire Plan and Fire Officials, TMS has created a plan for fire drills with every effort being made to allow for physical distancing.

 

Will TMS have external contractors on site during the day?

• Wherever possible, contract work will be carried out in evenings, on weekends or during school breaks to limit exposure. All contractors must adhere to TMS’s safety protocols and guidelines.

What about water fountains?

• Students will be able to use the water bottle filling stations but the water fountain spouts have been removed

Can we use the elevator?

• The elevators at both campuses can only be used by individuals or students/teachers in the same family or cohort.

Will there be reminders about physical distancing?

• Signage continues to be in place to remind our students and staff about physical distancing, handwashing and room occupancy.

 

Updated February 1, 2022

Illness Protocols

 

What are the current illness protocols if my child doesn't feel well before coming to school?  

If your child doesn't feel well, and is experiencing any of the symptoms currently listed on the daily screening questionnaire, you should keep them at home and call or email the School about their absence. 

TMS is under the jurisdiction of York Region Public Health (YRPH) and therefore must follow their directives.

The following chart from the Government of Ontario indicates what you should do if you, your child, or someone in your immediate household develops current COVID-19 symptoms. 

(Chart Updated as of March 28, 2022)

Note: If a student is experiencing at least one symptom most commonly associated with COVID-19 OR two or more symptoms less commonly associated with COVID-19, as identified by the provincial COVID-19 school and child care tool, they must self-isolate for the number of days identified in the tool regardless of negative rapid test results.

 

What happens if my child, or someone in our immediate household is exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

The following chart from the Government of Ontario indicates what you should do if you, your child, or someone in your immediate family has been identified as a close contact with a positive COVID-19 case:

You can also reference the Government of Ontario's "What to do if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19" landing page for step-by-step protocols found here: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/exposed 

Since Covid-19 testing is no longer available to symptomatic individuals in the general population and confirmatory testing will not be readily available, TMS will no longer request PCR confirmatory testing result in order to return.

If you have any questions, we encourage you to check with York Region Public Health HERE. For all other issues, please contact your child's Academic Head.

To report an absence from school, use the Safe Arrival line at:

• Lower School: 905-889-6882 (press 1) or email SafeArrival@tmsschool.ca
• Upper School: 905-780-1002 (press 1) or email SafeArrivalem@tmsschool.ca

 

What can we expect to happen if the School has a positive COVID-19 case in the community?

As per the most recent (January 3, 2022) COVID-19 Updates from the Province of Ontario, York Region Public Health informed schools that:

• Effective immediately, schools and child care settings are no longer required to report cases of COVID-19 to York Region Public Health
• York Region Public Health will no longer be dismissing cohorts in school or child care settings and will not be involved in the management of COVID-19 exposures

As a result, our School Community will no longer receive Public Health notices of positive cases.  Rather, each situation/family will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and we will rely on families to strictly adhere to quarantine and isolation guidelines mentioned above. In the interest of transparency and openness, TMS will continue to inform parents of directly impacted classes when a teacher or student tests positive on a rapid antigen test.

We acknowledge that this situation may be a little stressful but we will continue to do everything we can as a School to ensure the health and safety of our Community.

If absenteeism due to illness rises to approximately 30% above normal levels, TMS, like all other schools and child care centres, is expected to notify families and staff/providers with information on appropriate public health measures (e.g., monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms).

 

Who should I contact if I have specific public health or COVID-19 related questions?

Due to the volume of questions from our Community, and the fast changing landscape of this pandemic, we ask that you direct your questions to Public Health.  They are best equipped to give you the most recent guidelines and advice.  TMS is located in York Region and, as such, is guided by the policies of York Region Public Health.

You can contact them with your questions at: 1-800-361-5653

Last Updated: March 29, 2022

What is the school doing about ventilation systems?

• TMS has continued to review the best practices from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), along with other organizations and our own HVAC service provider.  Last year, our School made significant enhancements at both our campuses to our Ventilation and Filtration systems.  We will continue to ensure excellent air quality in our campuses by doing the following:
  • Using MERV13 filters in our air handling and RTUs
  • Running our Building Automation System (BAS) to include Pandemic modules to allow for 100% Fresh Air flushing
  • Continuing our filter change schedule of every 4 months
  • Having all exhaust fans operational to run 24/7
  • Continuing to use HEPA filtered ‘air scrubbers’ in learning spaces across both campuses. These filters remove 99.7% of bacteria and viruses from the air

Last Updated: August 9th, 2021

On August 17, 2021, the Government of Ontario announced that all schools are required, as of September 7th, to have immunization policies that cover all staff, faculty, students, volunteers, visitors, and on-site contractors. The rules state that people have to be fully vaccinated or have a medical reasons for not being vaccinated, which would then require regular antigen testing. The government also acknowledged that schools could develop policies that go above and beyond these requirements.

Based on the recent government requirement, medical evidence and in consultation with the school's legal counsel, in order to further reduce the risk of infection to all TMS employees and students, TMS will require that all those eligible for a vaccine intending to be present on our campuses be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This includes all staff and faculty, students 12 and over, visitors, volunteers and on-site contractors and will take effect for the start of the upcoming school year. Please note that the government also indicated that anyone born in 2009 (so children turning 12 by December 31, 2021) can now get the vaccine effective immediately.

TMS must do everything possible as Ontario enters the 4th wave of the pandemic to keep our School community healthy and safe.  

In terms of next steps:

DP Students (Grades 11-12)

• All DP students must provide proof of vaccination by either emailing a scanned copy of the first Dose Administration Receipt to tmshealth2021@tmsschool.ca or dropping off a hard copy to the Upper School by Friday August 27th and doing the same for the second dose by October 15th.
• For DP students who are already fully vaccinated, please submit proof of both vaccinations by Friday August 27th by email to tmshealth2021@tmsschool.ca or by hard copy.
• Any DP student with a medical exemption must submit a copy of the exemption by email to tmshealth2021@tmsschool.ca or by hard copy to the Upper School by Friday, August 27th. We will then follow up about the required antigen testing.

Students in Grades 7-10

• All students in Grades 7-10 must provide proof of vaccination by either emailing a scanned copy of the first Dose Administration Receipt to tmshealth2021@tmsschool.ca or dropping off a hard copy to the Upper School by Friday September 3rd and doing the same for the second dose by October 15th.
• For Grade 7-10 students who are already fully vaccinated, please submit proof of both vaccinations by Friday September 3rd by email to tmshealth2021@tmsschool.ca or by hard copy.
• Any student with a medical exemption must submit a copy of the exemption by email to tmshealth2021@tmsschool.ca or by hard copy to the Upper School by Friday September 3rd. We will then follow up about the required antigen testing.

Please be assured that this information will be kept completely confidential and only shared with those who have a specific need for this information.

This is a key part of the School's carefully developed and extensive COVID-19 protocols, which include screening of staff and students, mandatory wearing of masks, physical distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, cleaning and disinfection standards and other safety measures. We appreciate that the public health situation remains concerning but please know that TMS will remain vigilant in protecting the health and safety of all members of our community and we will take additional measures if conditions change.

Last Updated: January 13, 2022

How will the Upper School Program be delivered for the 2021-22 Academic Year?

• For the 2021-2022 Academic Year, our TMS Upper School will return to the original 8-day cycle with plans to return to in-school learning at all levels meaning students will be in the school building to access the delivery of the program.
   

What do the different formats for program delivery mean?

• An “in school” day is when we will fully deliver the program at school (our start in September will have all students on campus, learning in school).
• A “Learning@Home day is when we will fully deliver the program on-line due to unavoidable school closures.  
• “Remote Curriculum” will be offered to families who want to have their child/ren continue with online when we return to school in September.  
  • NOTE: Families MUST decide if their child/ren will be enrolling in the Remote Curriculum option by Monday, August 23^rd . If a student enrolls in remote curriculum to start the school year, families will have a grace period until September 23^rd to switch to in-school learning if they change their minds.  After September 23^rd, all remote curriculum students are committed to this model until November 1^st, at which time they can choose to rejoin their class in-person.  If a student enrolled in in-school learning is absent due to sickness, appointments etc., he/she WILL NOT be permitted to join online classes. 
  • If you wish to enroll in remote curriculum, please fill out THIS FORM by Monday, August 23, 2021

 

What are the guidelines for the Upper School Remote Curriculum Option?

Find guidelines for the remote curriculum option HERE.

 What will On-Campus Classroom Protocols look like and how will students/staff be physically distancing?

• Classes will be comprised of cohorts of approximately 20 students or less.  
• Classroom allocations have been made to reduce movement and traffic through the school with hallways equipped with social distancing signage/decals.
• As in any high school setting, the teachers will be teaching in their areas of expertise, and so teachers will be rotating to their classes.  
• More level-specific information to come in August.

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

What will the 2020-2021 Schedule look like for Upper School students?

• The Upper School will follow a 8-Day Schedule, with Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays starting at 8:15 am and ending at 3:30 pm. 
• Wednesdays will be late start and classes will commence at 9:20 am and the day will end at 3:30 pm.
• All students will be doing in-school learning with face-to face classroom learning 100% of the time. Students will be divided into cohorts of approximately 20.
• Until further notice, the students will not be travelling from room to room; each class (Grade 7 -10) will be assigned a classroom in which they will have all their classes, except Phys Ed and Music.  Grades 11 and 12 students will have their classes in three designated rooms.
   

What is a ‘cohort’ at the Upper School?

• Cohorts at the Upper School will be made up of each GRADE (e.g. all Grade 7s will be one cohort).
   

Shape of the Day

The shape of the day for the Upper School is below.  Please also note that the start and end of the day remain unchanged with Wednesday continuing to be the late start day. 

 

 

Will DP students start classes in Week Zero as in previous years?

DP 1 and DP 2 students have classes starting at 12:00 pm on Monday, August 30. A reminder that all students are required to wear masks, and that health and safety protocols will be reviewed in the first session on Monday for all DP students.

DP 1 and 2 should be dropped off at the Upper School at the north end of campus and enter through the Gym doors and then proceed to the classroom listed on the timetable given to them. 

Last Updated: January 12, 2022

How will students be evaluated/assessed?

• Evaluation and assessment of Upper School students will remain the same as in previous years.

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

How will new students to the Upper School be welcomed/integrated?

• To ensure new students to the Upper School are welcomed and integrated into the TMS Community in a safe and meaningful way, the Upper School is developing specific programming and possible peer supports.  More information on this will be available in future communications. 
• The Upper School is also planning to have new students (both Grade 7s and new to the Upper School students) on campus between September 1^st and 8th to meet their teachers, access support setting up their devices and learning how to use technology such as ManageBac.  Timing and information on these meetings will be available in future communications.

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

What will be included in the Upper School Supply Lists?  

• In the continued interest of maintaining hygiene, students will not be permitted to borrow school supplies from each other so we ask that all students come to school with the needed supplies. 
• Students have the option of logging in and getting e-access for new text books where available. 
• For some courses, like PE, Art and Music, some specific items will be needed and the school is making arrangements to buy the items in bulk. More details about this will be given in future communications.

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

Upper School Music Program Equipment

 

Similar to last year, students will use portable MIDI music keyboards (plus music software provided by TMS), allowing for students to practice their band instruments at home. 

We recommend these keyboards at the Upper School (due to durability, quality and compact design):

 1. Akai MPK3 mini.

https://cosmomusic.ca/products/akai-mpk-mini-mk3-controller

2. Arturia Micro Lab

https://cosmomusic.ca/products/arturia-microlab-25-key-controller-blue

We will safely transition back to our regular music program, enhanced with digital music and online activities. Band rehearsals and other musical activities like Strummers (guitar and ukulele club) and choir will resume, later in the term, in accordance to the guidelines given by Public Health  

Use of wind instruments and singing, when it resumes, will follow public health guidelines.  Students are asked to rent those instruments.

Musical instruments can be rented from the following providers:

• COSMO MUSIC
  • 1-800-463-3000
  • 10 Via Renzo Drive, Richmond Hill
  • support@cosmo.ca
  • www.cosmomusic.ca
• LONG & MCQUADE MUSIC
  • www.long-mcquade.com  - Find a store location closest to you and for their hours of operation and contact information.

Updated August 20, 2021

How will the Upper School support the Personal, Social, and Emotional health of students?

• At the Upper School, continued importance will be given to the Personal, Social and Emotional health of all the students.  The three Guidance Counsellors, along with the Learning Strategist will be working together to deliver the curriculum which focuses on well-being and mental health.
• Individual and family counselling support will be available through bookable appointment times four times a week (two mornings and two afternoons) in addition to ad hoc availability both remotely and in-person. Strategies used include solution-focused questioning approaches to promote growth and resilience (Grades 7 to 10)
• For our Grades 7 and 8 guidance classes, the focus will be skill-building including themes such as: identity, compassion, resilience, well-being, emotions, and relationships to promote healthy development across the Upper School.
• For our Grades 11 and 12 students, virtual and in-person guidance appointments will be available as well as weekly "drop in" hours both in-person and online to offer one-to-one or group support for social and emotional needs. 

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

How will Upper School students access Learning Supports?

• Access to Learning Supports and/or testing accommodation will continue to be accessible to students, as in previous years.  Modifications to meetings or testing may be made to ensure health and safety protocols are met. 
• More details will follow in future communications.

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

How will the Upper School support students’ balance and work load?

• Every effort will be made to support students as they navigate the new school year with the new demands or expectations of a new grade. Faculty, the coordinators and the administrators will work together to ensure that the work load is appropriate to the grade level. Homework and the flow of assignments will be monitored to support students’ workload. 
• More details will follow in future communications.

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

How will the Upper School support students transitioning to University?

• Students will receive the same support in their transition, as in previous years. Our Guidance Counsellors will continue to work with students and families. 

• Individual or family appointments will be available, either in-person (with social distancing protocols in place) or virtual for post-secondary counselling and planning.

• Students in Grades 11 and 12 will continue to have dedicated classes with their counsellor and these times are primarily used for planning for the University Application process.

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

Parents and Visitors

 

Will parents be allowed on site? Will there be changes to the school’s visitor policy?

• While we appreciate the presence of parents on campus, we will continue our policy from last year about not allowing parents inside the school buildings starting in September. As the school year progresses, we will assess this policy considering Public Health guidelines.
• Parents will be allowed on campus to drop their children off and pick them up.
• We will be limiting all visitors (including contractors) except those deemed essential and will try to ensure those visits happen outside of school time as much as possible.

How will parents be able to contact the school?

• Parents will continue to be able to contact the school as usual by phone or email to any of our teachers or administrative team.  Upper School inquiries should be directed to the Front Office, or Sheila Thomas, Head of Upper School by phone: (905) 780-1002 Ext. 3360 or email: sthomas@tmsschool.ca
• Parent teacher meetings will be held by Zoom (at least for the Fall term) and we will seek out all ways to have engaging and safe conversations and meetings between parents and the school. 

We are exploring a variety of ways to engage parents both in person and virtually – more details to come.

 

Last Updated: July 21, 2021

External Rentals

 

Is TMS still renting out the school’s facilities to external groups like the basketball club after hours? How will that risk be mitigated?

• TMS will continue our decision not to rent out our facilities to external groups. This includes any existing group like gymnastics, basketball or volleyball who use our facilities on evenings and weekends. These groups are a small revenue generator for TMS but we are following public health guidelines about limiting the number of people in our spaces.
• We recognize that many of our TMS students participate in these programs but we want to limit the use of our spaces and ensure we have adequate time outside of the school day for cleaning and disinfecting.
• We will continue to assess how we move forward with rentals once we have had some experiences being back on campus in the fall.

 

Updated August 9th, 202

Screening, Drop Off and Pick Up

 

What type of health screening will be required this year?

TMS will continue to use the OPN Screening Application for students, staff and faculty to perform daily health screening.

Use of this app will begin on the first day that your child attends school.

Our database was cleared over the summer to ensure we have an accurate list of TMS students. If you attended TMS last year, you can EITHER, delete the OPN App and re-download it to your device using the instructions below OR, do the following:

• Go to settings (within the OPN App – bottom right corner icon)
• Press "Data & Privacy"
• Press "Delete all Data" (located on the bottom of the screen)
• Then login again

A video showing the steps above can be viewed HERE (Note: there is no sound on this video).

All parents must complete a self-assessment via the OPN app every morning for each of their child(ren) before arriving at school every day. The app will send a helpful reminder in the morning to complete the screening. Only students with a completed self-screening will be allowed to enter the school. Children who arrive at school without having a completed screening will have to remain outside until parents complete the screening. 

Instructions for download and setup are below:

Download OPN:

Please use the following direct links to download the OPN app or search for "OPN" in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Android Users:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.opntech.stayopn&hl=en

Apple Users:
https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/opn/id1522707869

Connect to our School:

After downloading the app, you will be prompted with a screen to connect to our school. Please use the code below.

TMS code is: 93281

Create Your Profile(s):

1. After downloading the app and connecting to our school, it will ask you for a valid email address to send a verification code to. Please ensure you have access to that email account while you are setting up your OPN account. Once you retrieve the verification number from your email enter it into the OPN app. You will then fill out information about yourself as well as your children. As a first step, please enter your name, and under the dropdown selection where it says Group, select Parent or Guardian.
2. When asked to assign a picture to your profile we ask that you please provide a clear photo of your child. If you are checking in multiple children, please try and find a photo that includes all of them together.
3. You will then be prompted to complete your child(ren)'s profile. Please enter their First Name and Last Name and under the dropdown selection where it says Group, select the Entrance that your child uses from the dropdown list of Entrances across both campuses.  If you aren't sure of what entrance your child(ren) use, CHECK THIS LIST to find out.

If you are checking in multiple children, please select Add Another Child and repeat the same steps as above.

Completing Your Daily Assessments

1. Each day, the app will notify you to complete an assessment for your child(ren) by answering the questionnaire. This assessment should be completed BEFORE arriving at school (by 7:45 AM).

1. When you launch the app in the morning, you will be taken to your Badge Profile that will indicate your current status is "Pending". This means you have not yet completed your child(ren)'s self-assessment for the day. To complete your child(ren)'s daily assessment, click on the "Check-In" button on your profile and select your child(ren)'s campus (Lower School or Upper School
   
   
   
   You will be presented with a list of questions. Click the boxes ONLY if the answer is YES.  If the answer to the question(s) is NO, do not check the box and click "Continue".
2. Upon successful completion of the self-assessment, click the “x” in the top right hand corner of the screen. This will produce either a Green or Yellow badge for your child(ren).  If they receive a GREEN badge, they may proceed to school.  If they receive a YELLOW "caution" screen, they may not attend school and you should notify the school of their absence, and contact your family physician for next steps.
3. After you have completed your assessment(s), be prepared to show your Green screen (that will reflect results for all the students in your household), upon arrival at school to a TMS staff member.

If you have any questions, please check out the PARENT USER GUIDE for more detailed instructions. 

For all technical difficulties, please email Ariana at: Ariana@fhhealth.ca . In order to assist you, she will ask for your consent to create an account on your behalf using your email address (she will not actually be accessing your email, just using the id to create an account).

For any other questions around OPN or daily screening, please contact Blaine Seamone at: bseamone@tmsschool.ca.

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Where will Upper School students be dropped off/picked up?

• In order to facilitate a safe start to the school year for students, each grade is asked to enter and exit the building through the specific entrance/exits listed below:

  

  Drop Off:
  
  The Upper School is open to students as of 7:00 AM, but it is encouraged that students be dropped off in the morning as close to 8:00 AM as possible (to decrease the number of students gathered at any one time) and students will go straight to their classroom.  Students who come before 7:50 AM should enter through the Front Entrance regardless of grade, and must sit in assigned seats in the Student Commons until classes begin.  If a student arrives after 8:30 AM, they must check in at the Front Office.

  
  Pick Up:

   

• At the end of the day, students are strongly encouraged to go home after their last class (3:30pm).

Last Updated: January 12, 2022

Admissions

 

Will the school allow potential new students/families to visit the school? Will the school continue to admit new students, midterm? 

• TMS had great success last year as we moved our Enrolment Management work online. We have created virtual tours of both campuses using images and video to give new families a good sense of our physical spaces.
• We have been using Zoom for virtual Information Sessions with panels of students and faculty as a way to connect with students outside of Canada. We have used Zoom and other technologies to do assessments and interviews with new students.
• For the Fall term at least, we anticipate we will continue to use many of these virtual ways to connect with prospective and new families.
• While TMS will be going into the next school year full in most parts of the school, we anticipate that we may have some openings (typically if a family leaves during the year) and, if we have interested families, we will bring them in mid-year. We will certainly ensure we do that using extreme caution and the same health and safety protocols we will be using for all students.

Updated August 9th, 2021

How will equipment and resources be kept clean and disinfected?

• At the Upper School, each student is already equipped with their own laptop/device.  Any further individual supplies required will be shared with parents directly via email. 
• Use of any shared equipment (e.g. gym equipment) will be disinfected and sanitized prior to and after usage.  Equipment will be numbered and assigned to individual or “pod” groups (small groups within a cohort).  It is encouraged that students bring their own personal sport equipment to school depending on the unit of study they are doing in PE. This is to limit transmission and multiple contacts.

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

Will the Upper School offer Intramurals this year?

• Intramurals will be provided this year by grade on different days of the week. 
• High and low contact activities are permitted indoors and outdoors as follows:
  • Masking is not required when playing high or low contact activities outdoors.
  • Masking is encouraged for indoor sports where they can be worn safely based on the activity.
  • Windows should be opened when feasible to increase ventilation.

Last Updated: August 18, 2021

Will the Upper School offer Athletics this year?

Following provincial guidelines and Ontario’s re-opening plan, the Upper School will start team practices for all in-school learners, starting as of January 31, 2022.  This is also in coordination with the start date of many other neighbouring CIS Schools’ athletic programs.   

The TMS Upper School Athletic Portal will be updated with team practices and details regarding inter-school competitions, as we will continue to take direction from provincial directives and CISAA.  We are anticipating the full return to athletics and games will commence mid-February, at which point competition dates will be published on the portal. 

In order to be eligible to participate in team practices, students must be an “in-school” learner and have submitted the completed permission forms. Students will need to follow all Covid protocols as directed by CISAA which include:

 TMS Titan Athletic COVID protocols:

• Athletes must complete the daily OPN screening prior to entering the building.  If anyone is unwell  or does not meet the requirements, they may not enter or participate.
• All athletes are expected to wear masks at all times.  
• Coaches will limit the “intensity” of the workouts and design drills to manage distancing as much as feasibly possible.
• Game play will be modified to help limit physical contact, such as 1 v 1, 2 v 2, dummy defense, low intensity etc.  
• There will be a limit to the number of students in the change room at one time. 
• Everyone needs to maintain social distancing whenever possible.  
• Athletes are not permitted to share water bottles
• Athletes are required to sanitize hands regularly before and after practice, using the conveniently placed station outside the gym door.
• Athletes are asked to avoid:
  • Touching face, mouth, eyes etc. during training
  • High-fives, shaking hands or any physical contact with teammates
• All athletes must be double vaccinated to participate and travel with CISAA teams

Please note that teams are not grouped according to cohort.  Athletes will be mixed depending on the team roster, and the gym may be used by two teams at the same time.

Last Updated: February 1, 2022

How will lunch time work at the Upper School?

• Until further notice, students will be eating lunch in their classrooms.
• Grade 9-12 students will not be allowed to leave the campus to go to the local shops/restaurants, as we want to minimize exposure.

Food programs

Pizza days have not currently been scheduled. The services of Lunch Lady will continue as in previous years, and parents will be able to order lunches which will be delivered to the Upper School Front Office. Uber Eats and other food deliveries will not be allowed.

 

Last Updated: January 12, 2022

What uniforms will Upper School students be required to wear?

Students at the Upper School are expected to follow regular TMS Uniform expectations for the 2021/2022 Academic Year.  The school uniform is to be worn each school day and at school functions. Formal uniform is to be worn EVERY MONDAY and on official occasions. Students have their choice of wearing the formal or regular uniform from Tuesday-Friday.

Uniforms are as follows:

Formal Uniform

• TMS tartan kilt or grey TMS dress pants
• White TMS shirt
• Navy crested blazer
• TMS tie
• Grey knee socks or tights (with kilt)
• Grey or black socks (with dress pants)
• Black oxfords, loafers or Mary Janes (heels not to exceed 1. inches; no platforms), non-marking soles
• Black belt
   

Casual Uniform
All items listed as formal uniform as well as:

• Navy TMS short-sleeved polo shirt
• Navy TMS vest
• Grey quarter-zipped TMS sweatshirt

Athletic Uniform

• Navy crested gym shirt & shorts
• White sport socks
• Running shoes
• Gym bag
   

Optional: Any TMS athletic spirit wear, such as track suit, sweatshirt, dry-fit long sleeve, etc.

Alternative shoes for students with medical issues may be worn only for students with doctor’s note. We ask that these alternative shoes resemble uniform shoes as closely as possible.

Allowed

• TMS sweatshirts and sweaters on Titans’ Days
• Running shoes after school

Not Allowed

• PE wear outside of PE unless specific permission has been granted
• TMS hoodies or any other hoodies during school hours
• Civvies after school
• Boots or Ugg wear
• Grey fleece sweater on Formal Mondays

Uniform Provider

Our uniform provider is InSchoolwear. For retail store hours, fitting guide, etc. please visit

www.inschoolwear.com

Uniform pieces can be purchased online using the URL above (The code for the Upper School is tmse)
 

Address:

InSchoolwear
28 Fulton Way, Unit 4
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 1J5

905-597-2011

 

Important Notes about Student Dress

• Students are not allowed to wear hats in the school;
• If students are on their way to a tournament, they may wear their athletic uniform properly (no extra hoodies, etc., allowed), and students may change before 8:15 am for a morning tournament or at lunch for an afternoon tournament;
• Students must be in uniforms at all times, including after school and during spares, unless they are on their way directly out of the school; and
• Shoes must be dress shoes that are polishable.
   

Last Updated: August 20, 2021

Will Upper School students have access to lockers?

• Students will receive their locker assignments at the beginning of the school year.

Last Updated: August 20, 2021

Will assemblies take place at the Upper School this year?

• To start the school year, the Upper School will not hold full school assemblies. We will reassess this based on government and public health guidelines.

Last Updated: August 17, 2021

Will Fall Outdoors Camps take place at the Upper School this year?

• Regretfully, the Outdoor Education Camping Trips have been put on hold for this year but we hope that we will be able to continue with these in the 2022/23 school year. 
• Planning for the other overnight trips (St. Donat/Quebec/Montreal) will occur only if it is deemed safe to travel. 
• As always, we will follow Public Health and Government of Canada guidelines/advisories before the planning and execution of any such event. 

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

Will Field Trips take place at the Upper School this year?

• Field Trips, an essential element of experiential learning, are very valuable but, at this time, it is very unlikely that students will be going on Field Trips, especially in the Fall and Winter terms. 
• The situation will be assessed for Spring 2022.

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

Will the Shuttle Bus run this year between the Upper and Lower School?

• The shuttle bus will run between both campuses this year, with a maximum of 24 students.  
• The bus will leave the Lower School at 7:45 am and students will have to complete their OPN screening app before getting on the bus. Any student who does not get a CLEAR will not be allowed to take the bus.
• On Wednesday mornings, a late shuttle will leave the Lower School at 8:55 am and students will have to complete their OPN screening app before getting on the bus. Any student who does not get a CLEAR will not be allowed to take the bus.
• The bus will leave the Upper School at 4:05 pm arriving at the Lower School at 4:30 pm as well as a late shuttle leaving the Upper School at 5:00 pm and arriving at the Lower School at 5:20 pm.
• More details will be shared shortly with the families registered for the bus.

Last Updated: July 15, 2021

Will the Upper School offer Co-Curriculars this year?

• Until further notice, all cross grade activities will be suspended (practices/games/clubs), unless these are able to move online.

Last Updated: January 12, 2022

 

How will Phys-Ed work at the Upper School this year?

Physical education classes will follow the protocols, which permit with distancing,  the use of gyms, change rooms, indoor physical education equipment and shared outdoor equipment.  Intramurals will be provided by grade on different days of the week. 

High and low contact activities are permitted indoors and outdoors as follows:

• Masking is not required when playing high or low contact activities outdoors.
• Masking is encouraged for indoor sports where they can be worn safely based on the activity.
• Windows should be opened when feasible to increase ventilation.

Last Updated: August 17, 2021