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 Ministry of Education Covid-19 screening questionnaire you should keep them at home and call or email the School about their absence.

NOTE: While screening tests will not be carried out in the 2022-2023 academic year, we encourage families to reference the screening questions above if you think you or your child/ren may be experiencing COVID symptoms. 

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

 

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 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 

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.
 

Additional Precautions

Taking additional precautions can add another layer of prevention against the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses circulating in the community.

If any of the following apply to you, you should take the additional precautions listed below:

• your COVID-19 symptoms have been improving and you are no longer isolating at home
• you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 but have no symptoms
• you tested positive for COVID-19 but have no symptoms

For 10 days after your symptoms started, last day of exposure, or positive test result:

• self-monitor for new or worsening symptoms
• seek testing (if eligible) if you develop any new or different symptoms
• wear a well-fitted mask as much as possible in all public settings, unless:
  • you are temporarily removing it for essential activities (such as when eating in shared space at school/work) while still maintaining as much distancing from others as possible
  • you are unable to mask (such as children under two years of age)
• avoid non-essential activities where you need to take off your mask (for example, playing a wind instrument, sports that require removing your mask)

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.

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: December 12, 2022

Masks

What is TMS's masking policy?

• Masks for all staff, faculty and students across all levels of the School will be OPTIONAL during the 2022-2023 Academic Year.  We do encourage the use of masks which are proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, but we also want to emphasize our expectation that each individual’s choice will be respected. 
• There are a very few instances where masks will be mandatory that include:
  • Unvaccinated children aged 5 through 11 need to wear a mask in public settings (including schools and day camps) for 14 days after arrival to Canada from travelling outside the country (as per the Government of Canada). 
  • You are recovering from COVID-19 symptoms and are no longer isolating for 10 days from when your symptoms started
  • You have tested positive for COVID-19 and do not have symptoms for 10 days from the positive test result
  • You have been identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 symptoms and/or a positive test result for 10 days from last exposure

More information can be found on the York Region Public Health website HERE.

Last Updated: November 2, 2022

COVID-19 Testing

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

COVID-19 Testing is necessary for students, staff and faculty (regardless of vaccination status), if an individual is experiencing ONE of the primary symptoms of COVID-19, or TWO of the secondary symptoms (primary symptoms can be found in Section 1 of the Ministry of Education Screening document, and secondary symptoms can be found in Section 2 here: https://www.ontario.ca/school-screening/

If your child/ren is symptomatic, note the following:

• 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. 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, you should complete a 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). An individual with confirmed COVID-19 based on a molecular or rapid antigen test may resume asymptomatic screen testing after 90 days from their COVID-19 infection (based on the date of their symptom onset or specimen collection, whichever is earlier).

How will the school communicate a positive test within the school community?

• 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.

Updated December 12, 2022

COVID-19, Cold and Flu Clinics

This fall, Ontario Health is providing COVID-19, cold and flu assessment clinics.

The assessment clinic is for anyone experiencing moderate cold, flu or COVID-like symptoms who do not have access to a health care provider or has been directed by their health care provider to attend a clinic. A health care provider will thoroughly assess your symptoms and risks and help determine what actions should be taken to help you recover. 

You may book an appointment at care-clinics.ca

Last Updated: November 2, 2022

Elementary Classroom Protocols

 

What are the Elementary Classroom Protocols for the 2022-2023 Academic Year?

• Classes will follow a 6-day schedule.  The first day of school is Day 0.  The 6 day schedule commences on September 7^th.  Your child’s teacher will provide you with class schedules.
• Classroom doors open at 8:15 am.  Classes commence at 8:30 am. Classes finish at 3:30 pm.
• Our Lower Elementary classroom structure consists of a three-year split with a mix of Grades 1, 2 and 3 together in a class with two teachers.
• Grade 4/5s are grouped together with two teachers per class and Grade 6 students will have classrooms to themselves with one teacher per class. 
• All class models will maintain our 1:18 teacher/student ratio.

Updated: August 26, 2022

 

Please click HERE for the Elementary Supply Lists.

Please CLICK HERE for the 2021 Elementary Summer Resource List

Report Cards and Parent/Teacher Interviews

 

How will report cards and parent/teacher interviews work this year?

• Report Cards will be distributed in December, March and June.
• Parent/Teacher Interviews will occur in person in November and April.
• If you would like an additional meeting with your child's teacher, please contact them via email to setup a mutually convenient time to connect.

Updated August 26, 2022

Community Circles

 

What is TMS doing to support student wellbeing in the Elementary program?

• Elementary has formally incorporated into its curriculum regularly scheduled Community Circle lessons, in which teachers and students discuss social competencies related to their overall wellness. The social emotional health of our students remains a priority as we help them understand themselves, each other and the world around them. 
• These lessons reinforce intrapersonal, interpersonal, and cognitive relationship building. 
• To foster the wellbeing of our students, we have scheduled 30 minutes a day for Community Circles where each class will participate in learning, discussions and activities with their peers and teachers.
• These circles will focus on monthly themes such as:
  • friendship,
  • relational learning,
  • social and self-awareness,
  • self-management,
  • growth mindset,
  • positivity, and
  • gratitude. 
• This time will also be used to cultivate leadership skills and engage the children in mindfulness activities.  
• For the month of September, we are exploring the many aspects of Friendship. We are building our awareness about our roles in friendships and celebrating the many wonderful ideas and experiences we have with our friends. 
• Community Circles extend from home and school communities, to our surrounding local communities and to our global community.

 

Updated August 26, 2022

Learning Strategies

 

We acknowledge the need to be able to continue to support the learning needs of all students. 

What will Learning Strategies look like this year?

• For students who require the support of our Learning Strategists, we will continue to offer support.
• Students will work with TMS Learning Strategist in a designated room following all PPE and sanitizing protocols.

Updated August 26, 2022

Parents and Visitors

 

Parents and Visitors

 

Will parents be able to enter TMS campuses during the school year?

• Parents and visitors will be able to enter TMS campuses for events, activities and meetings with members of staff throughout the 2022-2023 Academic Year.
• Please ensure you are wearing your TMS 2022-23 Parent Pass if entering a TMS building (to be provided at the beginning of the School Year). 
• We do require families to adhere closely to pick-up and drop-off protocols by level to ensure our parking lot continues to move safely and efficiently each day. Please familiarize yourself with these protocols below. 

August 26, 2022

Drop-Off and Pick-Up

 

How will Elementary drop-off work?

• This year Elementary Drop Off will be from 8:00 am – 8:25 am.
• Elementary students will be dropped off to our TMS staff at the TMS Kiss-and-Go area which is located at the front of the Atrium. Car window cards will be given to you at the meet-the-teacher before the official start of school or sent home with your child on the first day of School.  Please display them at both drop-off and pick-up each day.
• If you can also ensure that any book bags, back packs or lunch bags are beside your child that will help speed up the drop off process.
• Please note: CH2/3 students that have siblings enrolled in Elementary (Grades 1-6) may enter the building with their siblings (no earlier than
  8:15 AM).

How will pick-up work?

• Families will have a choice of either a 3:35-3:55 or a 4:00-4:15 pm Kiss-and-Go pick up time. A survey will be sent out to Elementary families asking them to commit to one of the above mentioned pick up times.
• Elementary families will not be permitted to enter the School during the pick-up times above, UNLESS your elementary student has a sibling in Children’s House 2/3.  Those families may park and walk in and pick them up at your child’s CH 2/3 classroom with their siblings.  

** Please note is you have registered for Extended Care please see the Extended Care Page for drop off and pick up procedures and times.

Kiss-and-Go Procedures

• Families must adhere to your child(ren)'s designated pick-up and drop-off times. This will help drastically with the efficiency of this process.
• No parking is ever permitted in the Kiss-and-Go area as this is a fire route and you will be asked to move your vehicle if you are not in the immediate process of pick-up or drop off.  
• Toddler and Children’s House parents will be parking to enter the building and pick up their children this year, therefore there will be very few spaces to park should you arrive early. If you do arrive early, you will be asked to leave the parking lot and return at the appropriate time.

What if my family is carpooling?

We encourage families to carpool whenever possible. This is a help to the environment as well as the traffic flow in the parking lot. If you are carpooling please ensure you have shared one of your child’s name cards with the other family and ensure that those picking up have been added to your pick up lists for your child(ren).

What Traffic and Parking Protocols are in place this year at the Lower School?

• Drop-Off Zone
  • Please do not leave vehicles unattended in the Drop-Off Zone (Kiss-and-Go area) or in the No Parking Zone. This zone is a fire route and parked vehicles are subject to being tagged or towed. For reasons of both safety and courtesy, please do not stop in the marked pedestrian crossing or in the left lane next to the “Drop-Off Zone.” Please circle and park to pick up your child when a spot becomes available.
• Parent Parking
  • All students in Grade 6 or lower must be accompanied by an adult when in the parking lot. Please do not park in fire routes, accessible spaces (without a permit) or expectant mothers’ spaces. Violators may be tagged or towed. In addition, please do not double park or park in unmarked spaces.
• Pedestrian Crossing
  • When driving, please yield to pedestrians at the designated crossings. When walking, please cross only at the designated pedestrian crossings.
• Signage, Lane Marking and Traffic Calming
  • To help everyone stay safe and to model safety and courtesy for students, please read and obey the traffic signs and respect the lane markings. Please note that maximum speed is posted at 20 km/h.
• Parking and Traffic Enforcement
  • Parking is available only in designated areas. Vehicles parked in No Parking zones (including fire routes), in the Kiss-and-Go area, or in accessible spaces without a permit may be ticketed and/or towed by the City of Richmond Hill which enforces municipal by-laws. Please note that TMS cannot prevent the City of Richmond Hill from enforcing the by-laws and issuing tickets, nor will TMS pay for tickets which have been issued.
• Traffic Safety Policy
  • Student safety is the first and foremost consideration in determining how students are dropped off and picked up at our campuses. The TMS Community must ensure that these guidelines are followed by all students, parents and staff with no exception to the rules.
  • Please check your blind spot for other vehicles and pedestrians when pulling out of the Kiss-and-Go area.
  • Please do not use hand held devices while driving.
  • Please ensure your child I safely secured in their seat when leaving the Kiss-and-Go.

 Updated August 26, 2022

 

Uniforms

 

What is the 2022-2023 uniform policy?

All information on uniform requirements for all levels at TMS for the 2022-2023 Academic Year can be found HERE.

There is no designated uniform day this year. Teachers and/or the Head of Elementary will advise when formal uniform is required (i.e., photo day, assemblies, and some class trips).

Uniform Provider:

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

Tel: 905-597-2011

Updated August 26, 2022

Elementary Field Trips, In House Visits, Assemblies and Community Events

 

Will Field Trips and/or In-House Visits take place in Elementary this year?

• Field Trips and in house visits are an essential element of experiential learning, and are very valuable.  Plans are being made to take our students to Field Trips in all grade levels and for overnight excursions for our Grade 4-6 students.

Will assemblies be held in-person this year?

• We will hold large group assemblies this year on designated days and special occasions.  Details to follow.

Will Community Events occur this year?

• Community events will occur in person.  Details to follow.

Updated August 26, 2022

Lunch and Recess

 

How will lunch be managed this year?

• Students will eat in the new Lower School Dining Hall with food catered by Aramark. Click HERE to view the menu.
• Students are no longer required to bring lunch and snacks as they will be provided. 
• All students will need to bring their own labeled refillable water bottle for water consumption.
  • Please note that the TMS bottle filling stations will be open but the water fountains will not be accessible.

What happens at recess?

• Recess will occur each day where students will go outdoors with their classmates, as well as peers in other levels of the Lower School.
• A TMS teacher or staff member will supervise children outside at recess.

Updated January 10, 2023

 

 

Will there be co-curriculars available to Elementary students this year?

• We are looking to returning to a full co-curricular schedule this year
• Co-curricular activities will occur before and after school.
• More details to follow.

Updated August 26, 2022

 

Extracurriculars and Before/After School Care

 

Will extracurricular activities be offered?

•  There will be extracurricular activities offered in the 2022-2023 Academic Year. For information on registration, CLICK HERE. 

 Will Before/After School Care be offered?

• We will be offering an Extended Care Program in the 2022-2023 Academic Year. For information on registration, CLICK HERE. 

 

Updated August 26, 2022