As summer comes to an end, and as we continue to recover from COVID19, parents and students across Scarborough Southwest are preparing to head back to school. While back-to-school plans look different for each family and each region, families want to know their children will be safe this month, and students want to know they’re returning to a safe environment. In the face of this pandemic, we all want to keep our children safe and healthy while finding paths for them to continue pursuing their studies. Our government will be closely monitoring the plans in place by the province and we encourage science-based decision making in the development and in the implementation of these plans. With our $22 billion dollar investment through the Safe Restart Agreement, we will be assisting provinces and territories with new or additional supports for child care and personal protective equipment to ensure schools are operating safely.
The Safe Return to Class Fund is providing up to $2 billion dollars in support of provinces and territories as they work to ensure the safety of students and staff members throughout the school year. This funding may be used to adapt learning spaces, equip classrooms with better air ventilation, and supply schools with PPE and cleaning materials, among others .The Safe Return to Class Fund will be distributed in two installments - the first in the fall of 2020, and the second in the first half of 2021. Keeping Canadian children and their families safe is our top priority, and this program will help do just that.
As highlighted by medical experts and by the Public Health Agency of Canada, non-medical masks play a role in stopping the spread of COVID-19. But we have to ensure additional layers of protections are in place. This can be done by teaching our kids the importance of hand-washing and physical distancing. Parents can also now review the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) guidelines for back to school plans. The guidance document from PHAC should be used alongside guidance from provincial health authorities, ministries of education, and Indigenous community governance structures. As the fall semester begins, we will keep working with the province and local public health authorities to ensure we are responding to local realities.
To students returning to the classroom: this will be a new experience for you. While you will be able to see your friends and teachers again, the new reality of wearing masks, socially distancing, and approaching learning in a new way will become a new practice. If you are having a difficult time with any of this, please know that there are many resources out there for you to use; Wellness Together Canada, Kids Help Phone or Youthlink’s anonymous line are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For parents returning to work, reopening safely during the pandemic is a top priority. Recently, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety released an online course entitled: Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business to help organizations, businesses and workers across Canada in their safe return to work practices during COVID-19. The online course provides guidance to employers, supervisors, managers, and workers on how to prepare for a safe return to work. Also included are measures that need to be put in place to protect everyone and minimize the spread of COVID-19. For more information on the e-course click here.
Also attached are video clips and websites that parents and students can consult in preparation for returning to school and work.
| Mon: | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| Tue: | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| Wed: | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| Thu: | 10:00am - 4:00pm |
| Fri: | 10:00am - 1:00pm (virtual, by appointment only) |
| Sat: | Closed. |
| Sun: | Closed. |
