January 14, 2022
“Persistence and resilience only come from having been given the chance to work though difficult problems.”
Weekly Schedule
Please find the supervision schedule for the week of January 17-21, 2022 below, including lunch supervision. 
Students Learning Online and In-Person
This spreadsheet will be updated at the start of each spiral for teachers to reference and determine which students will be learning in person and online. If a student is forced to isolate or remain home due to COVID-19 in the household, the list will also be updated.
Masks - KN95 and N95 Fitting
Medical masks, KN95 and non-fitted N95 masks will be available to all staff starting Monday January 17th. Please ask the main office at Humbert for KN95 masks/N95 masks upon entry. You will be provided with 1 mask for every 4 hours. A supply of KN95 masks and non-fitted N95 masks have been sent to Bloor as well. If requesting regular medical masks, they will be available via facilities.
Updated Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
UTS has updated their mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy to include booster shots (third doses). All UTS staff will be expected to provide proof of receiving their third dose of COVID-19 vaccination by March 31st 2022. UTS will be extending this policy to all students when they are eligible for their 3rd doses. This decision was made in light of the constantly evolving COVID-19 situation and the guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Government of Ontario and Toronto Public Health.
Update COVID-19 Entry-To-School
The Ministry of Education and Toronto Public Health have updated the COVID-19 Screening tool. Symptoms have been added to the daily screening app. Please complete the app at home everyday prior to coming into school. The updated guidance can be found here. The IPAC team is working with communications to develop an infographic/flowchart that will consolidate the entry requirements.
Mental Health Minute
With so many emotions/stressors in everyday life, distractions are sometimes needed. A useful resource from the Canadian Mental Health Association called Take 15 Minutes offers simple 15-minute ideas to help restore mental health and wellness. Give yourself permission to take breaks that support restoring your energy and mindset to be ready to take on the next thing on your to-do list.
Lunch Protocols
The link to the new lunch restrictions are here.
After School Roborium
The roborium will not be open for after school support, tutoring, or make-up assessments during the week of January 17-21.
Posture Prehab
Head off back issues after a few weeks online. Check out the Slideshow on Posture Prehab from our Wellness Team!
Staff Spotlight
UTS School Nurse Adi Sood was recently featured in an article published by The Local on COVID-19 rapid antigen testing in Toronto schools. Congrats Adi! You can read the full article here.
Silver Lining
Every week, we will feature a submission by a staff member that highlights the lighter side of life. If you would like to submit a Silver Lining, please email communications@utschool.ca.
This week’s submission comes from Liz Straszynski.
Need a pick-me-up? Here’s a vid of one of my cats purring in the bathtub I blatantly use video this as a ‘class treat’ for my students (S6's seem to like it as much as the F1's!)
