Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1294378
48 Parents' Handbook 2020– 2021 Those who have not provided the immunization records of their child(ren) to the health departments of Toronto and/or Peel will be notified by them. At such a time that an outbreak of a contagious illness occurs, and there is a concern over the illness spreading, parents of children who have not been immunized may receive an order from their respective public health department preventing them from sending their child(ren) to school, until the outbreak has ceased. For more information, please contact Toronto Public Health or Peel Public Health. MEDICATION AND ILLNESS Please review the Covid-19 return to school information for full details for the 2020-2021 school year. If your child needs to take medication while at school, the Medication Information Form must be updated online. Childcare locations will require parents to provide hard copies with all required signatures. For a serious and long-term administration of medicine, such as EpiPen or Ritalin, the Administration of Prescribed Medication Form must be completed by a doctor and returned to the Branch Office as well. Under no circumstances will the school administer medicine of any kind without written parental permission. Children must not be sent to school if they are unwell or seem to be developing an illness. This is particularly important during the winter season in order to avoid the spreading of viruses and bacteria. If your child develops a fever or is unwell during the day, you will be contacted immediately and will be asked to make the necessary arrangements for your child to be taken home. Please let the office know if your child has been exposed to an infectious condition such as chicken pox, lice or strep throat. A reminder: the best way to prevent any contamination is by washing hands thoroughly and regularly. PEDICULOSIS CAPITIS (HEAD LICE) All children from Jardin d'éveil to Grade 7 are checked for pediculosis regularly during the school year, after each school break and, in some instances, before overnight outings. If your child has lice, you will be contacted immediately and you will be asked to take him/her home for treatment. Children will be allowed to return to school when all the nits have been removed. Head lice infestation is quite common with school children. Because of the way lice multiply and spread, it is important for the school and home to take immediate action. This should not be a cause for alarm, but please check your child regularly. RAVINE USE - HEALTH AND SAFETY Throughout the year, students at both the Toronto and West campuses spend time outdoors in the ravine and parks to gain experience with nature and enrich their learning in a wide range of subjects. In milder temperatures, we take precautions to minimize exposure to seasonal insects such as mosquitoes and ticks, and inherent hazards within the ravine environment. Whenever there will be an outing to the ravine or wooded areas, students will be asked to: - Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts - Tuck in clothing to create a barrier A tick check will be done upon return. Steps that parents can take: - If your child has been on an outing in the ravine or wooded area, check for ticks. This check should include the full body, including hair. - Bathing or showering once at home is strongly recommended as it takes a while for ticks to firmly attach themselves. BE SCENT-AWARE Some people are negatively affected by scent; please be thoughtful about your use of scented markers and perfumed products.