COVID -19
To ensure that IRIS Canada is up to date on all government regulated guidelines and restrictions, we follow the same policies as the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Please visit their site to read through and become familiar with these policies.
Each day before attendance, students must conduct a student self-assessment and staff, volunteers and visitors an adult self-assessment of how they are feeling (learn more here!).
- Not sure what to do? Read Toronto Public Health Decision Guide for Students
- In the event of a suspected or confirmed illness of your child, see the Back to School Confirmation Form from Toronto Public Health and a Back to School Confirmation form for students over the age of 18
- Read Toronto Public Health guidance on what to do if your child has COVID-19 symptoms
- Learn more at Toronto Public Health’s School Information for Parents and Caregivers
IRIS health and safety measures in place for 2021-22 include:
The most important step we can take to ensure the health and safety of of everyone involved is to get vaccinated against COVID-19. All IRIS Canada Staff and Volunteers are REQUIRED to be fully vaccinated on their first day of work, and to keep up with any new developments. Students age 12 and up are REQUIRED to be fully vaccinated to attend all IRIS Canada programs. Proof of vaccination will be required upon registration and before entry into the classroom. Below are links to additional information where you can learn more about the vaccines to help you make an informed decision for your family.
- Requiring all students and staff to conduct a daily self-assessment and stay home if they have symptoms or other COVID-19 exposure risk factors.
- Following guidance from Toronto Public Health in the event of symptoms or other COVID-19 risk factors.
- Read this guideline from Toronto Public Health on when to get tested
- Staff are required to wear a mask at all times where appropriate.
- All students, Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 and up, are required to wear a mask indoors. During breaks and lunch, if they are unable to maintain physical distance from others outdoors, it is advised that they keep their mask on. If this is not possible, then masks breaks can be taken outside while students are with members of their cohort.
- Encouraging and maintaining physical distancing measures as much as possible.
- Posting visible signage about hand washing and proper respiratory etiquette.
- Building in hand washing time into daily routines, including after washroom use, recess and lunch breaks.
- Providing alcohol-based sanitizers throughout all work stations and at designated entry and exit points.
- Staff will perform routine cleaning of general facilities through the day and enhanced cleaning of high touch surfaces such as light switches, handrails, door handles, etc.
- Identifying capacity limits in washrooms and on elevators.
- Using water fountains only to refill water bottles.