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Message to TCS families: June 25, 2020
 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for your continued support of the School as we plan for September. Students, families, faculty and staff have demonstrated tremendous resilience, creativity, collaboration, empathy and care during these unprecedented times. Junior School Closing and Speech Day ceremonies held mixed emotions, yet were evidence that there is much to celebrate. We are very proud of our students’ efforts and accomplishments.

The past several weeks have also been filled with thoughtful planning as we look to the start of the 2020-2021 academic year. With the health, safety and wellbeing of students and our community top of mind, we are doing all we can to ensure that authentic learning, meaningful engagement and caring relationships continue to thrive at TCS. Our planning has been guided by student, parent and faculty input and concern for the wellbeing of all. Plans are also grounded in educational research and best practices.

This communication, which will be one of several over the summer months, is intended to provide key insights and direction from the School so that you can plan accordingly, with the understanding that changes are likely as we continue to respond to new information prior to the start of the academic year.

Below are six key areas reflecting some of the School’s planning to date. Please click on each item to access further details.

To ensure the best viewing experience, after reading one section, click the grey box again to close that item, before clicking on the next. If you would like to print this communication for future reference, click here to download in PDF format.

School Re-opens in September

It is our intention that the opening of school will take place September 8th-11th. A phased approach will allow for the safe arrival and necessary health-related orientation essential to maintaining our healthy community. Click here to learn your child(ren)’s specific arrival date on campus.

Campus Arrivals
It remains the School’s intention to warmly welcome all students from Grades 5 to 12, including boarding students, in September. This decision aligns with the Province of Ontario’s June 19th announcement regarding the safe re-opening of all schools in the province for September. The Province of Ontario has provided specific guidance to support the development of health and safety protocols and will be providing additional direction in August.

A phased approach will allow for the safe arrival and necessary health-related orientation essential to maintaining our healthy community. We will do this in lockstep with measures approved by our local health authorities and in accordance with evolving best practices regarding health and safety.

It is our intention that the opening of school will take place September 8-11, 2020 with Junior School classes beginning on September 9th and Senior School students arriving on specified dates between September 8th and 11th (important: see detailed schedule below).

Schedule at a Glance
The schedule for arrival for the 2020-2021 school year is planned as follows:

  • September 8th: Returning Senior School boarding students
  • September 9th: All Junior School students; Returning Senior School day students
  • September 10th: New Senior School boarding students
  • September 11th: New Senior School day students

Further information, such as arrival times and locations, will be provided over the summer.

In-person and Online

Students who are unable to arrive to campus due to travel restrictions and/or study permit delays at the start of September will attend virtually via the TCS Connect e-community platform. As students are able to travel to campus, personalized orientation will be provided. Click here to learn more about academics, the adjusted daily schedule aimed at adherence to health and safety measures, and August programming.

On-campus and Online Academics and Engagement
Our objective remains one of delivering high quality learning and growth experiences for all students. For those students who cannot join us on campus at the start of September due to a variety of circumstances, we have been working diligently to refine our current e-learning delivery model, TCS Connect, which will have enriched synchronous and asynchronous options for instruction and co-curricular programming. Support resources will continue to be available to TCS Connect students, as will deliberate opportunities to engage with their on-campus peers.

In addition to preparing for the resumption of on-campus teaching, learning and engagement, our faculty’s professional learning efforts are also focused on optimizing the TCS Connect experience. This investment in professional learning will also serve our on-campus students as we refine our pedagogical approaches to an adjusted daily schedule. In addition, we are acquiring new technology to accommodate a combined on-campus and online learning model. Continued e-learning delivered instruction ensures that all students’ academic continuity is maintained, even if travel restrictions, study permit issues, or health considerations keep them away from campus.

Daily Schedule and Health & Safety
Adjustments to the daily schedule are being made to afford maximum fluidity and continuity between our on-campus and TCS Connect e-community learning. In addition, the revised daily schedule allows for routine health and safety protocols throughout the day. We have planned for the extra time required to ensure proper hand-washing, sanitizing of desks and spaces, and physically-distanced transitions on campus. Learn more in the “Health & Safety” and “Weekly Schedule” sections of this communication.

Q: Should my child participate in the TCS First Connect program this summer?

A: All new students are encouraged to register for and attend (online), at minimum, the first four sessions of First Connect; these sessions commence on August 4th at 9:00 a.m. ET. Visit www.tcs.on.ca/firstconnect for more information.

First Connect is a program aimed at helping prepare TCS students for the start of the new school year. Starting in early August, First Connect is available to all students attending TCS for the 2020-2021 academic year and is provided at no additional cost. A wide range of sessions/topics will be offered to students to ready them for their 2020-2021 experiences, including, but not limited to: learning the technological tools teachers employ, meeting housemates and house staff, accessing academic support, polishing math skills and improving academic writing.

All students, new or returning, are encouraged to peruse the offerings and to enrol in those that are most suitable to them.

Registration will open on July 7th. Click here to learn more or contact Michelle Bishop, director of summer programs, at mbishop@tcs.on.ca.

Health & Safety

Health & Safety Planning and Commitment to Wellbeing
A newly released report from the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto notes that, while it is critical to mitigate the risk of infection through screening and establishing hygienic protocols (such as handwashing, sanitizing, physical distancing and consideration of the use of masks, among others), the re-opening of schools is essential to the physical and mental health of young people.

In addition to abiding by the directives of health and government authorities, the School has been actively networking with other top-tier schools around the globe to learn from their experiences and share protocols; engaging with local and regional health authorities; investigating COVID-19 response and re-opening guidelines of schools, recreational facilities, hospitals and the like; and researching best practices related to our unique setting. One positive outcome of the global pandemic has been a broad openness to sharing resources and unprecedented collaboration. We are grateful to all those who have been so deeply invested in learning and sharing their experiences with us.

As we develop and adapt health and safety protocols suitable to our day and boarding students, we are also highly cognizant of the overall impact that the pandemic is having on our students’ wellbeing. As parents you have no doubt witnessed the challenges it has presented for your child(ren) in being apart from friends and family. Living with uncertainty, separation from peers, change of lifestyle, absence of sports, arts, service and familiar routines is hard. Feelings of loss and grief, among many other emotions, are especially prevalent. Our planning is also keeping this important matter of health in mind as we carefully consider our academic schedule and expectations, co-curricular programming, support and counselling resources, and accessibility of support to students who are learning via TCS Connect due to travel restrictions, study permit issues, or matters of health. Whether our students are on campus or studying from afar, we are committed to prioritizing relationships and connections. Homeform teachers, housemasters, advisors, teachers and other educational staff provide important grounding and comfort to students and peer interaction promotes feelings of familiarity and normalcy.

School Life
TCS has a long history of robust co-curricular programming and is committed to continuing this tradition. We value the learning that comes from these experiences, students’ self-discovery, personal growth, camaraderie and relationships. A revised schedule for the 2020-2021 academic year will include a broad range of co-curricular activities, chapel, house events and much of the programming that is familiar to students (see the “Weekly Schedule” section of this communication for more information).

While we await directives from the Province of Ontario and health authorities, we anticipate that large group gatherings, some inter-school competitive athletics teams and similar activities will be “on hold” as we begin the academic year. We are re-imagining our school’s co-curricular offerings to align with possible restrictions needed throughout the year and look forward to resuming inter-school activities and competitive athletics when we are able to safely do so. We are blessed with a vast campus and will optimize the use of our outdoor spaces for our co-curricular programming and many student life events.

Day and boarding house routines and spaces are being carefully planned to include recommended sanitizing and other health-related protocols. In addition, we are reviewing all spaces on campus with regard to physically distanced capacity, re-imagined uses, hallway travel, bathroom and change room protocols and effective cleansing.

Leave protocols are being reviewed and the School has committed to remaining open to some boarding students during the Thanksgiving, November, December and February breaks (at a minimal cost to families in order to recover added expenses).

Food services will continue at TCS. In addition to the full provision of meals for our boarding student population, it remains our intention to have the TCS culinary services team providing lunch to all students. Adjustments to our schedule, meal locations and menus, based upon the physical distancing and sanitizing protocols in effect in September, can be expected.

Q: In light of the challenges presented by the pandemic, will the School ask international parents to have mandatory and expanded medical insurance for the coming year?

A: Yes. The School is making mandatory its International Student Insurance Elite Plan for all international students. In addition to standard coverages, this plan can cover all TCS international students for medical treatment and testing of COVID-19 up to the policy maximum of $2 million. Along with this benefit, the named insurance provider will cover administration costs associated with administering the COVID-19 vaccination should it become available during the 2020-2021 academic year. Please contact the TCS Director of Health Services, Jennifer Kedwell, for more information: jkedwell@tcs.on.ca.

Q: What if my child feels unwell while at school?

A: In consultation with the school physician, director of health services, and in keeping with public health directives, the School’s health-support planning, triage protocols and infection-control measures are well underway. The TCS health centre, including nursing staff and school physician, will continue to be available to students for routine health-related services. Separate facility space has been identified for isolation needs. Should testing for COVID-19 be advised, the Northumberland Hills Hospital assessment clinic will be used. Further details regarding the School’s health protocols will be provided over the summer.

Q: Will my child have a roommate?

A: Yes, quite possibly. At this time, families of boarding students should anticipate a “usual” approach to room assignments in boarding with both double and single rooms. Each boarding house (or floor within the house, if required) may be considered a “cohort.” Inter-house visitation will not be permitted and there will be restrictions regarding room visitation within a student’s house. Students can also anticipate that routine health screening, washroom protocols and facility schedules, enhanced room cleaning and laundry will be among the many changes to daily norms as we adapt to the situation.

Q: Will day bussing continue to be available?

A: Parents of day students should anticipate the need to arrange transportation for their child(ren). The School continues to communicate with our transportation providers regarding services for our day students and the bussing company’s plans for safe operations. Recent federal guidance for school bus operations, and the June 19th communication from the Province of Ontario,  acknowledged “that transportation planning will be challenging due to the reduction in vehicle capacity to accommodate students.”

The School will continue to update our families who rely on this service, however, until we have more certainty about bussing availability and protocols, parents are asked to consider alternative transportation arrangements. 

Q: Will students be expected to wear the TCS uniform?

A: With an eye to maintaining student and staff health, the School is committed to practicing enhanced sanitary protocols. As a result, we are looking to reduce the number of clothing articles that cannot be readily laundered. Students attending on-campus classes will be subject to a modified dress code from September to December which includes the regular uniform minus the TCS blazer and tie – for more information, click here to read a recent communication from the School.

A reminder that our uniform provider, Top Marks, remains ready to receive and fulfill uniform orders for the 2020-2021 school year. To ensure delivery prior to the start of classes in September, Top Marks recommends families place their order no later than June 30th.

Families can order uniform pieces online at www.topmarks.ca (using password TCS01). Click here to download a helpful pamphlet from Top Marks on the process for completing and receiving your online order, including detailed sizing charts.

Quarantine

The Canadian government requires that all travellers arriving in Canada must quarantine for 14 days. Families are responsible for making quarantine arrangements off-campus for their child(ren), either under their own supervision or that of an Ontario or Quebec guardian. Click here to learn how the School is supporting students and families requiring quarantine and the requirement for medical insurance.

Quarantine, Guardianship & Medical Insurance
Please be aware that the Canadian Government requires that all travellers arriving in Canada must quarantine for 14 days – click here for detailed information. Families are responsible for making quarantine arrangements off-campus for their child(ren), either under their own supervision or that of a guardian located in the provinces of Ontario or Quebec. Students will not be permitted to serve their quarantine period on campus.

Parents accompanying their child(ren) to Canada will need a 14-day quarantine plan as well as an official letter from TCS confirming the school start date and enrolment status to provide to Canadian customs officials. The School will provide families with an official letter that includes these details.

TCS will also provide information related to how to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and access health care during the quarantine period, if needed. Families are welcome to contact the TCS health centre at any time during their quarantine period: jkedwell@tcs.on.ca.

During this quarantine period, the School will reach out to students and their parents or guardian, as early as Tuesday, August 25th, as part of a personalized pre-arrival orientation plan. Further information about student orientation will be communicated in the coming weeks.

Families are reminded to monitor the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for the most up to date information regarding study permits and travel.

Q: Does my child need to have a guardian located in Ontario or Quebec?

A: The Government of Canada requires all international boarding students whose primary residence is outside of Canada to have a legal guardian while studying in the country.

While TCS is a boarding school and therefore assumes responsibility in loco parentis for our students, it will be required for the 2020-2021 school year that all families living outside Canada have an appointed guardian who lives in the provinces of Ontario or Quebec. During these uncertain times of a global pandemic, it will be in the best interest of our students, from a health and safety standpoint, for them to have access to a local guardian who can offer language support, a place for any required quarantining (self-isolation) or additional support for medical-related matters.

Families will often choose a guardian who is a family member or business associate. In addition to being prepared to take on this responsibility, appointed guardians should reside within a reasonable distance of the School; have a working knowledge of English; and be over the age of 21 years.

Families also have the option of securing guardianship services from a professional provider who may offer additional functions. Families are encouraged to research a variety of guardianship service providers, however, past and current international TCS families frequently use the services of one of two specific organizations:

Those securing new guardianships for the first time are asked to forward updated details to the admissions office at admissions@tcs.on.ca.

Families with questions regarding guardianship are welcome to contact our admissions office at admissions@tcs.on.ca.

Q: In light of the challenges presented by the pandemic, will the School ask international parents to have mandatory and expanded medical insurance for the coming year?

A: Yes. The School is making mandatory its International Student Insurance Elite Plan. In addition to standard coverages, this plan can cover all TCS international students for medical treatment and testing of COVID-19 up to the policy maximum of $2 million. Along with this benefit, the named insurance provider will cover administration costs associated with administering the COVID-19 vaccination should it become available during the 2020-2021 academic year. Please contact the Director of Health Services, Jennifer Kedwell, for more information: jkedwell@tcs.on.ca.

Weekly Schedule

The Senior School and Junior School will employ a five-day academic schedule that balances class and co-curricular times while allowing fluidity and continuity between on-campus and online learning, for those unable to be on campus. Weekend and evening programming will be available for all boarding students. Where necessary, provisions will also be made for students to remain on campus for break weekends. Click here to learn more about the new academic schedules.

Balanced and Fluid Schedules
The Senior School and Junior School will employ a five-day academic schedule that balances class and co-curricular times while allowing fluidity and continuity between on-campus and online learning, for those unable to be on campus. Weekend and evening programming will be available for all boarding students. Where necessary, provisions will also be made for students to remain on campus for break weekends.

Junior School Schedule
Essential components of TCS community life are included in the five-day academic week. The flow of the day allows for hygiene routines, sanitizing of spaces and the lengthier “travel time” necessitated by physical distancing and alternate routes around Boulden House. At this time we plan that on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, students will have four 60-minute classes, in addition to other programming and co-curricular activities. Our previously scheduled Activ8 Tuesdays will now take place on Wednesdays. On Wednesdays we will focus on wellness, chapel, leadership development, service learning and office hours/resource.

The length of the school day is similar to our former schedule. Please be aware that public health conditions in August may require further adjustment to the start of the day and other components of the schedule.

Senior School Schedule
Four terms:
As currently envisioned, the 2020-2021 schedule is based upon a four-term modular model. This modular scheduling approach reduces the total number of courses being studied at any one time by students and will also be adopted in the TCS Connect e-community platform. This schedule also ensures more fluid transitions for students and faculty who may need to shift between on-campus learning and TCS Connect, yet maintains opportunity for in-depth learning. Students will focus on four courses for a period of eight to nine weeks for Term 1, then focus on another four courses for Term 2. Terms 3 and 4 repeat this pattern.

Five-day academic week: Essential components of TCS community life will be included in the weekly schedule. The flow of the day allows for hygiene routines, sanitizing of spaces and the lengthier “travel time” necessitated by physical distancing and alternate routes around campus. The schedule we are currently planning is based on the following:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday - Students will have four 75-minute classes that will include the opportunity for support, in addition to other programming and co-curricular activities.
  • Wednesday - Students will have an academic-focused morning, advisor meetings and a range of support-related options and co-curricular activities.
  • To be reflected in the schedule: chapel, lunch, breaks and sufficient travel time between classes and activities.

The length of the school day is similar to our former schedule. Please be aware that public health conditions in August may require further adjustment to the start of the day and other components of the schedule.

Scheduling to Support Health and Promote Wellbeing
In addition to the reduction of the total number of courses being studied at any one time in the Senior School and easing the transition from TCS Connect to on-campus learning, the Senior School’s four-term modular schedule supports a number of other factors that are essential to a healthy return to school, such as:

  • Health screening – Morning time dedicated to appropriate health screening and safe entry to the School.
  • Small class sizes – In keeping with the advice of the Province of Ontario, our model ensures that, in the Senior School, even smaller class sizes are possible, allowing for physical distancing.
  • Transition time – The cleaning of spaces throughout the day, hand hygiene, washroom protocols and physically-distanced, planned movement between spaces are important measures in mitigating health risk.
  • Utilization of spaces – To maximize physical distance, we are re-imagining our spaces on campus.
  • Student support – Longer class periods in the Senior School allow time for teacher-student conferencing, and for teachers to be present for help as students work on assignments that may not have otherwise been started in the classroom. In addition, access to subject-specific support, library, guidance and, in the Senior School, the Math Learning Centre, Writing Centre, academic support and related services are being prioritized.
  • Food Services – In addition to the full provision of meals for our boarding student population, it remains our intention to have the TCS culinary services team providing lunch to all students. Adjustments to our schedule, meal locations and menus, based upon the physical distancing and sanitizing protocols in effect in September can be expected.
  • Adjustment Period – The first academic cycle in September will be further modified as we dedicate time to educating our students on the norms that must be established in the service of a healthy community.
Ongoing communications

There will be regular email updates and weekly virtual Q&A drop-in sessions for parents, hosted by the admissions team, in July and August. Click here to learn of important dates when you will receive more information from the School as well as details about alternate fee tables and bussing.

School Email Updates
As you have grown to expect, there will be regular email updates over the course of the summer regarding the School’s response to COVID-19 and our start to the 2020-2021 academic year. Our information will continue to reflect careful, thorough and detailed planning using input from established medical authorities and governmental agencies.

Parents can expect to receive the next email communication from the School on Thursday, July 9th.

Virtual Q&A Sessions
Members of the School’s senior leadership team and other faculty and staff members will hold weekly live question & answer sessions for parents. These are intended to provide updates that reflect the evolving nature of the situation and to respond to questions submitted in advance. These weekly sessions will begin on Tuesday, July 7th.

For the Senior School, these will be held on Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m. ET and 2:00 p.m. ET.

For the Junior School, these will be held on Tuesdays, alternating each week between 9:30 a.m. ET and 4:00 p.m. ET.

You will receive an e-invite next week in advance of the first virtual Q&A session scheduled for Tuesday, July 7th.

Your Questions Answered
As of next week, the COVID-19 page for parents will be updated to reflect the upcoming school year. This will continue to be a central location for information for families: www.tcs.on.ca/communityhealth/parents. In addition, over the summer the School will continue to receive and respond to your questions via the central email address: info@tcs.on.ca.

Q: If my child must begin the academic year off-campus as a result of travel and/or study permit delays, when will my account be adjusted to reflect learning at a distance?

A: In May, TCS announced the creation of alternate fee tables to reflect various possible scenarios for the 2020-2021 academic year. Please click here to view the May 6th communication from the TCS finance office which provides these pertinent details.

Q: Will day bussing continue to be available?

A: Parents of day students should anticipate the need to arrange transportation for their child(ren). The School continues to communicate with our transportation providers regarding services for our day students and the bussing company’s plans for safe operations. Recent federal guidance for school bus operations, and the June 19th communication from the Province of Ontario, acknowledged “that transportation planning will be challenging due to the reduction in vehicle capacity to accommodate students.”

The School will continue to update our families who rely on this service, however, until we have more certainty about bussing availability and protocols, parents are asked to consider alternative transportation arrangements.

Fees

As previously announced, the School has rolled back the 2020-2021 tuition fees to the 2019-2020 fee levels. The School will continue to provide all families with a 30-day grace period for all tuition instalments that are applicable for the 2020-2021 school year. We have also reduced our interest charge rate until June 2021, and waived the instalment fee for families choosing payment Option 2 or 3. Families who wish to change their billing schedule are asked to contact the finance office.

We have committed to offering a “hybrid model” of instruction for the 2020-2021 academic year. Students who are unable to arrive to campus due to travel restrictions and/or study permit delays at the start of September will attend virtually via the TCS Connect e-community platform.

The School has created two alternative fee tables that would apply as follows:

Fee Schedule B

  • This fee table would apply should TCS not be able to permit students on campus in September or during any subsequent period during the school year.
  • Modified fees would be calculated based on 80% of the day student fee table applicable to the student's grade level.
  • At the end of each month, a credit would be applied to student accounts, on a per diem basis, for the difference between the regular fee schedule and the modified fee schedule.
  • See below for information specific to the government-mandated April 2021 move to online learning.*

Fee Schedule C

  • This fee table would apply should TCS be able to permit students on campus in September but some families are unable to attend due to travel or visa restrictions or as a result of COVID-19 related quarantine or self-isolation regulations.
  • Modified fees would be calculated based on 100% of the day student fee table applicable to the student’s grade level.
  • At the end of each month, a credit would be issued to student accounts, on a per diem basis, for the difference between the regular fee schedule and the modified fee schedule.

*Reduced fees for students off-campus, learning online during April 2021 mandated campus closure: As the provincial government has mandated the temporary closure of in-person learning for all schools in Ontario beginning on April 19th, the School is now in a position to move to Fee Schedule B. This modified fee schedule means that both day student and boarding student fees will be calculated based on 80% of the day student fee table applicable to the student's grade level. This modified fee schedule does not apply to those in the School’s care during this period of government-mandated online learning. Please note, when the School is permitted to re-open campus to in-person learning according to the provincial government’s directives, all students will return to the regular fee schedule (“Fee Schedule A”). At the end of each applicable month, a credit will be applied to student accounts, on a per diem basis, for the difference between the regular fee schedule and the modified fee schedule. We hope this will provide our families with some financial relief as their children are learning and engaged in the School’s program from home during this time of government-mandated online learning.

Uniforms, Lockers and Change Rooms

The TCS uniform holds a place of pride in the hearts of many and is an important symbol of our community which is why we are pleased to return to uniform use on a daily basis this academic year. Change rooms will be open for students (masks required); however, showers will not be available due to ventilation limitations. Lockers are available for day students.

  • New uniform items: Please click here to refer to the School’s July communication which provided details on ordering from the School’s uniform provider, Top Marks.
  • Gently-used uniforms items: The Bear Boutique sells a select number of gently-used clothing options for Junior and Senior School students. Visits will be by appointment only. Parents may email the TCS Parents’ Guild at guild@tcs.on.ca to arrange an appointment. Please be assured that all gently-used clothing has been thoroughly washed/dry-cleaned prior to being made available for resale; returns of clothing purchased through the Bear Boutique will not be permitted this school year.

January 2022 Update: As part of the School’s graduated plan for the return of in-person learning and on-campus living, due to limitations on the use of changerooms (for changing into co-curricular purpose clothing), we encourage Junior School students to wear TCS-branded clothing and Senior School students attending in person, to wear TCS-branded clothing or clean casual clothing in the short-term. Those opting to wear Number #1 dress may do so. The School will revisit the requirement for uniforms in the next few weeks.

Digital Citizenship & Etiquette

For TCS Connect students, there are several basic guidelines to be followed:

  • All courses will be meeting using the video conferencing platform Google Meet
  • While uniforms are not required for students learning from home, they are expected to wear clean casuals and no hats
  • Tone and language online should be the same as it would be on a TCS classroom
  • Continue with our common courtesies; respect and kindness first
  • Keep your video on, and always mute your microphone when not speaking
  • Be aware of your background, everyone can see your surroundings
  • Ensure your workspace is well-lit
  • Use the chat function to ask questions

Please note that by joining any school-based Google Meet (or other sanctioned platform), students are automatically consenting to be recorded (classes are being recorded so that, for example, students who live in significantly different time zones and cannot participate live will have access.) For Senior School students, the Technology Responsible Use Policy applies. In the Junior School, the Digital Citizenship Guidelines apply.

Financial Assistance

For the 2020-2021 academic year, the School has decided to maintain financial assistance at the previously committed amounts, despite the announced rollback of tuition to 2019-2020 levels. This will provide better support to our families during this difficult period.

However, please note that should the School implement Fee Schedules B or C during the 2020-2021 school year, financial assistance will be reduced proportionally.

Junior School Schedule, Co-curriculars & Lunch

Below are some key details on the Junior School schedule for the 2021-2022 school year. These plans are based on the most recent government and public health guidance and may evolve over the course of the school year.

January 2022 Update: Due to the rise in cases as a result of the Omicron variant a number of public health measures will be implemented as part of the School’s graduated plan for the return to in-person learning and on-campus living in January 2022. This includes temporary relaxation of the dress code (to TCS-branded clothing in the Junior School and TCS-branded or clean casuals in the Senior School), restricted access to change rooms, suspension of high-contact sports and other activities. As well, families have the option for students to “bridge” into classes remotely, either on a short-term or long-term basis, up until March 10, 2022.

  • Homeform Cohort Model (same as 2020-2021)
  • Students remain in their homeform for all subjects, with the exception of art, music and library
  • Lockers available for use
  • Chapel
  • Recess by homeform cohort, graduated approach to blended recess
  • Lunch by cohort at Boulden House
  • Co-curricular activities, including winds and choir, permitted; masked indoors, unmasked outdoors with appropriate physical distancing
  • Co-curricular activities by cohort if indoors, possible blended outdoor co-curricular activities
  • Change rooms available for use
  • High and low contact athletic activities are permitted outdoors without masking; high and low contact athletic activities are permitted indoors, with masking encouraged for indoor sports where they can be worn safely based on the activity
  • Bussing protocols will apply, including assigned seating, mask use (see Day Student Bussing above for detailed schedules and further information on protocols)
Student Accountability and Discipline

Whether students are learning in-class or at home via TCS Connect, our expectations remain steadfast. Students should expect to abide by the same values and principles that they are accustomed to while in our care. Online behaviour and language should also reflect the expectations of the School with respect to decorum and tone. Students are expected to conduct themselves as they would in a formal TCS classroom.

In the Senior School, specific details regarding expectations for student conduct related to e-learning and virtual community engagement are available by clicking here; this information serves as a supplement to the expectations and accountabilities laid out in Life at Trinity: A Handbook for Senior School Families. We thank TCS parents for their support as we reinforce the community values and healthy habits that are key to the TCS mission.

Attendance: Senior School parents are reminded to inform the attendance office (tcsattendance@tcs.on.ca or 905-885-3217 ext. 1111) if a student will be unable to attend class(es). This includes students who typically attend classes on campus as well as students studying remotely either through TCS Connect or bridging into regular classes from off-campus. Daily learning goals and resources for all classes can be accessed through Edsby. Students must inform their teachers in advance if they plan to bridge into a class from off-campus. Google Meet links are posted on all class landing pages in Edsby.

Student Health & Well-being

Students’ health and wellbeing is paramount to their re-engagement in the TCS community. Each student will be surrounded by supportive, flexible teachers and a personalized “circle of care” of adults to coach and counsel them in their development and to see the broader picture of their engagement at the School. Their advisor, housemaster, academic guidance counsellor, social-emotional counsellor, our health centre and, in some cases, academic support coach, will partner in support of every student’s journey with us. Parents are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate member of their child's circle of care with updated information, questions or concerns. This partnership of home and school is essential to student growth and development. TCS prides itself on being a caring and welcoming community.

Guidance counsellors are listed below:

Bethune, Burns, Orchard, Scott, Wright

Academic & Post-Secondary Counsellor
Ms. Koekkoek (Grades 9 & 10)
Mr. Bailey (Grades 11 & 12)

Social-Emotional Counsellor
Ms. Koekkoek (Grades 9-12)

Bickle, Brent, Hodgetts, Ketchum, Rigby

Academic & Post-Secondary Counsellor
Ms. Dunn (Grades 9 & 10)
Mr. Brooks (Grades 11 & 12)

Social-Emotional Counsellor
Ms. Dunn (Grades 9-12)

Tuition Refund Plan

We have confirmed with our carrier that the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) will be active for the 2020-2021 school year. The TRP fees are fixed regardless of whether a student attends in person or online.

Senior School Schedule, Co-curriculars & Lunch

Below are some key details on the Senior School schedule for the 2021-2022 school year. These plans are based on the most recent government and public health guidance and may evolve over the course of the school year.

  • “Full Year” Model
  • 8 course timetable; courses run September to June
  • Chapel seating in cohorts
  • Co-curricular activities, including winds and choir, permitted; masked indoors, unmasked outdoors with appropriate physical distancing
  • High and low contact athletic activities are permitted outdoors without masking; high and low contact athletic activities are permitted indoors, with masking encouraged for indoor sports where they can be worn safely based on the activity
  • Change rooms and lockers available (showers not available)
  • Staggered lunch (Grades 9/10, Grades 11/12 per timetable)
  • Bussing protocols will apply, including assigned seating, mask use (see Day Student Bussing above for detailed schedules and further protocols); note: end of day timing is subject to adjustments as inter-school travel/competition is finalized

January 2022 Update: Due to the rise in cases as a result of the Omicron variant a number of public health measures will be implemented as part of the School’s graduated plan for the return to in-person learning and on-campus living in January 2022. This includes temporary relaxation of the dress code (to TCS-branded clothing in the Junior School and TCS-branded or clean casuals in the Senior School), restricted access to change rooms, suspension of high-contact sports and other activities. As well, families have the option for students to “bridge” into classes remotely, either on a short-term or long-term basis, up until March 10, 2022.

Student Accountability and Discipline

Whether students are learning in-class or at home via TCS Connect, our expectations remain steadfast. Students should expect to abide by the same values and principles that they are accustomed to while in our care. Online behaviour and language should also reflect the expectations of the School with respect to decorum and tone. Students are expected to conduct themselves as they would in a formal TCS classroom.

In the Senior School, specific details regarding expectations for student conduct related to e-learning and virtual community engagement are available by clicking here; this information serves as a supplement to the expectations and accountabilities laid out in Life at Trinity: A Handbook for Senior School Families. We thank TCS parents for their support as we reinforce the community values and healthy habits that are key to the TCS mission.

Attendance: Senior School parents are reminded to inform the attendance office (tcsattendance@tcs.on.ca or 905-885-3217 ext. 1111) if a student will be unable to attend class(es). This includes students who typically attend classes on campus as well as students studying remotely either through TCS Connect or bridging into regular classes from off-campus. Daily learning goals and resources for all classes can be accessed through Edsby. Students must inform their teachers in advance if they plan to bridge into a class from off-campus. Google Meet links are posted on all class landing pages in Edsby.

Student Health & Well-being

Students’ health and wellbeing is paramount to their re-engagement in the TCS community. Each student will be surrounded by supportive, flexible teachers and a personalized “circle of care” of adults to coach and counsel them in their development and to see the broader picture of their engagement at the School. Their advisor, housemaster, academic guidance counsellor, social-emotional counsellor, our health centre and, in some cases, academic support coach, will partner in support of every student’s journey with us. Parents are encouraged to reach out to the appropriate member of their child's circle of care with updated information, questions or concerns. This partnership of home and school is essential to student growth and development. TCS prides itself on being a caring and welcoming community.

Guidance counsellors are listed below:

Bethune, Burns, Orchard, Scott, Wright

Academic & Post-Secondary Counsellor
Ms. Koekkoek (Grades 9 & 10)
Mr. Bailey (Grades 11 & 12)

Social-Emotional Counsellor
Ms. Koekkoek (Grades 9-12)

Bickle, Brent, Hodgetts, Ketchum, Rigby

Academic & Post-Secondary Counsellor
Ms. Dunn (Grades 9 & 10)
Mr. Brooks (Grades 11 & 12)

Social-Emotional Counsellor
Ms. Dunn (Grades 9-12)

Tuition Refund Plan

We have confirmed with our carrier that the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) will be active for the 2020-2021 school year. The TRP fees are fixed regardless of whether a student attends in person or online.

Senior School Schedule, Co-curriculars & Lunch

Below are some key details on the Senior School schedule for the 2021-2022 school year. These plans are based on the most recent government and public health guidance and may evolve over the course of the school year.

  • “Full Year” Model
  • 8 course timetable; courses run September to June
  • Chapel seating in cohorts
  • Co-curricular activities, including winds and choir, permitted; masked indoors, unmasked outdoors with appropriate physical distancing
  • High and low contact athletic activities are permitted outdoors without masking; high and low contact athletic activities are permitted indoors, with masking encouraged for indoor sports where they can be worn safely based on the activity
  • Change rooms and lockers available (showers not available)
  • Staggered lunch (Grades 9/10, Grades 11/12 per timetable)
  • Bussing protocols will apply, including assigned seating, mask use (see Day Student Bussing above for detailed schedules and further protocols); note: end of day timing is subject to adjustments as inter-school travel/competition is finalized

January 2022 Update: Due to the rise in cases as a result of the Omicron variant a number of public health measures will be implemented as part of the School’s graduated plan for the return to in-person learning and on-campus living in January 2022. This includes temporary relaxation of the dress code (to TCS-branded clothing in the Junior School and TCS-branded or clean casuals in the Senior School), restricted access to change rooms, suspension of high-contact sports and other activities. As well, families have the option for students to “bridge” into classes remotely, either on a short-term or long-term basis, up until March 10, 2022.

Class Session Recordings

Classes will be recorded for the benefit of students impacted by technological challenges or who are learning asynchronously. Students will find these recordings posted on our online learning management system, Edsby.

Resources for Students Travelling to TCS from International Locations

Some reminders and resources for students traveling internationally:

  • All international travellers need to present airline officials with proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure.

    COVID-19 proof of vaccination: Starting October 30, 2021, to depart from Canadian airports or travel on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, travellers will need to qualify as a fully vaccinated traveller. This will also apply to travellers on cruise ships when the cruise season commences in 2022. Families are asked to carefully monitor proof of vaccination requirements for travel. Additional information on travelling in Canada or abroad can be found here. Please ensure that documentation is in order for a smooth travel experience.

    Resources for COVID-19 testing if required prior to departure for breaks: If families require testing appointments for students travelling home at December Break, please contact TCS Director of Health Services, Jennifer Kedwell at jkedwell@tcs.on.ca.
  • Download the ArriveCAN and input your travel plan including a backup quarantine plan in case you test positive.
  • Travel with a paper or digital copy of proof of vaccination documentation in English or French (or accompanied by a certified translation).
  • Travel with proof of medical insurance and custodial declaration (both pages), if applicable.
  • Students travelling from some countries may be required to show an IME (immigration medical exam) before boarding their flight if they have been outside the country for more than six months.
  • Air Canada has a very user-friendly portal in support of travel planning.
  • Before travel, please ensure that you understand the requirements for entering Canada and review the requirements checklist.

Updated Information as of December 2, 2021 – *Important* Changes to entry, testing and quarantine requirements due to Omicron variant: As announced by the Government of Canada on November 30, 2021, additional border measures are in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and its variants. These are temporary changes for all travellers, including Canadian citizens, regardless of their vaccination status that includes,

fully vaccinated travellers arriving by air from departure points other than the United States will be subject to arrival testing. Fully vaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine while they await the result of their arrival test.

“Unvaccinated travellers, with a right of entry to Canada, will continue to be tested on arrival and day 8 and quarantine for 12 days. However, those arriving by air will now be required to stay in a designated quarantine facility or other suitable location while they await the result of their on arrival test.”

The Government of Canada has stated that they “will continue to assess the evolving situation, monitor case data, and adjust border measures as required.” For more information, please visit:

If your plans change, please ensure that you keep Ms. Holly Fournier (returning students) or admissions (new students) informed of these changes.

Access to Campus, School Store & Bear Boutique

The School is restricting visitors to “essential visitors only” until further notice. Parents may visit the school store or Bear Boutique by appointment only. To book an appointment with the school store, contact: schoolstore@tcs.on.ca or 905-885-3217 ext. 1256. To reach the Bear Boutique, contact guild@tcs.on.ca.

Sports and other special events: Given the current rise in COVID-19 case counts in Ontario, and out of an abundance of caution, the School is putting on hold plans to allow spectators/guests at specific athletic and special events on campus. This decision will be revisited in the weeks ahead.

Weekend programming and school breaks

Boarding Students: Open and closed weekends in the Senior School - This academic year, we will return to a more familiar rhythm of open and closed weekends in the Senior School. For example, boarding students remain on campus for the first two weekends following "move-in" and closed weekends will follow long weekend breaks. Otherwise, students will be permitted to travel on open weekends following the established leave request protocols through REACH. The School encourages boarding students to partake in scheduled weekend programs. Fitness facilities will be available during supervised periods.

Day Students: Weekends in the Senior School - Over the course of the academic year, day students will be required to attend select Saturdays for curricular and co-curricular events. For example, depending upon team/club participation and/or house affiliation, there will likely be practices and house events that require mandatory attendance. Bussing will be provided. Please note: Day students are only permitted to be on campus for supervised programming.

School Breaks: We ask parents to partner with us in speaking with students about their individual and collective responsibility to make thoughtful choices over school breaks concerning mitigating COVID-19 health risks both for themselves and the health of the TCS community.

January 2022 Update and Remote “Bridging” Option: As part of the School’s plan for a graduated return to in-person learning and on-campus living, families have the option for students to “bridge” into classes, either on a short-term or long-term basis, for the winter term (i.e. until March 10, 2022).

While the School would appreciate advance notice of long-term bridging, we understand that short-term bridging may be required, without advance notice, due to reasons of health, isolation or travel-related or boarding restrictions. Students may shift between bridging and in-person attendance, as needed, providing the School is notified.

For short-term absences (1-5 days), families are reminded to notify attendance of absences (Senior School: attendance@tcs.on.ca; Junior School: jmcnutt@tcs.on.ca). Families who choose long-term bridging for the winter term are asked to notify both attendance and either their Senior School housemaster, with Junior School families notifying Ms. McNutt (jmcnutt@tcs.on.ca) as soon as possible. This will allow the School to better plan to meet the needs of all of our students, on and off campus.

Contact Information for TCS Connect Families

Although at a distance, families with students learning through the TCS Connect e-community should always feel welcome to reach out for support or guidance.

  • For inquiries regarding student learning, please contact the student's advisor.
  • For emotional support for a student, please contact the student's guidance counsellor.
  • For general inquiries about the e-learning program, school operations or the School’s response to COVID-19, please email info@tcs.on.ca.
Day Student Bussing

Day student bussing will be offered to families wishing to register for the 2021-2022 school year. Families who have not yet registered but wish to do so, should contact the travel office (traveloffice@tcs.on.ca).

Click on the links below to access day student bus notices for the 2021-2022 school year:

Note: Bus schedules for the opening week of classes and school breaks will differ from the regular schedule.

Health protocols for day student bussing will include assigned seating, the wearing of masks on-board buses and the completion of daily health screening prior to boarding a bus (any student feeling unwell/feeling symptoms of COVID-19 should not board a TCS bus). Further information and policies on day student bussing can also be found in the School's Re-opening Plan 2021-2022

Information Technology Support

Parents and students are encouraged to email helpdesk@tcs.on.ca if they are experiencing any technical difficulties. Our technicians use a variety of tools to troubleshoot and solve issues. For instance, you may be asked to join Google Meet to further troubleshoot issues and/or you may be asked to use Go To Meeting so our technicians can access your computer remotely.

Help Desk Hours of Operation
During the academic year, the IT help desk is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Our email address is helpdesk@tcs.on.ca.

Bandwidth Tips
If you are having connectivity problems you should first try to:

  • Ensure that there is no video streaming, gaming or Smart TV use in your household while in Google Meets or Hangouts or when using/viewing classroom videos.
  • Hotspot to a cell phone. (Check your internet provider: due to the COVID-19 situation, many have temporarily removed data caps.)
  • If able, increase your bandwidth with your provider or consider upgrading your hub if you are using a Rocket wifi hub.
  • Reboot your modem/hub. (Doing this daily is a good practice.)

One constant of the last three months has been the continually evolving public health context. Any plan for September must account for flexibility, in order to enable an agile shift in operations to suit evolving circumstances. Adaptability, while always a valued skill, is now essential and we are committed to modelling this in our thinking and actions.

We are committed to the health, safety, growth and development, care and education of our students. As we continue to adapt our school program to the current context, develop protocols and make key decisions, we commit to communicating with you in a timely manner.

We are also grateful for your engagement as parents in supporting your children as they adapt to changing TCS campus norms that embrace new public health practices. Our collective commitment to these practices is essential to the health and safety of our community and yours.

In closing, it is important to note that our decisions and actions reflect the evidence available at the present time and may evolve as new information becomes available. There are still many important things yet to be determined. We trust this update helps you begin to envision the student experience in the months ahead. We look forward to sharing more detailed information in the coming weeks. We thank you for your patience as we ensure that decisions made are thoughtful, informed and in the best interests of our students, families, faculty and staff.

Should you have questions prior to our next planned written communication on July 9th, I encourage you to forward them to info@tcs.on.ca or plan to join us at the first of our virtual Q&A sessions on July 7th.

Sincerely,

Stuart Grainger
Headmaster