Re-Entry Plan November 2020

WALDORF ACADEMY RE-ENTRY PLAN FOR 2020 - 2021 ~ AN OVERVIEW ~

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Dear Waldorf Community, Welcome back to the school year of 2020/2021. Although this school year may bring interesting challenges due to COVID-19, please know that the Faculty at Waldorf Academy are energized and deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of your children in a safe and healthy school environment.

The Faculty and Administration have been preparing over the summer for the students’ safe return to school, ensuring that the recommended policies and protocols set out by the Ministry of Education are being adhered to.

As well, they have organized both a comprehensive ‘Remote Learning Plan’ should a second wave of COVID-19 force us to temporarily close the physical school in the future, and a ‘Synchronous Learning Plan’, should you decide to keep your child home in September.

This flip book is to serve you with the required information needed to welcome the students back to school in the safest way possible. We will, of course, keep you fully informed with any health and safety updates and information as the school year unfolds.

Should you have any questions or require any clarifications, please feel free to reach out at any time.

With gratitude, Cheri

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Waldorf Academy is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our students. At this time, and having reviewed the Ministry of Education’s reopening plan, we anticipate that Waldorf Academy will open in September onsite and face-to-face with protocols and policies in place to safeguard the health and well being of our students, faculty, staff, and families.

Our school model will remain flexible and ready to pivot in anticipation of new developments in the COVID-19 pandemic, including the possibility of easing or tightening restrictions throughout the school year.

CONTENT  School Organization and Schedule  Health and Safety Protocols  Student Wellbeing and Connection  Summer Communication Dates

Guiding Principles for School Re-Entry:  The health, safety, and wellbeing of students, faculty, staff, and families is our highest priority  Government Emergency Pandemic Orders will continue to be strictly followed and Ministries of Health and Education Guidelines followed  Continuation of Waldorf Academy’s high-quality curriculum  Continual analysis of re-entry approaches (ie. other provinces, other countries, Sick Kids Hospital recommendations) to help determine best practices for our own re-entry

 Ongoing identification and mitigation of potential risks  Clear communication of protocols  Personalize as much as possible to accommodate the individual needs of students and parents, including personalized communication, as needed.  Should we move to remote learning once more, Waldorf Academy will be prepared to continue to provide outstanding education.

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SCHOOL ORGANIZATION AND SCHEDULE We are very fortunate that our physical spaces and relatively small school size allow us to bring all students back to school five days a week while maintaining physical distancing and cohorting to the greatest extent possible, as recommended by the Ministry of Education.

School day hours will be modified to accommodate a staggered arrival and dismissal. Individual class schedules will be published for each class over the next coming weeks.

Our planning includes drawing on two key ideas from the Ministry of Education: physical distancing and cohorting.

Physical distancing avoids personal contact and maintains physical separation as per Ministry guidelines. Cohorting will minimize the number of students and teachers that any individual comes into contact with and maintains consistency in those contacts, as much as possible.

Overview of Waldorf Academy’s Educational Models Pending government regulations, the following plans are being developed:

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OVERVIEW OF WALDORF ACADEMY’S EDUCATIONAL MODELS

CHILDCARE CENTRE Please note the Childcare Centre is governed under the Child Care and Early Years Act and Toronto Public Health. The Childcare Centre has specific guidelines that may differ from our grade school.

Childcare Centre Teachers:

Lisa Gibson

 The Childcare Centre re-opened on August 10  Screening is conducted before entering the classrooms  Children are grouped into cohorts (each class) and physical distancing between the cohorts is maintained to the greatest extent possible  There is limited movement of staff between cohorts  Frequent hand washing is part of the daily routine, including prior to and after snack and lunch times  Daily washing and disinfection of toys  Twice daily, disinfection of all high touch surfaces  Refer to the Childcare Centre Parent Handbook for more detailed COVID-19 measures  CC is inspected regularly by both the Ministry of Education and Toronto Public Health to ensure the school is meeting guidelines

Charlotte Koen-Butt

Teri Santos

Corina Liu

Fei Cong

Cathy Chen

Ahlam Ali

Swati Mahajan

Thuy Le 5

OVERVIEW OF WALDORF ACADEMY’S EDUCATIONAL MODELS

KINDERGARTEN  The students will be at school five days a week  Staggered drop-off and pick-up times, as well as staggered snack and recess breaks will decrease contact between the cohorts  We will provide orientation for the students, and teachers will support and reassure them as they become familiar with their new routines during the first week of school  Screening will be conducted before entering the classrooms  Physical distancing will be maintained to the greatest extent possible  Each class (Sun garden and Star Garden) are their own cohort; each cohort will be separated from other cohorts when utilizing both indoor and outdoor spaces  There will be limited movement of staff between cohorts  Frequent hand washing will be part of the daily routine, including prior to and after snack and lunch times  Like our regular Kindergarten programming, the students will be outdoors for recess and teachers are encouraged to facilitate learning outside wherever possible  Students will not share resources. Personal belongings must be labelled and will be stored in a dedicated space in their classroom or locker/hook

Sun Garden Team Teachers:

Bozena Ciepielewski

Genevieve Lennox

Star Garden Team Teachers:

Katherine Fulford

Mariela Pasatir

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OVERVIEW OF WALDORF ACADEMY’S EDUCATIONAL MODELS

LOWER SCHOOL

(Grade 1 - Grade 5)

 The students will be at school five days a week  Staggered drop-off and pick-up times, as well as staggered snack and recess breaks will decrease contact between the cohorts  Orientation week will allow for teachers to review new health and safety procedures with students and to support and reassure them as they become familiar with their new routines  Screening will be conducted before entering the school.  Physical distancing will be maintained to the greatest extent possible  Students will be grouped into cohorts (each class) with their Teacher Teams. Each cohort will be separated from other cohorts when utilizing indoor spaces  There will be limited movement of staff between cohorts  Frequent hand washing will be part of the daily routine, including prior to and after snack and lunch times  The students will be outdoors for recess and teachers are encouraged to facilitate learning outside wherever possible  Students will have their own personal space in the classroom and they will not share resources.

Personal belongings must be labelled and will be stored in a dedicated space in their classroom

Grade One-Two Team Teachers:

D’Arcy Colby

Stephanie Fitzpatrick

Grade Three/Four Team Teachers:

Vivien Carrady

Karanvir Singh

Grade Five Team Teachers:

Tammi Gerrard

Shi-Ching Yu

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OVERVIEW OF WALDORF ACADEMY’S EDUCATIONAL MODELS

MIDDLE SCHOOL

(Grade 6 - Grade 8)

 The students will be at school five days a week  Staggered drop-off and pick-up times, as well as staggered snack and recess breaks will decrease contact between the cohorts  Orientation week will allow for teachers to review new health and safety procedures with students and to support and reassure them as they become familiar with their new routines  Screening will be conducted before entering the school  Physical distancing will be maintained to the greatest extent possible  Students will be grouped into cohorts (each class) with their Teacher Teams. Each cohort will be separated from other cohorts when utilizing indoor spaces  There will be limited movement of staff between cohorts  Frequent hand washing will be part of the daily routine, including prior to and after snack and lunch times  The students will be outdoors for recess and teachers are encouraged to facilitate learning outside wherever possible  Students will have their own personal space in the classroom and they will not share resources. Personal belongings must be labelled and will be stored in a dedicated space in their classroom

Grade Six Team Teachers:

Nicole Hagon

Sydney Grainger

Grade Seven/Eight Team Teachers:

Clara Hilts

Lesley Moffitt

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Synchronous Learning We are not offering synchronous learning at this time.

Remote Learning The school is focused on the delivery of a robust, in-person learning program. Upon evaluating the strengths of the spring’s remote learning phase, teachers are giving every effort toward providing the best programming possible. Our Remote Learning Plan is in place should a second wave require us close the physical school during the school year.

FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL: September 8-11 ORIENTATION In consideration of the well-being of the students and the new health and safety procedures implemented at the school, students will be welcomed back to Waldorf Academy in a staggered manner to assist the students in familiarizing themselves with these new measures. Grade school students will join their class twice during orientation week and will begin classes five days per week on September 14. Pre-registered extended day and grade school after care will be available from the first week of school.

Orientation Week Schedule – At A Glance Rainbow Garden opens September 8 Kindergarten: September 8: Sun Garden and Star Garden Kindergarten picnics September 9: Sun Garden and Star Garden Group A September 10: Sun Garden and Star Garden Group B September 11: Optional full day for Kindergarten Grades 1 – 8: September 8 & 10: Grades 1/2, 5, 7/8 September 9 & 11: Grades 3/4, 6

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Health and Safety Protocols Physical Distancing The school will be implementing physical distancing protocols aligned with the Ministry of Education, in classrooms, open areas, and hallways.

Signage such as floor labelling and posters will be utilized throughout the facilities directing the flow of students and staff to best achieve physical distancing. Protocols around movement will include staggering in schedules as students and teachers transition between areas.

Grade school room allocations:

Library/ Aftercare

Grades 3/4

Grades 1/2

Break Room

Eurythmy Room

Boys’ Washroom

Grades 7/8

Girls’ Washroom

Grade 6

Grade 5

Break Room 10

Screenings All students, faculty, and staff will be screened every time they enter the school.  Prior to arrival at school, all parents must complete a daily COVID-19 assessment for their child(ren). The onus during COVID-19 for safe health practices and for safely entering the building rests with parents as determined by the Ministry of Education and the Government of Ontario.  Screening results must be confirmed by the parent. Parents not present for their child’s screening are required to confirm assessment results to info@waldorfacademy.org prior to 8:00 am.

Screening Procedures: Student Screenings will occur outside prior to entering the building by trained staff equipped with PPE. All parents, staff, and students must wear masks during this process.

The screening process will consist of: 1) A temperature check performed with touchless thermometers, and, 2) Affirmation of a COVID-symptoms free self-assessment.

The Toronto Public Health self-assessment guidelines (as of October, 2020):

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Arrival and Dismissal  Staggered arrival dismissal times for students and staff to ensure physical distancing and ease of traffic flow.  Students (with parental assistance) will complete self-assessments and temperature checks at home before departing for school.  Drive-through and pedestrian screening stations will be used.  We urge parents and students to adhere to these times to ensure the health and safety of all students  Students who arrive late will buzz for entry and will be screened by administration.  We will work to be flexible in our plans to accommodate any necessary changes upon practice.  Visitor access, including all parents, will be limited to advanced appointment only and visitors will be required to undergo screening prior to entry. Deliveries of any kind for students and staff are prohibited (i.e. food, homework, clothing, etc.). We will continue to utilize Zoom meetings as much as possible.

Drop-Off Schedule  8:20: Gr. 1-2 students will wait in their designated waiting areas in the sideyard and will remain in the sideyard with their teacher until the teacher leads them inside through the front entrance.  8:20: Gr. 3-5 students will wait in their designated waiting areas in the sideyard and will remain in the sideyard with their teacher until the teacher leads them inside through the front entrance.  8:25: Kindergarten students will be escorted by their masked parents to the backyard gate where they will be collected by their teacher.  8:45: Middle school students will head directly to their classes through the front door after their screenings.  9:00: Childcare Centre opens.

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Drop-Off Map:

Kindergarten drop-off (backyard)

Gr. 1 & 2 area

Gr. 3 & 4 area

Gr. 5 area

DriveThrough Screening

x x

Pedestrian Screening Car screening line-up

Pick-Up Schedule (KG – Gr. 8) There will be no free play after school. Parents are required to pick-up their children straight away according to the staggered dismissal timetable. Student dismissal is staggered to limit physical contact and exposure to others; therefore, it is of the utmost importance that parents collect their children on time. Childcare Centre parents must use Spadina Road entrance and may park in the assigned Archives parking lot.     

3:00: Kindergarten will wait in the backyard to be collected at the gate 3:05: Gr. 1/2 will wait at the front of the school 3:10: Gr. 3/4 and Gr. 5 will wait at the front of the school 3:15: Gr. 6 will wait at the front of the school 3:20: Gr. 7/8 will wait at the front of the school

Before Care & After Care Programs (KG – Gr. 8)  Extended Day Kindergarten programming is available for full-year, prepaid enrolment. Drop-ins are not available at this time.  Grade school after care is available for full-year, pre-paid enrolment. You must designate the days your child will be attending. Drop-ins are not available at this time. Please submit your aftercare enrolment form by August 24, 2020.  Before care is not available at this time.  Kindercare and Aftercare run until 5:30pm.

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Cleaning and Sanitization  Routine cleaning and sanitization of facilities and high touch areas throughout the day.  Touchless liquid soap and towel dispensers are available in each classroom and washroom.  Daily professional cleaning at the end of each day.

Classroom Guidelines  Class sizes will accommodate physical distancing guidelines.  Each student will have their own workstation.  Student personal belongings will be stored in a dedicated space in their classroom.  Routine hand hygiene will be required upon entry and exit of class.  There will be no shared resources in the classroom.

Faculty and Staff Training  All grade school staff will have training on re-opening protocols and policies at the end of August.

 All staff will be asked to confirm they have clear self-assessments and their temperatures will be taken prior to entering the building.  All staff will be provided with appropriate PPE and cleaning products, as well as certificate training through the World Health Organization in PPE use and disposal.  The school will be supported by a COVID Compliance Officer in its screening process as well as to advise and monitor our health and safety procedures.  Should a case of COVID-19 be found at the school, we will immediately contact Toronto Public Health for instructions.

Parents will immediately be notified of the health agency’s instructions and the school’s plan to move forward.

Monitoring Student Health While At School  Students who are ill or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to remain home under the care and supervision of their caregivers.  During the school day, should a student exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, the student will be escorted to the self-isolation room until they are taken home.

The school will be obligated to report suspected cases and contact tracing information to our local public health unit and this information will be kept confidential by school staff.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)  Although subject to change based on further recommendation from Public Health Officials, right now, masks are required for teachers and students in grades four through eight.

Staff and essential visitors will be expected to wear masks when physical distancing guidelines can’t be met. Face shields are also under consideration.  Students, staff, and essential visitors wearing a mask throughout the day are responsible for its safe use, cleanliness, and disposal.  All students and faculty must have two clean masks inkeeping the school's dress code (no logos or images).

School Gatherings There will be no large, in-person gatherings.

While maintaining physical distancing will be a priority for the school, we will continue to find ways to come together as a community and build whole school connections in small outdoor groups or within each cohort.

Transportation  We encourage private transportation by caregivers where possible  All families who live within walking distance of the school are encouraged to use active means of transportation (i.e.

Walking, biking, etc.) as much as possible.  Field trips are canceled until further notice, and as such, students will not be using public transportation or chartered buses for school programming at this time.

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Student Wellbeing and Connection  We believe that in-person school attendance and connection with classmates, teachers, and staff support the wellbeing of all our students.  Waldorf Academy is creating resources to support parents, faculty, and staff to help the social-emotional needs of our students.  We will continue to provide Education Support for students in need.  We will hold community-wide events in small outdoor groups or within each cohort in order to maintain our strong community connections while physically distancing.  Teachers and administration will ensure frequent check-ins with students to ensure they are healthy and feel safe, accepted, and seen to address any concerns or anxieties regarding their return to school.  Our school’s social worker will provide faculty with student mental health and wellness understanding prior to the start of the school year.  We know that students enjoy playing closely together and that physical distancing will be challenging, but it is one of the conditions of a safe return to school. Teachers will work diligently with students to ensure the students’ safety through physical distancing in addition to visual reminders.

Outdoor Time and Physical Education  As Waldorf Education emphasizes outdoor play and learning in all weather throughout the day, we are happy to know that our faculty and students will be prepared for spending much time outdoors.  Our teachers are encouraged to facilitate outdoor classrooms as much as possible, using the school’s space as well as our beautiful neighboring green spaces such as Glen Edyth Park and the Spadina House Gardens beside Casa Loma.  The Ministry of Education Guidelines recommend that physical distancing within a cohort is not required during outdoor activities; the students will be outdoors for recess and teachers are encouraged to facilitate learning outside wherever possible.  Although Teachers will provide physical education classes for their students, all after school sports programs and games are canceled until further notice.

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Summer Communication Dates Date

Communication

August/ September

ONGOING communication with updates and information as needed

Week of August 15

Summer Letters from Teacher Teams sent to each class.

Week of August 17

Grade One Visits and Orientation

August 24

Summer Forms sent to families; Synchronous Learning confirmation and Aftercare Registration due

August 25

Director of School and Childcare bi-weekly Newsletter to the community

Week of August Faculty Work Week: Professional Development and 31 Health and Safety protocols and policies will be reviewed Week of August Orientation for new students and Kindergarten 31 students September 8-11

First Week of School/Orientation; staggered classes

Week of September 14

Students begin full days of classes, five days per week

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Frequently Asked Questions What should I do if my child is not feeling well when they wake up?  It is important that all students who are not feeling well stay home until they are symptom free for at least 24 hours.  Student absences must be confirmed directly with Ms. Bogin by email at info@waldorfacademy.org.  Contact your doctor if necessary and/or visit a COVID-19 testing centre if you suspect symptoms of COVID-19.

What will happen if my child falls ill during the school day?  During the school day, should a student exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, the student will be escorted to the self-isolation room under the supervision of the school’s administration until they are taken home.  Parents/caregivers will be notified of their child’s illness and will be required to collect their child immediately. Parents/caregivers must wait for their child in front of the school as parents are not permitted to enter the building at this time.

What if my child has an appointment?  Parents/caregivers should aim to schedule appointments at the beginning or end of the school day; students will not be admitted back to the school once they exit the building for appointments. Ms. Bogin must be notified of any appointments/early dismissals directly at info@waldorfacademy.org  Students must sign out at the office when leaving the building during the school day.  Parents/caregivers must wait for their child in front of the school as parents are not permitted to enter the building at this time.

What if my child forgets their lunch/homework/clothing, etc.?  Although parents and deliveries are not permitted into the building during this time due to increased safety measures, please rest assured that the school will provide students with any food (in keeping with the school’s nut-free policy and individual dietary needs)or additional clothing as needed.

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WALDORF ACADEMY 250 MADISON AVENUE TORONTO, ON M4V 2W6 WALDORFACADEMY.ORG INFO@WALDORFACADEMY.ORG

416.962.6447 19