TDSB students 12 and up must be vaccinated to play competitive winter sports
All Toronto District School Board students ages 12 and up must be fully vaccinated to take part in competitive winter sports, including basketball, hockey, and swimming, the school board confirmed Friday.
In a statement, the TDSB said that students will need both doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine to participate in sports that involve competition between schools, mixing of students, and travel to other TDSB schools and/ or external venues.
For sports that occur within their school and only with students from their school, it is recommended that participants are vaccinated but vaccination is not required.
“Sports and other activities are important to students’ mental and physical health and overall school experience and TDSB staff have been working over the past several weeks to safely re-introduce some school sports and teams. Many families, students and staff have had questions regarding the re-introduction of sports and student vaccination,” the school board’s statement read.
“This decision is consistent with recommendations from Toronto Public Health and has been made with the health and safety of students and staff in mind, as getting vaccinated helps ensure strong protection against COVID-19. The TDSB decision also follows other school boards that require student vaccination to participate in sports.”
The TDSB noted that many competitions and finals occur in venues where a vaccine mandate already exists and in instances where students attend those facilities, they will need to show proof of vaccination to enter the building.
“Students will be required to upload proof of vaccination to the Service Now App (see instructions below) to participate on any inter-school team,” the TDSB added.
“In rare cases where a student is unable to be vaccinated, we will work with Toronto Public Health and staff to develop a process to support these students so they can safely participate where possible.”
This week, the province began rolling out its vaccination program for children ages five to 11 following Health Canada’s approval of Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.
The TDSB said it will “continue to follow the guidance and recommendations provided by Toronto Public Health” and will implement additional vaccination requirements for younger students if it is deemed necessary.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.