Fern in the News: Replace Your TDSB Issued Mask!

Thanks to Fern parent Cortleigh Teolis for bringing the quality of TDSB-issued masks to our attention.   

CBC Marketplace recently did a study on the quality of masks. Cortleigh did some research, and discovered that the masks provided by the TDSB fall in the category of "WORST/AVOID."  Cortleigh brought it to Rosanna's attention, and the school administration is working with the TDSB to replace the black masks distributed at the beginning of the year. 

See the article below for Cortleigh's interview with the CBC, and the Marketplace article for masks to avoid. 

Meanwhile, we know you have a lot on your plate, but if you have alternative masks available, please refrain from wearing the black TDSB-issued masks (which are a cotton/polyester), as well as other face coverings listed in the “WORST/AVOID” category, including neck gaiters and bandanas. 

If you don't have alternative masks, Fern Admin will supply a disposable blue medical style mask, ranked as a top performer. 

Also, please consider Dr. Tam’s recommendation about three layer masks. TPH also recommends a third layer for extra protection. I know we all have a basket of one and two layer masks at the door, but if you have sourced three layer masks, or can teach us a hack to use on masks we already have, please let us know so we can share with the parent community. We don't know if and when Dr. Tam's recommendation will hit the TDSB, but we have more information now about the relative effectiveness of the masks we send to school. 

This message is not intended to hit the panic button, but to let you know that recommendations at various levels are changing. We are all learning throughout this pandemic and it’s not always easy to keep up with the latest science and recommendations. 

Thank you to our teachers, staff and students for doing their part. Thanks Cortleigh for doing the research and bringing this to the attention of parents across the TDSB, and thanks to Rosanna for standing up for Fern! 

School Council Exec and Safe Return Committee 

CBC Article, November 24th: 

CBC Marketplace Article, November 13th