Inside the Circle – August 26, 2026

All PSWs and Homemakers receive vacation time and vacation pay under the Collective Agreement.

Your vacation benefits depend on how long you have worked at Circle of Care. Your years of service are calculated each September.

Reminders: 

• Vacation days are not paid when you take the time off.
• Your vacation pay is usually paid to you once a year in September.
• If you would like to receive your earned vacation pay before September, email payroll@circleofcare.com.

How to Request Vacation Time: 

• Submit your vacation request through the mobile app.
• Your Service Coordinator will review your request.

Questions: If you have questions about your vacation time and/or pay, please review the Collective Agreement.

Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)

• When: August 21 – September 7
• Details: Lots of traffic on Lake Shore Blvd West, Dufferin St, Strachan Ave, and the Gardiner Expressway. A lot of people will be on the 509/511 streetcars and Exhibition GO. 

Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) – Opening Weekend

• When: Sept 3 -7
• Details: King Street West will be closed from Peter Street and University Avenue.

Helping clients move safely is an important part of your job. Your safety and your client’s safety must always come first.

The video above shows safe ways to help clients move and transfer when they can put weight on their legs. It also explains how to use equipment such as:

• Transfer boards
• Slide sheets
• Mechanical lifts

Always follow safe practices and use the correct equipment when needed.

To support your safety and meet requirements, Circle of Care provides free CPR training and free N95 Mask Fit testing through our vendor.

Your CPR certificate is valid for 3 years, and your Mask Fit must be renewed every 2 years.

How to Register

Text 647-496-5189 with:

• Full name

• Email

• Training location

• Preferred time

or call 905-272-9214 or register online using the button below.

Registration closes 7 business days before the session.

Important Reminders

• Arrive 15 minutes early.

• After booking, tell your Service Coordinator if you need schedule changes.

• Choose a time when you do not have client visits.

• Your schedule will be blocked as Unavailable for the training.

• You will be paid after completion:
  • CPR: 3 hours
  • Mask Fit: 1 hour

• Payment appears on your paystub as “Miscellaneous.”

Your safety is important. Wearing the right shoes can help prevent slips, trips, and falls when you are working in clients’ homes and in the community. 

Please follow the Safe Footwear Policy:

• Wear closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles when providing direct client care.
• Wear water-resistant shoes or boots when working in wet conditions.
• Do not wear sandals, high heels, or shoes with holes when working in direct client care areas.

Skechers Shoes Discount – Save 30% on men’s and women’s shoes through Perkopolis. Use the discount codes below: 

• Online: Use promo code SKXDPERKOP30 at www.skechers.ca
• In-store: Use retail code G8S

Choosing safe footwear helps protect you and your clients. Take advantage of these discounts to stay safe and comfortable while you work.

The CNE is happening until September 7, and if you’re planning a visit this summer, you can save money on tickets through our discount program.

Discount Prices:

• Admission Pass: $25
• Ride All Day Pass: $51

Having trouble with the ticket link? We apologize that the link did not work in previous weeks of your newsletter. If the link does not open, please scan the QR code above with your personal phone to access the CNE discount tickets website.

You can access discounted home and car insurance through our Perkopolis discount program.

Need help? Call Belair Insurance: 1-833-887-4626

Just a reminder that our GoodLife Fitness Corporate Membership is still available! You can enjoy a 25% discount on any GoodLife Fitness membership with $0 enrollment fee. You can also add 2 family members to your plan!

When you are ready to register, make sure you have your employee ID. Your employee ID number (not your voicemail or badge number) can be found in your Dayforce profile or at the top of your paystub. If you have any questions or need help, please reach out to our HR team HRDept@circleofcare.com for help.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Rewards & Contests for GoodLife Fitness Members

Caring for others can be rewarding, but it can also feel stressful or overwhelming at times.

Frontline Wellness is a free and confidential program that supports health-care workers in Ontario. You can talk with a professional, learn coping strategies, or join group sessions to connect with others and build new skills.

Getting started is easy. Complete a self-referral and choose a time that works for you.

Questions? Please contact:

• frontlinewellness@waypointcentre.ca
• (705) 549-5144 | 1-877-341-4729 x 5000

Life can be busy and stressful. When you need a break, try one of these simple ways to relax:

• Go for a walk and enjoy some fresh air.
• Stretch to help your body relax.
• Read a book you enjoy.
• Write in a journal to clear your mind.
• Turn off your phone and take a break from notifications.

Even a few minutes of self-care can help reduce stress and improve your mental health and well-being.

Please welcome the following new PSWs to Circle of Care: 

• Morufat Buhari
• Jamaica Zecel Riola
• Mboh Law-Billin
• Omolade Adeyemi
• Njideka Onyia
• Nafisa Haji
• Engracia Sabado
• Sabeena Roopnaraine
• Temica Alves
• Sanam Karki
• Jane Njunge
• Winta Yemane
• Celestine Tabemonso
• Joan Murima
• Carolyne Mugo
• Reinell Pamo
• Millicent Owusu
• Arlghea Soriano

Each week, we’re proud to recognize the PSWs who are celebrating their work anniversaries. Every anniversary—no matter the number of years—represents the dedication, compassion, and commitment you bring to supporting our clients and community. Thank you for the important role you play at Circle of Care. This week’s list includes PSWs celebrating work anniversaries between August 23-29. 

Congratulations to the following PSWs on their years of service with Circle of Care:

August 24

• 22 Years: Tatiana Nikonorova

August 26

• 10 Years (MILESTONE!): Genelyn Gonzales, Jocelyn Gammad, Leian Rivera, Leslie Habig

August 28

• 1 Year: Britnie Morris, Edelyn Inoncillo, Juliet Masade, Myra Florence Abao, Priyanka Christian
• 3 Years: Antonia Lewis, Bernadeth Gaboy, Romeo Geraldo, Yevheniia Kovalenko

August 29

• 2 Years: Ampeawa Amoto, Antonette Sto Domingo, Delia Labang, Denisha Ashman, Jobelyn Baracao, Kelli-Ann Bowen
• 4 Years: Lorebeth Parreno, Patrice Menzie, Peterpaul Quidella

Individuals celebrating milestone anniversaries (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 years) will receive a one-time cash award to their pay cheque at the end of the quarter. Payment amount will depend on service length.

A High Five for PSW Miracle Adebajo

Miracle provided exceptional care with compassion, patience, and dignity. Her support made a meaningful difference to both our family and my loved one, especially during palliative care. We are sincerely grateful for everything she did. – Client’s daughter

High Five for PSW Amanda Khan

I am very appreciative of Amanda’s service and found her very helpful whenever I needed assistance. – Client

High Five for PSW Jane Soribe

Jane provides excellent care and works very well with me. – Client

High Five for PSW Blessing Otokpa

I am very happy with the care and support Blessing provides. – Client

High Five for PSW Aliah Lynch

Aliah is amazing with my loved one. We truly appreciate the care and support she provides. – Client’s daughter

High Five for PSW Sarah Teke

Sarah is a great PSW, and we are very grateful for the care and support she provides. – Client’s daughter

Has someone gone above and beyond at work? Give them a High Five!

The High Five program lets you publicly recognize staff members for their outstanding work. High Fives will be posted in your weekly Inside the Circle newsletter.

To give a high five, just click on the button below or use the link in the rotating banner on the Portal home page.

Please note: We do not accept anonymous submissions for this program. High Fives must be submitted by an individual person, whether they are a staff member or member of the community.

Have a question? Submit your questions or feedback anonymously below!

Please note that it may take us longer to provide some answers. If your question hasn’t been answered yet, we will get back to you as soon as we can.

If you experience violence, harassment, discrimination, or hate at work or during working hours, please report it to your Supervisor or Human Resources.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can submit a report using the Anonymous Incident Reporting Form by clicking the button below.

You may choose to include your name to help with the investigation, but it is not required. Anonymous reports will still be reviewed and investigated.