Highlights from this week

  • Join our September Step Count Challenge!
  • Payroll Questions? Email the Payroll Team
  • Upcoming Events that May Impact Transit and Traffic
  • Check In With Your Body Using the PainPoint App
  • Last Chance for Discounted CNE Tickets
  • Tips to Help Calm a Difficult Situation
  • Your Words Matter: Using Respectful & Inclusive Words
  • Work Anniversaries This Week
  • High Fives
  • Incident Reporting Form

Join our September Step Count Challenge!

This September, join the Step Count Wellness Challenge for a month of friendly competition, healthy habits, and prizes. Whether you’re walking for fitness, fresh air, or fun, every step counts!

The challenge runs from September 1 to October 2, 2026.

How to Join – Choose the step tracking method that works best for you:

  1. Use the StepUp App: Download the free StepUp app, connect your phone or wearable device, and join the Circle of Steps 2026 group. (Scan the QR CODE above with your phone if you are having trouble accessing the group.)
  2. Submit Steps Manually: Enter your weekly totals in the 2026 Step Count Tracking Sheet. (If you have trouble accessing the tracking sheet, email your weekly step count to HRDept@circleofcare.com and we will enter it for you.)
  3. Email Your Steps: Send a screenshot of your weekly step count from any fitness tracker, pedometer, or app to HRDept@circleofcare.com.

Prizes – The participant with highest overall step count will win the Grand Prize: a wellness and self-care gift basket!

This year, there are even more ways to win. In addition to the grand prize, you can earn prizes by reaching step milestones, completing bonus challenges, and meeting the overall participation goal.

Download App Here

Step Milestone Challenges

  • 250,000 Step Challenge – Reach 250,000 total steps by the end of the challenge.
  • 70,000 Week – Reach 70,000 steps in a single week.
  • 50,000 Consistency Challenge – Reach 50,000 steps in each full week (Sept. 6-12, 13-19, and 20-26).
  • Strong Finish Challenge – Finish Week 5 with at least 25% more steps than Week 1.

Each milestone achieved earns one entry into that milestone’s prize draw. You can be entered  for multiple prizes but may win only one prize.

Bonus Challenges & Prize Draws

  • Photo Walk Challenge – Snap a photo during your walk (nature, public art, favourite neighbourhood spot, etc.) and email it to HRDept@circleofcare.com with the subject line “Step Challenge Photo” for a chance to win.
  • Sunrise or Sunset Challenge – Capture a sunrise or sunset on your walk and email it to HRDept@circleofcare.com with the subject line “Sunrise/Sunset Challenge” to enter the prize draw.
  • Participation Prize Draw – Reach at least 64,000 total steps by the end of the challenge to be entered into a participation prize draw.

Reminders & Announcements

Payroll Questions? Email the Payroll Team

If you have any questions about your pay, please contact the Payroll team at payroll@circleofcare.com.

Examples of payroll questions include:

  • Your pay stub
  • Pay codes on your pay stub
  • T4 slips or other tax forms
  • RRSP contributions
  • CPP (Canada Pension Plan)

Upcoming Events that May Impact Transit and Traffic

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 to University Avenue.

Labour Day Parade

  • When: September 7 (8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
  • Details: Road closures and traffic delays are expected along the parade route. The parade begins at University Avenue and Queen Street West, travels west on Queen Street West to Dufferin Street, and continues south on Dufferin Street to Exhibition Place.

Subway Line 1 Early Nightly Closures

  • When: September 8 – 11 and September 14 – 18
  • Details: Line 1 will close early each night starting at 11:59 p.m. between St. Clair and College stations for maintenance work. Shuttle buses will operate during the closures.

Taste of the Kingsway

  • When: September 11 – 13
  • Details: Bloor Street West will be closed between Montgomery Road and Prince Edward Drive for this event. The full road closure begins Friday at 12:00 p.m. and remains in effect through Sunday night. Expect heavy traffic in the area.

Cabbagetown Festival

  • When: September 12 – 13
  • Details: Full road closures will be in effect on Parliament Street (between Wellesley Street and Gerrard Street East) and Carlton Street (between Parliament Street and Sherbourne Street). Closures begin Saturday at 6:00 a.m. and continue until Sunday at 11:00 p.m. Traffic delays are expected in the area.

Subway Line 2 Late Opening

  • When: September 13
  • Details: Line 2 service between St George and Broadview stations will start later than usual, opening at 11:00 a.m. for track maintenance. Shuttle buses will run during the morning closure.
Road Closures

Health & Safety

Check In With Your Body Using the PainPoint App

Do you have aches, pains, or discomfort after work? PainPoint is a free app from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). The app helps you:

  • Check areas of pain or discomfort in your body.
  • Learn what may be causing the discomfort.
  • Get simple tips to reduce strain on your muscles and joints.
  • It is a helpful tool if you want to learn more about safe body movement and prevent pain before it starts.
Download App Here

Wellness at Work

Last Chance for Discounted CNE Tickets

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.

Buy Tickets Here

Tips to Help Calm a Difficult Situation

Sometimes a person may feel upset, angry, or frustrated. How we respond can help keep the situation from getting worse.

Keep these tips in mind:

  • Stay calm. Speak slowly and do not respond with anger.
  • Use a calm voice. Keep your voice low and steady.
  • Watch your body language. Avoid sudden movements or actions that may seem threatening.
  • Stay close to others when possible. Think about how you would get help if you needed it.
  • Have a safe exit. Stay in a place where you can leave easily if the situation becomes unsafe.

Your Words Matter: Using Respectful & Inclusive Words

The words you use every day can make a difference. They can help people feel respected, understood, and included.

This short video explains ways to use more respectful language at work by:

  • Being clear and specific
  • Respecting how people identify themselves
  • Avoiding assumptions about others
  • Being open to learning when someone corrects us

Community Corner

Work Anniversaries This Week

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 30 – September 5. 

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

August 30

5 Years (MILESTONE!): Binu Lama

August 31

6 Years: Mesay Keneni, Rosemarie Dugay

September 4

20 Years (MILESTONE!): Theodora Johnson

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.

High Fives

High Five for PSW Princess Sopoco

My first visit with Princess went very well. She was professional, and I am very happy with the services I receive from Circle of Care. – Client

High Five for PSW Josie Campus

Josie provides exceptional care and support. I am so happy with her services and love her like my own daughter. – Client

High Five for PSW Shiosta Ventura

Shiosta was amazing, kind, and patient. She helped me feel comfortable and at ease, and I am grateful for the care and support she provided. – Client’s daughter

High Five for PSW Clea Machalig

I truly appreciate the care and support Clea provides. She consistently delivers high-quality care and has made a positive difference in my experience. – Client

High Five for PSW Carl Demanawa and PSW Sylvester Bartley

Carl and Sylvester provided outstanding care and support to our loved one. We are grateful for the kindness, compassion, and respect they showed our family throughout their time with us. – Client’s family

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.

Submit a High Five

Ask Us Anything

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.

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Incident Reporting Form

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.

Anonymous Incident Reporting Form