Inside the Circle – December 30, 2025

Wearing the proper footwear in winter can help prevent slips and falls, especially on ice or snow. When choosing the right footwear, consider:

• Soles. Rubber soles are best for avoiding slips on ice, while leather soles and high heels should be avoided.
• Fit. Boots should fit well and have enough room for thick socks. They should also be tall enough to protect your ankles.
• Insulation. Choose a lining that will keep your feet warm and dry.
• Ice cleats. Lightweight, slip-on ice cleats can be easily used to enhance traction in the snow.

If you’re walking in wintry conditions, assume all surfaces are icy and approach them with caution. Ice can be nearly invisible, and it can be very dangerous.

Tips include:

• Keep your hands and arms free to help with balance
• Angle your feet slightly outward
• Lower your body and tilt forward while walking
• Take short steps and walk at a slower pace
• Focus on walking and do not multi-task (such as using a phone, reading, etc.)

Stay safe this winter with proper footwear and careful steps.

If you have a question about leaves of absence, pay, benefits, or scheduling, please visit the FAQ page on the PSW Portal for quick answers to common questions. You can access the FAQ page at any time by tapping the menu button at the top and looking under “Working at Circle of Care.”

You may also use the button below.

Southbound Off-ramp of the DVP Closed to Richmond Street

• When: Until Spring 2026
• TTC/Traffic Changes: The southbound off-ramp of the DVP to Richmond Street remains closed until spring 2026.

Please take a few minutes to complete the Global Workforce Survey. This is your chance to share your thoughts about your workplace anonymously. Your feedback helps us learn what’s going well and what we can make even better for you.

Note that the survey is anonymous (your name will not be shared). Thank you in advance for your participation!

Please complete the survey as soon as possible.

To support your safety, we provide free, required CPR training and free N95 Mask Fit testing through our vendor. Your CPR certificate is valid for 3 years. Your Mask Fit must be renewed every 2 years.

Please check the upcoming training dates you can register for:

CPR Training – Upcoming Sessions

North York – Tuesday, January 27, 2026

700 Lawrence Ave W, Unit 440

09:00–12:00

13:00–16:00

Mask Fit Testing – Upcoming Sessions (Head Office)

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

11:00–11:30

11:40–12:10

12:20–12:50

13:00–13:30

How to Register

Text to Register for CPR/Mask Fit

Text 647-496-5189 with:

• Full name
• Email
• Training location
• Preferred time

You can also call 905-272-9214, or book through First Aid Care on the Circle of Care Training Hub, using the button below.

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.”

We offer discounted home and auto insurance through our discount program, Perkopolis. As a group member, you could save up to 32% on car and home insurance through belairdirect.

For more details, please use the buttons below.

High Five for PSW Eugenia Laryea

“Eugenia was very gentle and lovely.” – Client

High Five for PSW Shirley Alvarez

“Shirley was amazing, calm, confident, and composed. She gave me a lot of confidence during her visit.” – Client

High Five for PSW Jocelyn Curiba

“Jocelyn is fantastic and provides care with respect, dignity, and joy.” – Client

High Five for PSW Romela Cortez

“Romela is highly professional, has a great personality, and will always be welcome.” – Client

High Five for PSW Ayisha Afzal

“We’re very happy with Ayisha and would like to have her ongoing.” – Client’s spouse

High Five for PSW Rukinder Kaur

“We are very happy with Rukinder, as she is kind, positive, and always smiling, which brings comfort to our home.” – Client and spouse

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.