Practices and Procedures

School Hours

Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. and end at 2:10 p.m. Students may not arrive at school earlier than 7:55 a.m. Bus dismissal time is 2:15 p.m. 

Morning Drop Off

We encourage students to come to school on the bus. If you are dropping your child off, please drop them off no earlier than 7:55 am. Drive in as close to the main doors as possible (no parking, please) and then continue around the loop and continue back down the driveway. For student safety, you are not permitted drive around the school as that is the designated school bus loop. 

Scent Free

Fragrance chemicals can trigger allergies, asthma, and migraines in some people. Students, staff, and visitors are asked to refrain from using fragranced personal products.

Student Sign In/Out

Please note, for your child’s safety, parents, guardians or relatives who are picking up or dropping off students during school hours are required to notify the office by phone or email. All students coming to school after the 8:15 a.m. bell must be brought in to the main doors by the office where we will meet you. As well, when students must leave school before 2:15 p.m. parents/guardians are required to notify the office. Your child will then be called from their class to the office. If you pick up your child every day they will be dismissed at 2:15 p.m. when the buses leave. We ask that if you have to pick up your child early at the end of the day that it be at 1:45 p.m. (or earlier if needed) as Pre-Primaries are loading onto the buses by the main office from 1:55 p.m. to 2:05 p.m. If anyone other than the legal guardian is picking your child up, we require a written note. Thank you for your cooperation!

Idle-Free Zone 

Please note that all entrances around our building are designated as “Idle Free Zones”. Please turn your vehicle off when waiting to pick someone up. It is very surprising how fumes enter the building when your vehicle is left idling.

Medication 

In order for any medication (prescription or non-prescription) to be given at school the child’s parent/guardian must first fill out the proper permission form available at the school office. Prescription medication must be brought to school in its original container with the pharmacy label attached if it is to be administered at school. A permission form is available from the office and must be signed by the parent/guardian. Teachers do not typically administer medication. All medication is usually kept at the office as this is where the children need to take it. 

Gymnasium Footwear and Clothing for Physical Education Classes

In order to keep the gym floor maintenance to a minimum and to ensure student safety in the gym, we request that footwear for activity in the gym be sneakers that can be kept inside with white soles (if possible). Dark soled sneakers leave large black marks on the gym floor. We also ask that students have a pair of inside sneakers and outside footwear. Students in grades 3-5 are encouraged to wear shorts or track pants and a t-shirt for physical education class. Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are encouraged to change their clothes before and after physical education classes

Recess and Noon Hour

Students will almost always go outside at recess and noon hour. If it is raining or extremely cold they will be supervised indoors. Please remember that our hill is often windy and cold. Children need warm clothing to be comfortable outdoors. All children are expected to go outside. Except for extenuating circumstances, we feel that if the children are not well enough to go outside for brief periods they should not be at school.

Student Transportation 

We encourage you to make as few changes as possible to your child’s bus routine (especially in the afternoon) as it reduces the chances of any miscommunication. If your child is in grade Pre-Primary to Grade One, an adult must meet them when they get off the bus or the bus driver will return the student to the school. If you wish your child to travel on a different bus or get off at a different stop at any time throughout the year, you must email a note outlining your request on the day of the change or call the office by 10:00 a.m. Please include the date and exact location that your child is going on the note. All such requests must be authorized by the school before a bus driver can comply with it. In some cases the buses may be loaded to capacity. If so, the request cannot be authorized. The parent will be notified if this situation arises. This year, bus changes will only be approved for child care purposes.

Please note that a child will be sent home to their regular stop unless a written request from a parent is received. If there are any major changes to bus routes or times, you will receive a note from the school.

Digital Cameras 

Digital cameras are NOT to be brought to school unless the student is given prior permission from the teacher.

Cellphones and Electronic Devices 

We do not encourage students to bring electronic devices to school. Students are to use the phone in the main office to make phone calls.

Birthday Party Invitations 

Reminder: We are not allowed to send out any personal information of students including phone numbers and street addresses. Birthday invitations are not to be delivered at the school by the child. 

Student Attendance 

Consistent student attendance is important. It is understood that there are legitimate reasons why students must miss school. When this occurs, the school will work with you to ensure your child does not fall behind. Please communicate these situations with the child’s teacher and the school principal. Do not hesitate to phone your child’s teacher or the school Principal if you are encountering difficulties getting your child to attend school. Allow us to work with you to find solutions. We are willing to sit with you to look at your child’s programming and school experiences as well as any other factors that may impact on your child attending school.

Breakfast Program 

In an effort to address the reality of children coming to school without breakfast, our school has a Breakfast Program. The Breakfast Program will be delivered to each class in the morning. 

Custody Issues 

If you have a court order that limits the rights of one parent in matters of custody or visitation, please bring a copy to the Office. Unless your court order has been served and is on file with us, we must provide equal rights to both parents. You can help to create the optimal educational environment for your child.

Note: Please update the office annually with current court orders.

Contact Information 

Please remember to ALWAYS contact the school when there are changes to your phone number, email address and your emergency contact phone number. It is very important that we are able to reach you when necessary. 

Visitors

Parents, Guardians & Visitors entering the School must check in at the office. Parents, Guardians & Visitors are not permitted to go to classrooms during class time without permission or unless accompanied by a Staff Member.