September
2019
Dear
families,
It is
important to us that we provide a caring, safe and inclusive environment in our
school that supports the academic achievement and well-being of all students.
We held a school assembly this week to talk about some of the important
elements of a caring and safe school. You may want to have a conversation with
your child about what they learned and discussed. Topics covered include:
Positive
Behaviour
Students are encouraged to
demonstrate positive character attributes (such as empathy, courage and respect
for human rights and inclusivity). We also discussed standing up for each other
in bullying situations and the importance of reporting incidents of bullying,
including:
o Telling a
caring adult
o Using the
YRDSB’s “Report It Button” (located on our school website)
o Contacting
Kids
Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)
Student Discipline
We use a progressive discipline
approach when inappropriate behaviour occurs. This means we consider a range of
options to determine the most appropriate response to each situation to help
students learn from their choices. In some cases, suspension or expulsion may
be necessary. The Ontario Education Act and our Board Caring and Safe Schools
Policy outline the situations in which suspension and expulsion must be
considered. These infractions are also outlined in the Guide to the School
Year. When inappropriate behaviour occurs, information will be shared with the
victim and parents/guardians of the victim to the extent that legislation
allows.
Tobacco/Alcohol/Drug-Free
Environment
The use of tobacco, electronic
products (such as vaping, electronic cigarettes and cigars and related
products) and/or student possession of alcohol/illegal and restricted drugs,
including cannabis, are prohibited on school property or within 20 metres of
school boundaries. This also applies during Board or school-sponsored events
and activities. This is in compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, which is
enforced locally by York Region Community and Health Services and the Tobacco
and Smoke-Free Environment Policy and Procedure. A progressive form of
discipline, including suspension from school and fines (up to $5,000), is in
place for students who break the law. In accordance with the Smoke-Free Ontario
Act (SFOA), exceptions are made for the traditional use of tobacco that forms
part of Indigenous culture and spirituality.
We also discussed the potential
harms associated with vaping and e-cigarettes, including that e-cigarettes can
contain nicotine, formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals, and are being used
to inhale other harmful substances such as marijuana, weight loss supplements
and other drugs. Partnership for Drug
Free Kids also provides a resource on how to talk to your kids about vaping.
Appropriate Use of Technology
Students were reminded about the
Appropriate Use of Technology agreement, including the importance of using
respectful language and making positive choices when using electronic
communications and social media tools.
Students were reminded that
threats made online are taken seriously and may have serious consequences,
including potential criminal charges. Where there are concerns for the safety
of students, staff, community members or Board property, the school board works
closely with York Regional Police and appropriate actions are taken. The safety
and well-being of students remains our top priority.
For More
Information
For more
details on each of these items, please read the Guide to the School Year or
visit the Caring and Safe Schools section
on the YRDSB website for details and resources for families to continue the
conversation.
Thank you
for helping us create a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.