New Central Policy and Procedures

Website: http://new.hdsb.ca

Student Attendance: go.schoolmessenger.ca​

Principal Email: Lisa Markham markhaml@hdsb.ca

Senior Administrative Assistant: Michelle Perry perrym@hdsb.ca 

Administrative Assistant: Kristi Billing billingk@hdsb.ca

ARRIVAL

Supervision of the school playground begins at 8:05 a.m.  Parents/guardians should be aware that students arriving before this time cannot be assured of the safety that such supervision provides.  Please encourage your children to arrive before 8:20 a.m., when the bell will ring for entry into the school.  

Note: The entrance to the school is a one way system during times of drop off and pick up. The entrance is from Lakeshore Road and the exit is at Balsam Drive. The one way is during the following times:

7:50am - 8:20am

2:30pm - 3:00pm

ABSENCES

The HDSB utilizes a Student Absence Reporting System called SchoolMessenger.​ 

All families must register for SchoolMessenger to report student absences online. For safety reasons the HDSB requests that parents do not call the school directly to report absences, but rather use SchoolMessenger, as this requires sign in and ensures the student’s guardian is reporting the absence. When School Messenger is not informed, an automated call goes out to connect with parents/guardians to determine the reason for the child’s absence. The system will continue to call you until a selection is made.

Options for Reporting Student Absence

• HDSB Mobile App​ (available for download from the App Store and Google Play)

• Website: go.schoolmessenger.ca​

• Phone: 1-877-409-6310 (toll-free)

The SchoolMessenger​ system is accessible 24 hours, seven days a week to report future absences and late arrivals.

Please see this link for more information about installing and using SchoolMessenger and for answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

BICYCLES, SCOOTERS, SKATEBOARDS

Bicycle racks are provided at the school for those who choose to ride to school.  All bicycles must be placed in the racks or storage unit.  For safety reasons, students are not allowed to ride bicycles, skateboards, long-boards or scooters on school grounds.  Bicycle helmets are now required by law and should be worn at all times.  The school cannot accept responsibility for damaged, lost or stolen transport.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Please DO NOT send any food or non-food items to school to celebrate your child’s birthday. Our staff will be sure to acknowledge your child’s birthday in an appropriate way in their classroom.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

We have many students who ride the bus to and from school.  Please be reminded that riding the bus is a privilege, and students who do not follow the expectations on the bus will not be allowed to ride.  Students are only permitted to ride the bus for which they are registered to ride.  Students may not board other buses for any reason. Please contact Halton Student Transportation Services for further information.

We take attendance of all bus riders at the end of the school day to ensure the safety of students. If a bus student who was in attendance at school during the day is not on the bus at the end of the day, we hold the bus until that student is located. If you know that your child will NOT be riding the bus home please inform the office and teacher via email or phone. This helps to keep our buses running on time and also helps the flow of traffic from our school at the end of the day.

BUS REMINDERS:

●     Remain seated in your assigned seat

●     Do not throw anything in or out of the bus.

●     Use polite language and show respect for the bus driver, teacher supervisors and peers.

●     Ask your parent/guardian to email your teacher if there is a change in routine.

COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHERS/ RAISING CONCERNS

New Central Teachers are always learning new methods of communication with students, parents and families.  A note will be coming home from your child’s homeroom teacher to outline specific communication tools they will use with your child(ren) and your home for this upcoming school year. 

As another new year begins we want to remind families that everyone at New Central and the HDSB are here to help you resolve any issues or concerns that may arise.

If you have any concerns about your child's educational program this year or learning environment we are encouraging you to share it at the classroom or school level first.  If after speaking with the classroom teacher you feel your concern is not resolved please reach out to Mrs. Lisa Markham.

Respectful communication about school concerns are always appreciated.

CROSSING GUARD USE

Review the following safe crossing procedures for students on their way to and from school, as well as driving and parking in school zones:

• Children and parents need to stay back from the curb and wait for the crossing guard to assist them to cross safely, always paying attention to their verbal instructions. Pedestrians are required to dismount their bicycles and walk across.

• Drivers - including cyclists - must stop and yield the whole roadway at pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and other locations where there is a crossing guard. Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards have crossed and are safely on the sidewalk can drivers and cyclists proceed.

• Park and walk a block – Cars that are illegally stopped or parked near schools are a safety risk as they affect visibility for other drivers, pedestrians and/or crossing guards. For these reasons, streets around our schools have “No Stopping” and “No Parking” signs installed. 

Please note that many of our guards are covering more than one location and it is very important that students arrive/leave during the school AM, PM supervision times.

DISMISSAL

Students are dismissed at 2:40 p.m (kindergarten at 2:30pm). Supervision of students ends at 2:55pm. Please note the following PICK UP locations:

Kindergarten:  Students are dismissed at 2:30 p.m. from the Kindergarten gates in the fenced enclosure.

Grades 1 – 6:  Students are dismissed onto our blacktop area from doors 11 and 12.  For the safety of all children and protection against unknown adults in the building, parents are not permitted in the school. 

When picking up your child early from school please come to door 1 and ring the bell. Your child will be dismissed to you at the door. We cannot dismiss students to you in the parking lot. For safety reasons we must see that students have made a connection with their guardian.

The end of the school day is an important time for teachers to consolidate learning, summarize homework and talk about events for the following day.  The last 30 minutes of the school day is as important as the beginning of the day.  Interruptions to the classroom during the last 30  minutes of the school day causes a great deal of disruption, not only for the child leaving, but also for the others in the classroom.  We do not call children to come out of class during the last 30 minutes of the school day (between 2:10 and 2:40) unless it is an emergency.  Please keep this in mind when booking appointments or after school events.

DOGS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Many parents find the walk to and from school to be a good time to also walk the family dog.  If this is the case, please do not bring the dog onto the blacktop on school property, as some students are allergic or fearful.  It is also difficult to predict a dog’s behaviour when confronted with a large group of excited children.

DRESS CODE

Student dress is required to be appropriate for a learning environment.  Clothing is required to be safe, comfortable, neat, clean and respectful.  The footwear must be appropriate for a safe and active day.

Below is a list of look-fors to help you when choosing your clothing for school:

●     No profanity on clothing including shirts and hats.

●     No suggestive cartoons or drawings on clothing.

●     No slogans promoting the use of drugs or alcohol on clothing.

●     No derogatory, gender biased or racist comments on clothing.

DROPPING ITEMS OFF AT SCHOOL

We request that families make every effort to ensure that their children bring all necessary materials to school in the morning. If a non-essential item is forgotten (e.g., pencil case, binder, etc.) we request that your child bring it the following day. 

We also request that all children bring their own lunch and snacks to school each day. In the rare instance that a lunch is forgotten, you can drop it off in the office. Please clearly label the lunch before you drop off.  

FIELD TRIPS

Throughout the years field trips will be planned by teachers and supported by the office.  If you have questions about fields please contact your child’s homeroom teacher. 

Refunds cannot be provided for the trip, as the cost is determined based on enrollment numbers. Absences due to illness, vacation, or any other personal reasons will not qualify for a refund. Additionally, the school does not have extra funds available to accommodate students who are absent due to unexpected circumstances.

If your family needs financial assistance to pay for trips or lunches, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.  

FIRE & LOCKDOWN DRILLS

Fire Drills will be held at regular intervals during the year.  A continuous ringing of the fire bell will be a signal for a fire drill.  All staff, students, volunteers and visitors, must leave the school during fire drills.  Students and staff will have warning for some drills, while others may be surprise drills.  Teachers will share fire drill procedures with their students so everyone is aware of how to exit the building safely. 

There will also be two lockdown drills per year, during which students must listen to and comply with all staff directions.

HEAD LICE

Head lice does not reflect a lack of cleanliness, or poor hygiene and anyone can get head lice. They are a nuisance, but they do not cause illness. Head lice are not known to spread disease; they do not survive long when removed from the scalp; and are only communicable through head-to-head contact. Head lice spread easily, especially where individuals are in close contact. They are very common among school aged children or children in childcare. It is recommended that you check your child’s head once a week for two weeks, after school breaks and vacations. Discourage the sharing of hairbrushes, combs, hats, and hair accessories.

What To Do If You Discover Your Child Has Head Lice according to the HDSB Administrative Procedure: 

1. Inform the school immediately so that action may be taken to minimize the spread. 

2. Talk to a pharmacist regarding head lice treatment products. 

3. Administer treatment as recommended by your pharmacist. Your child will be readmitted to school once the treatment procedure has been administered and confirmed by you (parent/guardian). 

4. Parents/guardians should continue to examine their child daily for 7-10 days. If there are still live lice or nits, follow product directions for additional treatments and consult Halton Region Public Health and/or pharmacist as required.

Parents and Guardians are advised to consult with Halton Region Public Health for information on head lice, recommended treatment procedures and prevention.

ILLNESS/INJURY

If a student becomes ill during school hours, a parent/guardian/emergency contact will be phoned and asked to make arrangements to have the student picked up from school as soon as possible.  If your child feels unwell before coming to school, or has a fever, please keep them at home to speed recovery and prevent spreading the illness to classmates. 

Even though safety on school property is a priority, accidents can happen.  Most injuries are minor and can be attended to at school. However, if an accident should occur that requires medical attention, school procedures are as follows:

1. A parent is contacted.

2. If a parent is unavailable, the emergency contact person you have named will be notified.

3. If a student cannot be picked up, the school will follow through to see that proper attention is available.

4. An ill or injured student will not be permitted to leave the school without adult supervision.

Emergency Contacts

In the event that your child is unwell throughout the day, or needs to be picked up at the end of the day, we require that the emergency contacts are individuals who are close enough to the school that they can readily pick up in an emergency situation. These individuals need to be within a reasonable driving distance to be considered an ‘emergency’ contact.

Now that many of our families have returned to in person work, it is very important to have a “Plan B.” Someone that is able to pick up your child in an emergency situation (e.g., Pink eye, flu symptoms, lice, injury) in the event that you cannot. Emergency contacts do not always have to be a family member. They can be a friend or a neighbour. Should you wish to update your child’s emergency contact please email Ms. Billing or Ms. Perry or call the school (905-844-3081).

INCLEMENT WEATHER

The HDSB has inclement weather policies that will be followed. 

Hot Weather

Hot Weather Action Plan - The plan will be activated when weather/environmental triggers occur such as: 

● the humidex reaches or exceeds 35ºC; Environment Canada issues a heat warning 

● there is a smog alert and higher temperatures (27-30ºC); or 

● a heat wave occurs (3 or more days of 32ºC or higher temperatures).

Cold Weather 

When the temperature or wind chill reaches -20°C (twenty degrees below zero, Celsius), students will be granted immediate entry to school upon arrival, and students will remain indoors during nutrition breaks. Students are also required to keep their outdoor coats/jackets with them throughout the instructional day, in case of a need to evacuate the school.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR SHOES

We have students use indoor and outdoor shoes.  Some days Physical Education will take place outdoors, therefore we request that all students come to school wearing running shoes that are appropriate for outdoor Phys. Ed.  Indoor shoes can be left at school.   

LATE ARRIVALS

It is imperative that families make every effort to ensure that their children arrive at school prior to the bell. This avoids unnecessary interruptions in class and will help keep students safe. If students are repeatedly late it impacts both academic learning and social development. 

Students who are late must come to the front door of the school and use the buzzer and will sign in at the office.  Our office staff will record their late arrival in our system. Your child will then proceed directly to class. All lates will be recorded and will appear on their report cards.

LOST & FOUND

Expensive or important items should not be brought to school. Please label all your children’s clothes, lunch bags, water bottles and other belongings. Having your children recognize their own belongings will help build responsibility and independence (part of the learning skills on report cards). We have a lost and found bin where students can retrieve their lost items. Unclaimed items will be donated periodically throughout the school year. 

LUNCHROOM ROUTINES

ALLERGY ALERT:  We have many students with life threatening allergies to peanuts/nuts and nut products, these should not come to school as part of a student’s lunch.

Students eat in their classroom at their desks.  Classes are supervised by a combination of paid lunch supervisors and teachers.

The two nutrition breaks are from 10:00 to 10:40 and from 12:20-1:00. Students must eat in their own classroom at their own desk and food will not be permitted outside. Students must not share their food with others due to allergies, intolerances, and dietary restrictions.

MEDICAL PLANS/MEDICATION

All students with life-threatening Prevalent Medical Conditions (e.g., Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy etc.) are required to have a Medical Plan of Care. These documents can be found on the New Central website under Student Health. A Medical Plan is not required for students who have allergies (e.g., seasonal allergies etc.) that do not require Epi-Pens etc.

If there have been any changes to your child’s medical condition, if your child is new to the school and a plan has not yet been created, or if your child has developed a new medical condition, please contact our principal-Lisa Markham.

Signed authorization forms must be on file in the school office before school personnel can administer prescribed medication to an elementary school child or for a child to self-medicate (i.e. inhaler for asthma).  The appropriate forms may be obtained from the school office or through the link on our website.  Any change in medication or dosage requires a new doctor's note.  All medication is stored and administered at the office and a record is maintained there.  It is important that you contact the office for information regarding procedures if your child has any severe allergies. 

“Over the counter” medication CANNOT be administered to students by staff without a prescription from a doctor. Students are not permitted to bring medication to school.

PARKING

Accessible parking spots are available at the front of New Central’s main entrance. Permits are required.  Our parking lot is reserved for staff and for essential visitors to our school. Please make an effort to walk or bike to school or, if driving, know that parking in our small parking lots is very limited. Dropping off your child at the north end gate and having your child walk through the school field to the blacktop may be an option. There is no parking on Michael Terrace but you can stop and drop off. If you are driving your child to school, please read our procedures below: Dropping off on Balsam in the 'can park zones' on the west side Balsam north of the school is another option. Dropping off and parking in front of the school on Balsam is dangerous, has resulted in near misses and slowed down the exiting from our parking lot.

PLEASE DO NOT PARK OR DROP OFF YOUR CHILDREN ON BALSAM at the school parking lot......check the city signage posted on the street.

Drop off options:

1. Michael Terrace drop off...student walks through field to black top...car stop only...no parking...

2. Enter via Lakeshore and use our Kiss and Ride lane to drop off students grade 1-6 all along that lane – students only should exit on the right side of car only...caution when pulling out into the left side of the lane

3. Kindergarten children can use the south kindergarten gate or the west kindergarten gate off the blacktop to enter in the morning.

4. Park on Balsam, north of school on west side...check parking signs

5. Walk, ride or roll to school...healthy and safe option

6. Bus picks up and drops off students at the end of the lane on the sidewalk near the yellow gates.  

PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY/CELL PHONES

Students are not required to bring personal devices to school and will be provided with school technology for all of their academic needs.  If students choose to bring technology to school, it is expected that they leave their device, turned off, in their backpack or locker at all times. Students may not use their devices (smartphones, watches) at break time or in the hallways. Never, at any time, are students to take pictures, video, or audio recordings of students or staff during the school day unless prior approval has been set up as part of an assignment during which the teacher will supervise.  

Should an emergency situation arise where parents need to pass a message to their student or students need to speak with a parent, a phone call or message can be coordinated through the main office.  Things such as after school plans, playing at a friend’s house, etc. should be communicated prior to arrival at school.  

The school is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged technology. For more information, please visit the HDSB’s Technology and You website. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students must be dressed appropriately to allow full participation in physical education.  For safety, running shoes must be worn (lace-up, velcro and tie-up).  No slip-ons, open backs or loafer style shoes are allowed for PE. Also, please ensure that your child is dressed for the weather as physical education classes also take place outside depending on the activity (baseball, snowshoeing) and the weather.

Parents must sign a ‘Permission to Participate’ form emailed to families in September.  If a student has been excluded from full participation in physical education classes due to medical issues (e.g., concussion, broken bones), a ‘Permission to Resume Participation’ form must be obtained from our office and signed by the referring doctor.

PLAYGROUND EXPECTATIONS

Any games and activities you decide to do at recess must be safe and respectful.  If it is not safe or respectful, then you will be asked to stop the activity.  If students are having a problem at recess, they are always reminded to see an adult in the orange vest for assistance. 

Students are reminded to never throw any objects that could cause harm to others. (e.g., sticks, stones, snowballs). 

To help keep the playground clean, and the bees away, food and/or drinks are not permitted on the playground.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE

The teachers will regularly, and in a variety of ways, recognize and reinforce good behaviour, appropriate problem solving, and positive contributions.  However, if a student is unable or unwilling to meet the school’s expectations we will support our staff and students by using many of the strategies outlined in the HDSB’s code of conduct pages.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

School Council helps to promote a balanced school life for our Students by seeking out opportunities to support and enhance programs in areas such as science, arts, sports, academics and community involvement.  Meetings are held 6 times a year and everyone is welcome to attend. Our School Council supports our food programs, Spring Fair, Camp Fair and much more. They are always looking for new members and volunteers. Email: newcentral.chair@gmail.com.

STUDENT HEALTH NEEDS

Each September you will receive forms to complete to assist us in updating our medical information at the school.  These information forms are essential if your child requires medication at school (either on a regular basis or in case of an emergency) or if your child has a serious condition such as asthma or a life threatening allergy (e.g.,peanut, bee sting etc.). It is very important that parents keep the school current with medical needs. You can find links to these forms on the New Central website under Student Health.

The Anaphylaxis Protocol 2006 outlines that all schools must have school-wide plans and individual plans for students and/or staff identified as having anaphylactic reactions to allergens. The intent of the Anaphylaxis Protocol is to create a safe learning and working environment for all persons with severe allergy conditions.  If you have any questions about your child’s plan, please contact the principal at the school.

We have a number of students who have a life-threatening allergy to peanuts, tree nuts and peanut/nuts products, fish, and shellfish.  Therefore, we request that our families refrain from sending any food with peanut or nut products to school.

UPDATING STUDENT INFORMATION

It is necessary to notify the School Office of student information changes (e.g., address, phone number, contacts in case of emergency).  It is most important to ensure that the school has a number for at least one emergency contact.  It is essential that the school is able to make contact with a parent or designate at all times.  Please contact the office if you have new contact information at any point throughout the school year.

VACATION/EXTENDED ABSENCES

If you are planning a family vacation during the school year, please report the absence through School Messenger indicating the dates of your child’s absence.  Communicate with your child’s teachers to inform them of the planned absence.  If you are leaving for more than 15 consecutive school days, you must contact the office to sign “An Extended Absence Form”.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

In an effort to ensure the safety of our students in the school environment, the Halton District School Board has reviewed the Access to Schools policy.  The following statements are extracted from the policy;

“All persons visiting the school must sign in at the school office and state the purpose of their visit to the school.  A person is not permitted to remain on school premises if the person fails to sign in as required. Persons authorized to be on school premises are not entitled to have access to all areas of the school premises and may only access areas of the school as permitted and as related to their role in the school at that time.”  

We ask all parents/visitors to enter using the front door and to register at the school office upon arrival, prior to entering any other area of the school.  This includes situations such as bringing children to school and delivering materials, lunches or messages to staff or students. When you are delivering forgotten items, such as lunches or gym clothes, please give the labelled items to the office staff.  So as not to disrupt learning time, the office staff will call the student to collect the item on their nutritional break.  Similarly, messages will only be conveyed to students during nutritional breaks.  

VOLUNTEERING

All volunteers MUST have a Vulnerable Sector Check on file at the office from the Halton Police. The name and address on the Vulnerable Sector Check must match the information we have on file. Once received the office will verify your name and personal details match the information we have on file for you/your children. 

If we have one on file from previous years, it is still valid with an Offence Declaration each year. These forms can be signed at the office.

As mandated by the Ontario government, all school doors will be locked during instructional hours. If you need access to the school, there is a buzzer system at the front door where someone will let you in to report to the office.

WONDERFUL PARTNERSHIPS

We look forward to wonderful partnerships with our families this coming school year!