School and Safety Procedures

Staff are trained to follow specific emergency procedures for situations such as fires, earthquakes, or other threats. We hold practice drills throughout the year so students know what to do during real emergencies.

Because the fire alarm sounds the same for all types of emergencies (and because it may take time to confirm the situation) it is critical that everyone leaves the building immediately when the alarm goes off, no matter where they are or what time it is.

No exceptions.

Adults must set the example for students by following this direction every time. It helps keep everyone safe.

A crossing guard is on duty at Eighth Avenue and 22nd Street. Students must follow their instructions at all times.

We encourage parents to model safe behaviour by obeying crossing guards as well.

Drivers are reminded to observe the reduced speed zone and respect crossing guards assisting students.

• Teach your child how to be a safe pedestrian

First aid is available at the school office. All injuries, even minor ones, should be reported to a staff member.

It’s important that families provide the school with up-to-date emergency contact information, including names and phone numbers. Please also let the office know if your child has a severe allergy or another critical medical condition.

Medication can only be given at school with prior written authorization and medical instructions, and only for emergency or chronic conditions. Staff are not permitted to administer medication otherwise.

If a student feels unwell, the teacher will refer them to the office. The school will contact parents or guardians if needed. Students should not call home on their own without first checking in at the office.

Connaught Heights welcomes parents and community members to visit. However, to ensure the safety of students and staff and to protect school property, all visitors must report to the school office upon arrival.

If any visitor’s behaviour is disruptive or poses a risk to the safety or well-being of students or staff, school district employees have the authority to ask that person to leave the premises immediately.

Students are not permitted to leave school grounds during school hours without written permission from a parent or authorization from the school after the parent has been contacted.

This includes quick trips home for forgotten items or leaving due to illness.

Families should let the teacher know if their child will regularly go home for lunch or stay at school.

Each year, many items are turned in to our lost and found and never claimed. The collection is available for families to check at any time at the school office. A few times a year, we also display the items for easier viewing.

To prevent loss or damage, students should not bring valuables to school. This includes items like expensive jewellery, electronics, sports equipment, or toys.

The school is not responsible for lost or misplaced personal belongings.

We understand that birthdays are special and many students enjoy celebrating with their classmates. To reduce classroom disruptions and respect food sensitivities, we keep school-based celebrations simple.

If you’d like to acknowledge your child’s birthday at school, please speak with the classroom teacher well in advance to make arrangements.

Cupcakes or cookies may be appropriate, but we ask that cakes, ice cream, or other treats not be sent.

Please note some students may have severe, life-threatening allergies to peanuts and tree nuts.

To keep everyone safe, we ask families to support our efforts to be a peanut- and tree nut–aware school:

• Teach your child to wash his/her hands with soap and water before and after eating. This helps stop food from getting on other things like desks, toys and books. Washing hands is good for everyone, as it can also help reduce the spread of colds and flu.
• Teach your child not to share his/her food, drinks or eating utensils with others. Many children love to share. Teach children to share non-food items instead (e.g. toys, stickers, games).
• Talk to a school staff member about “allergy aware” health and safety for more information.
  

Used if there is a security concern in the school’s neighbourhood.

Hold and secure protects school occupants from danger in the neighbourhood or community outside. For example, a police incident in the immediate area, suspicious strangers on school grounds, or protests/civil disturbances nearby.

Used if an environmental hazard may affect the school.

Shelter in place shields staff and students from hazardous conditions outdoors by holding them inside the school. This action is often initiated in response to environmental or weather-related events (e.g. smoke/chemical/airborne contaminants, severe weather, dangerous animals, etc.) and typically requires closing the school’s exterior doors and windows and shutting off ventilation systems.

Used in response to an armed or dangerous assailant inside the school.

Lockdowns are implemented to protect school occupants from a dangerous individual inside the building. For example, a person with a knife, firearm, or other weapon who is threatening to harm or is in the process of harming people.

Used in the event of an earthquake, explosion, or any incident that causes the building to shake.

Drop, cover, and hold on is used for emergencies where there is an immediate, physical impact on the school that causes its internal contents (e.g. furniture, books, etc.) to move around in ways that may cause injuries.

Used to relocate occupants out of the building when a hazard exists inside. Evacuation instructions are issued in the event of fires, earthquakes, hazardous spills, etc. or as required after a lockdown or drop, cover, and hold on order. Staff must be aware of evacuation routes and designated assembly areas.