Concussions

Concussions can have a serious effect on a young, developing brain. Proper recognition and response to concussion in the school environment can prevent further injury and can help with recovery. Children and adolescents are among those at greater risk for concussions due to body trauma at any time.

Although falls and motor vehicle accidents are the leading causes of concussion, there is a heightened risk due to concussion during physical activity which includes physical education classes, playground time or sports activities.

To address this increased risk of concussions and to prevent and identify the signs and symptoms of concussion, the board is committed to increasing awareness for all students, staff, parents, volunteers and health care practitioners to support the proper management of concussions.

In the best interest of your child, parent/guardians are requested to communicate with the school principal, prior to the student’s attendance at school, whenever there is a suspected or diagnosed concussion that occurs away from school (e.g. at home or at a non-school sporting activity).

The board’s concussion policy and procedure is available here.  More information can be found in the Government of Ontario’s Concussion Awareness Resources, available via the link below and on the government’s concussion website (Ontario.ca/concussions).

•  Ages 10 and under

•  Ages 11-14

•  Ages 15 and over

If there is a possible concussion at school, the school principal or a designate will complete a Concussion Signs and Symptoms form that will be shared with parents.

Before a student returns to any academic or physical activity, a parent or guardian is asked to complete the first page of a Concussion Passport and return it to the school.