September Newsletter
École Guelph Lake Public School
595 Watson Pkwy N., Guelph Ontario N1E 6X2
Website:: https://www.ugdsb.ca/guelphlake/ Phone: 519-822-9271
September 10, 2021
Dear Guelph Lake Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! We would like to extend a warm welcome to all families who are new or returning to Guelph Lake Public School. We are looking forward to an enjoyable school year filled with many exciting learning challenges. Staff have been preparing for a safe return to school by setting up classrooms, attending training and reviewing the site plans.
When students arrived on the first day of school, they likely noticed a lot of similarities if they were attending GLPS last year. With the start of the new school year, we will continue to follow safety protocols to keep our school community safe with a focus on physical distance and consistent hand hygiene throughout the day. As the year progresses, we hope to see additional activities being introduced for our students to participate in during their time at school. As a staff, we are excited and hopeful for a more normalized school year filled with endless learning opportunities and extra-curricular activities.
Our school initiatives that will direct professional development and our school improvement plan include a focus on filling academic learning gaps of our students and promoting well-being. Concerning academics for example, we will be supporting students in their development of oral French and sound acquisition. We know that oral language is the glue that holds a student’s understanding in French immersion together. This initiative involves regular practice with peers as well as teachers. We are also implementing a school-wide program “Bien lire et Aimer lire” to develop phonological awareness and sound acquisition. Concerning our promotion of well- being, we will focus on educational lessons that support our students and teach from an anti-bias, social justice stance. The first few months of school we will focus on the concept of Identity. We are excited to begin the implementation of our school improvement goals. We know that by working together we can provide meaningful, quality learning where all students can achieve success and stay safe.
Thank you! Mme Hamilton
Return to School Forms
Your child will be bringing home three important forms that must be returned to the school by Friday September 17. You should find in your package:
- Walking trip form
- Consent for Personal Information
- Student Verification Form
Nutrition Break Supervisor
If you are interested in paid part time work at the school we are still in need of two lunchroom/outdoor supervisors. Please contact Mr. Bodiam at 519-822-9271 ext. 224 for more information.
School Resources on Website
For more information concerning school policies and procedures please refer to the school website where you will find the COVID site plan, School Day Schedule, School Year Calendar, code of conduct, staff list and more. See below for link: https://www.ugdsb.ca/guelphlake/
Electronic Equipment
We recognize that electronics can be used as an excellent learning tool and will be incorporated into learning programs. When technology is being used for classroom learning outcomes, teachers will provide the students with specific instructions and guidelines for their use at school. Technology is not to be used at nutrition breaks, in the halls, washrooms or outside at recess. The reason for this rule is to ensure student safety and privacy. We know that students have cell phones that they can use to communicate with their parents. During school hours it is important that students come to the office when they need to contact their parents so that the school is aware that communication has occurred between child and parent. It is always concerning for us when a parent arrives at the school to pick up their child due to illness and we were unaware that the child was ill. Thank you for your continued support.
Visitors to Our School
For safety reasons, only essential workers will be allowed in the school this year. Parents and visitors will not be allowed into the building.
Safety First
During the school day, your child’s safety is of the utmost importance to us. It is imperative that you call the office before 9:00 am if your child is going to be absent or late. For your convenience, we also have voicemail which allows you to contact the school at any time during the night, over the weekends and early in the morning. The phone number is 519-822-9271 ext 100. When you leave a message, please be sure to note the child’s full name, teacher and reason for absence.
If a child is absent and we have not heard from a parent/guardian, we will attempt to contact the parent/guardian to ensure that the child is “safe”. If a parent cannot be reached, we will contact the emergency number provided. If no one can be reached the next step in the protocol for safe arrivals is to contact the police.
It is very important to let the school know if there are changes in personal information: home or work numbers, cell numbers, address changes etc. In the event of an unexplained absence or emergency, we will then be able to contact you immediately.
If your child’s dismissal arrangements change in any way, please get in touch with Mme Schaefer or Mme Pattison via telephone 519-822-9271. Hand written notes are not the preferred method this year.
COVID Screening https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
Before your child(ren) leaves for school in the morning it is mandatory to do a quick check for COVID symptoms (see public health newsletter at the end of the newsletter). If your child exhibits one of the symptoms related to COVID they will be isolated and a parent/guardian will be called for immediate pick up.
Arrival Plan
When students arrive on school property they will go to their class line and wait for the bell to ring. Students will need to be physically distanced. It will be helpful if this was reinforced at home as well as at school.
When the bell rings the teacher will meet their class at their line. While waiting in line for their turn to enter the building students will be instructed to put on their masks and will be given hand sanitizer.
Walking students should arrive as close to 9:00 am as possible. (Supervision on the yard will begin at 8:50).
Bus students will leave the bus following physical distance protocols and walk to their class line.
Students who receive a drive to school should be dropped off by the driver in a designated street parking spot. If they are able, they should walk from the car, adhering to physical distancing rules, and enter school property as close to 9:00 am as possible and line up in their physically distanced class line. Younger students may be walked to their class line by their parent or guardian to begin the year. Children are encouraged to go to their location independently as the school year progresses.
Late Arrival
Students who arrive late to school will need to enter through the front door of the school, sanitize hands, put on their mask and go directly to the office. The parent/guardian will remain outside. The parent may call the office if they are concerned about their child making it to the office independently. The school phone number will be posted on the front doors.
Early Pick Up
If you are picking your child up early from school we ask that you arrive before 3:00pm. With parents and visitors not allowed in the building this year it is necessary for parents/guardians to call the office and leave a message or speak directly to the OC in order to arrange early pick up in advance. Parents/Guardians will call when they are parked in front of the school (front doors of school). The OC/AOA will release the child to the parent when they can see that the parent is waiting at the front door. The student will sanitize their hands before exiting the building.
Dismissal Plan
Teachers will bring their class to their designated line up (where they lined-up in the morning). When the dismissal bell rings, walkers will leave, bus students will join their bus line and child care students will meet the after school program at the agreed upon location. Students who are driven to school, will leave the school with the walkers and walk to their prearranged parent meeting spot for pick up.
Parents should be physically distanced on school property, no congregating. Parents of older students should have a meeting spot if possible off school property. Parents of younger students should also arrange to meet their child at a pre-designated area and communicate this with their child’s teacher.
If for some unforeseen reason a parent is late picking up their child at dismissal, the child will be brought to the office to wait until a parent arrives. Parents will then need to call the office when they arrive at the school and follow protocol for early pick-up.
Unstructured play in the school yard after school will not be permitted, please remind your child to go straight home. Please do not arrive between 3:00 and 3:30 and call the office for your child to be dismissed early. If you need to pick up your child early please come before 3:00pm, if at all possible.
Routes to School Planner
Use this map (link below – then click on “Routes to School Map) to plan a walking or wheeling route to school! The map shows safety features such as traffic lights and crosswalks.
The map also shows suggested “walk a block” locations. These locations are areas where on street parking is allowed. If you need to drive to the school, consider parking in these areas and walking the last block or two. This will help reduce vehicle congestion around the school. https://www.ugdsb.ca/guelphlake/about-us/
Bus Behaviour
Students are expected to follow the rules of the bus, listen to the driver, remain in their seats, refrain from eating and drinking anything while on the bus, and follow the directions of the staff when entering or exiting the bus. Students will need to wear a mask onto the bus, while seated on the bus and while exiting the bus. A seating plan will be provided by the bus driver.
Student Transportation Parent Portal
Student Transportation has a parent portal. To access it go to their website, https://stwdsts.ca/ click on parent portal and create an account. This will allow you access to your child(ren)’s busing information. You can also register for bus delay alerts.
If your child is registered to ride the bus we will be looking for them at the end of the day in the bus line. Please communicate to the office or classroom teacher if your child is registered for the bus but is allowed to walk home, not always a rider and/or which days they will ride the bus. This allows for more efficiency at dismissal.
Inclement Weather
If the weather does not allow for students to wait outside until the bell rings, students will enter the school upon arrival and go straight into their classroom. Weather appropriate clothing should be worn to school as students will be outside more than usual.
Face Masks
Students in all grades K-8 must wear a face mask while in the school building. If a child does not bring a face mask to school one will be provided. Face shields cannot be used in place of a face mask. Gaiter/buff/neck warmer cannot be used in place of a face mask. We recommend sending more than one face mask to school if possible. Public Health encourages students to wear their mask outdoors if they are playing with students from outside their classroom.
Hand Sanitizer
If you choose to send hand sanitizer with your child to school it must be scent free and contain at least 60% alcohol.
Bike Racks
Students may ride their bikes to school. They must adhere to physical distancing rules once they are on school property. Students are asked to walk their bike to the bike rack and wait their turn to store their bike. Skateboards/scooters will not be allowed in the school.
Indoor Shoes
At this time we are not asking that students bring indoor shoes to school. In the case of inclement weather you may choose to send your child in rain boots and pack a pair of running shoes in their bag. All students require running shoes to wear in the gymnasium.
Sign up for CashOnline – Make school payments easy!!
Go to the link below and follow the steps: https://ugdsb.schoolcashonline.com
Pizza Lunches and Booster Juice
This year due to COVID related safety protocols we will not be offering milk, pizza, booster juice or Lunch box orders at this time. We will communicate if this changes in the future.
Recycling and Composting
This year we have returned recycling bins to classrooms and will look to bringing back compost bins. If possible, consider packing all food items in reusable containers to avoid unnecessary garbage at school. Some teachers will be using the term “boomerang” lunches to mean whatever you bring to school in your lunch pail returns home in your lunch pail.
School Emergency Response Training and Annual Drills
The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. Although we hope that an incident that requires a response from emergency personnel will never occur in our school, we must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively in case it does.
Each year our school must conduct drills to ensure staff and students are prepared in the event of a real emergency. We will be practising a fire drill in September following physical distancing protocols.
Child and Youth Counselor
Ms. Cabral will be here Tuesday. She can be reached at 519-822-9271 ext. 227
The Child and Youth Counselor’s role is to support students, staff and parents. Some of the topics include social skills development, anger management, bereavement, family separation or divorce, self-esteem, conflict between friends, bullying, anxiety and family issues. Support for the students will be focused on social, emotional and behavioural concerns. Support can be individual, classroom or group.
School Council
Join the School Council at our first meeting of the year on Monday, September 27th at 6:30 pm. All meetings this year will be held virtually. Everyone is welcome! Come join us as we plan virtual events and fundraisers for what will be an unforgettable year! We are also looking for new parents/guardians to join in the roles of Co-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Get in touch with us on our Facebook page or send us an email at [email protected]
Facebook School Council Page
For those of you that are on facebook, school council has created an École Guelph Lake School Council page where they post school related information. https://www.facebook.com/groups/guelphlakeschoolcouncil
Chromebook Loaners
If you borrowed a chromebook from the school in the spring for remote learning and your child is now attending in person we would like you to return the chromebook to the school so that we can get them back into classrooms. You can drop them off at the office or send them to school with your child.
Student Accident Insurance
Parents and guardians are responsible for expenses related to student injuries on school premises or during school activities. Accidents can and do happen and the costs involved might not be fully covered by Provincial health care or employer group insurance plans.
The Upper Grand District School board is empowered under The Education Act to offer Accident and Life Insurance for students.
A Director’s letter will be sent home with students containing information with respect to two Programs available for the purchase of Student Accident Insurance. The Insuremykids Program is offered through Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada and the Studyinsured Program is underwritten by Certain Lloyds’s Underwriters through AON Insurance.
Each program offers a variety of options, including family rates at affordable prices. The cost must be paid by the parent or guardian. Paper copies of the application are no longer available. Purchase is done directly online or by contacting the provider:
www.insuremykids.com or call toll free 1-800-463-5437
www.studyinsuredstudentaccident.com or call toll free 1-833-560-0527.
For today’s active children, especially those who participate in field trips, co-curricular and other school activities outside the school day, Student Accident Insurance is valuable.
Important Message from the Human Resources Department:
Re: School Organizations
Schools have built class lists based on their tentative organizations. Changes may be necessary at your child(ren)’s school in order that our Board remains compliant with Ministry parameters (see below). Any changes would be implemented by Monday September 20th. Principals do not have the option of changing the school organization that is set by the District Staffing Committee of the Board. If changes affect your child(ren), you will be informed by the school.
Ministry of Education Parameters
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Video Surveillance Camera Project Expansion
In its efforts to continually review and monitor the safety of our schools, the Upper Grand District School Board has completed a Video Surveillance Project. All schools now have video cameras installed. If you have any questions on how these systems are managed, please refer to the board’s Video Surveillance policy (Policy 203) on the board website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/board/policy/policy-203-video-surveillance/
Students with Life-Threatening Medical Conditions
UGDSB Policy 518: Students with Life-Threatening Medical Conditions, outlines the roles and responsibilities for all in the educational community to support students with possible life-threatening medical conditions. The prevalent medical conditions covered under this policy are Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Diabetes and Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders. If your child has one of these, or any other life-threatening medical condition, please visit: www.ugdsb.ca/board/policy (and look for Policy 518) or contact the school as soon as possible. We will work with you to develop a Plan of Care to support your child.
Life-Threatening Allergies
We have children in our school with potential life-threatening allergies (called anaphylaxis) to various foods and other materials. Anaphylaxis is a medical condition that can cause death within minutes. In recent years, anaphylaxis has increased dramatically among students. Although this may not affect your child’s class directly, we are letting you know so that you are aware that we aim to create an allergy safe environment at our school. If your child is in a classroom with an anaphylactic child, or your child has anaphylaxis, you will be informed by the classroom teacher. Our school has procedures in place for the prevention and management of anaphylactic reactions. If your child has health concerns of any kind, please tell your child’s teacher or the office and we will take the necessary health protection steps. Thank you for your understanding in ensuring an allergy-safe environment for all of our students.
Smoke and Vape–Free School Environment
The Upper Grand DSB provides a smoke and vape-free environment for its students, staff and others while on school Board property and at school events. Under our policy, all forms of tobacco, and any processed form of tobacco that may be smoked, inhaled or chewed is included. Additionally, all forms of e-cigarettes are also covered under this policy. Smudging is the tradition of using sacred smoke from sacred medicines (e.g., tobacco and sage) that forms part of indigenous culture and spirituality. Smudging is allowed in schools under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act. Participation by staff and students is optional in a smudging ceremony.
Parents/Guardians: A good resource for talking to your children about cannabis is available at this link: Cannabis Talk Kit
Categories: News