Ross R MacKay Public School

RRM Parent Update – Oct 23, 2023

Posted October 23, 2023

Each year our school must conduct drills to ensure staff and students are prepared in the event of a real emergency.

The following number of drills are required each school year:

· Three (3) fire drills in the fall and three (3) fire drills in the spring

· Two (2) lockdown drills

· One (1) tornado drill

· One (1) bomb threat drill

For each of these drills, there is an education component to explain why they are necessary. All drills are conducted in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of our students.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

CANADA DENTAL BENEFIT: 

Applications for the second period of the Canada Dental Benefit are open. Eligible families can receive up to $650, to help with expenses for their children under 12 who receive dental care between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. canada.ca/dental

HOMEMADE TREATS AT SCHOOL:

Due to the presence of Anaphylactic Allergies in our school, we ask that no homemade treats be shared with students in our school.  Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening so if you would like to send in a treat for your child’s class (for a birthday or a special occasion), please do not send in homemade goods.  There is a possibility of cross-contamination of allergens (like peanut butter).  Instead you are welcome to send in items that are labelled peanut-free.

ATTENDANCE SUPPORT WEEK 3:  

This week our tips for supporting your child’s attendance at school focuses on ways to involve the school. See below for some strategies you could try.

• Know that there are supports in your child’s school.  Connect with them as soon as an issue starts. Connecting earlier is better than when your child has missed a lot of school.
• If your child wants to leave school, try to have them connect with a caring adult in the school first to see if things can be worked out before your child goes home.
• Reach out to your school Principal and/or Guidance department for help if your child is not coming to school.  Let’s talk!  There is no judgement!
• A welcoming school approach has proven to be quite effective. Ensure your child is familiar with their school Principal, Vice-Principal and other caring adults in the building.
• Talk to the school team about anything you are hearing might be difficult for your child at school.  School staff are always ready to help problem solve.
• Have a mental health plan created with your child and school staff and ensure there is a safe place to go in the school when your child may need some quiet time.
• If going into the classroom is hard – remember coming into the school building and meeting with a caring adult in a safe space is an important step in getting back to school.

For more information, please visit the UGDSB website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/parents/student-attendance-at-school-tips-and-strategies-for-families/

Categories: News