CAMBRIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK
Principal’s Message
Welcome to Cambridge Public School!
We hope that this parent/student information booklet will provide information that will be useful during the school year. On behalf of the entire Cambridge staff, we warmly welcome all of our new and returning families. We feel very fortunate to be a part of this wonderful, growing community and look forward to the amazing things that the year ahead have in store for everyone at C.P.S.!
Our school staff is committed to helping all students feel safe and supported while achieving success in their learning, and we encourage our parents/ guardians to become involved in school life as well. School Council elections will take place in September- please watch for emails regarding the scheduling and process. Council meetings are held monthly, and all members of our school community are encouraged to participate. In addition to the valuable contributions made by School Council, we will undoubtedly have a need for additional volunteers for a variety of activities during the school year- please reach out to the school if you are able to help at any time during the year, and to ensure that you have a Vulnerable Sector Police Screening on file at the school. The research is clear- when parents, students, teachers, and administrators work together, we create the best opportunities for our students to learn and grow. We invite you to join our amazing school team in whatever way you can.
We wish everyone at C.P.S. all this best for the 2023-2024 school year!
Mrs. Paterson, Principal
Mr. Tessier, Vice-Principal
Upper Canada District School Board
MISSION
We prepare all students for a successful life
VISION
Creating Futures, Leading and Learning for All
VALUES
Caring, Fairness, Empathy, Honesty, Perseverance, Resilience, Responsibility, Respect, Courage and Generosity
Code of Student Behaviour
With the CHARACTER ALWAYS initiative as a foundation and the Board and Provincial CODE OF CONDUCT as the base, it is the policy of Cambridge Public School, to promote and support respect, civility, responsible citizenship, and to provide the framework for policies related to student discipline, bullying prevention, student and staff safety, respectful working and learning environments, and workplace harassment.
PURPOSE OF THE CODE
- To ensure that all members of the school community are treated with respect and civility;
- To promote responsible citizenship by encouraging appropriate participation in the civic life of the school community;
- To maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility;
- To encourage the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict;
- To promote the safety of people in the schools.
The Cambridge Public School CODE OF CONDUCT will be reviewed annually by the Safe School’s Committee.
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR
- Respect, Civility, and Responsible Citizenship
All members of the school community must:
and municipal laws
- Safety
- Respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial,
- Demonstrate honesty and integrity
- Respect differences in people, their ideas and their opinions
- Treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement
- Respect and treat others fairly, regardless of, for example, race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability
- Respect the rights of others
- Show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others
- Take appropriate measures to help those in need
- Seek assistance from a member of the school staff, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully
- Respect all members of the school community, especially persons in positions of authority
- Respect the need of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching
- Not swear at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority
All members of the school community must not:
- Engage in bullying behaviours
- Commit sexual assault
- Traffic weapons or illegal drugs
- Give alcohol to a minor
- Commit robbery
- Be in possession of any weapon, including firearms
- Use any object to threaten or intimidate another person
- Cause injury to any person with an object
- Be in possession of, or be under the influence of, or provide others with alcohol or illegal drugs
- Inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person
- Engage in hate propaganda and other forms of behaviour motivated by hate or bias
- Commit an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property or to property located on the premises of a school
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- The Upper Canada District School Board will
- Principal/Vice-Principal
The Principal/Vice-Principal provides leadership in the daily operation of a school by:
- Teachers and Other School Staff Members
Under the leadership of Principals, teachers and other school staff members maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, teachers and school staff uphold these high standards when they:
- Help students work to their full potential and develop their sense of self- worth;
- Empower students to be positive leaders in their classrooms, school, and community;
- Communicate regularly and meaningfully with parents;
- Maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all students;
- Demonstrate respect for all students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the members of the school community;
- Prepare students for the full responsibilities of citizenship.
- Students
Students are treated with respect and dignity. In return, they must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others, and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:
- Comes to school prepared, on time, and ready to learn;
- Shows respect for himself or herself, for others, and for those in authority;
- Refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others;
- Parents
Parents play an important role in the education of their children and can support the efforts of school staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Parents fulfil their role when they:
- Show an active interest in their child’s schoolwork and progress;
- Communicate regularly with the school;
- Help their child be neat, appropriately dressed, and prepared for school;
- Ensure that their child attends school regularly and on time;
- Promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival;
- Show that they are familiar with the provincial Code of Conduct, the board’s Code of Conduct, and school rules;
- Encourage and assist their child in following the rules of behaviour;
- Community Partners and the Police
- Develop policies to set out how schools will implement and enforce the provincial Code of Conduct and all other rules developed which are related to the provincial standards that promote and support respect, civility, responsible citizenship and safety;
- Review those policies regularly with students, staff, parents, volunteers, and the community;
- Seek input from school councils, Parent Involvement Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee, parents, students, staff members, and the school community;
- Establish a process that clearly communicates the provincial and school board Codes of Conduct to all parents, students, staff members, and members of the school community in order to obtain their commitment and
- support;
- Develop effective intervention strategies and respond to all infractions related to the standards for respect, civility, responsible citizenship and safety;
- Provide opportunities for all staff to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to develop and maintain academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.
- Demonstrating care for the school community and a commitment to academic excellence in a safe teaching and learning environment;
- Holding everyone under their authority accountable for his/ her/their behaviour and actions;
- Empowering students to be positive leaders in the school and community;
- Communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community
- Follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her own actions.
- Assist school staff in dealing with disciplinary issues involving their child.
The Upper Canada DSB is committed to enhancing and developing partnerships with community agencies and members of the community by establishing protocols which will establish clear linkages and formalize the relationship between the board and its partners. These partnerships will respect all applicable collective agreements.
The police play an essential role in making our schools and communities safe. The police investigate incidents in accordance with the protocol developed with the Upper Canada DSB. This protocol is based on a provincial model developed by the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the Ministry of Education.
The Upper Canada District School Board Code of Conduct and its Policy 124, Code of Conduct, will be reviewed annually by the Safe Schools Cabinet.
Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) POLICIES
Cambridge Public School students are expected to adhere to the UCDSB Safe Schools Policy, and the Anti-Racism and Sexual Discrimination Policy. All students regardless of race, creed, colour, or physical ability are treated with dignity and respect.
Student Responsibilities
- To seek education according to their particular needs, abilities and ambitions;
- To respect each other’s right to learn;
- To make Cambridge Public School a positive place to learn;
- To recognize and respect the rights of all other members of the school community;
- To understand that everyone is responsible for their own actions, and that appropriate consequences will be imposed as a result of unacceptable behaviours;
- To respect all members of the school community and the surrounding community.
Violent Threat Risk Assessment Protocol
The Upper Canada District School Board is committed to providing safe learning environments for all students, staff, school visitors and community members. When students behave inappropriately, principals use progressive discipline to help them take responsibility for their actions, change their behaviour, and learn from their mistakes.
When student behaviour poses a potential threat to safety or causes serious harm, the Community Violence Threat Risk Assessment Protocol (VTRA) helps principals take further steps to protect the well-being of our students. The protocol helps schools respond quickly to threatening incidents such as: possession of a weapon or replica weapon, bomb threat or plan, verbal, written or electronic (Internet, text) threats to kill or injure oneself or others, or other threats of violence, fire setting.
The Community VTRA outlines how a school responds immediately to threatening behaviour. Principals may first bring together a School Threat Assessment Team, which includes the principal/vice-principal, the designated regional lead, and police. If the situation is serious, the principal may also consult with the Superintendent responsible for the school and call in the Community Threat Assessment Team. This community team also includes representatives of community agencies who work with us to keep our schools safe, such as local police and children's mental health organizations. Parents and guardians will be notified if their child will be discussed through the Community Threat Assessment Protocol. If a parent/guardian cannot be reached, or if they choose not to provide consent, but a concern for safety still exists due to threatening behaviour, the threat assessment may still proceed. Personal information shared throughout this process will respect and balance everyone’s right to privacy with the need to ensure the safety of all.
As always, student safety is our priority. If you have any questions regarding the Upper Canada District School Board Community Violence Threat Risk Assessment Protocol, please contact Superintendent Marsha McNair at 613-342-0371 or toll free at 1-800-267-7131.
Safe Arrival Program/Attendance Procedures:
If your child is absent, please contact the school
prior to 10:00 a.m.
Phone: 613-443-3024 or input electronically through My Family Room (visit www.myfamilyroom.ca to register).
The Safe Arrival program mandates that we contact a student's parent/guardian each day that a student is absent. Please also let the school know the reason for your child's absence. You can call the school (leave a message) or use MyFamilyRoom to report an absence.
If you have planned a change to your child’s end-of-day routine (i.e., early pick up, pick up instead of bus, someone different picking up the child), please contact the school office before 2:30p.m. to tell us about the change.
For early dismissal, parents/ guardians must come into the school and sign out the student at the office before exiting the school. Students may not leave school grounds without parent/ guardian and office permission.
As per Policy 107 - Unexplained Non-Attendance Program (formerly Safe Arrival) parents are required to:
1) Report your child’s absence in advance by calling the school; sending a note with the child before the day of the absence when it is known ahead of time; or sending a note with siblings;
2) Provide current and suitable contact telephone numbers and update them promptly if they change;
3) Stress the importance of daily and prompt attendance with their children. All unaccounted student absences will be followed up with a phone call to a parent. Calls will continue to be made until a verbal confirmation regarding the child’s absence is obtained. Attempts will be made to contact the emergency contact(s). Follow-up on unsuccessful contacts will include contacting: the Special Services Counsellor, the police, the Superintendent, as appropriate. Other subsequent steps might include contact with a neighbour, emergency contact or a visit to the home.
If dismissal plans for a student change during the day, please contact the school as soon as possible (before 2:30 p.m.) to advise of the change. This allows us to notify students and teaching staff of changes in routine. The school telephone is typically very busy after this 2:30 p.m. time and there is a risk that your dismissal plan changes will not be received before the end of the school day.
If your child must be picked up unexpectedly, please contact the school to advise of this need (indicating the time of pick up and who will be picking up the student).
There are occasions when students believe they will be picked up at dismissal rather than ride the bus home. To avoid unnecessary worry for parents and caregivers, our policy is that students will be sent home on their regular bus if the school has not received notice of the change from a parent/ guardian.
A student arriving late for school must be accompanied into the school by their parent/guardian and sign in at the office for attendance and safety reasons.
All visitors, including parents/guardians and volunteers, must enter and exit the building via the Main Entrance and use the Visitors Logbook located in the main office to sign-in and sign-out.
Each absence and late arrival interferes with your child's learning program. Students are expected to be prompt in arriving at school and absences must be reserved for legitimate, serious reasons.
If a student is absent from school on a frequent, unexplained basis, the Board's Special Services Counsellor (attendance counsellor) may be contacted so that appropriate action may be taken.
Accident or Illness
Any accident that occurs on school property should be reported immediately to the main office. In the case of a serious accident, parents will be contacted, and emergency services provided.
A healthy child is a child who comes to school ready and able to meet the challenges of a day in the classroom. A student who is ill cannot perform effectively. The school is not equipped to deal with sick children. If your child is ill prior to school, please make arrangements to keep him/her at home for the day. It will be better for the child's health and well-being, as well as for the health of the other students and staff in the classroom.
Please contact the office, in writing, if there are changes in the telephone numbers of parents, guardians, babysitter or emergency contact. This is important so that, if the need arises, we can quickly contact the appropriate person. Students will only be released to persons that are indicated in the student’s contact list. From time to time, a child becomes ill/injured at school. In this case, the school will endeavour to contact the parent at home or work to arrange for the child to be sent home for appropriate assistance. It is most important that the parent(s) provide the school with both home and work phone numbers (cell numbers can also be provided if desired) as well as the name of an alternate emergency contact who has your permission to act on your behalf if we are unable to contact you. Please be sure to update this information with the school when changes take place.
Transportation
The Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario provides detailed guidelines for parents and guardians regarding the transportation of students. An information booklet is posted on the STEO website at www.steo.ca. Parents/guardians should be aware that school bus drivers can only pick up and drop off riders at one authorized regular daily stop. Drivers cannot make changes to stops without authorization from the Transportation Department. Transportation for all non-school related functions is the responsibility of parents/guardians. Transportation cannot be provided for sleepovers or homework projects. These requests cannot be permitted for safety reasons.
Dress Code
Students are expected to dress in clothes that are comfortable and in a manner that supports a safe, accepting, and inclusive learning environment. Students have the right to wear clothing needed to observe their religious beliefs. Clothing, accessories, or items which promote or symbolize drugs, alcohol, illegal activity, hate or discrimination, profanity, pornography; that incites violence or harassment; or threatens health and safety are not permitted. In addition, safe footwear is required. Open-toed sandals and flip flops are not suitable for the play structure, gym class or other physically active events outdoors. If children wear these to school an additional pair of closed-toe, athletic shoes would be needed. Students who cannot tie shoes should continue to use Velcro or slip-on shoes for safety purposes. Hats may be worn outside the school only (with exceptions for religious, sensory or mental health & wellness accommodations).
Nut Allergies
As many of you are aware, we have students with life-threatening allergies to peanuts, peanut butter, and nut products. In some cases, even trace amounts of peanut butter and/or nut products could jeopardize the life of a child/person with this allergy. Please do not send peanut butter or products containing nuts of any kind to school. Imitation Peanut Butter or any soy butter is not permitted in the school as it is hard to differentiate these products from peanut butter or nut spreads.
Although we appreciate the kindness of parents/ guardians wishing to send in celebratory treats, it does pose a hazard to some of our children, and we ask that you do not send in food to be shared unless it is a store-wrapped package labelled nut-free.
Use of Personal Electronic Devices in the Classroom and School
In recognition of their differing interests, abilities, personalities and learning preferences, the Upper Canada District School Board encourages its students to select and use the supplies, equipment, devices and other resources they need to learn effectively at school and at home. The Upper Canada District School Board supports its students by providing an environment that allows students to bring supplies, equipment, devices and other resources of their own into the school and classroom in a way consistent with Upper Canada District School Board policies and values. Smart phones, cell phones, and other electronic devices are to be used only in class under the direction and supervision of the teacher. The unauthorized use of a cell phone or an electronic device during the school day may result in staff asking the student to put the device in their school bag, to keep the device at home or to take it to the school office for safe keeping until the end of the day. If this happens on numerous occasions, the student may be required to keep the electronic device at home.
Photographs and Recording Audio/Video
On school property, no one is allowed to record audio/video or take pictures of staff or students at any time or anywhere unless they have the permission of the Principal/Vice-Principal and all the people in the photograph, video, or sound recording. Taking a picture or recording someone without their permission could be an invasion of privacy and might lead to suspension, expulsion, criminal charges, or a civil lawsuit.
Smoking, Tobacco, Cannabis, e-Cigarettes, and Vaporizers
In our pursuit to encourage and promote healthy lifestyles, students will not be allowed to be in possession of tobacco products, cannabis products, e-cigarettes, and vaporizers at school at any time. If a student is found with tobacco, cannabis, e-cigarettes, or vaporizers in their possession on school property it will be confiscated by the school staff, parents/guardians will be contacted, and consequences may be imposed. If students are caught using, selling, or distributing tobacco or cannabis products (e.g., smoking, chewing tobacco, using cannabis or other), e-cigarettes or vaporizers on school property it will be confiscated, and the Tobacco Enforcement officer may be contacted, and consequences will be enforced.
Damage to School Property
Students should report all damage of school property to a staff member or the main office as soon as possible. Students who are responsible for damages to school property or for the loss of school property may be expected to pay for the repair or the replacement of the property and may receive further applicable consequences. Students may be asked to repair/ clean damages (in a safe and age-appropriate manner) as part of our progressive discipline and restorative practices.
Weapons, Firecrackers, Matches, Lighters and Laser Pointers
The possession or display of weapons, firecrackers, matches, lighters and laser pointers on school property is not permitted at any time.
Water Pistols/Toy Weapons/Replicas
The possession or display of water pistols or toy weapons on school property is not permitted at any time. In the event, there is an end of year festivity that permits water sports and games, a decision to have water pistols will be made at the time of organizing the event. If they are permitted, they must not replicate a real weapon and they are expected to remain in the student’s back before and after their teacher gives them permission to use them for the water activity.
Use of Computers
At registration, your child/parent will be asked to read and agree to the Acceptable Usage of Computers Agreement. Should a student not comply as per the agreement, parents will be notified, and his/ her/ their computer privileges may be suspended. This includes following the expectations regarding Social Media and personal devices.
Reporting Bullying
Students must report any type of bullying behaviour to a trusted adult (verbally or in writing) whether it occurs inside or outside of the school. The trusted adult must then ensure that the principal is contacted and informed of the bullying. All staff must report any incident of bullying to the principal.
Bullying Consequences: There are many possible interventions and consequences for bullying. A number of these can be found under the Progressive Discipline section and the Suspension and Expulsion section of this handbook.
Progressive Discipline
It is the policy of the Upper Canada District School Board, with respect to progressive discipline, to support a safe learning and teaching environment in which every pupil can reach his/ her/ their full potential. Appropriate action must consistently be taken by schools to address behaviours that are contrary to provincial and Board Codes of Conduct.
Progressive discipline is an approach that makes use of a continuum of interventions, supports, and consequences, building upon strategies that promote positive behaviours. The range of interventions, supports, and consequences used by the Board and all schools must be clear and developmentally appropriate, and must include learning opportunities for pupils in order reinforce positive behaviours and help pupils make good choices.
For pupils with special education and/or disability related needs, interventions, supports and consequences must be consistent with the expectations in the student's IEP and/or his/her/their demonstrated abilities. The Board, and school administrators, must consider all mitigating and other factors, as required by the Education Act and as set out in Ontario Regulation 472/07. The continuum of interventions in our progressive discipline model begins at the classroom level between the teacher and the student and then includes the student’s parent/guardian.
Interventions may include but are not limited to:
Teacher-student meeting Verbal reminders
Contact with parents Conflict mediation
Restitution for damages Peer mentoring
Written reflective assignments Quiet area to work
Problem-solving activity Removal from class
Office referral/detentions Time-out from activity
Meeting with student/admin. Community service
Withdrawal of classroom privileges
Other interventions deemed appropriate
Some possible next steps that involve the Administration/Student/Teacher/Parent:
Withdrawal of school privileges Phone call with parent
Meeting with student and parent Withdrawal from class
Referral to community agency Referral to counselling
Restitution for damages Suspension/Expulsion
Referral to UCDSB support staff
When addressing inappropriate behaviour, school staff will consider the pupil and circumstances, including mitigating factors as set out in the Student Discipline Procedures, the nature and severity of the behaviour, and the impact on the school climate.
Suspensions and Expulsions
When a principal determines that a pupil has committed one or more infractions on school property, during school-related activities or events, and/or in circumstances off school property, where the infraction has an impact on the school climate, a principal will consider whether that pupil should be suspended or be recommended to the Board Expulsion Committee.
Activities for which suspension must be considered under section 306(1) of the Education Act
- □Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person
- □Possessing alcohol, illegal and//or restricted drugs
- □Being under the influence of alcohol, illegal or restricted drugs
- □Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority
- □Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the pupil’s school or to property located on the premises of the pupil’s school
- □Bullying
- □Any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the moral tone of the school
- □Any act considered by the principal to be injurious to the physical or mental well-being of members of the school community
- □Any act considered by the principal to be contrary to the Board or school Code of Conduct
- □Opposition to authority
- □Habitual neglect of duty
- □Committing physical assault on another person that does not require treatment by a medical practitioner.
- □Use of profanity/swearing
- □Possessing cannabis, unless the pupil is a medical cannabis user
- □Being under the influence of cannabis, unless the pupil is a medical cannabis user
Activities for which expulsion must be considered under section 310(1) of the Education Act
- □Possessing a weapon, including possessing a firearm or knife
- □Using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person
- □Committing physical assault on another person that causes bodily harm requiring treatment by a medical practitioner
- □Committing sexual assault
- □Trafficking in weapons, illegal or restricted drugs
- □Committing robbery
- □Giving alcohol to a minor
- □Bullying if: i) The pupil has previously been suspended for engaging in bullying, and ii) the pupil’s continuing presence in the school creates an unacceptable risk to the safety of another person
- □Any activity for which a suspension may be imposed that is motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other similar factor
- □An act considered by the principal to be significantly injurious to the moral tone of the school and/or to the physical or mental well-being of others
- □A pattern of behaviour that is so inappropriate that the pupil’s continued presence is injurious to the effective learning and/or working environment of others
- □Activities engaged in by the pupil on or off school property that cause the pupil’s continuing presence in the school to create an unacceptable risk to the physical or mental well-being of other person(s) in the school or Board
- □Activities engaged in by the pupil on or off school property that have caused extensive damage to the property of the board or to goods that are/were on Board property
- □The pupil has demonstrated through a pattern of behaviour that s/he has not prospered by the instruction available to him or her and that s/he is persistently resistant to making changes in behaviour which would enable him or her to prosper
- □An act considered by the principal to be a serious violation of the Board or school Code of Conduct
- □Where the student has no history of discipline or behaviour intervention, or no relevant history, a single act, incident or infraction considered by the principal to be a serious breach of the Board or school Code of Conduct
- □Giving cannabis to a minor
- □Any act considered by the principal to be a serious violation of the requirements for pupil behaviour and/or a serious breach of the Board or school Code of Conduct
- □Where a pupil has no history of discipline or behaviour intervention, or no relevant history, a single act, incident or infraction considered by the principal to be a serious violation of the expectations of pupil behaviour and/or a serious breach of the Board or school Code of Conduct
EMERGENCY CODES
“Lockdown” – There is an imminent threat to staff and students inside the school or in relation to the school
- All Staff and students should go to the nearest classroom/room.
- Classroom doors and windows are to be locked
- Staff and students are to remain away from doors and windows and out of the line of sight from the windows and doors
- If staff and students that are outside the school: they should run for cover behind the nearest solid structure or seek safety and security in a spot off of school grounds – they should NOT re-enter the building unless absolutely necessary for protection
- REMAIN QUIET!!! - Make the classroom look, feel and sound empty.
- No contact with office unless information about suspect/incident/bomb/fire.
- No cell phone usage within the classroom.
- Ignore the fire alarm unless there is clear evidence of a fire and an immediate threat to student safety
- Washroom:If a student is in a washroom and can’t go to another room immediately and safely during a lockdown they should enter a stall, lock the stall door and climb up on the toilet so their feet cannot be seen while remaining quiet.
- ALL staff and students should remain in their safe location until they are removed by the police.
“Hold and Secure” – the potential threat is outside the school
- All exterior doors to the school must be locked.
- All students and staff must return and enter the school if they are outside.
- Once all students and staff have returned inside the school, no one is allowed in or out of the school until the code cancelled.
- Staff and students can continue what they were doing inside the school.
“Shelter in Place” – this is a non-violent threat in the community or a weather situation that could place students and staff at risk.
- All staff and students must return and enter the school if they are outside.
- All students and staff must remain in the school until the code is removed or permission is granted by the principal to leave the school.
- Staff and students can continue what they were doing inside the school.
Fire Drills
When an alarm is sounded, the building is evacuated. Each classroom has a fire exit instruction sign posted near the door which directs students to the appropriate exit.
When the alarm sounds, students must file out in a calm and orderly manner while moving with their class. Once outside they must move away from the building with their class. Attendance will be taken outside once the class is a safe distance from the school. You must cooperate fully with school officials and fire fighters. A similar procedure is to be followed in all emergency evacuations.
Taking Medication at School
The Upper Canada District School Board will not administer prescribed medication for students without the authorization of a licensed physician and the medication must be received within a properly labelled pharmacy bottle.
The administration of prescription and / or non-prescription medication to a student is the responsibility of the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s). Treatment regimens should, where possible, be adjusted to avoid administration of medication (prescription/non-prescription) during school hours.
The Board recognizes that there may be exceptional cases where a student must have medication administered during regular school hours. Students are not permitted to self-administer without the appropriate supervision and authorization on file. In order for students to take medication or have medication administered at school the following steps must be followed:
- The Authorization for the Administration of Medication form must be completed and signed by a licensed physician and/or the parent(s)/guardian(s).This form will need to be completed for every new school year and/or for each medication which requires administration by the school.Should there be a dosage change for any medication a new form must be submitted.
- All prescribed medication must be received within a pharmacy bottle and the label on the bottle must provide instruction on how to administer such medication.The pharmacist medication information sheet must also be provided with the Authorization for Administration of Medication form. Non- prescribed medication must be in its original packaging.
- Medications stored at school, for self/school administration, must be appropriately labeled (in original container) with the student’s name, medication name, amount required, frequency, proper storage of medication, expiration date, and include any special instructions regarding side effects or emergency procedures. Medication must be stored in a secure and designated location to avoid loss or tampering.
NOTE: Students are not permitted to transport or keep medication with them for safety reasons. The exception here is an epi-pen or asthma inhaler if students have a signed permission form to carry their epi-pen or asthma inhaler in school. For more information regarding medication, please contact the main office.
Student Health – Supporting Students with Medical Needs
Parents/Guardians of Children with Medical Needs
As the primary caregiver for your child, parents/guardians are expected to be active participants in supporting the management of your child’s medical needs (e.g. Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy, or other medical requirements) while they are in school. At a minimum, parents/guardians should:
- inform the school of your child's medical needs and co-create the Plan of Care for their child with the principal or the principal’s designate;
- educate your child about their medical condition(s) with support from their child’s health care professional, as needed;
- guide and encourage your child to reach their full potential for self-management and self-advocacy;
- communicate changes to the Plan of Care, such as changes to the status of your child’s medical condition(s) or changes to your child’s ability to manage the medical condition(s), to the principal or the principal’s designate;
- supply your child and/or the school with sufficient quantities of medication and supplies in their original, clearly labelled containers, as directed by a health care professional and as outlined in the Plan of Care, and track the expiration dates if they are supplied;
If school staff believe that a student is suffering from a life-threatening allergic reaction or an asthma attack, they may administer medication (i.e., epi-pen, asthma inhaler), even if there is no preauthorization to do so.
Concussions
The Upper Canada District School Board (Board) recognizes concussions as a serious injury which requires appropriate follow-up measures to reduce risk of potential additional injury. Concussion awareness, prevention, identification and management are a priority for the Board.
The Board recognizes that children and adolescents are among those at greatest risk for concussions and that while there is potential for a concussion any time there is body trauma, the risk is greatest during activities where collisions can occur, such as during physical education classes, playground time, or school-based sports activities.
It is critical that a student with a suspected concussion be examined by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner as soon as possible on the same day.
If a student has a suspected concussion whether it is school related or not it is imperative that the school be made aware so that a Return to Learn/Return to Physical Activity Plan can be developed in collaboration with the school, home and medical practitioner. Please view the UCDSB concussion procedure and appendices on the Board’s Website.
Head Lice
Head lice are easily passed from one person to another. Children are especially prone to these pests. Please impress upon your children not to share hats, hairbrushes, etc. and examine your child’s hair for head lice and their eggs (nits) on a regular basis. If you find head lice or eggs in your child's hair, please notify the school promptly. Treat your child’s hair and check other family members according to the information sheet available from the Health Unit and the school. If live lice or nits are observed by school staff, you will be contacted so that you can treat your child. A non-identifying letter to parents in the class where lice are found will also be sent home. If you have any questions, please contact the school or the Health Unit.
Bus Transportation
UCDSB’s transportation is operated by Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario (STEO). STEO is a transportation consortium of the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario (CDSBEO), and the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB). You can visit their website, www.steo.ca for bus cancellation and busing guidelines information. There hours of operation and other contact information is listed below:
Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Telephone: (613) 925-0022 or 1-855-925-0022 Fax: (613) 925-0024
Email: [email protected]
Riding on a school bus is a privilege, not a right. Improper conduct may result in the withdrawal of this privilege. School buses under contract with STEO are an extension of the school system. Consequently, the disciplinary standards set by your school, school board, and STEO will apply to all vehicle passengers. Students whose behaviour endangers the safety or interferes with the comfort of others may have their riding privileges revoked. Students are accountable to the school principal for their behaviour on the school bus. The bus driver acts on behalf of the principal. Students will obey instructions from the driver. Compensation for damage or destruction of board property by a student is the responsibility of the student and parents/ guardians. This applies to school buses and vans. Please review the School Bus Safety Rules and the Transportation Information and Guidelines for Students and Parents booklet that can be found on the STEO website.
Equity and Inclusive Education
The Ontario education system is based on a vision of an equitable and inclusive system where all students, parents, and other members of the school community are welcomed and respected; where every student is supported and inspired to succeed in a culture of high expectations for learning; and where all staff and students value diversity and demonstrate respect for others and a commitment to establishing a just, caring society. We provide students and staff with authentic and relevant opportunities to learn about diverse histories, cultures and perspectives. The Ministry of Education has developed many resources to assist teachers and parents. Some examples are Developing and Implementing Equity and Inclusive Education Policies in Ontario Schools, Equity and Inclusive Education in Ontario Schools: Guidelines for Policy Development and Implementation. These can be found at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/equity.html.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Students are encouraged to participate of the extra-curricular activities which are organized to provide students with a well-rounded educational experience. Participation by students in these activities is a privilege and it is the expectation that students are
in good standing (attendance, behavior, academics) to be involved in extra-curriculars clubs, teams, and/ or activities.
Lost and Found
The school and UCDSB cannot take responsibility for personal property that is lost or stolen. Students are encouraged to label their personal property so lost items can be returned if found. Students should avoid bring valuables such as money, electronic devices, jewelry, and expensive clothing to school. Students should never leave valuables in classrooms or the gymnasium. All missing personal property should be reported to the main office as soon as possible to promote the successful tracking and return of the missing item(s). Students who find things should take found items to the main office. Glasses, jewelry, wallets, cell phones, and other electronic devices will be kept locked in the office area until they are claimed. All other items will be taken to the lost and found boxes. Lost and found will be sent to local charity shops as required throughout the year (communicated through Facebook and/ or email notifications).
Field Trips
Students may have the opportunity to go on field trips that relate to the curriculum. Permission forms sent home and teacher communication will keep you updated on any pending trips for your child’s class. Students involved in any school sanctioned event that is off school property must follow the policies and procedures with respect to Code of Conduct and Field Trip guidelines as outline by UCDSB and Cambridge Public School.
Student Insurance
Families are given the opportunity to purchase student accident insurance in September. The purchase of this insurance is optional, but students engaged in physical education and sports are advised to purchase this or similar insurance.
Social Media Presence
In the ever-changing world of information transmission, and being cognizant of our carbon footprint, Cambridge will use a variety of digital formats to communicate with parents. Parents/students can find us at https://cambridge.ucdsb.on.ca and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cambridgeps . Media consent forms are now signed once for the duration of attendance at CPS. If you wish to change your consent, please contact the office. We will collate that information and provide each classroom teachers with your wishes regarding media exposure for your child(ren). Classroom teachers are also using a variety of online applications to help keep parents informed and involved in the daily activities of our children- this will be communicated by individual teachers.
School Council
Looking for a way to get more involved with your child’s education? School Council is an excellent way to do just that. Our school has an elected school council that is an important forum for involving all members of the school community in issues that affect the education of students. The school council is made up of an elected committee of parents, staff, appointed community members, non-teaching staff, students (optional for elementary), the principal, and a general membership which includes all parent of children attending the school. The school council is an advisory council on topics such as student achievement, curriculum priorities, school safety, after school activities, and fundraising activities. The first meeting date will be posted on our School Facebook page and through email.
Parent Volunteers
The Board’s procedure on Volunteers reads, “all volunteers having contact with students are required, under Board policy, to obtain and submit a Vulnerable Sector Check” and “while all persons are encouraged to volunteer their services, the Board reserves the right to accept or deny any offer of service.” Letters required to request a vulnerable sector police screening are available at the school office (there is no cost for the screening for school volunteers).
School-Home Communication:
School wide information and upcoming events will be communicated through emails and Facebook posts. Parents/ Guardians are asked to ensure that the school has your up-to-date email contact throughout the school year. Teachers will inform parents/ guardians of the platform (i.e., email, Teams, Brightspace D2L) that they will use throughout the school year to share classroom news and information.
School Schedule
9:30 School Arrival
9:30-11:50 Instructional Time
11:50-12:30 Lunch/ Recess
12:30-3:50 Instructional Time (with 40-minute recess break)
3:50 Dismissal