King George Public School 550 Harvey Street North Bay, ON P1B 4H3 Phone 705 472 5448 Fax 705 474 0283 Principal Christine Misch KING GEORGE NEWSLETTER PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE We would like to welcome back those returning to King George and extend a warm welcome to the new King George students and their families. The 2013-­‐2014 school year is off to a great start! The King George staff endeavor to keep you well informed of what is happening at the school. This envelope of information has been put together to help you plan for activities that are happening at the school, as well as help the school staff collect pertinent information needed for our student records. We thank you in advance for taking the time to review this information and return the Parent Signature Package back to the school by Monday September 16th. We are looking forward to a year of successful learning, Christine Misch Principal LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIES The number of students allergic to PEANUT and NUT PRODUCTS in our school is growing, and again this year we have some students at the very highest risk level. We will continue to endeavor to reduce the nut allergens in the school, to ensure the safety of our students who are allergic. The staff are very knowledgeable about nut allergies and will continue to inform and remind the students of the severity of bringing nut products to school. Some of the details the teachers will be teaching the students are: • The deaths that occur are generally caused by cross-­‐contamination, ie., a trace of peanut butter that is left on a hand, a knife, a desk or another object. The student who is allergic could inadvertently touch the trace and a reaction (or even death) could occur; • After eating peanut butter at home, students and parents should wash thoroughly with soap and water before coming to school; • For some students, we have just a few minutes to administer the injection (epipen – an injection used for severe allergic reactions such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, wheezing) before death occurs; • Children with severe allergies should be able to feel as confident and safe as possible knowing that all precautions have been taken. Since it is our goal to ensure that we have as safe an environment as possible when a child’s life is at stake, we are asking for your help and understanding in refraining from sending foods containing peanut butter and nut products to school. PEANUT BUTTER SUBSTITUTES NOT ALLOWED Peanut butter substitutes such as “Wowbutter” and “School Safe Soy Butter” are both made with soya nuts. These products look, smell and taste like peanut butter. Our concern is how do we know it isn’t “real” peanut butter? It is difficult to tell which the substitute is and which is real. The King George policy is to strive to be a nut free school. It is the responsibility of the entire school community to assist in safe guarding the welfare of every child. We simply cannot run the risk of any student or staff member being exposed to nuts as this may cause an allergic reaction. In order to ensure the safety of everyone, please be advised that peanut butter substitutes are NOT allowed. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURES The Ministry of Education requires schools to provide a safe and secure learning environment, and to minimize the risk of harm to students and staff. We will be conducting firedrills and a lockdown drill in order to ensure that everyone in the school setting knows how to respond. STUDENT NUTRITION PROGRAM We are delighted to inform you that once again this year King George has qualified for funding for our Student Nutrition program offered through the Community Living North Bay. We offer nutritious food and beverages that are recommended by Canada’s Food Guide to our students during our nutrition breaks. This program is free to students, and is designed for students who would benefit from a healthy snack/beverage during their instructional day. CLASS ORGANIZATION We do our very best to place students with their teachers and classmates in a way that makes the most sense for the learning of all of our students. However, over the summer some students may come into our school area and others may leave. The Ministry of Education has imposed very strict class sizes that must be followed so it could be necessary to make some changes in the first three weeks of school. This could mean that your child may end up having a different teacher for the year than he or she had on the first day of school. We don’t know for sure how the numbers might work out, but we do want you and your child to be aware of this possibility. The staff will work to ensure that there is a smooth transition, if any students need to move from one class to another. We make these decisions taking into consideration the needs of the students and the organization of the whole school and advise families when changes need to be made. l KING GEORGE SCHOOL COUNCIL Tuesday September 10th, 2013 6:30pm – 8:00pm Staffroom School Councils play a vital role in the education system in Ontario. The partnership of the school, parents and community representatives on a School Council helps to build mutual understanding and interaction between a school and its community, resulting in benefits for all. School Council members are in place for a term that lasts from the first meeting of one school year to the first meeting of the next school year (September to September). School Council members from last year invite new parents who are interested in participating as a member on the 2013-­‐2014 School Council, to a meeting on Tuesday September 10th at 6:30 in the staffroom. ALL PARENTS ARE WELCOME!! The Kin George School Council in the past has actively supported the school in its goal to educate children to their fullest potential. The council has initiated fundraisers in order to meet the needs the school deems beneficial for the growth of the students, as well, the council has planned other events to enhance school community involvement. If you are interested in attending the first meeting to learn more about the membership of the council please join us. FALL FAIR – BOOK FAIR MEET the STAFF Wednesday September 18th 5:00pm – 7:00pm Enjoy some pie and ice cream, visit with the King George staff and check out the Book Fair UPCOMING DATES Sept. 10 6:30 School Council Meeting Sept. 11 JK’s 1st Day Sept. 18 5:00-­‐7:00 Fall Fair – Book Fair -­‐ Meet the Staff Sept. 26 Terry Fox Day Sept. 26 Picture Day in the library Sept. 30 10:00 Respect Assembly Oct. 1 Boys Junior Soccer Tournament Oct. 2 Girls Junior Soccer Tournament Oct. 5 World Educators’ Day Oct. 7-­‐11 Fire Prevention Week Oct. 8 6:30 School Council Meeting Oct. 11 PD Day – NO SCHOOL for kidsl Oct. 14 Thanksgiving Oct. 24 Picture Retake Day in the library Nov. 11 10:45 Remembrance Day Assembly Nov. 12 6:30 School Council Meeting Nov. 15 PD Day – Parent and Teacher Conferences Nov. 18-­‐22 Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week Dec. 10 6:30 School Council Meeting Dec. 20 PD Day WIN 1 of 5 $20 Gift Cards by returning the Parent Signature Package by Monday September 16th!!! PARENT SIGNATURE PACKAGE Child’s Name: _______________________________ Date: ___________________ Parent Email Address: ________________________ Return the completed Parent Signature Package by Monday September 16th to your child’s teacher and you will be eligible to win one of 5 $20 gift certificates. This package of information is needed to ensure the safety of students and for the effective management of the school. We appreciate your effort to read and sign the following forms. STUDENT MEDICAL FORM
APPENDIX G
THIS FORM MUST BE READ AND SIGNED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF A PARTICIPATING
STUDENT FOR ANY OFF-PROPERTY ACTIVITIES. FAILURE TO RETURN THIS FORM WILL
RESULT IN THE STUDENT NOT BEING ABLE TO ATTEND OFF-PROPERTY ACTIVITIES.
Student Name: _____________________________________________________________________________
1.
2.
3.
4.
Family Physician ______________________________ Phone # _________________________________
Ontario Health Card # ___________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian _ _______________________________________________________________________
Home Phone _____________________ Work Phone __________________________________________
5
(a) Does the student suffer from any of the following? If YES, please check.
Migraine Headaches
_____
Digestion Problems
_____
Fainting Spells
_____
Allergies
_____
Ear, Nose, Throat Infections
_____
Epilepsy
_____
Urinary Infections
_____
Cerebral Palsy
_____
Skin Conditions
_____
Orthopaedic problems
_____
Heart disorders
_____
Diabetes
_____
Asthma
_____
Other (please specify)
_________________________________________________________
(b) Head or back conditions or injuries (in the past two years) ___________________________________
(c) Arthritis or rheumatism, chronic nosebleeds, dizziness, fainting, headaches, dislocated shoulder, hernia,
swollen or painful joints, trick or lock knee_______________________________
(d) What precautions are required? _________________________________________________________
(e) What things must the student not do? _ ___________________________________________________
Blood Type (if known) __________________________________________________________________
If she/he has allergies, what type? _ _________________________________________________________
Does he/she carry an EpiPen?
Who should administer?
Is a special diet required for medical reasons? Yes ____ No ____
Please specify __________________________________________________________________________
Eyeglasses? Yes ____ No ____ Contact Lenses? Yes ____ No ____
Does your son/daughter wear a medic alert bracelet, chain, or carry a medical card?
Yes ______ No _____ Please specify which __________________
If yes, what is written on it? ____________________________________________________
Nature of problem or concern______________________________________________________________
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12. Is the student prescribed any medication? ______________ Type of medication ______________
How often administered? _ ________________________________________________________________
Who should administer medication? ________________________________________________________
Side Effects __ _________________________________________________________________________
Storage of Medication ___________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Name _______________________________ Phone Number ____________
Alternate Emergency Name ______________________________ Phone Number _____________
I acknowledge that in the event that a) my child suffers from anaphylactic reactions that he/she will carry
at least two (2) epinephrine injectors on the trip; b) my child is prescribed medication that he/she will
carry a supply of medication sufficient for the duration of the trip plus an additional 50% supply; c) in
the event that the medication requirements a) and/or b) are not met then he/she shall not be allowed to
attend on the trip.
Parent/Guardian’s Signature: ________________________________________________________
Date: ______________________
Parents are encouraged to purchase student accident insurance as accident insurance is not provided by the Board.
Please Note: Freedom of Information
The information provided on this form is collected pursuant to the Board’s education responsibilities as set out in the Education Act and its regulations.
The information is protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be utilized only for purposes related to the Board’s
Administrative Guideline on Risk Management for Out-of-Classroom High Risk Activities. Any questions with respect to this information should be
directed to the school principal.
IDENTIFICATION OF STUDENTS FOR SCHOOL-­RELATED ACTIVITIES It is the practice of the Near North District School Board and its schools to recognize and celebrate our students’ achievements and activities by way of announcements, displays, items in the newsletters, public media, awards assemblies, school webpage and other means. Students’ names and/or pictures may also appear on such documents such as printed programs, class pictures and yearbooks or on computers given the current technology, which are used in our schools. In order to ensure compliance with parental wishes for students under the age of 16 years and with the protection of individual privacy, the Near North District School Board is asking for your written consent to allow publication of names and/or photographs. If you require additional information before signing of the consent below please contact the school principal. I give my consent for the name, photograph and details of achievement of my child to be displayed and/or published for the purposes of recognition and/or celebration. Parent Name: __________________________ Parent Signature: ________________________ I DO NOT give my consent for the name, photograph and details of achievement of my child to be displayed and/or published for the purposes of recognition and/or celebration. Parent: _______________________________ Parent Signature: _________________________ LOCAL WALKING FIELD TRIPS
During the school year the King George teachers take advantage of learning experiences within our community
by planning walking field trips as part of the regular curriculum or extra activities. While these trips are planned
and supervised by teachers, there is, as with any activity some element of risk. Accidents may occur while
participating, without any fault on the part of the student, the Near North District School Board or its
employees. Therefore, we request your permission to allow your son/daughter to participate in these local field
trips as they occur.
As with any school activity, appropriate behaviour is expected on excursions where students represent not only
themselves but their school. The school reserves the right to withhold excursion privileges from students whose
conduct has not been acceptable.
I give my child permission to participate in local walking field tips.
Parent Name: _____________________________
Parent Signature: ______________________________
I DO NOT give my child permission to participate in local walking field trips
Parent Name: _____________________________
Parent Signature: ______________________________
STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK
We encourage parents to take the time to read the ‘Student and Parent Handbook’ and discuss it with your
child/children. A copy of this has been provided to parents of JK to Grade 3 in this information package. For
students in Grade 4, 5 and 6 this handbook can be found in the front of the King George agenda book we
provided to your child.
I have read and discussed the ‘Student and Parent Handbook’ with my child.
Parent Name: _____________________________ Parent Signature: _________________________
VOLUNTEERS
A school is only as strong as the link it forms with its community. Successful schools involve the school
community, so there is a collective sense of ownership in the educational process. Volunteers enrich the lives of
students and assist the staff with an endless variety of tasks. The King George staff would like to welcome your
involvement in our school and in your child’s education throughout the year.
If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out the following information. We will collect, sort and share
this information with the appropriate staff, so that the students and staff can benefit from your skills, knowledge
and talents.
I am interested in volunteering in the following:
___ In my child’s class
___ In the library
___ In the Arts such as: eg. music, drama, art, dance
___ In Athletics such as: eg. soccer
___ Pediculosis Checks (lice)
___ School Council
___ Crafts
COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY
Students need to use computers and technology to gain essential skills.
Computers and other technological learning tools are to be used under the direct
supervision of a staff member. Misuse of any technology will result in discipline
measures. All grade 4 to 6 students and their parents are required to sign
and be aware of the Near North District School Board’s Information Technology
Acceptable Use Policy.
Near North District School Board Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy
Information Technology is made available in our schools for educational purposes. It is a shared and limited
resource. This policy is designed to ensure system integrity and student safety.
Students are responsible for:
· Adhering to all relevant laws, including copyright laws
· Following the school’s Code of Conduct
· Treating computer equipment and computer networks with respect
· Keeping personal information private (e.g., not publishing photos, names, addresses, or phone numbers on the
Internet)
· Wisely using limited network resources
· Using computer resources for educational activities
· Reporting known technical or security problems
Students must not:
· Use others' passwords or share passwords
· Trespass in others' folders, work or files
· Use abusive, vulgar, obscene or other inappropriate language
· Send or display offensive messages or pictures
· Harass, insult or attack other users (e.g., with unwanted e-mail messages)
· Vandalize accounts or systems, including hardware
· Perform unauthorized downloading, software installation or modification of system settings
· Create e-mail or newsgroup correspondence inappropriate to educational purposes
· Employ the network for unauthorized purposes or make online purchases
· Use Information Technology without staff supervision
· Engage in any other inappropriate use of the system as deemed by the supervising staff member
Staff may review student files and communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that students are using
the system responsibly and safely. Students should not expect that stored files or messages are private.
Students, parents and guardians must be aware of the implications of this policy and the requirements for the safe
and wise use of the Information Technology resources in our schools. Actions which contravene this policy will be
dealt with under the School’s Code of Conduct and could range from withdrawal of privileges to suspension from
school. Staff will assist students in meeting these requirements.
I agree to the Near North District School Board Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy.
_______________________ ___________________
Student Signature
Date
_______________________ ___________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date