Safety and Emergency

The School as a Safe and Secure Place

We believe that all individuals have the right to learn in an environment where they feel safe, valued and respected.

Our code of student behavior is based on positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS).

The code of student behavior is designed to guide students as they develop life-long skills, which will enable them to contribute positively as citizens at home, school and in the community. Again this year, our social responsibility themes will connect with the 7 Sacred Teaching of Aboriginal Cultures, and we will engage in the process of renewing our behaviour matrix through a schoolwide positive behaviour support residency.

All visitors are requested to report to the office and are identified before entering the classroom areas.

Bus Transportation

Adult supervisors assist with the loading/unloading of school buses before and after school. Student bus monitors also assist on buses. Please inform the classroom teacher (and the office) if your child is not taking the bus on a particular day. The RETSD Transportation Department (669-0202) should also be advised.

Emergency Dismissal

Specific information is required from parents in the event of an early dismissal of students due to a snowstorm, road conditions and/or other emergency.

• Information about the dismissal will be announced via the media. Parents are encouraged to stay tuned to the local radio stations.
• Students who do not ride the school bus and who have someone at home or have alternate arrangements made for them as per “Closing of School, Emergency Dismissal Information Form,” will be allowed to go home.
• Divisional buses will run as usual. Students who normally take the school bus will leave the school by bus.
• If there is some doubt regarding the child’s safety, a staff member will contact the parent, guardian and/or babysitter or other designated person as indicated on the “Closing of School, Emergency Dismissal Information Form”.
• If a situation should arise in which a parent needs information about the whereabouts of their children and is unable to make contact with the school, phone the Administration Offices at 667-7130
• If any changes to “Closing of School, Emergency Dismissal Information" form need to be made, please advise the school.

Emergency Closing of the School

In the event it is necessary to close schools and/or cancel transportation because of severe weather conditions, the following procedure will be followed:

The decision to close schools and/or cancel transportation will be made by the superintendent in consultation with the director of transportation.

The decision will be communicated to the media:

Please note that if the buses are cancelled in the morning, they will not run at the end of the day.

Emergency Preparedness Plan

All schools in River East Transcona School Division have a emergency preparedness plan. Students have practised for such events. This allows everyone to execute the plan in a safe, expedient fashion. In case of immediate evacuation, École Centrale students will be relocated to Calvin Christian School and/or St. Michael’s Ukrainian Church.

Custody

Please make sure the school is aware of any legal restrictions regarding custody and visitation rights. Forward all relevant legal documents to the school.

Supervision

Adults provide supervision on the playground at recesses and during the lunch hour.

All students eat lunch in their classrooms, and adult staff of the École Centrale Lunch Supervision Program ensure that lunchtime is orderly and pleasant. These adult supervisors also accompany the students during the midday recess. There are also grade four lunch monitors in each classroom, assisting younger students. Students staying for lunch must register with the École Centrale Lunch Supervision Program.

An adult supervisor is on duty in the schoolyard at 8:05 a.m., supervising students’ arrival. They are also present to meet kindergarten students when they arrive for morning and afternoon classes. At the end of the school day, supervisors assist and escort the kindergarten students to their designated buses. Supervisors are provided with guidance and support on how to take charge of situations and assist students in resolving conflicts in a positive, respectful and productive manner. All situations are noted, allowing teachers to proceed with appropriate follow-up.

Parents/Guardians in the School

At École Centrale, we believe that parents/guardians, teachers and children are partners in education. This collaboration is based on respect, co-operation and effective communication. Our École Centrale Parent Advisory Council (ECPAC) organizes family activities, fundraisers, hot lunch program, volunteer program and many educational sessions for families. This partnership is an active, enthusiastic and productive one with “support of the students” as the ultimate goal.