Safety & Health

Student Patrols

Our student patrol team consists of dedicated students from grades 5 and 6 who pledge to look after the safety of our students on their way to and from school. The Winnipeg Police Department actively supports our patrols with information, training and special events. RETSD also supports our patrols by supplying vests, flags and special treats.

Patrols are on duty at two crossing areas (Roch and Munroe, and Watt and Munroe) 10 minutes prior to the bell in the morning and at lunch and 10 minutes following dismissal at lunch and 3:30.  All students must obey the directions of the patrols and not interfere in any way with patrols while they are on duty. Students are to use only designated patrolled crosswalks.

The patrol times and posts are as follows:

• Morning                       8:40 -   8:50            
• Lunch departure         11:40 - 11:50               
• Lunch return               12:35 - 12:45
• Afternoon dismisal       3:30 -   3:40

Locations:  Roch & Munroe, Watt & Munroe                                        

Please be aware that dropping off your children on Munroe Ave. at the front door is quite dangerous and we ask that instead, students be dropped off on Watt near the school playground entrance. Please respect the neighboring businesses by not turning around or parking on their property. 

During extremely cold weather, the following guidelines will be followed for patrols. Including wind-chill: 

-27 to -34:    Time on post is not to exceed 10 minutes.  Facial protection is recommended.

-34 to -42:    Time on post is not to exceed 5 minutes, posts more than a five minute walk from the school will not be patrolled.

Below -42:       No student patrols on post.

Playground Supervision

Teachers and paraprofessionals provide playground supervision for a period of time before school. The supervisors are on duty at 8:40 a.m. Supervision is also provided during recess. Students should not arrive at school before 8:40 a.m. or 12:45 p.m. (if they have gone home for lunch).

Fire Drills

Each school is required to have 10 fire drills a year. These are very important exercises and students are expected to follow the directions of the supervising teacher. The following procedures are important:

• An exit route is posted in each classroom
• Classroom teachers will provide information to the students regarding primary and alternate exit routes
• Students must wear shoes during class time
• Students must exit and re-enter the building in a quiet orderly manner
• Students must wait quietly when outside so they are able to hear the attendance being called and any instructions being given

Lockdown Procedures

Twice per year lockdown procedures are practiced. Teachers explain the rationale and procedures to students at a developmentally appropriate level and parents are informed.  These drills contribute to the safety of all students and staff.

Emergency Procedures

Occasionally, because of a power failure, water main break etc., the school may have to be closed and the students sent home early. Each family is asked to make arrangements for such emergencies. 

Please leave the name and phone number of someone to contact in an emergency in case we are unable to reach the parent/guardian. This information must be kept current. Please advise us of any change of address or telephone number. 

Our staff will attend to a child who receives a minor injury such as a scrape, bruise or cut. Should a child receive a more serious injury, please note the following procedure:

• Every attempt will be made to notify parents or guardians at home or at work.  If we are unable to do so, the emergency contact person will be called.
• Should no one be available for us to contact, we will transport the child to the nearest hospital for medical aid at the parents’ expense.
• If necessary, the school will call an ambulance.

The Manitoba School Boards Association and the school division recommends that all parents consider student accident insurance. This information is sent home in September.

Visitors to the School

All visitors to the school must report to the school office.  All visitors to Student Services Clinical Unit must report to the Student Services Clinical Unit office.

Medication

To ensure a safe school environment, RETSD has several policies regarding dispensing of medication. If your child needs to take prescribed medication at school, please contact the office for the information and forms required. If your child has a medical condition, also please ensure that you inform the teacher or office. A health care plan may be required for your child’s safety.

Communicable Diseases

Occasionally there are cases of communicable disease that occur in our school. Pediculosis (head lice), pink eye and skin infections require treatment to prevent the spread to other children. The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority offers hepatitis B Immunization to all Grade 4 students. An immunization consent form and information sheet will be sent home with your child in the fall.

Nutrition

Children need healthy food for physical activity and for growth and development. Polson School promotes nutritious food choices for our children by promoting nutritious foods in our canteen, in classroom learning and at school celebrations. Please do not send peanuts/nut products to school to protect people with severe allergies. Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack for mid morning and mid afternoon.