​                                                     Hillsborough Elementary Newsletter

October 2021

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This week marked a historical day for Canada as we participated in the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.  Students have been learning about Indigenous People and how they have been mistreated. Age-appropriate information was shared; the emphasis being that “EVERY CHILD MATTERS”.  

 Yesterday, many staff and students wore something orange to show that we are united together in a spirit of reconciliation and hope because: EVERY CHILD MATTERS. A tree was also planted on the school grounds to commemorate this day and students displayed orange ribbons on the trees in front of the school.

A “Meet the Teacher” event usually takes place during the first month of school.  A face-to -face gathering will not be happening again this year. Instead, teachers are sending home information about classroom learning expectations, along with other information specific to their classes.  We are currently preparing a video to provide a visual introduction of the teachers. A link for this video will be shared with you soon.  As always, you can call the school or write a note to your child’s teacher if you would like to speak to him/her. 

The PSSC (Parent School Support Committee) is looking for new members. The PSSC is a school community group that has an advisory relationship with the school principal. They meet 4-5 times a year. If you would like to know more about this role or would like to be a part of this committee, please contact the school.

Safety is always a priority in schools! Please note:

We continue to follow the provincial directives related to Covid 19.  Updates can be found on the district and school website.  Please be sure students are well when they come to school. Those who have two or more symptoms of COVID-19, cannot be at school.

·         For the safety and security of the students, doors are locked throughout the school day (except during early morning arrival 8:15-8:40 when they are supervised.) Students should not arrive before 8:15.

·         Access to the building is limited. Appointments are needed to enter.

·         Public entrance will continue to be the front doors by the office. Visitors will ring the bell and wait for direction.

·         For pick up of a student or items, visitors will wait outside the front door for the student to come or the items to be brought to them.

·         Meetings with the teacher will be done by phone or skype whenever possible.

·         If a face to face meeting is required, this will be scheduled, and covid protocols will be in place.

• As part of the school’s emergency plans, this past month we have practiced fire drills and lockdown procedures.  A lockdown is used if there is the possibility of danger to students and staff.  This is done by moving students to a safe location in the building. It is presented in a way that does not promote fear, but rather a sense of security. During a lockdown, students will move to a safe place, close together with their teacher in the classroom. Students wait quietly in this place for any needed direction. Please see the reverse side of this newsletter for more information about lockdowns. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

·         Please remember to use the district Safe Arrival system when your child is absent from school.  You can call the school (734-3700) and follow the prompts to report the absence (You can also use the Web and Mobile Web: go.schoolmessenger.ca​  or the Interactive Toll-free Phone -1-833-202-4304). Please contact the school if you have questions.

     Looking ahead

Nov. 11^th – Schools closed for Remembrance Day

Nov. 19^th  – Schools closed for students (Staff professional learning)

Susan Wilmot

 Principal HES

Notice to Parents – School Safety and Security

This information has been provided through the RCMP in collaboration with the school district.

Staff and students are familiar with lockdowns, but we wish to increase your knowledge of our procedures.

It is important to understand that school staff will implement a lockdown and call police if/and when there is any reason to believe that imminent danger to students and staff may exist. At this stage, everyone in the school will move to a secure location, safe from harm. Police will respond to the school and no one will enter or leave, until the situation is resolved.

The first instinct of parents/guardians is to either phone the school directly or your child, or to go directly to the school.  You are asked not to do any of these, but instead to understand and follow the procedures outlined in this letter.

Roadways need to be kept clear for responding emergency vehicles, and parents and others attempting to drive to the school can slow police and other emergency responders from getting to and securing the area as quickly as possible.  Therefore, if you hear that a lockdown is occurring at your child’s school, do not go to the school. Instead, please wait for messages from the school or the district.  In some instances a staging area could be used.  This area/location would be communicated to parents and parents could go there to receive information provided by the police or school representatives. This location is selected as being far enough from the school to maximize your safety and that of others.

Please be assured that every effort will be made to keep you informed. Experience has shown that incorrect information often circulates during an event when it does not come directly from the police or school representatives.  Please note that, for safety reasons, some situations may require that some information be withheld until the situation is resolved. (In lockdown situations you may also contact the school district by calling 856-3222.)

Aside from lockdown procedures, your child’s school may also implement a precautionary “Hold & Secure” if there is an unrelated emergency situation occurring outside the building or in the neighbourhood that could potentially present a danger to the school. In this situation all doors to the school are locked and monitored. Classes will generally continue but no one will be allowed to enter or leave the building until the situation is resolved. We also ask that you do NOT go to the school unless asked to do so by school staff.

We encourage you to discuss school safety with your child and to address any concerns they may have. If you have any questions about this or any other issue related to the safety and security of the school please contact the school at 734-3700.