Transportation:
Q: If my child's bus is late, will there be supervision when they get off the bus?
A: School staff will meet the bus at the main entrance when it arrives.
Lunches: Q: If it is a snow day and buses are cancelled, will Kids Kitchen still deliver?A: Yes.
Q: If it is a snow day and buses are cancelled but the school is still open, will pizza and sub lunches still be delivered?
A: Yes.
Q: In the event of inclement weather (extreme temperatures, rain or snow) do the students still go outside?
A: Administration monitors weather conditions and may reduce recess times accordingly. Please dress your child for outdoor play in all weather conditions.
Q: How come there is pavement only recess?
A: When field conditions are unsafe (icy or wet) for student safety we have pavement only recess.
Q: If my child is sick can they stay inside?
A: If your child is well enough to come to school they need to go outside where there is staff supervision.
Q: What do I do if I am late picking my child up from school?
A: In the rare event where you are delayed please call the school and we will make arrangements for your child to stay in the office.
Q: What do I do if there is a change in pick up arrangements?
A: Please call the school if someone other than parent/guardian is picking up your child.
Q: If my child is late can I walk them to class?
A: All students who are late must use the main doors and are required to sign in at the office. Parents are not permitted to walk the students to classroom to ensure student safety.
Q: It's my child’s birthday can I bring in treats?
A: We recommend sending in non-food items due to healthy schools initiative and to be respectful to students with allergies.
Combined Grade Classrooms:
Q: What is a combined grade class?
A: A combined or split class contains students from two consecutive grades, for example, a grade 7/8 split class is comprised of students from grades 7 and 8.
Q: Why do combined grade classes exist?
A: Sometimes there are too many students to form one class, but not enough
students to form two classes. In these situations, students from two different grade levels are grouper together to form a combined class. Smaller schools are particularly challenged because of lower overall enrollment. In these cases, students may be in combined grades for several years in a row.
Q: Why was my child chosen for the combined class?
A: When the school principal and staff consider students for a combined class, the following criteria may be considered:
- a balance according to gender
- work habits, maturity, co-operation
- a balance of ability, interests, and talents
- social or behavioural considerations
- ESL or Special Education needs
- Learning styles of the students
The placement of your child in the higher grade of a split class does not mean that your child has not met curriculum requirements. If your child is in the lower grade, they are not necessarily ahead of their peers in a straight grade.
Q: Are there any benefits to my child in a combined class?
A: Educational research supports many benefits for students in combined classes, including:
- the development of independent learning skills
- students learn from each other
- the enhancement of social/emotional development
- leadership opportunities for students
Q: Are there disadvantages to a combined grade?
A: No. An effective teacher and supportive parents provide a positive learning environment for children in any classroom organization. When student achievement is examined, the educational research has determined that there is no significant difference between single and combined or multi-grade classes.
Q: Will the teacher have as much time for my child in a split grade?
A: The amount of individual attention that a teacher is able to provide is determined by the number of students in the class, not by the combination of two grades.
Q: Will my child be prepared for the next grade if he/she is in a combined class?
A: Yes. At the beginning of each school year, teachers use a variety of methods to assess the needs of each student regardless of the composition of the class. Using the Ontario Curriculum in each subject as a basis, the programme is planned to meet the needs and abilities of all students in the class and to prepare students for the next grade.
Q: Is the achievement of students in a combined grade comparable to children in a straight grade?
A: Educational literature shows that children in combined grade groupings function at a level that is comparable to children in a straight grade. Student achievement is not compromised. In addition, the research suggests that multi-age grouping is associated with a more positive self-concept and an enhanced attitude towards learning.
Note: Under Regulation 298 of the Education Act, “The principal of a school, subject to the authority of the appropriate supervisory officer, is in charge of the organization and management of the school.”
For further information, visit the Board’s web site at: www.yrdsb.ca