Medical, Health & Safety

ANAPHYLAXIS
This word describes a serious reaction someone may have to certain allergens. These reactions can be fatal to the person who is severely allergic.

As you may be aware, a number of our students have a potentially life-threatening allergy. We ask that you join St. Gabriel Staff in taking care to ensure the safety of all students in the school. We ask your cooperation by not sending to school with your child any snacks or lunches containing peanuts or nuts product. Other allergens will be dealt with, on an as needed basis. The following guidelines must be strictly adhered to by all the students in the school:

Snacks are not to be shared with other students
Utensils are not to be shared with other students
Parents are asked to read labels carefully for the following products that may contain nut products: granola bars, crackers, chocolate bars and cookies, some cereals, store baked goods or snacks

Birthday Celebrations/Special Occasions: Parents are asked to to not send in any food treats for class distribution. We will not accept any baked/bought goods at any time during the school day… there will be no exceptions.

PEABUTTER/SUNBUTTER SPREADS - These products are almost identical in colour, consistency, smell and taste to peanut butter. Schools cannot be expected to monitor for student safety when it is impossible to differentiate between the two. Therefore, the Board is requesting that parents do not send their children to school with look alike products to peanut butter, until the products are available in a colour other than tan.

Working together, we can help keep all children safe.

BULLYING
Everything about bullying can be summed up in one statement: bullying is a relationship problem...more

CHILD ABUSE
During the 1979-1980 school year, a new law was passed which requires all educators, as well as the general public, to report issues related to child endangerment or face substantial fines. Please visit the link for Board Policy II-20 Child Abuse & Protection of Students.

It is the role of the Children’s Aid Society, to whom we report, to investigate such a report. If your child is bruised or marked from an accident, you may wish to let the teacher know the circumstances. Should a report be made to the Children’s Aid Society, you should understand that we are complying with the law and have the best interest of your child in mind.

CHILD PICK-UP
Please notify the school if someone other than the usual person is picking up your child.

We will not intentionally release a student to anyone who is not the usual caregiver unless we have been informed, in writing, ahead of time.

CRISIS AT HOME
If there is a crisis at home, such as a death or illness in the family or of friends who are close to you and your children, please let us know so that we can provide support for your child upon his/her return to school. Death or illness of family pets can also be upsetting to children and affect their ability to learn.

CUSTODY OF CHILDREN
Single-parent families are increasingly common. On rare occasions, we are faced with difficult situations when a non-custodial parent arrives at school asking to visit with, or take home a child. We are best able to serve and protect the child when we are made aware of:

Custody
Visitation rights
Special instructions

If these circumstances apply to your family, please ensure that the school office and classroom teachers are aware of current legal agreements between parents. Proof will be kept on file stating joint or single custody.

DENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Dental screening is provided for all children in Kindergarten, Grades 2, and 8. Targeted schools will also receive screening services for grades 4 and 6. Children identified at dental risk during the screening will receive dental/nutritional education and oral hygiene instruction. Education services are also available for other grades. Parents requesting eligibility into CINOT(Children in Need Of Treatment-funding for essential dental treatment) can call for a screening appointment to the Regions’ Dental Health Services at 905-825-6060, extension 7809.

DRUGS, ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND WEAPONS
The possession and use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco are not allowed on school property or at any school-related activity. The sale of drugs, alcohol and tobacco is not allowed on school property or at any school-related activity. Weapons are strictly prohibited on school property or school sponsored events. See the Code of Conduct for additional information.

FIRE DRILLS AND EVACUATION
Fire drills will be held at regular intervals throughout the year. Students will be instructed as to the proper procedures for evacuation. Students must wear footwear at all times while in school so their feet will be protected should the school require evacuation. Should the fire alarm sound, the students must exit immediately. They cannot stop to put on shoes. Students are asked to have an extra pair of indoor shoes at the school, particularly during the winter months.

FIRST AID
First Aid on our school site is provided by trained and certified First Aid providers. A First Aid Action Plan has been developed to manage emergencies with immediate contact to medical aid when appropriate. Students are informed as to who the First Aid providers are, the location of the First Aid station and procedures to follow when injured or ill.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
In compliance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, we cannot give out the names, addresses, or phone numbers, of families without their knowledge and consent. Please do not ask school staff to provide this information for birthday parties or other social engagements.

GRADE 7 HEPATITIS B IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM
The Halton Regional Health Department will provide Hepatitis B immunization. The free Hepatitis B vaccine will be offered to all Grade 7 students not previously immunized against Hepatitis B. Immunization will be through school-based clinics and administered by Health Department Staff.

ILLNESS OR INJURY AT SCHOOL … RECESS
Our facilities do not include a supervised health room. We will call parents or the emergency contact to make arrangements for your child to go home. We strongly urge, that if parents work, that your emergency contact person be available at all times.

Recess breaks serve a special purpose in the school routine and except in unusual cases students will not be excused from going outside. Students who are too sick to go outside should not be at school with others, and should be cared for at home.

INDOOR RECESS DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS
There are times of inclement weather, extreme cold or extreme heat when children will remain indoors for all or part of their recess. Please review Board Policy VI-39 Inclement Weather Safety for more details.

LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES
Lockdown drills will be held at regular intervals throughout the school year, to prepare students should an emergency require that students move into a safe environment within the school.

MEDICAL INFORMATION UPDATE
Please be advised that parent/guardians are obligated to notify the school of any potential risk of injury to their child(ren). Please help us care for your child(ren) by keeping us informed of any of the following conditions:

Severe allergic reaction(s)
Previous concussion(s)
Other conditions which might affect safe participation in school programs
Exclusion from recess activity and/or extra-curricular activity
Any other conditions which might affect the provision of first aid

MEDICATION
We cannot dispense medication of any kind unless we have signed authorization by the physician and parents, directions to be followed given and medication provided in a properly labeled container. For safety reasons, students should not have any medication at school whether prescription or non-prescription.

Even if your child requires medication occasionally, you are required to fill out a form indicating the same and we must supervise the administration of the same if it is being taken during the school day. This would include non-prescription medication for headaches and/or other discomforts.

Should your child require medication to be administered at school, please contact the office for the appropriate forms. The only exception to this requirement at this time is for children who must carry medication, because of life threatening conditions and/or allergies.

PEDICULOSIS (HEAD LICE)
There is a direct line in Halton regarding pediculosis (head lice). (905) 507-6562 or toll free 1-855-507-6562. Please refer to Board Policy VI-13 Pediculosis (Head Lice) Management.

PLAYGROUND SAFETY: Skateboards, roller blades, etc.
Our school grounds are private property shared with St. Gabriel Church. The use of skateboards, roller blades, snow racers, toboggans, magic carpets, scooters, roller shoes and similar potentially dangerous recreational equipment is prohibited on school property.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
The primary role of the Public Health Nurse is to work in partnership with the school community (parents, staff and students) to plan for and facilitate the promotion of health in a comprehensive manner. As a secondary role, the Public Health Nurse is a consultant to individuals and groups regarding specific health-related issues. For more information, please call the Public Health Nurse at 825-6000.

STREETPROOFING
Please review the following regularly with your children:

Play safely and play together, do not play in remote areas of a park or a wooded area, or take short cuts through the woods
Do not loiter on the way to/from school
Do not go anywhere with a stranger
Do not accept rides for any reason
Stay well beyond the reach of people you do not know
Do not be afraid to say ‘NO’ to any request and run away quickly
Do not accept any treats, i.e., candies, toys or money from a stranger, for any reason
Always notify your parents about where you are going, especially if it is a change of routine
Look for Block Parent signs between home and school so that you know where they are in advance
If a stranger approaches you, you must notify an adult, parent, guardian, or teacher immediately
When someone you don’t recognize uses your name or the name of a family member, be on your guard
Don’t wear shirts with your name printed on the back

STUDENT ACCIDENT/LIFE INSURANCE
Student Accident Insurance is available to each student from an Insurance Company approved by the School Board. The school will send home one form per family when they arrive at the school. If insurance is desired the enrollment card is to be completed and mailed with the correct premium directly to the company. Envelopes are not to be returned to the school. Please note that this insurance covers your child 24 hours a day 365 days a year and is the only Board approved plan offered.