Thames Valley District School Board
51336 Ron McNeil Line, Springfield, . Tel. 
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Our Parent Handbook - Code of Conduct was created with the collaboration of students, parents, staff and community.
Our Vision
Our Springfield Spitfire logo represents our safe school environment. It stands as a symbol for doing what is right and reminds us of our past while leading the way to our future.
Our Mission Statement
Springfield Public School is dedicated to providing all students the opportunity to receive a comprehensive education in a positive school environment with the support of a caring community.
Code Of Conduct
With the collaboration of students, parents, staff and community, our school is a place which supports all members to be respectful and responsible in our collective pursuit of academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community. With this right, each one of us has the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself.
Responsibilities of Our School Community
To sustain a respectful and responsible teaching environment all school students, staff, parents, volunteers and community members must:
-demonstrate honesty and integrity;
-treat one another with dignity at all times by respecting differences in people, their ideas and opinions;
-respect and treat others fairly, regardless of their race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability;
-show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others;
-respect persons who are in a position of authority;
-respect the need of others to work in a safe and peaceful environment of learning and teaching;
-contribute to our safe school environment by following The Safe Schools Policy;
-wear clothing that supports an inclusive respectful learning environment. e.g. covered midriffs, or logos of items students are not allowed to purchase, covered underwear, t-shirt messages that are gender friendly and free of inappropriate language.
-respect and comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal laws
Responsibilities of Our Springfield Students
Respect and responsibility are demonstrated when a student:
-comes to school daily, prepared, on time and ready to learn;
-shows respect for themselves, for others and those in authority;
-refrains from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others;
-follows the established rules and takes responsibility for his or her actions.
Responsibilities of Our Springfield Staff
Respect and responsibility are demonstrated by teachers and school staff, in concert with their principal, as they maintain order in the school and hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour.
As role models, respect and responsibility are demonstrated when we:
-maintain a safe, positive learning environment by demonstrating respect for all students, staff and parents;
-help students work to achieve their full potential as they become productive citizens of society;
-communicate meaningfully with parents.
Responsibilities of Our Springfield Families
Respect and Responsibility are demonstrated when parents and volunteers:
-report to the office upon arrival, sign in and out;
-promote the success of the school in a positive manner;
-support student learning by sharing any concerns with appropriate staff in a timely fashion.
Bullying: We All Have A Role To Play
Anti-Bullying Reporting
The Thames Valley District School Board is committed to ensuring that procedures are in place for dealing with a range of bullying incidents that could occur in the school environment. These procedures are applicable to all students, staff and visitors. It is expected that these procedures will help to prevent recurrences, thus making the school safer.
The Definition of Bullying:
Bullying is a form of repeated, persistent and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.
As a part of our strategy to deal with the issue of bullying at Springfield Public School, we have established an online reporting mechanism that allows students, parents, and staff to report an incident of bullying, anonymously. Please click here for the Report Bullying Incident Form.
Parent/Teacher Communication
Each educator will inform you of their digital preference for communicating with parents. You may also telephone or email the school at any time.
Yard Supervision
Staff is on the school yard at 8:40 a.m. in the morning to supervise children as they arrive at school. Please ensure your child(ren) arrive after 8:40 a.m. each morning.
Lunchroom Policy
Students eat lunch in their classrooms. We are on a balanced day so students will have two times to eat a snack and/or lunch.
Students who stay at school for lunch are not permitted to leave the premises for any reason unless they have a note from a a parent/guardian providing consent.
Glass containers are not permitted. Please encourage your child not to share food with other children. At Springfield Public School, we strive to be a peanut free environment due to allergies to such within the school.
English Language Learners (E.L.L.)
E.L.L. students typically progress through four stages of proficiency. In Stages 1 and 2, students will not receive marks or grades on Report Cards. Modified marks may be used in Stages 2 and 3 despite full language proficiency as the regular program is modified to meet the needs of the students until they are capable of meeting regular grade expectations. In many cases, it will take up to three years before a student is competent enough to receive marks at grade level.
Program Development Team
Our school “Team” will meet regularly to assess student needs and to make program revisions. Team members include Principal, Learning Support Teacher, Classroom Educator and when necessary the Psychologist, Speech and Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and/or Physiotherapist and parents / guardians.
School Records
Parents/Guardians are asked to use the Parent Portal to update and confirm information about their child/children.
Changes to telephone numbers, custodial and access agreements, emergency contacts should be up to date and accurate.
The Ontario School Record (OSR) is a record of a student’s educational progress through schools in Ontario. The Education Act regulates access to an OSR and states that the OSR is “privileged for the information and use of supervisory officers and the principal and teachers of the school for improvement of instruction” of the student. Parents/Guardians may examine school records by appointment with the Principal.
Student Transportation
It is the shared concern of the Thames Valley District School Board, the school administration, the educators, the bus contractor and the bus drivers that our students should travel in safety during their trips to and from school.
The bus contractor makes every effort to ensure the buses are in the best operating condition. The drivers are required to have special licenses to drive their buses. The success in providing the safest bus ride for all students requires each student to follow the guidelines for conduct on the bus and exercise self-control while in the bus.
Conduct On The Bus
- ··Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
- ·Refrain from talking to the bus driver except in cases of emergency and refrain from loud and boisterous talking at all times on the bus.
- ·Fighting, wrestling and horseplay are dangerous and distract the bus driver. These behaviours are not allowed on the bus at any time.
- ·Arms, head and all objects must be kept completely inside the bus and articles are not to be thrown on or from the bus whether the bus is stopped or in motion.
- ·There will be no eating or drinking on the bus.
- ·Use of profane language is not permitted at any time on the bus.
- ·The main responsibility of the bus driver is to get the students safely to and from school and not to address inappropriate behaviour on the bus. It is important, therefore, that the students act in a cooperative manner while waiting for the bus, riding the bus, and while disembarking from the bus.
Transportation Delays and/or Cancellations
Information about transportation delays and / or cancellations due to inclement weather will be announced over the radio. The message will state: "The Thames Valley District School Board has cancelled vehicles for the entire day for the following: Elgin County - Aylmer Zone." Please be reminded that decisions to delay or cancel student transportation services due to inclement weather are made in the best interest of student safety and are the decision of transportation services and not the school. If school vehicles do run, the parent/guardian has the final decision whether or not to use the vehicles. Please DO NOT contact your school vehicle operator. Please visit Southwestern Ontario Student Transportation Services website at www.mybigyellowbus.ca.
Bus Cancellation on Hot Lunch Days
When buses are cancelled for the day, hot lunch WILL NOT be served. The hot lunch day will be rescheduled to a later date.
If Your Child is Ill
It is imperative that you ensure that the school office has up-to-date home phone numbers, addresses, parents’ work/school numbers, and emergency contact numbers for all students.
In case of illness, injury, or an emergency situation, these procedures will be followed:
•Parents / Guardians will be contacted at home, work, or school, and will be requested to pick up the child from school.
•If contact with parent / guardian cannot be made, and medical attention is necessary, an adult from the school or an ambulance will transport the child to the hospital.
•If your child has a medical condition that may require attention, such as asthma, severe allergies, diabetes, epilepsy, etc., please let the school know immediately.
Here is the link to the current Covid Screening Tool.
Medications & Individual Plan Of Care (IPOC)
If your child must take medicine during school hours, it will be administered at the school office. An “Authorization for Administration of Medication” form or “Authorization for Administration of PRN Medication” form must be completed by both you and your physician prior to medication being administered. These form are available in the parent portal or at the office.
If your child has a medical condition that may require attention, such as asthma, severe allergies, diabetes, epilepsy, etc., an IPOC must be created. Please review the Parent Portal or contact / visit the office for more information.
Student Concussion Policies
In response to Ministry of Education requirements and in support of our existing school safety procedures, schools are required to follow certain steps whenever a student suffers a concussion or whenever a concussion is suspected. Parents can access Concussion Policies and Procedures through the board website or by contacting the school and requesting a copy. As with any potential injury, our first goal is prevention; concussion awareness and prevention is part of ongoing professional training for staff and is integrated into students' Health and Physical Education curriculum.
Since concussion can affect a student's ability to learn or to participate in activities, schools will work with parents and medical contacts to assist any student who has suffered concussion. If an injury occurs on a weekend or after school, families are asked to inform the school so that appropriate accommodations and support can be provided.
Questions regarding Concussions can be directed to the school principal.
Emergency School Closure
If the school is closed early due to weather conditions, it is not possible for us to call all of our families. We will refer to your child’s “Emergency School Closure” form for direction. Please visit our school website for closure announcements.
Emergency Drills: Fire Drills, High Winds, Hold & Secure
Fire drills are an important part of the school routine. Students must know the proper exit from every area of the school. At the sound of the alarm, children walk quickly and quietly as directed by their educator. No talking or running can be permitted since it may be necessary to give alternate directions. Once outside, students stand quietly and wait for a bell to signify returning to class. All students must wear shoes at all times so they are prepared to go outside.
Being prepared in the event of an emergency is an important part of the school routine. Students need to know the proper procedures and therefore we practice fire, high winds, and hold and secure procedures twice a year; once in the fall and again in the spring. If you would like more information regarding these drills, please contact the school.
Visitors
All visitors are asked to sign in at the office. Parents bringing books, lunches etc. for students are asked to leave them at the office and our administrative assistant will see that they are delivered at an appropriate time so that interruptions to class instruction are kept to a minimum.
Please note that due to Covid, policies continue to evolve to reflect the public health and ministry mandates. Families will be updated as needed via our weekly email communication.
Springfield School Council
School Councils are mandated by the province to be advisory bodies composed of parents, students, school staff and community representatives. School Councils take part in the educational decision making process by providing input to the school principal and the Thames Valley District School Board on school related matters. School Council also provides direct financial support for student activities and programs. Elections will be held in the fall. Being involved is a great way to feel a part of our school community and to make a difference in your child’s year at Springfield. Your support and help is needed, so please join us.
Lost and Found
Lost and found articles are placed in a box near the Office. Small articles such as money and jewelry will be in the school office. Announcements will be made to have classes periodically review lost articles. Unclaimed articles which have been displayed for a length of time are donated to charity throughout the school year.
Springfield Cell Phone/Personal Device/Technology Policy
Created by and Approved by Springfield School Council January 2019
At Springfield Public School, we embrace technology for the purpose of enhancing student learning. We also understand that cell phones serve a safety purpose for students while travelling to and from school. However, in an effort to protect the learning environment from distractions and in order to respect the privacy of our staff and students, cell phones and all other electronic communication devices must be turned off and away:
-during the entire lunch or recess break
-on the yard at recess (before, during, and after school)
-in the hallways/bathrooms
-on the bus
In the classroom, cell phones and electronic devices are prohibited unless students are directly supervised by a teacher and they are used for instructional purposes only.
Students must not use cell phones and/or electronic devices to take photos, videos or sound recordings unless under direct educator supervision for instructional purposes and/or extra-curricular activities.
All members of the school community must:
Respect the need of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching, including by ensuring that cell phones and other personal mobile devices are used only during instructional time (as directed by an educator), for health and medical purposes and/or to support special education needs.
Consequences for the inappropriate use of these devices include:
-holding the personal device for return to the student at the end of the school day
-keeping the device safe in the office until a parent or guardian can come and pick it up
-detention
-suspension for repeated or serious infraction of this policy
Sometimes you may wish to make contact with your child during the school day. To help your child be available for learning during the school day and to follow the school expectations, please do not contact your child on their personal device. If it is an emergency, please call the school office at 519-765-4162 and we will be happy to let you speak with your child or deliver a message. If your child needs to contact you during the school day, please have them use the school’s phone located in the office.
Springfield Public School does not assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged personal electronic devices.
Bicycles
If your child is riding a bike to school it is imperative that each bicycle has a lock. Bicycles must be walked on school property and parked in the bike area. All cyclists must wear a helmet. The school is not responsible for any damage and/or theft.
Use of Telephones
Students may use the school telephones for emergencies in the company of a staff member. Please advise your child of the plan for the day regarding appointments and after-school activities before they leave for school in the morning. Please send an email of any changes or early dismissals.
School ‘Week at a Glance’
We will use our messaging system (e-mail) to share with parents/guardians a “Week at a Glance” so that you know what is happening that week at school. You may also check our school website, school calendar, our school sign, our information screen in the front hall of the school, our Facebook page, the school’s twitter page.
Like Us on Facebook & Follow Us on Twitter
We continue to seek ways to improve our communication of information to parents in a timely and convenient manner. To this end, we have set up a Springfield PS Facebook account and a Twitter account. Please ‘like’ us on Facebook and ‘follow’ us on Twitter.
Health Services
We do not have a nurse in our school on a full-time basis. If you have any health questions, you may contact our school nurse, Randie Gregoire at 519-631-9900 ext 1345. Immunization is mandatory in order for students to attend public schools. Immunization clinics are available at the Elgin Health Unit. To receive an exemption from immunizations, you must contact the Health Unit for the necessary form to complete.
Within the school curriculum, students are taught about health issues. Among these issues are anti-smoking information and the Sexual Health Curriculum.
Vape, Tobacco, Cannabis and Smoke-Free Environment
Students, staff and visitors are prohibited from smoking or vaping on school board property and within 20 metres from any point of the perimeter of any school board property. This includes the smoking or holding of lighted tobacco or cannabis (marijuana), and includes a ban on the use of e-cigarettes and electronic smoking devices. Students and staff that have a legal medical document authorizing them to use medical cannabis will be able to do so on school board property, but only in a non-smoking or non-vaping form (e.g., capsules, edibles and oils). Students, staff and visitors are also prohibited from using shisha, smokeless tobacco and/or cannabis products (unless medically prescribed) and all related accessories. This code of conduct is in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and on school buses, or during any part of an official school field trip, including athletic team trips and school club excursions.
Failure to comply with this code of conduct may result in internal student discipline (e.g., warning, notification to parents/guardians, withdrawal of privilege, suspension, etc.) and/or charges and fines issued by an Officer of a Provincial Enforcement Agency.
Multi-Cultural Policy
We welcome multi-cultural diversity to our school’s population. If you have any special concerns or considerations we should be aware of for your child, please inform the educator so we may accommodate these needs.
Contact(s)