September PA Day
Please note that Friday, Sept. 27 is a PA Day for all SCDSB students. Please refer to the 2024-25 School Year Calendar on the SCDSB website for more information: www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/school_year_calendar.
Below is a summary of the activities planned for the Sept. 27 PA Day:
Date: Sept. 27, 2024
Length: Full day, in-person
Topics: Literacy, mathematics, and student engagement and well-being
Entity hosting: Simcoe County District School Board
Presenter(s)/facilitator(s): School board staff and school administrators
Descriptions:
Literacy (100 minutes)
Kindergarten educators will learn about embedding literacy within each of the four frames of learning and will apply their learning through collaborative planning. Grade 1 to 8 educators will focus on the continued implementation of the revised language curriculum, The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8, Language, 2023, early reading screening, and the planning of responsive data-based interventions in Grades 1 to 3. They will also learn about the use of literacy data to support effective, equitable instruction and assessment practices in Grades 4 to 8.
Mathematics (100 minutes)
All educators will engage in math content knowledge learning related to number concepts as well as how universal design for learning (UDL) and differentiated instruction can be used to support all learners in the math classroom, but specifically those with special education needs. Educators will apply their learning using the concepts of UDL and differentiated instruction to plan responsive instruction.
Student engagement and well-being (100 minutes)
All educators will engage in learning and discussion about cell phone and vape use and their impact on students’ mental and physical health. They will review how to support students with prevalent medical conditions, such as anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy. Educators will also engage in learning about artificial intelligence (AI) with a focus on cyber safety, online privacy, and safe use.
SCDSB 2024-25 Student Handbook
The SCDSB student handbook contains a variety of information that the SCDSB is required to share with all students and families. This September, schools will be distributing the student handbook to all families via email. The SCDSB 2024-25 Student Handbook can also be found on the SCDSB website at www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/parent and on school websites under ‘students’. If you have questions, please contact the school.
School board communication with parents/guardians
The SCDSB is committed to ensuring consistent and reliable information is made available to parents/guardians and acknowledges the positive impact of parent/guardian engagement on student achievement. Visit the SCDSB website to learn how the SCDSB and your child’s school will communicate with you, to review the SCDSB service commitment, and learn how you can communicate your appreciation or concern. You can also find information about how to support your child’s education in the Ministry of Education’s Your Child’s Education: A parent guide to our school system: www.ontario.ca/page/your-childs-education-parent-guide-our-school-system.
Check out the SCDSB News video series
The SCDSB News is a weekly video series highlighting positive events, initiatives, and learning happening within school communities across the SCDSB. Follow the SCDSB on social media to catch all of these weekly episodes! Watch the video linked below showcasing the 2023-24 school year.
Over the course of the 2023-24 school year, there were so many extraordinary moments captured that showcased talented students, dedicated staff, events, and connections to the community! We invite you to celebrate highlights of these special moments with us! Take a look: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S1S6zYzPgA
Mobile devices in schools
Personal mobile devices are a significant distraction for students at school, especially in the classroom. They can lead to students being disengaged from their learning and isolated from their peers.
In September 2024, based on direction from the Ministry of Education, a new policy regarding mobile devices in school will be reflected in the SCDSB Code of Conduct. As such, students and families need to be aware of the following expectations:
Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6
Personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode throughout the full instructional day except under the following circumstances:
- For educational purposes, as directed by an educator;
- For health and medical purposes; and/or,
- To support special education needs, as documented in the student’s IEP.
Students in Grade 7 to 12
Personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time except under the following circumstances:
- For educational purposes, as directed by an educator;
- For health and medical purposes; and/or,
- To support special education needs, as documented in the student’s IEP.
Parents/guardians may contact the school’s main office to convey a message to their child.
Please be aware that after considering mitigating factors, and after multiple reminders by school staff, progressive discipline may apply if a mobile device is not stored out of view.
For more information, please visit the SCDSB website.
Universal Otis-Lennon School Ability Test screening process
The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) is a standardized group test of ability. The results of this test will help us gain a better understanding of students’ areas of relative strength and need as related to their verbal and non-verbal abilities so that we can plan our programs and supports accordingly. Results may also be used to inform identification (e.g., intellectual, gifted).
Students who display an advanced degree of general intellectual ability may require additional program support to reach their educational potential. This support may be through enhancing the curriculum, differentiated instruction, and through providing program extensions and enrichment. This type of programming is important to engage, motivate, and challenge students who are identified as gifted in either the regular classroom or in an elementary gifted classroom placement.
A consent form examining the universal OLSAT screening process in greater detail will be sent to parent(s)/guardian(s) of students in Grade 3 via SchoolCash Online in September.
If you require further information about the universal OLSAT screening process, please contact the school.
Safe Arrival system for SCDSB schools – call 1-888-885-8065 to report an absence
The Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) Safe Arrival system will support us in continuing to improve our home-to-school communication process and streamline absence reporting. To report a student absence, call 1-888-885-8065. Callers will be prompted to identify the school before leaving a message. Parents should include the student’s name, teachers’ name, dates, and reason for the absence. When schools do not hear from a parent/guardian, and a student is absent, the school will call home to find out the reason for the absence. If you have questions about this system, please contact the school office.
Keep connected with our school and with the SCDSB
It’s important to get accurate information about what’s going on at your school and at the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB). Here are some ways to do that:
- Sign up to receive SCDSB media releases by clicking the ‘Subscribe’ button at scdsb.on.ca.
- Follow the SCDSB on X (@SCDSB_Schools), Facebook (facebook.com/SCDSB) and Instagram (instagram.com/scdsb).
Licensed PA Day and holiday school age child care programs
Child care programs for children in Kindergarten to Grade 6 are provided by independent, third-party child care operators in some SCDSB schools. To support your child care needs, some operators offer child care on PA days and holidays including over the Winter Break, March Break, and during summer holidays. Registration in advance is required. Please contact the child care operator directly to discuss fees and to register: www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/childcare_before_after
School council nominations for 2024-25 school year
School council is a committee made up of elected parents/guardians, community representatives, staff, and sometimes students that help to provide the community voice and parent/guardian perspective on important school topics. School council is a good way for parents/guardians to get involved in their child/children’s education while playing an important role in the partnership between home and school.
School council nominations take place every fall. If you are interested, please watch your email for upcoming communication and for more information visit www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/parent/school_councils.
Annual notice to adult students or parent(s)/guardian(s) of students under the age of 16
A completed Student Medical Form (FORM A1420 - 1) is required each school year, or when a medical need is identified, or when the student transfers to another school, in order to authorize medical response plan development and the administration of prescribed medication to students who require it during school hours, or when the medication and/or dosage requirements change. Specific to asthma, every student is now permitted to carry their asthma medication if the student has their parent’s/guardian’s permission. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and adult students are responsible for ensuring that a current, completed Student Medical Form is on file at the school. Parent(s)/guardian(s) and adult students are also to complete a Plan of Care for students with prevalent medical conditions such as anaphylaxis, asthma, type 1 diabetes, or epilepsy/seizure disorder.
Some students may experience severe life-threatening allergic reactions to bee, hornet, wasp, or other flying insect stings or to certain foods or food ingredients such as peanuts. The best way to reduce the risk of accidental exposure for these students is to respectfully ask parent(s)/guardian(s) to avoid sending peanut butter or products with peanuts and/or tree nuts listed in the ingredients to school. For students with life-threatening allergies, it is recommended that two doses of an epinephrine auto-injector are available on site at school. Please do not hesitate to contact the school with any questions you may have.
Standard acknowledgment and permission form/student information computing technology appropriate use agreement 2024-25
The 2024-25 Standard Acknowledgment and Permission Form and Student Information Computing Technology Appropriate Use Agreement are required forms for all Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) students. The forms have been made available electronically through SchoolCash Online until Oct. 14. SchoolCash Online is our preferred method for forms. If you are unable to submit these forms electronically, please contact the office for paper copies.
Student accident insurance
The SCDSB does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries that occur on school premises, at board-sponsored events, or during school extracurricular activities (e.g., athletics, clubs). However, accidents can and do happen. Injuries can result in substantial expenses that are not covered by the SCDSB or provincial health care. If families do not have existing or sufficient extended health or dental coverage, a variety of plans and benefits at reasonable annual prices can be found through either:
Participation in extracurricular activities (e.g., athletics, clubs, etc.) require the purchase of this insurance, or other extended health and dental coverage.
Updating Student Information On File At The School
Parents/guardians are responsible for advising their child’s school of any changes to student
information on file. This may include but is not limited to:
• student’s legal or preferred name
• student’s primary address – property and mailing address;
• home phone number;
• parent/guardian information, including custody arrangements;
• parent/guardian email address; and,
• emergency contacts with a current phone number.
Please contact the school to advise of any changes to student information or to review
information that is on file
Volunteering in schools during the 2024-25 school year
Volunteers are an important part of what makes our schools great places to learn and grow. We value and appreciate the support of our volunteers. Volunteers have various roles at our schools including:
- School event volunteer
- Hot lunch day organizers
- Field trip supervisors
- Classroom helpers
Please contact your local school’s office if you are interested in volunteering and would like to know more about the opportunities available.
To become a volunteer in a Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) school, you must complete accessibility training and submit a current (dated within six months) Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). Schools require all VSCs to be in their original form and emailed directly to the school for processing. Please note, volunteers are unable to upload VSCs directly to the volunteer portal. Each potential volunteer must create an account within the volunteer portal. Please remember to choose the school you wish to volunteer with.
If you do not have a computer or require assistance, please contact the school.
Current volunteers
Current approved volunteers must keep their Community Apps account/Volunteer Portal information up-to-date with email address changes. Communication is sent throughout the year to the provided email address with respect to timelines, necessary requirements, etc. regarding your volunteer status. Instructions on how to change your email address in Community Apps can be found here: www4.scdsb.on.ca/app/CommunityPass/Help/Docs. Updating your email address in your Community Apps account will automatically update your email address in your Volunteer Portal.
Current volunteers should:
- Complete an annual offence declaration through the SCDSB Community Apps – Volunteers page for up to four years to continue volunteering.
- Submit a new VSC at the beginning of the fifth year.
- Be responsible for the cost of the VSC.
- Be responsible to the principal and work under the supervision of teaching staff.
- Work cooperatively as part of a team to support and supplement school programs.
- Respect the confidentiality of the relationship to the school, ensuring that staff issues and student work and behaviour issues are held in confidence.
- Adhere to established SCDSB and school procedures.
- Communicate regularly with staff.
- Be prompt, dependable and regular in attendance, and give advance notice to teachers when unable to attend.
If you are also a parent, check out our Parent Portal: www.scdsb.on.ca/cms/one.aspx?pageId=371986.
Procedures help keep our school safe
We have a number of procedures in place to keep our school safe. You can help your child understand and feel safe by:
- talking to them about the situations below
- reminding them that emergencies are rare
- telling them it’s important to follow staff instructions in these situations
Parents/guardians should talk about the following emergency drills with their children:
- Shelter in place is used when there is an environmental or weather-related situation, like a chemical spill outside the building, or a major storm. Activities continue inside the school. Students and staff are not allowed to leave the building. The ventilation system may be shut off temporarily.
- A hold and secure is used when there is a situation in the community, not related to the school, like a bank robbery nearby. Activities continue, but all exterior doors are locked. No one is allowed to enter or exit the school.
- A lockdown is used when there is a major incident or a threat of violence related to the school. Students and staff move to secure areas, away from doors and windows. Interior doors are locked, lights are shut off and blinds are drawn. Students and staff remain quiet. We practice lockdown drills at least two times per year. In the unlikely event of an actual lockdown situation, police ask that parents/guardians do not go to the school. Information will be communicated directly to families by email using the email address on file at your child’s school.
- All schools have evacuation plans in case of gas leaks, bomb threats or fire incidents that would require everyone to leave the school. We hold drills to practice our evacuation plan. In a real evacuation, students and staff may go to the evacuation site, depending on the situation. Parents/guardians will be informed about pick-up procedures by the school, school board and local media.
When parents/guardians are at school during a drill or emergency event, they must follow direction from school staff, police, fire, and/or emergency personnel. Parents/guardians may not have immediate access to their children during drills or emergencies. They may need to wait until the situation is resolved and school staff and/or emergency personnel release students into parent/guardian care.
It’s important for you to know we’ll always take whatever precautions are necessary to keep our school and students safe.
Please note the following:
- Elementary school main doors are locked during the school day. Visitors must use the intercom system and wait for assistance. Staff may not be available to answer the door immediately, so please be patient.
- Staff must complete a criminal record check before having contact with students.
- We ask parents/guardians of elementary students to contact us when their child will be absent from school as part of our Safe Arrival program. When we don’t hear from a parent/guardian and a student is absent, we will call home to find out the reason for the absence.
- At least two staff members in every school are trained in first aid and CPR. All SCDSB schools have automated external defibrillators (AED).
Student dress code
Our board’s dress code is one way that we embed the principles set out in the SCDSB and Ministry of Education documents, Caring and Safe Schools in Ontario and Equity and Inclusive Education, to ensure safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environments for all of our students. In SCDSB schools, we believe that students should be able to learn in a safe and caring space that is free of bias and discrimination. When making choices about what to wear to school, we respect your individuality. To ensure that our learning environments are safe and respectful spaces, our board has consulted with students and staff to develop a set of shared standards for student dress.
The SCDSB dress code is available on the SCDSB website at www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/dress_code. If you have questions about the dress code, contact your school principal.
School bus ‘Bus Tag’ program helps students get to and from school safely
The Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium’s Bus Tag program supports safety for JK/SK and other school-identified students. The program helps match students to their assigned afternoon school bus and identifies that they must be met by a parent/guardian at their afternoon bus stop.
The program provides a colour-coded bus tag with the assigned p.m. route number, to be attached to the student’s backpack, and a colour-coded route card with route number in the windows of the school bus that the bus tag is matched to. The program can also provide tags for students who are walkers and/or who remain at an on-site child care centre to make sure they don’t get on a bus in error.
For more information, visit main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca.
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions in need of foster homes
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is in need of families in our communities to open their homes to children and youth requiring foster homes. By opening your home, you can make a difference in their lives by keeping them close to their family, school, and community. Help us keep kids close to home. If you or someone you know is interested in fostering, please visit www.familyconnexions.ca or complete the form here: familyconnexions.ca/contact/.
Information provided by Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions
Tips for a smooth start back to school
- Routines help: pack lunches together, pick clothes the night before, relax before bed without screens.
- Encourage a positive outlook by asking about what they enjoy about school and what they can look forward to.
- It is normal for there to be back-to-school worries. Validate their feelings and help them to think of ways to manage situations. Offer reassurance and remind them that there are adults at school to help.
- Spend time together, be outdoors, learn ways to relax, support well-being.
- Talk about road safety and routes to school. For younger children, practice route to school (or bus) together.
For more information, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Walk or wheel
Walking or cycling to school is a great way for your child to get the 60 minutes of daily physical activity that’s needed for good mental and physical health. It also builds responsibility and independence and helps them feel more connected to the community. More walkers mean less traffic around schools, which helps keep students safe and improves outdoor air quality. Even one day a week of walking or cycling to school can make a big difference!
To find out more about how to support active and safe routes to school through School Travel Planning, visit: www.ontarioactiveschooltravel.ca/school-travel-planning/.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Collingwood School Crossing Guard Locations and Times
The Town of Collingwood is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy start to this school year, and we are counting on the cooperation of all parties to maintain safe, active travel for students throughout the year.
For the first few weeks of the school year, our By-law Enforcement Officers will monitor these crossing areas to ensure the children's safety as they settle back into their routines. Our utmost priority is the safety of the children, and we are dedicated to achieving a safe and successful school year.
We would like to remind Cameron Street families that there is no access to our bus loop during the times of 8:35 am to 9:00 am and 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm.
Supervision on the yard begins at 8:50 am. Students should not be on the yard before this time. Dogs are not permitted on SCDSB properties. This includes the sidewalk at the parking gate, the bus loop, and the parking lot.
Hot Lunches/ FundRaising/ and Permission Forms
Please be sure to log in to School Cash online to access hot lunch orders (pizza days will be starting soon), fundraising events and permission forms for all activities.
Save the Date!
Open House
Our Cameron Street families are invited to tour the school, meet the staff, and see your student’s classroom on October 2nd. Details will be communicated soon!
School Calendar
The school calendar will be updated with school wide events and theme days. You can access the calendar through the website https://cam.scdsb.on.ca/ .
Upcoming Theme Days
September 27: Terry Fox Day: Wear your Terry Fox shirts or Red & White
Sept 30th: Truth and Reconciliation: Orange Shirt Day
Communication
Communication from the school is sent out electronically. Newsletters are published once per month and posted on the website. The office frequently receives requests to send out information to families in between newsletters. The office will do their best to cut down on frequent emails and set Thursday as our communication day.
Anaphylactic People in School- A Note About Peanut and Nut Anaphylaxis
Within our school community there are people who have a life-threatening allergy (anaphylaxis) to peanuts and/or tree nuts. For some, even touching peanut and/or tree nut residue or inhaling airborne peanut or tree nut proteins can cause a reaction.
There are many common areas within the school where all students attend and handle the same items (e.g., gym equipment, library books, computers, etc.). We feel the best way to reduce the risk of accidental exposure for these people is to respectfully ask parents/guardians to avoid sending peanut butter or products with peanuts and/or tree nuts listed in the ingredients, to school.
Many people are unaware of the severity of this allergy. Facts that may help to increase your understanding of anaphylaxis are available through Food Allergy Canada (http://foodallergycanada.ca).
Thank you for not sending food products containing peanuts and/or tree nuts to school. Your caring, compassion, and support is greatly appreciated and is critical to the well-being of our school community.
Thank you very much for your co-operation.
A Note from School Council:
Welcome back to our Cameron Street Families from last year!! Welcome to Families who are new to Cameron Street!
What is the School Council?
School Council is made up of Parent/Guardian Volunteers, School Administration, a Teacher representative, a Student Representative and a Community Representative. We meet once per month to plan, organize and execute events and fundraisers throughout the year.
2023/2024 events and fundraisers:
Fall & Spring Kilometer Club
Pumpkin Stroll
Poinsettia Fundraiser
Bookmark Fun Raiser
Santa Claus Parade
Seed Fundraiser
Spring Fair & Artisan Market
Staff Appreciation
Food programs
SNACK SHACK - in conjunction with Eat Well To Excel - our Snack Shack Lady Steph (Outstanding Parent Volunteer) ensures that the Snack Shack Fridge in the main hallway is always full of nutritious snacks and available to all the students in the school. Food provided meets the requirements established by Public Health and SCDSB. All students are permitted to access snacks at the nutrition breaks as needed.
PICK ME UP PANTRY - available to all staff in the school to access additional snacks for students that are having a challenging day and need a little Pick Me Up. There are additional nutritious snacks as well as a collection of school supplies that the teachers can access for their classrooms. If you have a bin of school supplies around your house that you no longer need, we are always looking for donations. We are happy to sort out pens and markers and recycle the ones that are no longer working.
BACKPACKS FOR LEARNING - With our Backpack program, families in our school community that need a little help in these tough times, pickup a backpack full of food and hygiene supplies every Friday and return their backpacks each Monday to be filled again on the following Friday. In the Backpacks, we provide a variety of shelf stable foods as well as fresh fruit and vegetables each week. This program is funded through donations from some great local businesses (Loblaws, Cobs Bread), Community Churches (First Presbyterian Church, New Life Church, Saint Vincent De Paul and Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church) and through donations from our school families.
1st meeting of the year - September 23rd from 6pm to 8pm - School Library - Everyone Welcome
At this meeting, we will elect members to the Council for the remainder of the year. Council Chair(s), Secretary and Treasurer
Please see attached the nomination form for members. Individuals must be present to be elected and must commit to attending meetings.
FORM A7200 - 3 School Council Parent Candidate Nomination Form(1).pdf
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or to get involved!!: [email protected]
Heather Fields & Briar Munro - School Council Co-Chairs 2023/2024