BHES School Start Up Guide

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year. It is our pleasure to welcome new and returning families. We hope you had a safe, healthy and enjoyable summer.

The professional and dedicated team of staff at our school have a strong commitment to supporting your child’s learning, achievement and well-being. We have been working hard to prepare to welcome your child to school, and to create a learning environment where they feel safe, welcome, valued and respected. 

There are some important things we want to share at the start of the school year:

• This start-up guide includes important information about our school. It is important that you review this package.
• The Guide to the School Year includes important information you may need to access throughout the school year. You can use the translation feature on the website to translate this content. Find the guide under Family Resources at www.yrdsb.ca/familyresources.
• Each year we ask families to complete important start-up forms. You will receive an email in the coming weeks with a link to the online forms. Please review and complete the forms. If you prefer to complete a paper copy, please contact the main office. 

Communication

We value the relationship and partnership we have with families and look forward to connecting and working with you throughout the school year. Please contact the school if you have any questions. We welcome the opportunity to connect with you.

There are many ways to stay connected with what’s happening in our school:

• Visit our new school website  and our school Instagram account @theroar_bhes
• Edsby app or website (https://yrdsb.edsby.com/
• Access the Family Dashboard at family.yrdsb.ca for one-stop access to applications.
• You can also find updated information about the board at www.yrdsb.ca, X (formerly Twitter) @YRDSB, Instagram @yrdsb.schools, or the board podcast TuneIn YRDSB wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Contact Information

For Ministry and board compliance purposes, please ensure that the school has your up-to-date contact and emergency information. Please contact our school’s main office via email to update your information, including:

• address, work or home numbers or other contact information
• emergency contacts and telephone numbers
• changes in custody agreements
• medical alert or changes in health condition (e.g., allergies, medications).

If your child has a medical condition that requires emergency intervention, an essential routine health care plan, or any of the following medical conditions: Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes or Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder you must contact your child’s school to ensure information is up-to-date and accurate.

School Day

Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

We look forward to our on-going partnership and wish you a happy, safe and successful school year.

Sincerely,

Heather Schreider and Georgia Petinarelis

Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance affects school success and is expected of students.  Please do your best to avoid scheduling lessons or appointments during the instructional day. 

• Regular and punctual attendance affects school success and is expected of students.
• If a student arrives at school after the entry bell, in the morning or after lunch, they are considered late and must check in with the office.
• Please do your best to avoid scheduling lessons or appointments during the instructional day.
• Due to the impact on end of day routines, students may not be picked up after 3:00pm

Reporting Attendance

Parents/guardians are asked to inform your child’s school if your child is going to be absent or late to school or an after-school event that they planned to attend. Where possible, notify the school in advance by using Edsby or calling the school office. You can also access student attendance reporting through the Family Dashboard at family.yrdsb.ca.

Under Ministry of Education Policy and Program 169, Parents/guardians will now have the option to select “Mental Health” as the reason for their child’s absence from school. This can be done through the Family Dashboard at family.yrdsb.ca.

Safe Arrival and Departure Program

The safety of our students is a priority. Our safe arrivals programs and safe departures protocols are in place so that we can account for the whereabouts of absent students. Please provide the school with complete and current emergency contact information. 

Families are reminded to report any student absences.  As per Board Policy and Procedures #665.0, Safe Arrivals and Departures – Elementary and Secondary Students, if your child’s absence is still not verified even after exhausting steps to connect with you, York Regional Police will be contacted and may be dispatched to your residence.  If you have not informed the school of your child’s absence in advance, the school will take the following steps, including but not limited to ensure your child is safe:

• we will call your home
• if we do not reach you at home, we will call your work and/or cell phone
• if we cannot reach you at work, we will call your emergency contact number
• if we cannot get information from your emergency contact about your child’s location, we will speak to a sibling if one is in the school
• if we are still unable to get information, we may check with a friend of your child and other staff
• if all contact and emergency numbers have been tried and a student is still deemed to be absent without explanation, we will contact York Regional Police (YRP) immediately

Arrivals and Departures

Morning Entry

• Exterior doors will be open for students to come directly into the school beginning at 8:45am. Students may enter the school from any exterior door.
• Please do not drop your child off prior to 8:45am
• Only a few staff will be supervising outside. Supervision will be inside the school.
• Upon entry, students are to go directly to their locker/hook area to get ready for the day.
• Kindergarten students will go right into their classes.
• Exterior doors will be locked promptly at 9:00am.

Families who live within walking distance are encouraged to use active school travel, including walking or rolling (cycling, scootering, skateboarding) to and from school. Choosing active school travel can improve physical and mental health and helps students start the day alert and ready to learn. It also helps to protect the environment and reduce traffic, making school zones safer for everyone. 

School Bus/Taxi

For students who are eligible to take the school bus, bus tags or stickers will be provided during the first week of school. 

Student Transportation Services of York Region (STSYR) is committed to supporting student achievement by planning and managing safe, efficient transportation that focuses on customer service and utilizes innovative resources. STSYR is responsible for ensuring all students receive transportation service in accordance with the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Policy #680- Student Transportation.

Each year, during the summer planning period, STSYR Transportation Planners adjust bus route schedules to accommodate new students, boundary or program changes, bell time changes, and new school openings. Transportation Planners also assess routes to ensure they are operating efficiently and effectively to provide optimal service for the students of York Region. As a result, some students may experience changes to their transportation arrangements, including their stop location, stop time, route number, or vehicle type.

To ensure you have the correct, up-to-date information, all families are encouraged to check the Find Your Bus Stop page on our website at www.SchoolBusCity.com in August. Please note: changes may also occur from time-to-time throughout the school year as students move into or out of the system.

As well, please remember that bussing eligibility changes when students enter grade 4. An area eligible for school vehicle transportation based upon distances designated by the Board.

• Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 – a child who lives more than 1.2 kilometres from the school is eligible for Board-provided transportation;
• Grade 4 to Grade 8 – a child who lives more than 1.6 kilometres from the school is eligible for Board provided transportation

Measurements to establish eligibility, in accordance with transportation zones, are completed by Student Transportation Services and are taken from the edge of a student’s residence to the closest access to the school property. Measurements are taken along pedestrian routes within a municipality and use roadways, municipal walkways, and parks.

School Bus Safety 

When riding school buses, students must:

• be at the bus stop five minutes before your scheduled pick up
• keep well away from the road until the bus has stopped and do not move toward the bus until it has stopped
• watch for the bus driver’s signal before crossing the road and look both ways and then cross the road
• get on the bus safely by using the handrail and go directly to your seat
• stay seated while the bus is in motion
• not eat or drink on the bus
• keep the aisle clear of books, knapsacks, lunch bags and other items
• keep windows closed
• never throw anything inside the bus or out of the window
• talk quietly so you do not distract the driver
• use respectful language.

Shouting, rough play and fighting are strictly prohibited. Students engaging in these activities will have their bus privileges suspended. We expect students to treat buses as an extension of the school and follow school rules and policies.

Driving to School

Families who choose to drive their children to school are asked to consider parking a block or two away from the school and walking the rest of the way. Do not park in the fire zone or bus loops for any reason. Please work with us to keep our students safe.

Cycling or Rolling to School

Students who use bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards or scooters to travel to school:

• must wear a helmet
• must walk while on school property
• should lock bicycles on the bike rack, and store rollerblades, skateboards or scooters in their locker, backpack or school designated area; the school is not responsible for any lost or damaged personal items
• are reminded that walk and roll shoes, skateboards are not allowed on school property/in the school.

Weather Conditions

Transportation will be cancelled by 6:00 a.m. if conditions are unsafe or are expected to deteriorate significantly by the time students are to be transported home. Schools will remain open unless otherwise stated. For more information, visit the Student Transportation section of the board website.

To find out if transportation is cancelled, check: the @YRDSB X account, the YRDSB website, school websites, the Student Transportation Services’ (STS) website at net.schoolbuscity.com or hotline 1-877-330-3001, radio and television media outlets. 

There may be rare occasions when unprecedented winter weather events occur and we need to close all schools and board locations. For more information, please see the Severe Weather policy and procedures. At all times, students and families should be aware of somewhere else they can go or someone to contact if bus services are cancelled or delayed, or if schools are forced to close due to an emergency. 

Before/After School Supervision

The safety of our students is our mutual priority and responsibility. Supervision for students in the morning begins 15 minutes before the bell. Parents/guardians are responsible for their children until staff are on duty. At the end of the school day, staff will supervise students’ safe exit from the school upon dismissal at 3:30.

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to provide original evidence of their learning and appropriately acknowledge the work of others. Plagiarism refers to representing someone else’s ideas, writing or other intellectual property as one’s own. Please see the Equitable Assessment, Evaluation and Communication of Student Learning and Achievement policy for more information.

Accessibility

The board is committed to providing accessible programs, services and environment that support the four ​core principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA): integration, equality of opportunity, dignity and independence. If you need assistance accessing board services, speak to staff in the school about how they can help or support you. If you require any information or materials on the board website in an alternative format, please contact Corporate Communications at communications@yrdsb.ca.

Accident Insurance

YRDSB does not provide individual student accident insurance coverage for student injuries that occur on school premises or during school-sponsored/extracurricular activities (athletics, clubs, field trips). We encourage families to verify that their child is covered under their insurance. If not, we recommend that you purchase student accident insurance. Student accident insurance provides coverage for injuries due to accidents not covered by government or private health plans (e.g. the cost of dental work). If your child is involved in an accident, whether at school or during non-school hours, insuremykids® protects your family from the resulting expenses. For more information, visit insuremykids.com or call 1-800-463-5437.

Allergies/Medical Conditions

There are students and staff in our school who have life-threatening allergies to nuts and other allergens. If they smell or come into contact with these allergens, they may have an anaphylactic reaction. To help create an allergen-safe environment, please refrain from bringing nuts or nut products to school as well as using scented products. For more information on how to help create an allergen-safe environment, please see information on allergies on the board website. 

If your child has a serious or life-threatening allergy or prevalent medical condition, such as Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes or Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder, please let the school administration know immediately and speak to the school office staff about completing the appropriate health care plans. For more information, please see the Student Health Supports policy and procedures.

Caring and Safe Schools

Every student has a right to learn in a caring, safe and inclusive environment. We ask students and families to review our Caring and Safe Schools policy and procedures, which address a number of topics including:

• student progressive discipline
• bullying prevention and intervention
• student suspensions and expulsions.

Students will review this important information during the Caring and Safe Schools start-up and mid-year presentations.

To enhance caring, safe, and inclusive school climates, positive student behaviour supports are provided and inappropriate behaviour is addressed using a bias-aware progressive discipline approach that takes into account mitigating factors.

We use a bias-aware progressive discipline approach when inappropriate behaviour occurs. This means we consider a range of options to determine the most appropriate response to each situation to help students learn from their choices. In some cases, suspension or expulsion may be necessary. The Ontario Education Act and our board’s Caring and Safe Schools Policy outline the situations in which suspension and expulsion must be considered. When inappropriate behaviour occurs, information will be shared with the victim(s) and their families to the extent that legislation allows.

Report IT

YRDSB’s online Report IT button lets you share information about inappropriate student behaviour or incidents of hate or discrimination. It is available on the board and school websites.

Code of Conduct

YRDSB’s Code of Conduct sets standards of behaviour for students and members of the school community that support a caring, safe and inclusive school environment. All school members must respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability. 

The Code of Conduct applies to all members of the school community including students, parents or guardians, school bus drivers, volunteers, school staff and community groups whether they are on YRDSB property, in a virtual learning environment, on school buses, at school-authorized events or activities, in before- and after-school programs including co-curricular activities and field trips, and may be applied to any other circumstances connected to the school that may have an impact on the school climate.

The Code of Conduct is part of the Caring and Safe Schools Policy. 

Class Placements

Due to late registrations and enrolments over the summer, there may be staffing changes and class reorganization during the first few weeks of school. We do our best to keep these changes to a minimum and to support students during any transitions.

Communication between School and Home 

Parents/guardians are our most important partners in educating children. We will communicate with you in a variety of ways throughout the year. You are also encouraged to communicate with your child’s teacher. Speak with the teacher about what method of communication is preferred. You are welcome to request an interpreter to assist with some communication with your child’s school, such as interviews and meetings.

Agenda

The student agenda is a useful way for educators and parents/guardians to communicate. Please check your child’s agenda daily. If you wish to purchase an agenda through the school, they will be available for purchase on SchoolCash online. 

Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)

Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) prohibits sending any type of electronic message that is commercial in nature (e.g., registration fees, pizza days, field trips, fundraising, etc.) unless the recipient has provided specific and informed consent. CASL does not apply to electronic information messages or hard copy formats. To subscribe or unsubscribe to commercial electronic messages, visit the Family Resources page at www.yrdsb.ca/familyresources or click on Manage Commercial Email Subscription in the Family Dashboard (family.yrdsb.ca).

Email/Electronic Communication

To improve communication between home and school and reduce paper use, we coordinate an email distribution list. The list will be maintained and used only by school staff to communicate electronically with parents/guardians. Your email will not be sold, distributed or publicly posted. Families may receive electronic communication from the school through different platforms, such as Edsby or email.

Texts

Families can now receive text messages in emergency situations only - as part of our elementary school safe arrivals program or in the rare occasion of schools being closed due to emergency winter weather. Ensure your school has your correct cell phone number captured to participate. Families can opt out at any time. 

Family Dashboard

The YRDSB Family Dashboard will give you secure one-stop access to information and applications related to your child’s education. It is designed to make it easier for families to engage with their child’s education.

Access the Family Dashboard at family.yrdsb.ca. If you do not have a Family Dashboard account, you can create one at any time by visiting family.yrdsb.ca, clicking on “No account?” and “Create one.” Detailed instructions and frequently asked questions are available at https://www2.yrdsb.ca/family-dashboard.

Stay Connected Online

You can follow board news and updates through:

• Board website at www.yrdsb.ca
• Instagram @yrdsb.schools
• X (formerly Twitter) @YRDSB
• YouTube channel YRDSBMedia
• TuneIn YRDSB, the board’s podcast, available on most podcast platforms

Dress Code

For more information, see the Student Dress Code Policy and Procedure.

Emergency Preparedness

The board has a number of policies and procedures in place to address emergency situations if normal school operations cannot continue or where student and staff safety may be at risk. This could include a fire, flood or acts of violence. Schools have individual plans and conduct drills throughout the year. There will be six fire, one hold and secure, one bomb threat and two lockdown drills annually so students become familiar with emergency preparedness procedures. These drills are important so that in the case of an actual emergency, students and staff know what to do to be safe.

Excursions/Community Walkabouts

Community excursions take place off school property, last less than one day and do not require transportation. Parents/guardians are asked to provide permission for community walks in the school start-up forms. Playing and learning outdoors supports student learning and well-being. Opportunities for students to build connections to the land have meaningful, long-term, positive effects. 

Family and Community Resources

Visit www.yrdsb.ca/familyresources or click on the link from the board or school website homepage to access a variety of resources for families, including Family Dashboard, start-up forms (when available), IT support for families, translation tools, links to community resources and student supports, assistance accessing online tools like Google Classroom, Edsby and School Cash Online and more. Click on the “Need Help?” link for access to tips and resources.

You can also find a list of local community supports on the board website under Community.

Homework

The board has a homework policy that supports student learning and recognizes the importance of personal and family well-being. The amount, frequency and nature of assigned homework will vary depending on the student’s strengths and needs, well-being, grade, subject and other factors. For more information about time guidelines and how parents can provide support, please see the board Homework Policy and Procedure. For homework help, visit the Online Student Tools and Resources page for links to homework tips and learning resources, including Mathify Homework Help.

How Can We Help You?

Most concerns can be resolved with dialogue and cooperation. We are committed to addressing concerns in a fair, equitable and timely manner. If you have a school-related question or concern, please follow these steps:

1. arrange a meeting with your child’s teacher or the appropriate school staff member
2. if you need further assistance, the school principal or designate may be contacted to review the matter, mediate and help facilitate the process
3. contact the superintendent for your school if the matter remains unresolved.

You can also contact your local trustee. Trustees are committed to open dialogue with the community. You are encouraged to share your views on policy issues and board governance with your local trustee. You are welcome to attend and observe any public Board, Advisory or Board Committee meeting. Meeting information is available on the board website.

If you have a human rights related concern/complaint, the first step is to engage with the school or superintendent. If your concern/complaint remains unresolved, your matter can then be referred to the board’s Human Rights Office (HRO), or you can contact the HRO directly. The Independent Office of the Integrity Commissioner may also be engaged to address concerns related to trustee behaviour. Contact information can be found on the board website, or by contacting the school.

More information is available on the board website. 

Lunch Time Agreement 

Students who leave school property for lunch must have parent/guardian permission, otherwise students must stay at school. The School Start-Up Permissions Form must be completed for students and returned to the school.

Personal and School Property

The school and the board are not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen personal items. You can reduce the risk by leaving valuable items at home. Always secure items. 

Students are expected to show respect for school property and materials. Students, together with their parents/guardians, are responsible for ensuring that school items are returned in good condition. Textbooks, lockers, desks and chairs should not be vandalized (e.g., writing inside schoolbooks, torn pages, holes in desks). Lost or damaged textbooks, library books or other school materials are the responsibility of the student. Restitution will be expected and outlined by each school.

Pets on School Property

Except for trained service animals, pets, such as dogs or cats, are not permitted in a school, a classroom, or onto school property.

Recess

Students are expected to go out for recess and lunch hour to support their well-being, weather permitting. If a student is well enough to attend school, then they will benefit from short periods of outdoor exercise. Schools do not have supervised health room facilities. Recess, entry, dismissal times, and lunch time are supervised. Students should dress comfortably and appropriately according to weather conditions.

Requests for Faith Accommodation

There may be circumstances where students and families request accommodation for religious beliefs in curriculum areas including the Arts and Physical Education. Accommodations may include different instruction and assessment opportunities, or full withdrawal. If you are interested in discussing an accommodation based upon your religious beliefs, speak with your child’s teacher and school principal or complete the Faith Requests for Curriculum Accommodations Form available through the school and in the start-up forms. By providing a range of accommodations, we are building a sense of community and belonging for all students. For more information, see board Procedure on Equity and Inclusivity: Religious Accommodation.

School Council

You can engage in your child’s learning at home and school in many ways. This includes getting involved with the school council. The school council provides advice on school matters and helps to strengthen the important relationship between schools, families and their communities. The council includes family members, school staff and community members.

How Do I Join? 

At the beginning of the school year, parents/guardians have the opportunity to become a voting member of council. If you are interested, or would like to nominate someone, fill out the School Council Nomination Form included in the start-up forms.

Elections shall occur within the first thirty days of the start of each school year. Family members (voting member or as an attendee) are encouraged to attend school council meetings.

Significant Faith Days

York Region is rich in culture and diverse in religious beliefs and practices based on faith. The dates listed below are some faith holidays of particular significance to members of the major faith communities in our board. We are committed to affirm and value equally the faith diversity in our schools, therefore, events such as field trips, school concerts, conferences, meetings, workshops, other professional events, co-curricular activities and exams/tests will not be scheduled on these dates.

¹ Dates are subject to the sighting of the moon each month. 

² All Jewish and Islamic Holy Days commence on the preceding evening at sundown or sunset.

Please note that in addition to the above listed dates, we will take reasonable steps to accommodate students and staff members of a faith group for whom the board’s and the school’s operations or requirements create undue hardship and interfere with their ability to exercise their religious beliefs and practices.

Visit the Significant Faith Days page on the board public site for specific dates and more information. 

Student Personal Information Consent Form

During the school year, the YRDSB or school may collect students’ personal information during various student activities and events, including those related to sports, committees, clubs, competitions, artwork, plays or performances, interviews, field trips, ceremonies, and assemblies. To showcase or promote these school or student activities, events, and achievements to the school community or members of the public, the YRDSB or school may share student information publicly. Parents/guardians, please review and complete the Student Personal Information Consent Form in the start-up forms to indicate your consent. For more information on the YRDSB’s privacy practices, please review the YRDSB’s privacy notice.

Technology Use

Students and their parents/guardians are expected to read the Use of Technology Agreement. They are also required to sign the School Start-Up Permissions Form to acknowledge that they have read, understand and will support the conditions/rules concerning the use of school/board and personal technology as it supports learning. This agreement is designed to ensure a safe and supportive school environment and network integrity.

We believe the classroom is the ideal place to teach students how to use digital tools effectively and responsibly, and how to stay safe online. Google Suite for Education is one of the tools educators may use. As part of the Google Suite, students have access to a Google Suite Gmail. This Gmail access is customized for appropriate age levels and we have implemented strict measures to prevent SPAM and block inappropriate language and websites for students. For more information, please visit the board website or speak to your child’s teacher about the tools they are using in the classroom.

We all have a role to play in helping students to become responsible digital citizens. Digital citizenship at home resources are available on our board website. 

Use of Non-Board Electronic Devices 

We recognize that learning can be enhanced by technology. We have created opportunities in our classrooms to leverage digital tools to enhance teaching, learning and communication.

Students are responsible for their personal mobile device, how they use it and the consequences of not following the provincial or school board Policy #194. 

Students’ personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, except under the following circumstances:

• for educational purposes, as directed by an educator
• for health and medical purposes
• to support special education needs.

Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 can bring a personal mobile device to school but will only be able to use it before and after school. They may not use personal mobile devices at school during the school day, including recess and lunchtime, unless students leave school property for lunch. 

Discussions will take place in classrooms throughout the year about the impact of digital footprints and how a positive attitude towards using technology supports collaboration, learning and productivity. Camera/video functions on mobile devices are not permitted for use on school property without clear permission from the principal or teacher. Infractions will be dealt with as student discipline, under Caring and Safe Schools Policy and its related procedures. Electronic devices must not be used in washrooms or changerooms.

Students are responsible for the care and security of their personal devices. The school is not responsible for any damage, loss or theft. There are exceptions for students who need specific devices as per their Individual Education Plan, such as voice recorders and other mobile technology. Board staff manage the use of these tools.

Visitors

Visitors (including parents/guardians) must:

• use the main entrance of the school, buzzing to enter elementary schools
• check in at the main office when they arrive
• only visit classrooms, including portable classrooms or other locations within the school, with permission from the principal or their designate
• follow the direction of the principal.

The office staff will get important messages and materials to your child.

Volunteering in the School

We welcome and encourage the important role that family and community play in education. There are many opportunities for you to get involved at the school. For more information, contact the school office staff or review Volunteers in Our Schools Policy and Procedure. If you are interested, please complete the Volunteers in Our Schools Form and return it to the school office.

Notices

Reporting Children And Youth In Need Of Protection: Fair Notice

School board staff have a legal responsibility to notify a child protection agency if there are concerns for the well-being of students under the age of 16 years. Staff may report suspicions of a protection concern to a child protection agency for youth aged 16 and 17 years. Any suspicions of physical or sexual abuse, neglect or lack of care by a parent/guardian must be reported immediately to the administrator for students under the age of 18 years. Parents/guardians will not be consulted in these situations.

Student Threat-Risk Assessment Protocol: Fair Notice and Process

Please consider this as “fair notice” that any report of a threatening situation will be investigated. The Threat Assessment Protocol is part of our strategy to create a safe, secure and supportive school environment for everyone.

Threat Assessment and Intervention

The well-being and safety of the school community are a shared responsibility; this includes preventing and responding to the risk of violence.

Our Student Threat-Risk Assessment Protocol was developed with community partners to respond to behaviours, including actions, statements and other indicators that suggest that a student may be “at risk” of harming others. To keep school communities safe and provide support to everyone, staff, families, students, and community must report threatening situations to the school administrator or police as soon as possible. 

Note: other procedures and protocols are in place to deal with threats from adults in the school community. 

For further information regarding the procedures and protocols, please visit our Caring and Safe Schools website.

What is the purpose of the Threat Assessment Protocol?

• Ensure the safety of students, staff, parents/guardians, and school community
• Ensure an effective and timely response when there is a threatening situation
• Understand the factors that contribute to a threatening situation
• Assist in the development of an intervention plan
• Promote the emotional and physical safety of everyone involved

What is a threatening situation?

A threatening situation is defined as an indication of impending harm or violent acts against someone or something. Threats may be implied, verbal, written, drawn, posted on the internet, sent electronically or by information technology of any type, made by gesture or reasonably inferred from the surrounding circumstances of events. Threats may be direct, indirect, conditional or veiled.

What behaviours activate the Threat Assessment Protocol?

The protocol will be initiated when behaviours include:

• serious violence with intent to harm or kill
• verbal/written threats of serious violence to harm or kill others (clear, direct and plausible)
• use of technology to communicate threats to harm/kill others
• possession of weapons (including replicas)
• bomb threats (making and/or detonating explosive devices)
• fire setting
• sexual assault
• criminal harassment
• gang-related occurrences.

What happens when a threatening situation is reported?

Threatening behaviours by a student shall be reported to the school administrator who will activate the Threat Assessment protocol.

Once a threatening situation has been reported to a school administrator, interviews will be conducted. These interviews may include students, staff, family and/or others as appropriate. This will be done to determine the level of risk and develop an effective and timely response to the incident. After the immediate safety risk has been addressed, support and intervention plans will be developed with input from parents/guardians. 

Who is on a Threat Assessment team?

Each school will have staff trained in the Threat Assessment Protocol. A multi-disciplinary Threat Assessment team will assess the situation and support the development of an intervention plan. The team includes a School Administrator, a School Social Worker and/or a Psychological Services staff, a York Regional Police officer, and appropriate members of the student’s circle of care.

Is parental/guardian or student consent required?

Consent is not required to respond to an emergency situation. When there is a risk that someone may be harmed, it is important that the incident be addressed as quickly and effectively as possible.

YRDSB Student Suicide Intervention Protocol: Fair Notice

YRDSB is committed to student well-being and mental health. YRDSB has developed a Student Suicide Intervention Protocol to help keep students safe in the event of suicidal thoughts or actions. Youth suicide is a complex, emotionally-charged and sadly a real problem in Canada. It is the second leading cause of death amongst young people. It’s important to recognize that those who struggle with mental health have personal strength and resilience and the potential to overcome difficulties to ultimately thrive.

YRDSBs Student Suicide Intervention Protocol is designed to address the six steps involved when responding to current and present thoughts of suicide, as well as actions related to suicide. In addition, the Protocol is governed by a set of guiding principles which are underpinned by a culturally responsive and reflective practice.

Suicide is not culturally neutral. Our cultural and ethnic backgrounds will inform how each of us understands suicide. To see the guiding principles, read the Student Suicide Intervention Protocol on the board website, or request a copy through the school office.

Given the urgent need to help keep students safe from suicide, each school has access to board staff trained in suicide intervention. In the urgent situation of suicide intervention, staff trained in suicide intervention do not require parental/guardian consent to intervene. We do make every effort to contact parents/guardians to apprise you of your child’s situation and the assistance provided. Parents/guardians are an integral part of keeping their children safe. In the event that the intervention protocol is used, a record of the intervention will be shared with you (student consent to share information is required for those over the age of 18 years) and a copy will be created and stored in a private and confidential on-line records management system. In accordance with privacy and health records legislation, a copy will be retained for one year plus a day following the intervention. As per the protocol parental/guardian (student if 18 or over) consent will be sought to share the intervention plan with those identified in the record. If you have any questions about the Student Suicide Intervention Protocol, please contact your school principal.