Lunch and Recess Information The majority of our students bring a lunch to school. Lunches are eaten in the classrooms between 11:15 and 11:25. A bell at 11:25 indicates the end of the eating part of lunch, however students may have more time to finish their lunches. Students are requested to eat sitting down, using polite manners, and keeping quiet conversations. For health and safety reasons, food may not be eaten in the halls or outside. Food or beverages are not permitted near computers. Students are supervised during the entire lunch time by adults. A variety of activities are available to students from 11:25 to 12:00 : organized games, clubs, Lunch Bunch, videos (on rainy days!), and of course independent play outside and in the classrooms. Students may visit friends in other classrooms, but permission from the teacher in the friends' classrooms must be given. Before school, and during recess and lunch the children will either stay inside or go outside depending on weather conditions. For safety reasons, students are not permitted to leave the school grounds during the school day. If students must leave, or wish to go home for lunch, a note from parents is necessary. Students who require assistance before school, during recess or lunch are to see the teacher on duty or the supervisor. Bringing a nutritional and environmentally sensible lunch is a skill and attitude we wish to develop in our students. We encourage students to bring healthy foods in washable, refillable containers. It is our experience that reusable containers for beverages and foods provide a monetary saving to parents, and at the same time allow students to learn and practice wise consumer habits. Please note that dried noodles, sunflower seeds, and gum are not permitted at our school. Bussing Many of our Palsson students regularly take the bus to and from school. In addition, all students occasionally ride busses on field trips. In order to ensure student safety on school busses, appropriate behaviour is expected. Behaviour guidelines: · arrive at bus stop 5 minutes before pick-up time. · once on the bus remain seated until destination is reached. · when talking with friends, speak quietly and use polite language. · any large items need to be tucked safely under the seats. Aisles must be kept clear. · students are to listen and follow any directions given by the bus driver. · swearing, bullying, fighting, pushing or any other disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated on the bus. · at the end of the day, students line up in the hall by the Library before boarding the bus. Students will be directed to board the bus by a staff member. Failure to comply with the above school district guidelines will result in disciplinary action: · Student will be warned. · Principal will be informed of the problem. · A warning letter may be issued. · Bus privileges will be suspended or withdrawn. Parents are required to contact the school (phone call or note) if there is a change to their child's bussing routine. Emergency Procedures Throughout the school year, students practice both fire and earthquake drills. Children learn what to do, and how to evacuate the school safely. In the event of an earthquake, children will be kept at school until a parent or guardian arrives. If no one arrives after three hours, children will be moved by bus to the primary emergency site (L.C.S.S.). If it is not possible to get to L.C.S.S., children will be taken to the secondary site (Ambulance Station). Traffic and Parking Dropping off, waiting for, and picking up children may cause congestion on Grosskleg Road and in our parking lot. Please note that traffic goes around the cedar tree one way (counter clockwise). Cars are not permitted to park in the bus area or in the crosswalk. Student Phone Calls Students will be given permission by their classroom teachers only to use the school phone if an "emergency" situation occurs (eg. no lunch). The school phone is not available to arrange social visits or to ask someone to bring forgotten homework! If a child becomes sick, or is injured, then the secretary or a teacher will call home. Students' Personal Property We request that all personal belongings (lunch bags, packs, inside shoes, coats, etc.) be clearly identified with your child's name. Special toys and "things" to show the class may be safely stored in the classroom. If money must be brought to school, your child's teacher will keep it in a safe place until dismissal. Bicycles Bicycles are to be parked in the bike racks after arriving at school. During school hours, bicycles remain stationary, and untouched. Students are required by law to wear an approved helmet while riding their bikes, and to obey traffic safety rules. Please Note: For safety reasons, skateboards and roller blades are not allowed at school. Music Each class receives two music lessons a week with Miss Graham. Student participation and creativity, artistic expression and the elements of music are all important components of our Music Program. Choir Palsson is proud of our large and enthusiastic choir. The choir is divided into two sessions - Grades 3/4 meet on Tuesday and Grade 1/2 meet on Thursday. The choir performs at many functions throughout the year. School Organization Palsson Elementary School enrols Kindergarten to Grade 4 students. In keeping with the Ministry of Education's guidelines, children are placed in age appropriate groups which allows for continuous learning. Classes are organized in a manner which acknowledges individual learning needs. School Activities Palsson Elementary School draws from the interests of students, parents and staff to offer a variety of extra-curricular and special activities throughout the year (for example, library club, noon time sports, Christmas Concert, etc.). Fine Arts performances, which are funded by the school district with support from cultural foundations, are scheduled throughout the school year. Assemblies The Staff of Palsson believe it is important for the entire school to get together as a whole to enhance school spirit, and to maintain a feeling of school community. School assemblies are scheduled at least once a month. The purpose for the assemblies varies from discussing school concerns to recognizing special events. Our assemblies are often a time to celebrate individual and group successes. Parents are welcome to attend. Palsson School Discipline Plan The Palsson Elementary School discipline plan is a system of firm rules established to maintain a safe, healthy and harmonious environment. The following rules and consequences enable everyone to clearly understand behaviour expectations in our school. There are three categories of behaviour in our discipline plan: safety, healthy habits, and harmony.