Parent and Student

INFORMATION HANDBOOK 2016/2017

Box 489

433, rue Sabourin St- Pierre-Jolys, Manitoba

R0A 1V0 Telephone: 204-433-3460 Fax: 204-433-7175

heritage @ rrvsd.ca

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« We will respect our student’s

rhythm of learning and offer

inclusive and enriching

intellectual, physical, social,

moral, and emotional

experiences while promoting the

learning of both official

languages »

« We believe that our learning

community is one of mutual respect

achieved through consistency,

collaboration and social responsibility.

We believe in expanding our student’s

horizons so that they see learning as

inherent to living.

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1. Red River Valley School Division 204-746-2317

Superintendent Pauline LaFond Bouchard

Assistant Superintendent Darren Skog

Secretary Treasurer Alma Mitchell

Human Resources Donna Cox

Transportation Darren Cameron

Maintenance Trevor Thiessen

Student Services Coordinator Jaclyn Koskie

Speech and Language Tania LaFournaise

Psychologist TBA

Social Worker Melanie Bazin

2. School Staff Coup de “Pousse” - Crystal Chartier

K1 - Roxanne Gosselin

K2- TBA

1- Kendra Penner

1/2 Renée Loxton

2- Allie Tessier-Curé

3- Rachelle Law/André Fiola

4- Michelle Tano

4/5- Martin Lela/Lynne Lambert

6- Rachelle Lamoureux / Adam Thorvaldson

7/8 - Jacques Deniset

Principal - Arlette Bégoum-Kaké

Resource Teacher - Nicole Labossière Clark

School Counsellor - Rachelle Law

Secretary - Carmen Bouchard

Librarian - Johanne Picton

Phys Ed teacher - Jacques Deniset

Music/Band Teacher - Liane Ouimet

Art - Rachelle Lamoureux

Instructional

Assistants - Johanne Picton

- Courtney Baldwin

- Michelle Gauthier

- Sharon Chouinard

- Pearl Funk

- Daniele Chiniah-Judson

- Ashton Gay

-Michelle Forest

Custodians - Denis Sicotte

- Sandra Ostrowski

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3. DAILY SCHEDULE

School opens at 8:35

Classes begin at 8:50

AM Recess for K-8 is from 10:35 to 10:50

PM Recess for K-8 is from 2:20 to 2:35

Lunch hour for K-8 is from 11:50 to 12:45

Classes end at 3:15

Bussed students leave at 3:15

Walking students leave at 3:20

All students who are bussed are expected to remain at school during the lunch hour. A

signed and dated note to the teacher will be required on a daily basis for alternate lunch

arrangements.

Pupils are discouraged from arriving earlier than supervision can be provided (8:30).

Absences Please call the school and inform us if your child is ill or has a medical or dental

appointment.

Late arrivals to class will receive late slips.

4. In-Service and Administration Days In-Service days are days during which teachers attend seminars, conferences, or workshops

in order to learn new techniques, skills, information, or approaches to improve their

teaching. Administration days are days during which the school schedules administrative

activities, such as parent interviews, or planning.

The provincial government allocates ten of these days per school year, five of which must be

for professional development (in-services)

RED RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL DIVISION SCHOOL CALENDAR – 2016/2017

2016

September 5

Labour Day Monday

September 6

Administration Day – No Classes Tuesday

September 7

Classes Begin Wednesday

September 16

Strong Beginnings Friday

September Strong Beginnings Monday

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October 5 Divisional PD day – no classes Wednesday

October 10

Thanksgiving Day – no classes Monday

October 21

MTS PD Day – no classes Friday

November 11

Remembrance Day – no classes Friday

November 18

School In-service / Administration Day – no classes

Friday

November 25

School in-service/administration day – no classes

Friday

December 22

Last day before Winter Break Thursday

2017

January 9 Classes Resume Monday

February 3 Semester Turn-around / School In-service – no classes

Friday

February 15

Divisional PD day – no classes Wednesday

February 20

Louis Riel Day – no classes Monday

March 24 Last day before Spring Break Friday

April 3 Classes resume Monday

April 7 School In-service / Administration Day – no classes

Friday

April 14 Good Friday – no classes Friday

April 21 School In-service/Administration Day – no classes

Friday

May 22 Victoria Day – no classes Monday

June 29 Last day of classes Thursday

June 30 Administration Day – no classes Friday

5. School Pictures

All students will be photographed on Monday October 24, 2016 (starting at 10:30 am for

school records and I.D. cards.

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A wide selection of colour portrait packages is being offered. You are to choose your pose

set and background color. You will be able to preview the images before you buy! Please do

not send money on Picture Day.

Order forms will be sent home showing the various packages available. Order Forms have

the proofs attached to them and will be handed out to EACH STUDENT TO TAKE HOME

WHEN THEY ARRIVE, BUT MUST BE RETURNED ALONG WITH PAYMENT TO

THE SCHOOL. PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES PAYABLE TO LIFETOUCH.

6. Private Music Lessons

Mr. Conrad Ostrowski (712-5479) will teach private music lessons this year at school.

Lessons take place during the school day. These are private lessons; therefore payment must

be made directly to the teacher.

7. Newsletters

Once a month we issue a school newsletter to keep parents up-to-date on the issues and

events that affect our school. The newsletter will be issued at the beginning of the month,

and one copy will be sent home with the oldest student from each family.

8. Personal property

The school is not responsible for the personal property of students. Therefore, please ensure

that all items are identified with the child’s name. A lost and found box is kept at the

school, please feel free to go through it at anytime.

9. Dress Code

All students are expected to wear clothing that is appropriate for an elementary school. If

students wear clothing with language, the language must be appropriate for an elementary

school setting. Scanty clothing will not be deemed appropriate (e.g. bare midsection,

spaghetti straps, skirts and shorts that are too short).

Gym clothes are required for Physical Education classes. * Please see that your child has a

pair of clean runners with non-marking soles to be used only indoors. If gym clothes are

forgotten, a letter will be sent home. (applicable for grades 2-8)

Hats, toques, bandanas, jackets and other outdoor clothing are not to be worn in the building.

10. Medical Conditions

If your child has a medical condition which warrants medication or special considerations

(ex. asthma, migraines, allergies), please send a letter to the principal indicating the

symptoms we should look for, as well as the treatment necessary.

According to board policies, we may not give a child medication without a written form

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from the doctor and parents. These forms are available at the office and must be renewed

each year.

11. Medication Policy:

The Red River Valley School Division Board of Trustees believes in providing supports for

a safe school environment that meets the diverse needs of all students. Health and medical

interventions, including the administration of medication to students, may be necessary to

meet the health needs of a student.

Protocol:

Some students attending school require medical management of chronic diseases and

illnesses. Caring for a child’s health is the responsibility of the parents and/or guardians. In

exceptional cases, the school may be authorized to administer medication.

Procedures:

1. Non-prescription medication will not be administered by staff, nor will student be allowed

to self-administer non-prescription medication while at school.

2. If administration of medication is necessary for a student’s health condition, it will be

stated in the student's URIS Health Care Plan (please see divisional document “URIS Group

B procedures for K to 12 schools” for procedures regarding the Health Care Plan application

an implementation process).

3. It is preferable that parents/guardians should make arrangements with their physician to

have prescribed medication administered outside of school hours. If it is necessary for a

student to take any prescribed medication on a schedule during school hours, it shall be

done following these procedures:

• Authorization for the Administration of the Prescribed Medication shall be completed by the

parent/guardian

• The first dosage of the new medication shall not be administered by the school. It is the

parent/guardian responsibility to ensure the first dose has been well tolerated prior to coming

to school.

• Medication must be delivered to the school by the parent/guardian or designated adult in the

original pharmacy labelled container which clearly identifies the:

i) Name of the student

ii) Name of the prescribing physician

iii) Name of the pharmacy

iv) Dosage

v) Method and frequency of administration

vi) Name of the medication

vii) Date the prescription was filled

viii) The label must be on the container itself, such as a medication bottle, tube,

and inhaler and not merely on the package.

• Medication must be sent to the school in the proper dosage. If pills are to be taken in dosage

that is less than one pill, they must be cut to the appropriate size before being delivered to

the school. Liquid medication shall be brought to school accompanied by a measuring

device which gives the exact dosage .

• When medication is to be given over an extended period of time, the medication is to be

provided in a weekly or monthly supply.

• The Administration of Prescribed Medication Record shall be completed by the identified

staff or alternate who shall be responsible for administering the medication to the student

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12. Student Injuries You will be notified promptly of any reasonably serious injury to your child who might

require medical attention, such as breaks, sprains, or concussions.

You are reminded that hospitals require parental consent when treating a child. Please

ensure that your contact information is up-to-date. PLEASE RETURN THE STUDENT

REGISTRATION INFORMATION SHEET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

13. School property

We expect students to respect other people’s property and this includes school property.

While we can be understanding and tolerant when accidents do happen, we do expect

students to share the responsibility and cost of repairing damaged school property to which

they contributed. We hope parents will be supportive of this school policy, since all

taxpayers must eventually share the cost of replacing or repairing damaged school property.

14. Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases of Childhood - See Appendix A

15. Bussing

Darren Cameron is the person in charge of bus transportation. Cathy Schindel is the

assistant. Please call her (204-746-2317) for time of pickups, changes in routes, problems

with bus drivers (ex.: unsafe driving) and problems with pick up times.

If parents pick up their children they should park on the street in front of the school or the

visitor parking spots in the front parking lot and report to the office.

Call your bus drivers if your child will not take the bus or if there are any minor problems

with pick up times, minor discipline problems, etc.

Before you make plans to have your child’s friend(s) take the school bus to go to your home,

please ask the bus driver because often there is no extra space on the bus.

When possible your bus driver will call you if he cannot pick up your child or if he will be

late.

All bus misconduct will be reported to the principal.

Emergency billet - Please send the emergency sheet back with your child. It is important that

we have names of alternate caregivers should buses not be able to return your child home

after school.

All bus changes require a note from the parents and approved by the principal and the bus

driver. Students with no note will be sent home on their regular bus. If your child needs to

take a different bus, arrangements must be made prior to that day. Parents are expected to

meet or make arrangements for someone to meet their children under the age of 12 at cluster

drop-offs.

16. Report Cards

Formal report cards are issued three times during the school year - in December, March and

June.

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Parent-teacher interviews take place twice during the year – in November and in March. We

believe that parent-teacher interviews are an essential part of our overall reporting

procedures. We strongly encourage all parents to attend these interviews to discuss areas of

mutual interest or concerns.

Report cards provide the student and parents with a record of the student's achievement.

They reflect the student's work, projects, participation, attitude, and ability. Teachers will

also write observations or comments that are relevant and important. Parents will

nevertheless be informed throughout the year about any concerns or about special progress.

We feel that you should also share in the successes of your child. We also ask that you call

your child’s teacher if there are concerns that you may have before they become major.

17. Recesses

All students from K-8 are expected to go outside for recesses, both morning and afternoon,

and for 30 minutes during the lunch hour. Please be sure that your children are

appropriately dressed - boots when it rains; mitts, hat, ski pants when it is cold; cap and

sunscreen when it is hot.

If the windchill factor or other weather conditions warrant it (-28 windchill or colder,)

children will be kept indoors. If you have puzzles or games which you are not using and

would like to donate to the school, we would appreciate it.

Children who are too ill to go outside for a break should not be attending school.

Recess breaks are at: 10:35 - 10:50

2:20 - 2:35

Lunch for K – 8: 11:50 - 12:45

The school staff supervises recess. Fighting, snowball or stone throwing, swearing, and

rudeness are not part of our code of behavior. Students are encouraged to participate in the

organized intramural activities. Students do not have the right to leave school grounds unless

they have provided us with written notification from their parents prior to leaving.

In order to preserve safety, all doors are locked except the front door. Please report to the

office when you come to the school.

18. PBIS

At Ecole Heritage Immersion, we are using PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System) to

create positive learning environments that encourage and support pro-social student

behavior at the school wide, classroom, and individual student levels using current, research

validated practices in positive behavior support.

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RIRE RESPECTUEUX

INCLUSIF

RESPONSABLE

ENTRAIDE

Respectueux

- I respect games rules

- I listen to the

supervisors

- I respect others

personal space (by

keeping my hands and

feet for myself)

- I use an appropriate

language

Inclusif

- I include everyone in

the game (same age

group)

- I share the

equipment

- I am kind with

everyone

Responsible

- I help to keep the

school yard

clean

- I listen to the

supervisors

- I use problem

solving

strategies

- I asked help from

supervisor

Entraider

- I share and I

wait my

turn

- I work well

and

collaborate

in group

- I encourage

other to do

their best

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19. Lunch

For the students from town, eating at school is a privilege. Students who frequently

misbehave will have lunch privileges suspended. Parents will be required to make other

lunch arrangements.

We believe that the lunch period should be positive, comfortable, and cooperative. Students

then would have time to relax and enjoy their lunch break. We have a canteen. The Milk

Program is available to all.

Lunchroom Expectations

Remain seated

Eat your lunch

Speak in an indoor voice

Clean up after yourself

Milk Program

The Canteen Services Department will be responsible for distributing the milk. Children

will also be able to buy milk at lunchtime from the canteen.

20. Information about your child

The information the school has about your child is available to you, to school personnel, and

to school division personnel. It is not available to other persons without your written

consent. There are two exceptions to this rule: medical information is shared with the

school nurse, and cases of abuse must be reported to C.F.S.

Both parents have an equal right to information unless there is a court order restraining one

parent. A copy of any judicial court order regarding the child must be given to the school if

you wish us to comply with the court order. Otherwise, we will share information equally

with both parents. Please give us the address of both parents who are to receive

information.

21. Children picked up by parents

The principal and teachers are responsible for your children during school hours. For this

reason, teachers must know where their students are during the day. If students need to

leave the grounds during the day, they must have a note dated and signed by the parent

granting the necessary permission. This note must be given to the principal. A new note

needs to be written for each time that the student leaves the school grounds.

If people other than the parents are picking up a child, we require notification from a parent

and picture I.D. of the person picking up your child; otherwise we will not be able to release

them.

22. Fire drills

According to the Public School's Act, a school must conduct 10 fire drills per year.

Everyone must participate in each fire drill.

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Students should always wear shoes, so they will not be caught unaware during a fire drill.

Students must exit in a quiet, orderly manner, without stopping for any materials, including

coats. They must then line up silently and wait for the teacher to check attendance.

Exit routes for fire drills are posted in each class.

23. Lost and Found

If your child has lost an item of clothing, please check the lost and found box at the front of

the office. Please ensure that your child's belongings are clearly identified, especially

boots. Unclaimed articles get sent to the Village Connection in town. Please come to the

school or call about missing items.

24. School cancellations

Should the school be closed due to inclement weather, we will inform the following stations

at approximately 7:00 AM.

CJOB 680 CBC 990 CKSB 1050 CHSM

CFAM

You can also view closures online at www.rrvsd.ca .

Should the school be forced to cancel busses for the return trip home, the following

guidelines have been established in case a situation such as this occurs.

All bussed student’s parents are going to be contacted. (PLEASE ENSURE THAT WE HAVE

ALL YOUR CURRENT TELEPHONE NUMBERS)

The parents will decide who will pick up their child.

If the parents cannot be reached, we will attempt to reach the contact person who has agreed

to take in the child in case the school bus is not traveling (This information is on the Student

Information Form that is to be filled out and returned to school at the beginning of each

school year.)

When the designated person comes to school to pick-up a student, this person will be

greeted by a staff member who will call the classroom. The student must report to the office

with their belongings. The staff member can then note that the student has been picked up

and note who picked them up. Some parents are the emergency pick up for multiple

students. The operator must ensure the accuracy and confirm with the parent at the time of

initial contact.

This will ensure that each child is accounted for and all information is documented. THE

STUDENTS ARE TO WAIT IN THEIR CLASSROOMS WITH THEIR TEACHERS UNTIL

SOMEONE COMES TO PICK THEM UP.

Students will not be allowed to call home themselves as we only have two telephone lines

which will be used by office staff to contact the parents.

The student’s safety and well-being is our priority.

25. Student Services

Resource

Our resource program is designed to facilitate the identification, diagnosis and intervention

on behalf of children with learning difficulties.

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Children do not all learn in the same way and it is with this understanding that programs are

designed to develop students' abilities with special consideration for their difficulties.

Mme Nicole Labossière Clark is our resource teacher. The goals of our resource program

are consultation with teachers and parents, accurate diagnosis and assistance to teachers.

Counseling

Our counseling program is designed to assist students who are encountering social or

personal difficulties.

Problems often affect the child's progress in school and require some intervention.

Intervention may include preventative group sessions (such as Second Step) or individual

assistance to students and/or parents. Parents will be advised when students are involved in

the counseling services.

Clinicians

Red River Valley School Division has access to the services of a psychologist and speech

therapist.

Tania Lafournaise is the Speech Therapist.

Social Worker is Melanie Bazin

Psychologist

26. Music

We will ask students in grades 3, 4, 5 and 6 to send $8.00 to school to buy a recorder if they

do not already have one. They will also need a duo-tang. For health reasons, each child

should have their own instrument.

27. Parent Advisory Council

Our Parent Advisory Council meets at the school on a monthly basis. The time and date are

posted on the school sign and all parents are welcome. Issues relevant to the school are

discussed and parental advice is taken into consideration when decisions are made.

28. Subway and Pizza Days

Subway Day and Pizza Day are a school endeavor. For the most part these occur monthly.

Each time, you will receive a notice.

29. Non-Smoking Area

All school buildings, school property (including buses) are non-smoking areas. Please help

us keep a healthy environment for your children and be good role models by not smoking in

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the school, on the school grounds, or on the school bus.

30. Communication Protocol

From time to time, parents may have concerns relating to their child and the school. This

may be in the area of school work, behavior, pupil/teacher relations, student to student

difficulties, and so on.

1. In any matter of concern, the parent is asked to approach the child's teacher to discuss

and resolve the matter.

2. A follow-up call to the Principal is in order if the concern still persists.

3. Failing to resolve concerns at this level may necessitate a discussion with the

Superintendent of Schools.

4. Ultimately, a concern may of course be taken to the School Board.

We believe that most problems can be resolved at the classroom level.

31. Field Trips & Sports Events

Field trips are an important part of learning and are part of our curriculum. As such, they

are as important as any other school day. We request that your child participate in these

learning experiences. Students are expected to come to school if they are not attending a

sporting event or school outing.

32. Activities available for students

Sports – volleyball, floor hockey, baseball, badminton, flag football, soccer

Concerts

Buddy Reading

Private music lessons

Computer Technicians

Art

Band

Artists in the school

Swimming lessons

Ski trip

Winter Camp

Band trip

Special Programs

Restitution

Anger Management

Harassment

Bully Proofing

Roots of Empathy

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PBIS

Home Economics

Electronics

Electronics such as IPODS, cameras, video games and cell phones are not allowed during

school hours. Due to the increase in text & cyber bullying, any student caught using these,

will have them confiscated. The electronics will be kept at the office until a parent comes to

pick them up. They will not be returned to the child at the end of the day.

CODE OF CONDUCT

We at École Héritage believe that a safe, respectful, positive learning environment

promotes healthy, happy and productive students. We have therefore developed this

Code of Conduct to define our expectations of behaviour for students, staff and

parents/guardians.

The Code provides a guideline and reference for parents/guardians, staff and students in

determining acceptable behaviour. It is expected that students, staff and

parents/guardians behave respectfully at all times and comply with the Code of Conduct.

Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated. The possession, use or abuse of alcohol

or illicit drugs on school property will not be tolerated. Possession of weapons and gang

involvement will not be tolerated. The Code applies to each of the aforementioned

groups of people in the following contexts: in the school, on the school grounds and for

any school sponsored or school related events. The primary goal of our school is to

foster appropriate behaviour so that learning time can be maximized. Our goal is to help

our students to become responsible and positive contributors to society. To that end, we

are committed to the Restitution Model (see “Consequences for Students” on the

following page for a detailed description) for encouraging acceptable and appropriate

behaviour.

Parents are expected to:

Make sure that their children attend classes regularly, arrive at school on time and do their

homework.

o Should their child be absent or late, parents/guardians are expected to contact the

school immediately.

Address any concerns to their child’s teacher first. If further follow-up is required you may

then contact the school’s administrator. Following that, parents should contact the

superintendent. If the concern is not rectified at that level, address the Board, in writing,

through the superintendent.

Attend school events, support the school and stay in contact with school staff.

Help their children develop positive attitudes about school and learning.

Support and work with school staff with regards to discipline issues and plans.

Help their children understand the importance of respecting ones self, staff, peers, visitors,

guests and property.

Encourage the peaceful resolution of conflict.

Encourage their child to reflect if he/she has engaged in unacceptable behaviour at school.

Respect our school’s closed campus policy.

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Show respect and courtesy to all: defiance, abuse, bullying, violence and threats will not be

tolerated under any circumstances.

Discuss and ensure that their child(ren) understand the school Code of Conduct.

Pay school fees promptly or make arrangements with the administration should that not be

possible.

Respect all school policies including our internet safety policy. Students are expected to:

Attend school regularly and punctually.

Be prepared for classes and have all required materials.

Complete all assignments including homework.

Complete assignments missed due to absences or make an alternate plan with their teacher.

Dress appropriately.

Develop self-discipline and show courtesy to all people in the school and while representing the school.

Show respect for ones self, staff, peers, visitors, guests and property.

Respect school rules and bottom lines (i.e.: no verbal and physical abuse, bullying or defiance).

Respect our closed campus policy.

Maintain their desks and lockers in a clean and orderly manner.

Pick up after themselves in the hallways, classrooms, schoolyard and lunchrooms.

Demonstrate behaviour that contributes to a safe, respectful, positive learning environment.

Seek ways to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.

Accept responsibility for their actions.

Tell the truth.

Show respect and courtesy to all: defiance, abuse, bullying, violence and threats will not be tolerated under any

circumstances.

Respect all school policies including our internet safety policy.

Staff are expected to:

Attend regularly and punctually.

Attend all staff meetings.

Dress appropriately.

Communicate with parents regularly.

Implement the Restitution Model in all areas of the school and with all students in a consistent manner.

Demonstrate behaviour that contributes to a safe, respectful, positive learning environment.

Inform themselves and respect the MTS Code of Professional Conduct.

Follow appropriate communication protocol.

Maintain a neat and orderly classroom.

Review the Restitution Model with their students at the beginning of the year and as necessary throughout the

school year.

Respect students, staff and parents/guardians and treat them fairly and consistently.

Create and foster a safe, stimulating and respectful learning environment.

Create and implement an inclusive program.

Assess and evaluate student’s achievement, and explain the process used.

Keep accurate records on student behaviour.

Represent the school on committees.

Assist students in resolving their conflicts peacefully.

Respect confidential information about students, staff and parents/guardians.

Show respect and courtesy to all: defiance, abuse, bullying, violence and threats will not be tolerated under any

circumstances.

Follow divisional policy

Respect all school policies including our internet safety policy.

Unacceptable behaviour includes but is not limited to:

Bullying

Abusing another student physically, sexually or psychologically, verbally, in writing or

otherwise

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Harassment/discrimination unreasonably on the basis of any characteristic set out in

subsection 9(2) of The Human Rights Code

Threats to self and others

Possession or being under the influence of alcohol and/or illicit drugs at school

Theft

Inappropriate use of technology (See policy: Appropriate Use of Technology)

o Cyberbullying

o The inappropriate use of social, media, text messaging, instant messaging, websites

and email

o The inappropriate use of digital cameras, cellphones, and other electronic or personal

communication devices and electronic communication

The following will not be tolerated:

Gang involvement

Possession of a weapon (as defined in section 2 of the Criminal Code (Canada)

Discipline or consequences to a student for misbehaviour is a confidential matter and must

not be discussed with other parents/guardians.

APPEAL PROCESS

Appeals of Disciplinary Decisions

Students and parents must follow the school board’s appeal

process. Typically this involves an appeal to the teacher

who made the disciplinary decision, then to the school

principal if not resolved, then to the superintendent of

schools if not resolved, and finally to the school board.

Exceptions are suspension in excess of five days and

expulsion; in these cases, the appeal goes directly to the

school board.

Appeals of Suspension

In the case of a student who has been suspended for more than

five days, the school board must permit the student and his

or her parent or legal guardian to make representation to

the school board about the suspension. The school board may

confirm the suspension, modify it, or reinstate the

student.

Appeals of Expulsion

A student expulsion may be appealed to the school board. If a

parent/guardian (or a student 18 years of age or older),

wishes to appeal the board’s decision, the school

division’s appeal process shall be followed.

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École Héritage Immersion

Food and Nutrition Policy

Why is a Nutrition Policy Important to our School?

Rationale/Belief statement

1. Research says there is link between learning, nutrition and physical activity.

2. The school plays an important role in helping students develop healthy habits for a

lifetime.

3. School communities have a responsibility to be a positive role model and encourage

healthy lifestyle choices.

4. The provincial government requires all schools to have a written school food and nutrition

policy as part of our school plan.

The École Héritage Immersion Food and Nutrition Policy will be reviewed

and revised, if necessary, on an annual basis.

Policy Statement

The “Top of the Class” Resource Handbook (prepared by Dieticians of Canada – Manitoba

in co-operation with Manitoba Health and Healthy Living) was used to determine the

topics covered in the École Héritage Immersion Food and Nutrition Policy Statement.

1. Nutritious and non-nutritious foods - The school will promote foods from the

four groups of the Canada Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Foods sold in the canteen on a

regular basis will be chosen from a set of guidelines developed by the Dieticians of

Canada – Manitoba.

The guidelines include lists of foods which can be available MOST OFTEN, which are

healthy choices, foods that can be available SOMETIMES (3-4 times per month) which

are good choices but higher in fat, salt and/or sugar and foods which can be available

RARELY (1-2 times per month or less) because they are not very nutritious and are high

in fat, salt and/or sugar.

2. Drink machines – Contracts with beverage companies will be evaluated based on

their provision of nutritious drink options. Healthier choices, such as unsweetened fruit and/or vegetable juices and water will be placed closer to the top of the drink machine

selections.

3. Food available at special events (in-class parties, field trips, school picnics) -

Nutritious foods, as defined above, will be promoted on celebration days. The school

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will be flexible regarding the selection of foods that are on the SOMETIMES or

RARELY lists for special events.

4. Food available at the canteen –Foods and beverages sold or made available in the

canteen will be selected from the MOST OFTEN or SOMETIMES lists.

The purpose of the canteen is to promote and support healthy food choices.

5. Food available for special lunches – Foods offered for special lunches may be

chosen from the MOST OFTEN, SOMETIMES, or RARELY lists, provided that they

meet the timelines outlined in the guidelines.

6. Rewards for classroom – Rewards or student incentive programs should not

compromise the school’s nutrition policy fostering healthy food choices. The school will

encourage using non-food items as rewards.

7. Healthy Options for Fundraising – The school will support and encourage

fundraisers of nutritious or non-food items. Decisions regarding foods sold as fundraisers

will be approved on an individual basis by the school administration.

8. Adequate Time and Space for Lunch – The school will provide adequate time

and space for students to eat lunch.

9. Handling of Food Allergies – All staff will be made aware of food allergies and

guidelines for supporting children with allergies and food related chronic diseases. Any

food offered, sold or made available at school must be done in consideration of the

allergies of students and staff in the school.

10. Food safety – Safe food handling practices will be posted in the canteen or other food

preparation areas.

11. Food packaging – Students will be encouraged to recycle wherever possible. A

recycling program will be run at the school level. Wherever possible and practicable,

food items will be stored in reusable containers.

12. Access to Food – The school will provide healthy snacks and/or milk for students

requiring supplemental feeding.

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