École publique John Fisher Public School is committed to providing a safe and caring environment for our students and all members of our community.
We are an allergy safe zone
There are a number of children at John Fisher who have life-threatening allergies to nuts that can be triggered by exposure to trace amounts of the allergen.
To minimize the risk of exposure at the school the following rules apply:
- No nuts or foods containing nuts are to be brought into the school.
- Children should not share their lunches or snacks.
For class events and/or cultural celebrations:
- Only purchased food that is in the original wrapping and clearly labelled nut-free can be brought to the event.
- Fruit or vegetables cannot be cut or otherwise prepared at home. They may be brought to the school whole to be washed and cut using school-supplied utensils and cutting boards.
- Teachers have strict control at school events to ensure any foods are nut-free and follow the above guidelines.
Thank you for considering the safety of our children by adhering to these rules.
Code of Conduct
Our Code of Conduct is based on three fundamental values: SAFETY, RESPECT AND KINDNESS. All students and adults at John Fisher have the responsibility to behave safely, and to treat all others with respect and kindness. They have the corresponding right to live and learn in a safe environment, and to be treated with respect and kindness.
The Code of Conduct is taught in every classroom and in student assemblies. It is supplemented with a series of specific rules on safe and respectful behaviour in all parts of the building, in the playground, on buses and on excursions.
Bullying Prevention
We are committed to ensuring that students and adults in our community understand the harmful effects of bullying and work to prevent it at John Fisher. Bullying prevention is an important component of John Fisher’s character education plan. You can refer to the Bullying Prevention Guide here.
Character Education
John Fisher students, staff and parents participated in the Board-wide process of identifying the Top Ten positive character traits to be fostered in all schools. These are:
- Respect (September)
- Responsibility (October)
- Empathy (November)
- Kindness and caring (December)
- Teamwork (January)
- Fairness (February)
- Honesty (March)
- Co-operation (April)
- Integrity (May)
- Perseverance (June)
Talking about the meaning and importance of each of these traits and incorporating them into our Code of Conduct, rules and routines is an integral part of Character Education at John Fisher. One character trait is highlighted every month.
To find out more about Character Development at the TDSB, click here.
Progressive Discipline
This approach to discipline (used throughout the TDSB) is based on the existence of a clear Code of Conduct and acccompanying rules which are based on values that the community believes in and which our students understand. When behaviour that is contrary to these values and rules occurs, discipline is imposed in a “progressive” and positive manner – it begins with cautions and reminders, and progresses to loss of privileges or other consequences. Students are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour, and to learn to behave safely, respectfully and kindly in the future.
Safety Committee
An active committee of parents and staff conduct a yearly Safety Audit, and make recommendations for improving safety conditions of the school (e.g., increasing lighting, tips on parking safety, use of vests and two-way radios by supervising staff). The establishment of the Kiss ‘n Ride program was one of the major accomplishments of the Safety Committee.
- Kiss n’ Ride Program – This program – staffed entirely by trained parent volunteers – helps us to meet the challenges of our location at a busy downtown intersection. Families who drive to school are provided with a safe and quick drop-off zone on the north side of the school on Keewatin Avenue. In a designated area, parents can pull up, let their children off into the hands of the parent volunteers, and quickly drive off.
- Bus Safety – As many of our students arrive by bus at the front of the school on Erskine Avenue, we have an active bus safety program, with yearly presentations by our bus companies and accompanying rules and routines to make sure that children get on and off and ride the buses safely.
- Police Safety Programs – Every year, community officers from our local 53 Division make presentations to our students on Traffic Safety, Street Safety, Internet Safety and Bike Safety.
Nutrition
Children from Kindergarten to Grade 6 are encouraged to bring their own healthy snacks and lunches. Through the newsletter and presentations, parents with expertise in this area as well as Public Health personnel provide helpful information on this topic for busy families.
Treatment of Lice
We have a skilled and active Pediculosis Committee which stays up-to-date on the latest methods of treating lice through contact with Board and Public Health staff. We are very grateful for the parent volunteers who are trained every year by this committee and conduct regular lice checks in every classroom. Additional lice checks are also conducted when there is an outbreak. For tips on dealing with lice, click here.
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