Schools ready to welcome students as new school year begins

Students in Brantford, Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk will notice a few changes when the new school year begins Tuesday.

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But as the more than 38,000 students return to classes, the OPP is reminding everyone including motorists to put safety first.

“We consider pedestrian safety a top priority in our community especially near schools where parents, teachers, motorists and children must be extra cautious,” Insp. Andrea Quennville, the Brant County OPP commander, said in a statement. “Officers will be patrolling roads throughout the school year with a focus on school zones and bus stops.”

Police in Brantford, Brant County and Norfolk are reminding motorists to stop for school buses when signals are flashing. They are also urging motorists to reduce speed, drive with caution and be prepared to stop at all times.

Tracey Austin, manager of communications and community relations for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board, said teachers and staff are excited about the new school year.

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The board is expecting about 12,350 students to be in class on Tuesday with 8,250 of those at the board’s secondary schools.

Austin said the board has implemented some changes including addressing smoking, vaping and cell phones.

Recent changes to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act prohibits smoking and vaping at schools, on school grounds and all public areas within 20 meters of the school, Austin said.

Students caught with those substances and related products must surrender them to the educator or administrator and the parents will be notified, Austin said.

The board is also sharing clear guidelines on the use of personal mobile devices and access to the board’s social media networks and devices.

Under new provincial rules, Kindergarten to Grade 6 students are being asked to keep their phones on silent and out of sight for the entire day unless permitted by an educator. Those students in Grades 7 to 12 can use cell phones on school property but not during classroom time.

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Austin reminded parents and caregivers to make sure the board has accurate up-to-date family contact information including e-mail addresses and cell phone numbers.

The board is launching a new attendance program that relates to schools having the correct information to ensure timely notification and student safety.

Teachers and staff at the Grand Erie District School Board are also ready for the new school year.

“Like the rest of the province, we’re busy getting ready to welcome students back to school and introduce families to the ministry’s updated provincial code of conduct to promote healthy and welcoming learning environments,” Ryan Strang, the board’s communication’s manager, said. “This includes all students being required to follow anti-vaping and personal mobile device use guidelines.

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“It’s important to note that students must only use personal mobile devices during instructional time for educational purposes (as directed by an educator), health and medical purposes, and to support special education needs.”

The Grand Erie board has more than 26,000 students attending 58 elementary schools and 14 secondary schools in Brantford, Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk counties. It also has secondary students from Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

The board has more than 2,700 staff members.

“We look forward to communicating with families on a regular basis and providing what’s needed to ensure each learner can reach their full potential throughout the school years,” Strang said.

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