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SCHOOL VISITORS

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL:  PARENTS & GUARDIANS
 

Respecting the learning time of our students and the privacy of all students is integral to our Board’s Mission, current legislation, and administrative procedures that we are all responsible for upholding.  

 

Parents/guardians of a student attending a school operated by the Northwest Catholic District School Board (within the bounds of any custody or care agreements) have a legal right to visit as indicated in the Education Act or Regulations. However, the right to visit a school does not entitle a person to have access to all areas of the school premises.  

 When Parents/Guardians are visiting the school, please remember to: 

  • report to and sign in at the office; and 
  • share the nature of their visit with the office (administer medication, signing student out, dropping off item, etc.). 

The office will call for the student to come and meet the parent/guardian in the foyer of the school or in the office area. Depending on the student's age, they may walk themselves or be escorted to the foyer or school office. 

 Parents/guardians are not permitted to access the entire school. They are also not permitted to pick up other students unless the office has been made aware. 

Access to classrooms: 

There are times when parents/guardians are invited to volunteer in the learning environment or for a field trip. In these instances, the Board’s administrative procedure F-06 Use of Volunteers is to be adhered to.  

We do our best to minimize any distractions or interruptions during the school day. Staff spend a lot of time planning their day; therefore, we do ask that parents/guardians follow our volunteer policy. 

When Parents/Guardians want a meeting with the school: 

We ask that visitors schedule appointments in advance so that school staff can plan to be available for any meetings. 

All meetings must take place in a location where the conversation can remain private. We are bound by privacy and do not want to put anyone in a situation where conversations can be overheard by others.  

If arriving at an unplanned time, it is important that you be prepared to wait patiently. On occasion, and if the staff you are requesting to see are not available, you will be asked to schedule a meeting time. 

Respectful Interactions: 

The TNCDSB Code of Conduct applies to all stakeholders including parents and guardians.  

Section 3.4.2 reminds us that all members of the school community are to be treated with respect and dignity, especially those in a position of authority. Conversations with school staff must remain respectful in nature. Swearing or yelling at school staff is not acceptable. We do not tolerate aggressive behaviour, verbal abuse, or harassment of any kind.  

When dealing with sensitive topics, our emotions often get the best of us. When we are dysregulated or upset, it is best to stop the meeting and return to an agreed upon time when all parties can participate in a respectful manner. 

When a parent/guardian may be denied access to the school: 

On rare occasions, a parent/guardian or visitor may be denied access to the school. This occurs when a person’s presence is determined to be detrimental to the safety or well-being of a person on the premises. The principal, vice-principal or other person authorized by the Board may request that the person leave the premises. This also includes those demonstrating a lack of regard for the personal and property rights of others, including the Board.