Hello McKenzie Towne families,
We hope you enjoyed the lovely weekend.
In the past few weeks we have received a number of inquiries related to the icy grounds at McKenzie Towne School. The frequent melting and freezing temperatures have created several icy areas. There have been some unfortunate injuries due to some of the slippery areas both during and after school hours. We are deeply concerned for the safety of your children and have been in frequent communication with the CBE regarding this issue.
We have received some clarity regarding who is responsible for clearing the areas of concern. Attached you will find two photographs of the school and grounds. The document entitled CBE Grounds - Snow & Ice Responsibilities highlights the areas and priorities of CBE Grounds. The document entitled Facility Operator Responsibilities highlights the areas and priorities of Ms. Reynaldo (our facilities operator). In addition to the responsibilities listed on this attachment, Ms. Reynaldo also clears the circular walkway up to the school. She arrives at school before 7:00am in order to complete all of her responsibilities before staff and students arrive. Ms. Reynaldo also regularly checks the areas that fall under her jurisdiction throughout the day in order to place gravel and/or salt on these areas. The field that is behind our school, as well as the sidewalk after the end of the fence on the east side of the school are the responsibility of the City of Calgary. Through our discussions with the CBE we have learned that placing abrasive material (gravel) on other areas that are not tarmacked is not permitted.
The school has taken measures to prevent injuries. We place cones on icy patches while the students are outside at recess times. Teachers have regular conversations with their students before going outside regarding safety expectations. Students are instructed on walking safely following Alberta Health Services Penguin Walk suggestions (see attached poster). While teachers and lunch room supervisors are outside, they are regularly reminding students to stay off icy areas and consequences are given to students who disobey those safety rules. In addition, the school administration will be making regular announcements reminding students to stay off the ice.
It would be helpful if all families were reinforcing these procedures with their children. A reminder that there is no teacher supervision outside during the morning student arrival as teachers are meeting and greeting students at their arrival doors during our “soft entry” from 7:50am – 8:00 am. As well, once students are dismissed from the school at 2:36 pm, there is no staff supervision outside. At that time, bused students go directly to the bus, parents meet their child(ren) at their assigned doors and meeting place, or students walk directly home. Students should not be playing on the playground without direct supervision of their parents after school.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with additional questions or concerns. It is imperative that the school and parents work together to reinforce safety around icy conditions that unfortunately will persist in the winter with our changing weather conditions in Calgary.
Facility Operator Responsibilities.pdf
CBE Grounds - Snow & Ice Responsibility.pdf
Sincerely,
Dr. Lorraine Slater (Principal)
Mrs. Karen Woodrow (Assistant-Principal)