HARVEST HILLS BACK TO SCHOOL INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 2026
PDF Version: HHL Back to School Info 2026-2027.pdf
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Please have students arrive on their first day of school between 9:10-9:25am.
Our staff will be meeting students in the following areas and will have grade signs for the students to navigate.
Parents/Guardians are not permitted past the gated areas and onto the school grounds.
The first day of school for students in Year 2 (Senior) Kindergarten to Grade 8 is Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Year 1 (Junior) Kindergarten students will begin school on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00am.
We will have staff assisting students in locating their teachers and class. Please dress students for the weather as there will not be an inclement entry with light rain (raincoats/umbrellas).
On the entry dates noted above students should proceed to the areas noted on the map below. All families will receive an email at the end of the day on Friday, September 4 with the name of the teachers and room number for their students.
Junior Kindergarten students will begin attendance on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 am – please meet staff at the EAST gate beside the parking lot. Parents, please keep the gate entrance areas clear to allow all families access to the area. Parents/Guardians are not permitted past the gated areas and onto the school grounds.
PLEASE LEAVE OUR YARD GATES CLOSED
Our EAST and WEST yard access gates close at 9:30am by our staff. When the gates are closed, please do not open them for the safety of your children as there is no supervision. The yard supervision ends promptly when the bell rings at 9:30am.
If the gates are closed, please take your students to the front doors, ring the bell, and have them signed in by the office. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping all our Harvest Hills students safe.
DAILY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
PARENTS/GUARDIANS, PLEASE:
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Read through all documents that have been sent home.
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Complete and return to primary student classroom teachers the Primary Home to School Arrangements 2026-2027 (PINK paper) ASAP.
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Read and review all forms with your students & file the remainder of the items for your future reference.
Here is a list of the permission slips/policies that have been sent home with your student. Please return to the school ASAP:
***SEE ONLINE VERSION FORMS BELOW***
We have included the following in the package for your information:
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Introduction translation document
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School Cash Online - NOTE SCHOOL FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE USING THIS SYSTEM INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING:
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2026-2027 Standard Acknowledgment and Permission Form
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2026-2027 Student Information Computing Technology (ICT) Appropriate Use Agreement
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Student Information Verification Form Acknowledgement
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2026-2027 School Council Parent/Guardian Nomination Form (only if you wish to be part of the School Council)
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For Grade 3 students ONLY the OLSAT form.
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Anaphylactic-Allergen Information
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Contagious Disease Letter
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Dress Code
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Office Guidelines
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School Supplies Lists
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School Lunch Your Kids Will Munch
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2026-2027 School Calendar for you to detach and keep handy
STANDARD ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND PERMISSION FORM,
STUDENT INFORMATION COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY APPROPRIATE USE AGREEMENT 2026-2027, STUDENT INFORMATION VERIFICATION & SCHOOL COUNCIL FORM
The 2026-2027 Standard Acknowledgment and Permission Form, and Student Information Computing Technology Appropriate Use Agreement are required forms for all Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) students. These forms must be completed electronically through School Cash Online for 2025-2026. School Cash Online is the preferred method for these forms. If you are unable to submit these forms electronically, please contact the office for your School Cash Online access information, access to a computer, and/or paper copies of the forms. DUE DATE IS OCTOBER 9, 2026.
The standard form includes acknowledgement or permission for:
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receipt and review of the student handbook
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consent for posting student photos, recordings, etc., on school and board websites sharing students’ photos with other students/families (primarily for Kindergarten programs) and consent for media to photograph and interview students
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permission to participate in local walking trips including the local Ron Simpson Memorial Park
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acknowledgement of the purchase of student accident insurance or appropriate coverage
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appropriate technology use
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participation in the Safe Arrival Program
Updating Student Information on File at the School
Parents/guardians are responsible for advising their child’s school of any changes to student information on file. This may include but is not limited to:
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Student legal or preferred names
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Student’s primary address – property and mailing address
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Home phone number
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Parent/guardian information including custody arrangements
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Parent/guardian phone numbers and email addresses
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Emergency contacts with current phone numbers.
Please contact the school to advise of any changes to student information by emailing the office at [email protected].
STUDENT LUNCH SIGN OUTS: Please note that due to permissions downloading once a week from the school board, we will not be able to facilitate student sign outs until the week of September 28, 2026. Note only students in grades 7 & 8 that live within walking distance to home are permitted to sign out.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NOMINATIONS FOR 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
School council is a committee made up of elected parents/guardians, community representatives, staff, and sometimes students that help to provide the community voice and parent/guardian perspective on important school topics. School council is a good way for parents/guardians to get involved in their child/children’s education while playing an important role in the partnership between home and school.
School council nominations take place every fall. If you are interested, please watch your email for upcoming communication and for more information visit www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/parent/school_councils.
If you wish to participate in the School Council, this form will also be available for you to complete on School Cash Online. DUE DATE IS SEPTEMBER 27, 2026, on SCHOOL CASH ONLINE.
SCDSB 2026-2027 STUDENT HANDBOOK
The SCDSB student handbook contains a variety of information that the SCDSB is required to share with all students and families. This September, schools will be distributing the student handbook to all families via email. The SCDSB 2026-27 Student Handbook can also be found on the SCDSB website at www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/parent and on school websites under ‘students’.
MOBILE DEVICES/CELL PHONES AT SCHOOL
Ministry of Education guidelines require school boards to implement a policy limiting the use of personal mobile devices in schools. The new policy regarding mobile devices in school is reflected in the SCDSB Code of Conduct. Students and families need to be aware of the following expectations:
Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6
Personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode throughout the full instructional day except under the following circumstances:
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For educational purposes, as directed by an educator;
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For health and medical purposes; and/or,
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To support special education needs, as documented in the student’s IEP.
Students in Grade 7 to 12
Personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time except under the following circumstances:
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For educational purposes, as directed by an educator;
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For health and medical purposes; and/or,
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To support special education needs, as documented in the student’s IEP.
Additional information regarding expectations for the use of mobile devices:
CREATING SAFE AND WELCOMING SPACES FOR STUDENTS, STAFF, AND VISITORS
We strive to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space where all students, staff, and visitors are treated respectfully. We expect an environment free from harassment and violence. Staff will not tolerate or respond to aggressive or abusive behaviour, whether in person, on the phone, or online via email or social media.
When visiting or contacting our schools, please help us maintain a positive and safe school environment for all. Information related to safe schools is available on the SCDSB website.
ACCESS TO THE SCHOOL
All school doors are locked during the school day as per the safe schools policy. The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We have several procedures in place designed to keep our school safe.
Please note that often there may only be one staff member available in the office meeting the needs of all the students and staff and they may not be available to answer the door immediately. Due to these circumstances, we will require your assistance and patience when contacting the school office.
VISITORS are not permitted on school premises without an escort during school hours. All visitors to the school must ring the front doorbell intercom to speak with the office. We will identify your needs and come to the doors to speak with you and assist as required.
Approved Visitors must always sign in at the office and receive an identification tag. You will then be met at the office by the person you are meeting. Our students are advised to look for these tags when they see someone they do not recognize. Any meetings with teachers are to be pre-arranged. Staff are not available for drop-in meetings.
This same feature is in place at all SCDSB public schools. It is important for you to know that we will always take whatever precautions are necessary to keep our school and students safe. If you have any questions about safety procedures, as always, please contact the office.
Elementary students will eat lunch in their classrooms. Students will need to bring a refillable water bottle that is labeled with their name and kept with them during the day. The school has water bottle refilling stations on both floors of the school.
Hot Lunch will start the week of September 28, 2026. A separate flyer will be sent home regarding this.
All students need to come to school with the food they require for the entire day. If a student forgets their lunch, the staff will provide items from the healthy snack program if a parent/guardian is not able to bring food from home.
***NO TAKE-OUT/FAST-FOOD LUNCHES WILL BE ACCEPTED. ***
Please ensure your students have plenty of lunch, snacks, water and extra clothing in their backpacks for washroom accidents and mittens/hats in cold weather
SCDSB CODE OF CONDUCT
The safety of students and staff is very important to us, and we recognize that all members of our school community have the right to be safe and feel safe. The SCDSB’s Code of Conduct supports and enhances the Provincial Code of Conduct and sets clear standards of behaviour for all members of the SCDSB community. The SCDSB Code of Conduct has been designed to create and maintain inviting and supportive school environments. It sets clear standards and specifies consequences for actions that do not comply with these standards.
Parents/guardians are responsible for reviewing the SCDSB Code of Conduct and discussing expectations for behaviour with their child(ren). They can acknowledge they have done so using the SCDSB acknowledgement and permission form that is distributed at the beginning of each school year.
The SCDSB Code of Conduct and other information related to safe schools is available on the Safe Schools page on the SCDSB website.
SIGNING IN/OUT AT THE OFFICE
Please note that often there will only be one staff member available in the office to meet the needs of all the students and staff. Due to these circumstances, we will require your assistance with the following:
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Any late students are required to SIGN IN at the office via the front doors before going to class.
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If you are picking up your student early, please email the office 3-24 hours in advance at[email protected]to let us know. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL or MESSAGE the teachers directly because the office/teachers will not receive your messages if they are not at school that day. Please ring the front doorbell to request your students and we will dismiss them to you at the front door.
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PHOTO IDENTIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO PICKUP STUDENTS.
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Students must be signed OUT at the office by an adult on their emergency list. If you need to add someone to the pickup list for your student, it must be sent in writing to the office at [email protected]. People who are not on the list will not be permitted to pick up your students.
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Early pickups end at 3:20pm. If you need to pick up your student after 3:20pm it may be challenging to locate them as teachers are busy getting all students ready for dismissal and sharing important end-of-day information.
KINDERGARTEN ENTRY
Upon arrival to school, Junior and Senior Kindergarten students will enter the yard and proceed to their designate play area where they will be supervised. Parents are to drop their student at the EAST gate and are not to enter the schoolyard. Students will independently walk to their designated are outside their classroom doors. We have staff on duty that will assist any students requiring assistance.
Thank you for your assistance in keeping all our students safe and on time during morning entry.
PARKING LOTS
Our parking lots are very busy, especially at arrival and dismissal times. For everyone’s safety, we encourage parents to have students in the bused areas to please take the bus to and from school daily and that walking students to be walked to and from school.
THERE IS NO PARKING OR STOPPING AT ALL ON CROSSLAND BOULEVARD AS PER THE TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY. SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE SERVICES & BYLAW OFFICERS WILL BE MONITORING AND TICKETING IN THIS AREA.
The EAST parking lot is for staff, visitors, and the Student Drop Off/Pick Up Zone.
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Student Drop off Zone is for dropping off and picking up students WITHOUT LEAVING/PARKING YOUR VEHICLE ONLY. There is NO PARKING in this marked area to take your students to the entry gate. If you feel you need to assist your students out of the vehicle and walk the student to the entry gate, then you must use a regular parking spot. Our staff are there to assist students in and out of the vehicles and to the entry gate. Please keep this area moving to prevent overflowing traffic on the surrounding streets. If traffic congestion impacts local traffic and/or emergency vehicles, we will be ordered to close this access by the Bradford By-Law Department.
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Absolutely no vehicles should ever be parked in the Accessible Parking spaces in front of the flagpole area (near the driveway to the EAST parking lot) unless the vehicles have an Accessible Parking Permit from the Government of Ontario. These two spaces are not for quick pickups and drop offs at any time. All drivers without a permit MUST use the regular parking spaces. This applies to all Accessible Parking spaces on the property. Furthermore, if you are permitted and do use these two spaces, please note that students are constantly moving during arrival and dismissal time along that sidewalk. You must not move your vehicle until the area clears.
Per the Ontario Ministry of Transportation: “You must clearly display your permit with the number and expiry date visible on your vehicle's sun visor or dashboard to park in an accessible parking space. The permit holder must be either a passenger or driver of the vehicle using the accessible parking space.”
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There is absolutely no parking on any of the sidewalk areas along the parking lot and pick up/drop off zone. This is for safe passage by the students only. Once again, we have had incidents of students being in harm’s way when someone is moving their vehicle.
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There is no parking at all allowed on Crossland Boulevard as posted by the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury.
The WEST parking lot is for school buses and staff only. No visitors are allowed in this area at all. Only school vehicles (school buses and vans) or emergency vehicles (ambulances/Police cars) are allowed in the school bus loading zone that is in the WEST parking lot.
Please see the map at the top for details. Thank you for keeping our students and school community safe!
DISMISSAL PROCESS FOR END OF DAY
Forms will be going home at the start of the school year for all Kindergarten – Grade 3 students to be completed regarding end of day arrangements (PINK sheet). Please complete these as soon as possible and return to the school.
We have a detailed map on page 1 of dismissal locations.
Once again, we ask that parents/guardians not pass into the fenced in areas of the school. Students will be dismissed from the following areas based on grade level and cohorts:
JK & SK – dismissed from the EAST gate. Parents/Guardians, please do not crowd the area and allow students to reach their pickup person safely.
Grades 1-3 – dismissed to a parent/guardian at the EAST gate.
Grades 4-8 – dismissed on their own and will be exiting the property at the WEST gate.
As always, we ask that all visitors to our property use the sidewalks and pathways for safety. No students should be running through any of the parking lot areas at any time.
Parents/Guardians of multiple students, please arrange with your students a meeting point on the property past the fences.
UNIVERSAL OTIS-LENNON SCHOOL ABILITY TEST (OLSAT) SCREENING PROCESS
The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) is a standardized group test of ability. The results of this test will help us gain a better understanding of students’ areas of relative strength and need as related to their verbal and non-verbal abilities so that we can plan our programs and supports accordingly. Results may also be used to inform identification (e.g., Intellectual: Gifted).
Students who display an advanced degree of general intellectual ability may require additional program support to reach their educational potential. This support may be through enhancing the curriculum, differentiated instruction, and through providing program extensions and enrichment. This type of programming is important to engage, motivate, and challenge students who are identified as gifted.
A consent form examining the universal OLSAT screening process in greater detail will be sent to parent(s)/guardian(s) of students in Grade 3 via SchoolCash Online in September.
If you require further information about the universal OLSAT screening process, please contact the school.
ANNUAL NOTICE TO ADULT STUDENTS OR PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) OF STUDENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 16
A completed Student Medical Form (Form A1420 - 1) is required each school year for all students with life-threatening and non-life-threatening medical conditions and when administration of medication is required.
Parent(s)/guardian(s)/adult students are responsible for ensuring that a current, completed Student Medical Form is on file at the school. Parent(s)/guardian(s)/adult students are also to complete a Plan of Care for students with life-threatening medical conditions, such as anaphylaxis, asthma, type 1 diabetes, or epilepsy/seizure disorder.
Some students may experience severe life-threatening allergic reactions to bee, hornet, wasp, or other insect stings or to certain foods or food ingredients such as peanuts. For students with life-threatening allergies, it is recommended that two doses of an epinephrine auto-injector are available on site at school.
Specific to asthma, every student under the age of 16 is permitted to carry their asthma medication if the student has the permission of the parent(s)/guardian(s).
Please do not hesitate to contact the school with any questions you may have.
ANAPHYLACTIC STUDENTS AT OUR SCHOOL
It is vitally important that we have the co-operation of all students and parents in maintaining a safe environment for the many students in our school who have allergies to peanut and tree nut products. To some of our students, this is a life-threatening issue. Those with a severe allergy can be sent into anaphylactic shock from the smell of peanut butter, or through the touching of a desk or door handle on which there is a trace of peanut/nut oil. Please keep all students safe by sending your student with peanut/nut free snacks and lunch. We also have shellfish allergies this year, please keep this in mind when packing lunched.
LOST OR DAMAGED MATERIALS
Harvest Hills Public School has been able to purchase many new textbooks and learning materials preparing for the school opening. We expect all our students to respect computers, school texts, library books, supplies, furniture, and property. If computers, textbooks, or library books are destroyed or vandalized, we expect our student’s parents/guardians to pay the cost required to replace the item(s). If a computer, textbook or library book is lost, we also expect our students to pay the cost to replace the book. Similarly, if a student destroys technology, supplies, furniture, or property on purpose, we expect our students to replace these. We are very hopeful that all our students will respect all school property and materials so that they are not required to replace them at any time throughout the year. Thank you for your support and understanding.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
The SCDSB does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries that occur on school premises, at board-sponsored events, or during school extracurricular activities (e.g., athletics, clubs, etc.). However, accidents can and do happen. Injuries can result in substantial expenses that are not covered by the SCDSB or provincial health care. If families do not have existing or sufficient extended health or dental coverage, the SCDSB recommends
These programs offer a variety of plans at reasonable annual prices.
Participation in extracurricular activities (e.g., athletics, clubs, etc.) require the purchase of this insurance, or other extended health and dental coverage. Purchase of travel insurance, including accident coverage, is mandatory for all out-of-province/country field trips. Travel insurance is to be purchased by the school through the approved travel tour operator, and the cost is to be included in the total cost of the trip.
BOOMERANG LUNCHES
A boomerang is a curved piece of wood that when properly thrown will return to the thrower.
A boomerang lunch is a lunch that has every piece of it return to its source. In other words, everything in the lunch goes back home at the end of the day. No matter if it is leftover food, containers, recyclables or garbage, it all goes back. Yes, even the garbage.
Purpose:
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To increase awareness of the amount of waste created in one’s own lunch.
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To encourage the use of reusable containers
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To discourage the use of disposable containers
We are encouraging all Harvest Hills Hawks to participate in support of our student led Eco Squad and environment. This school year, waste reduction activities in our building and classes will be implemented. We will encourage everyone to not only take their lunch garbage home with them, but also attempt to reduce their production of garbage, at lunch and throughout the rest of the day.
There are schools in the province that do not collect any lunch garbage from students. There are also field trip centres that do not collect any garbage at all from visiting classes. In these areas it is common practice that everyone takes out what they bring in. It is a process that may take some adjustment, it is very feasible and is one step we can take together to make a difference in the health of our planet.
Thank you for your participation and support of this important practice at our school.
DAILY SCHOOL BUS USE
All buses will arrive at the WEST staff parking lot/ bus loop. No parents/guardians are to enter the WEST parking lot at any time. Visitor parking is located at the EAST end of the school. Buses will be met by a staff member. Kindergarten riders will be escorted to their classroom doors by bus helpers.
If your bused student is to not take a bus on a certain day and will be met for end of day pickup at dismissal you MUST email the office at [email protected] before 1:00pm the day of the occurrence. Do not send these emails/texts to teachers and they are in class and will not see your message in time for the student to be pulled from the bus lines.
IF THE OFFICE DOES NOT RECEIVE THE EMAIL, THE STUDENT WILL BE PUT ON THE BUS TO GO HOME AS USUAL.
BUS CANCELLATIONS
There may be occasions when the buses are cancelled due to inclement weather, but the school is still open for student learning. Visit http://www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca for up-to-date bus information
If you decide to drop off a bus student when buses are cancelled, you must make arrangements to have your student picked up at the end of the day. When buses are cancelled, they are cancelled for the whole day. Please ensure to pick up your students at the 3:50pm dismissal time. There will be no early dismissals on these days as staff are teaching and running a normal instructional day, and the office is completing attendance.
All students that are marked absent by their homeroom teacher in the morning where buses are cancelled will receive a phone call from Safe Arrival even if they are a bused student (unless they were called in absent previously due to illness or vacation, etc.).
PLEASE NOTE that the message sent out on inclement weather days is different than the usual Safe Arrival message. If you receive a safe arrival call from the system that your student is not at school on an inclement weather day, you only need to call back if your student SHOULD be at school. This is to ensure students who may be walking to school or are being driven in by someone arrive safely.
If you know your student left your home and was walking to school on an inclement weather day, this call will alert you to the fact that they still have not arrived at school. It is always a family decision whether it is safe for their student to leave for school under severe weather conditions. This new system will allow us to keep all our students safe during these weather issues.
Please do not call to report your student is at home on inclement weather days. The message sent out confirms that we expect your student is at home and only to call us if they SHOULD be at school.
All regular advanced reported attendances for that day (such as vacations, appointments, etc.) will remain the same.
Please remember we are in the SOUTH ZONE for weather cancellations. All information regarding cancelled buses in Simcoe County is posted on the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC)’s bus information website at www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca. When buses are cancelled, schools remain open for student learning, unless otherwise noted.
The Consortium and bus operators try to make the decision to cancel school buses before 6 a.m. and make every effort to post announcements before 7 a.m. Inclement weather cancellations are effective for the whole day, and buses cancelled in the morning will not run at the end of the day. You can follow the Consortium on Twitter @SCSTC_SchoolBus for bus cancellations and other information. You can also subscribe to receive bus delay notifications here: scstc.ca/Subscriptions/Login.aspx.
Also, just a reminder that Hot Lunch is always canceled on Inclement Weather Days. Please ensure your students have snacks, lunches and reusable water bottles if they come to school.
SCHOOL BUS ‘BUS TAG’ PROGRAM HELPS STUDENTS GET TO/FROM SCHOOL SAFELY
The Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium’s Bus Tag program supports safety for Kindergarten and other school-identified students. The program helps match students to their assigned afternoon school bus and identifies that they must be met by a parent/guardian at their afternoon bus stop.
The program provides a colour-coded bus tag with the assigned p.m. route number, to be attached to the student’s backpack, and a colour-coded route card with route number in the windows of the school bus that the bus tag is matched to. The program can also provide tags for students who are walkers and/or who remain at an on-site childcare centre to make sure they don’t get on a bus in error.
For more information, visit main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca.
KEEP CONNECTED WITH OUR SCHOOL AND WITH THE SCDSB
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is committed to ensuring consistent and reliable information is made available to parents/guardians and acknowledges the positive impact of parent/guardian engagement on student achievement. Visit the SCDSB website to learn how the SCDSB and your child’s school will communicate with you, to review the SCDSB service commitment, and learn how you can communicate your appreciation or concern. You can also find information about how to support your child’s education in the Ministry of Education’s Your Child’s Education: A parent guide to our school system.
It’s important to get accurate information about what’s going on at the SCDSB. Here are some ways to do that:
For school bus transportation information, visit the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium’s website at main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca. Also, remember to bookmark the school bus information page at simcoecountyschoolbus.ca for bus delay and cancellation information on inclement weather days.
PROCEDURES HELP KEEP OUR SCHOOL SAFE
We have a number of procedures in place to keep our school safe. Parents/guardians should review the following emergency procedures with their children:
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Shelter in place - used when there is an environmental or weather-related situation.
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Hold and secure - used when there is a situation in the community, not related to the school.
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A lockdown - used when there is a major incident or a threat of violence related to the school.
Please visit the Safety Procedures page on the SCDSB website to learn more about our safety procedures and emergency evacuation plans.
It’s important for you to know we will always take whatever precautions are necessary to keep our school and students safe.
Please note the following:
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Elementary school main doors are locked during the school day. Visitors must use the intercom system and wait for assistance. Staff may not be available to answer the door immediately, so please be patient.
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Staff must complete a criminal record check before having contact with students.
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We ask parents/guardians of elementary students to contact us when their child will be absent from school as part of our Safe Arrival program. When we don’t hear from a parent/guardian and a student is absent, we will call home to find out the reason for the absence.
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At least two staff members in every school are trained in first aid and CPR. All SCDSB schools have automated external defibrillators (AED).
STUDENT DRESS CODE
Our board’s dress code is one way that we embed the principles set out in the SCDSB and Ministry of Education documents, Caring and Safe Schools in Ontario and Equity and Inclusive Education, to ensure safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environments for all of our students. In SCDSB schools, we believe that students should be able to learn in a safe and caring space that is free of bias and discrimination. When making choices about what to wear to school, we respect your individuality. To ensure that our learning environments are safe and respectful spaces, our board has consulted with students and staff to develop a set of shared standards for student dress.
The SCDSB dress code is available on the SCDSB website. If you have questions about the dress code, contact your school principal.
VOLUNTEERING IN SCHOOLS DURING THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
Volunteers are an important part of what makes our schools great places to learn and grow. We value and appreciate the support of our volunteers. Volunteers have various roles at our schools including:
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School event volunteer
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Hot lunch day organizers
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Field trip supervisors
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Classroom helpers
Interested in volunteering? Visit the link here: Volunteering - Simcoe County District School Board. To learn about available opportunities, contact your local school’s office.
Please contact the school office at [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering and would like to know more about the opportunities available.
To become a volunteer in a Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) school, you will need to complete accessibility training and submit a current (dated within six months) Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). Schools require all VSCs to be in their original form and emailed directly to the school for processing. Please note, volunteers are unable to upload VSCs directly to the volunteer portal. Each potential volunteer must create an account within the volunteer portal. Please remember to choose the school you wish to volunteer at.
If you do not have a computer or require assistance, please contact the school.
CURRENT VOLUNTEERS
Current approved volunteers must keep their Community Apps account/Volunteer Portal information up to date with email address changes. Communication is sent throughout the year to the email address provided with respect to timelines, necessary requirements, etc. regarding your volunteer status. Visit the volunteer page on our website for more information and instructions: Volunteering - Simcoe County District School Board.
Instructions on how to change your email address in Community Apps can be found here. Updating your email address in your Community Apps account will automatically update your email address in your Volunteer Portal.
If you are also a parent, check out our Parent Portal.
CLASSROOM SNACKS & CELEBRATIONS
At Harvest Hills we understand that traditions and celebrations are important, and that food plays a pivotal role in them. To ensure the safety of all students including those who may have life-threatening medical conditions, we will not be permitting whole classroom snacks to be brought in. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
SCDSB HUMAN RIGHTS AND EQUITY OFFICE
The SCDSB Human Rights and Equity Office (HREO) is a safe and confidential space to identify matters related to discrimination, harassment, and human rights violations. Our goal is to create and maintain a safe, caring, and inclusive learning and working environment by promoting and protecting the human rights of all SCDSB students, staff, and school communities. For resources, information or to learn more, please visit the HREO page on the SCDSB website.
USE OF TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS MEDICINES
Students and parents/guardians will notice signage on the front doors of all SCDSB buildings identifying that Traditional Indigenous Medicines are used in all SCDSB facilities. This is to inform all community members, staff, and students that smudging, which may include some airborne particles, may take place in the building.
If smudging is taking place in a particular area, additional signage will be posted in that area. Every effort will be made to inform the school community before Traditional Indigenous Medicines are used.
NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION – SEPT. 30
On Sept. 30, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the children who never returned home, the Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. It is a time for learning, reflection, and remembrance. As a school community, we are committed to understanding the truths of our shared history and working toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. We encourage students and families to wear orange on Sept. 30 to show support and to take part in meaningful conversations and activities that foster respect and healing.
STUDENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICE
The team within the Student and Family Support Office at the SCDSB provide families with an additional avenue to obtain support with complex questions or concerns related to their child’s education. Teachers, principals, and vice-principals continue to be the initial point of contact for parents/guardians as most matters can be quickly addressed and resolved at the school level.
If your question or concern requires additional follow-up or assistance beyond the school level, you may access the Student and Family Support Office by completing the support request form. To learn more or access the form visit the Student and Family Support page on the SCDSB website.
POLICY CONSULTATION
The SCDSB is committed to creating and maintaining respectful and collaborative relationships with students, parents/guardians, and community partners. Through consultation, the SCDSB strives to gather input, feedback, and perspectives on policies that are necessary for the day-to-day operations of the board.
Engaging the SCDSB community in policy consultation allows those involved in public education to contribute to changes that enhance student achievement and well-being while improving outcomes and experiences for students and staff.
The current policies open for consultation are:
The consultation period runs from Aug. 19 to Sept. 23, 2026. Provide your feedback.
FIVE TIPS FOR A HEALTHY START BACK TO SCHOOL
The start of a new school year is a time of change, not just for your child but for the whole family. A little preparation can go a long way to help set up for a successful year ahead.
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Encourage a positive outlook. Ask what they enjoy about school and what they look forward to this year.
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Check in about how they are feeling. Help them think of ways to manage any back-to-school worries. Show them you care and remind them there are adults at school who are there to help too.
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Routines can help. Getting backpacks organized and picking clothes the night before can help everyone get out the door on time. Wind down without screens and aim for a routine bedtime to help feel rested and ready for the day.
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Talk about road safety and plan for a safe and active route to school. For younger children, practice walking to school or getting to the bus together.
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Make sure their immunizations are up to date. You can check your child’s immunization record online at smdhu.org and update their record with any missing information.
For more information, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Attachments:
Multiple Languages Note 2026.pdf
2026-2027 SCDSB School Calendar 5 Day Cycle.pdf
School Cash Online Start Up Package September 2026.pdf
ANAPHALACTIC-ALLERGEN Letter 2026.pdf
Contagious Diseases 2026.pdf
Dress-Code-2016-03-30_0.pdf
Office Guidelines for Harvest Hills Parents 2026-2027.pdf
Back to School Supply List 1-8 September 2026-2027.pdf
Back to School Supply List KDG September 2026-2027.pdf
Lunch Your Kid Will Munch.pdf
SCDSB Use-of-Personal-Mobile-Devices.pdf
Safe Arrival APP Information 2026.pdf