2019-2020

Lord Nelson Handbook

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ABOUT OUR SCHOOL ……………………………………………………………………. 3

School Code of Conduct ……………………………………………………………………… 3

INFORMATION

Accident Insurance for Students …………………………………………………………. 4

Articulation (Grade 7) ……………………………………………………………………. 4

Bells and Daily Schedule ………………………………………………………………….. 4

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices ……………………………………………….. 5

Community Health Nurse ...………………………………………………………………. 6

District Learning Services ………………………………………………………………… 6

District Support Services …………………………………………………………………. 6

Dress Code ………………………………………………………………………………………. 7

Emergency Procedures …………………………………………………………………….. 7

Fine Arts ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8

Fundraising ……………………………………………………………………………………… 8

Health and Safety …………………………………………………………………………… 8

Interschool Sports …………………………………………………………………………… 9

Learning Commons (Library) ……………………………………………………..……… 10

Media Consent Forms …………………………………………………………………….. 10

Parent Advisory Council ………………………………………………………………….. 10

Police Liaison Officer ………………………………………………………………………. 11

Programs ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 11

Professional Days ………………………………………………………………………….. 12

Rainy Day Procedures …………………………………………………………………….. 12

Reporting Student Absences and Late Arrival …………………………………. 12

School Fees …………………………………………………………………………………….. 12

School Organization and Class Placement ………………………………………. 13

School Supplies ………………………………………………………………………………. 14

Snow Closure Procedures ………………………………………………………………. 14

Students Leaving School Grounds ………………………………………………….. 15

Supervision ……………………………………………………………………………………. 15

Traffic Safety …………………………………………………………………………………. 15

Volunteering at School ………………………………………………………………….. 15

Website and Email ………………………………………………………………………… 15

Welcome to Kindergarten …………………………………………………………….. 15

Wheels on School Grounds …………………………………………………………… 15

COMMUNITY INFORMATION

Frog Hollow “The Village at Lord Nelson” School Age Program ………. 16

Community Telephone Numbers /Use of Outside Agencies ………….. 16

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ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Lord Nelson Elementary School is located in northeast Vancouver near Nanaimo Street and First Avenue.

The original school opened in 1911 and was named after the 19th century British Admiral, Horatio

Nelson. Our 100th Anniversary was celebrated in 2011. We moved to our new school building

September 2019.

Lord Nelson is a diverse and dynamic community. Students are representative of varied ethnic

backgrounds with active parental involvement. The school community has been evolving over the past

decade and has become a strong family focused neighbourhood in Vancouver.

The community reflects a focus on environmental stewardship, which is reflected in our traffic calmed

roadways and commitment to environment awareness. Our “outdoor classroom” and community

garden were established and continue to be strongly supported by our PAC.

Nelson has a long-established commitment to learning and academic achievement, while maintaining a

focus on creativity, sports and social responsibility. The Nelson staff maintain a high level of engagement

with current trends in education and are constantly working towards meeting the individual needs of all

students. We are proud of the academic, athletic and artistic achievement levels of our students and

are continually working towards building individual potential from kindergarten to grade seven students

preparing to transition to secondary school. Our school feeds into three neighbouring Secondary

Schools, Templeton, Britannia and Vancouver Technical.

Lord Nelson has a strong and active PAC, that work hard to create opportunities for students that

enhance and encourage their educational experience. They work collaboratively with staff to support

initiatives and access resources, while facilitating fun-filled family events that create a strong sense of

community belonging.

We have developed positive relationships with our community partners and are working to continue to

build opportunities for students and families through Nelson Out of School Care, Templeton Community

Team, Britannia Community Centre and the Britannia Public Library. We are proud to be part of the

Vancouver Public School System.

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OUR SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

At Lord Nelson School we strive to emphasize...

“R.O.A.R.”

“Respect Others, Act Responsibly”

SHOW RESPECT FOR SELF AND OTHERS

Ø Always try your best

Ø Take responsibility for your actions

Ø Dress, speak and act appropriately

Ø Keep your hands and feet to yourself

Ø Use good manners (please and thank you)

Ø Treat others as you would like to be treated

Ø Be safe

BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR LEARNING AND ENVIRONMENT

Ø Be on time for school

Ø Be prepared with homework and supplies

Ø Actively listen and follow instructions

Ø Respect others efforts and contributions

Ø Keep school clean and tidy

Ø Use garbage cans and recycling bins

Each child will receive the School Code of Conduct and Commitment Card in their Student Information

Package. It is our expectation for the family to read and discuss the Code of Conduct and sign the

commitment card together.

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ACCIDENT INSURANCE for Students

The kids plus student accident insurance program has changed and is now called The Family Accident

Reimbursement Plan (FARP). This coverage is still provided by Industrial Alliance and is a voluntary plan

which offers coverage for students and their families against accidental injury, unexpected medical

expenses and critical illness. The Family Accident Reimbursement Plan is ideal for supplementing costs

not covered by provincial health insurance or existing employer extended health and dental plans.

Families can register online to participate in the Plan by using the URL provided here:

https://www.solutionsinsurance.com/aonbc or call/email: Phone: 1.800.266.5667, Email:

solutions@ia.ca

ARTICULATION—GRADE 7

One of the most critical times in a child’s elementary school life is the Grade 7 articulation period, when

choices have to be made by the students and their families about what types of programs they would

like to see their child pursue in high school. The Grade 7 teachers and school administrators work closely

with the high school personnel to make this transition from elementary school to high school as smooth,

and thorough as possible. Besides participating in activities that will ensure they are properly registered

and given an overview of their programming options, the Grade 7 students are given a tour of their new

high school in the late spring to help acquaint them for their move. Also, for the parents, there are

Information Nights at the high schools in January and February to provide the parents with an overview

of the high school and the Grade 8 program.

For those students interested in applying for Mini School Programs, there are information sessions from

October to December in the form of Open Houses. Parents of students who may be interested are

encouraged to attend. Applications and registration information is given out at the Open Houses. All

grade 7 students are made aware of the VSB options available to them within the Vancouver School

Board Grade 8 programs, including Mini Schools. Students wanting to apply to attend a Mini school are

required to write The Test of Cognitive Skills, which they register for on-line and write on a specific day

at a specific high school. Information is given out each year regarding the date and location of the test.

For more detailed information on all the programs offered please visit

http://www.vsb.bc.ca/vsbprograms/kto12/apfe/default.htm.

BELLS AND DAILY SCHOOL SCHEDULE

Warning Bell: 8:55am Instruction begins at 9:00 am

Recess Break: 10:50 – 11:05am

Lunch Break: 12:00-12:47pm 12:15pm students finish eating and head outdoors

Warning Bell: 12:45pm Instruction begins at 12:47pm

Dismissal: 3:00pm

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We encourage all students to arrive on time to be respectful of the learning environment and ensure a

smooth transition to school. The school day begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm. A five-minute

warning bell will ring at 8:55am. The 9:00am morning bell rings to indicate classes are in session.

Recess begins at 10:50am and ends with a bell at 11:05am. Lunch break begins at 12:00pm and ends at

12:45pm, with a bell at 12:15 indicating that students may go outdoors for the remainder of the lunch

break. Before and after school, students and parents/guardians are asked to remain outside until the

bell rings.

CELL PHONES and OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES AT SCHOOL

We recognize that for some families a phone is important for communication between students and

parents or caregivers, both before and after school, however, we are finding that cell phones can

be a source of classroom disruption and a safety concern on the playground. We ask that parents

support our efforts by following these guidelines:

· Do not allow your child to carry a cell phone to school unless it is necessary for before and after

school student/parent communication.

· Students are encouraged to NOT bring personal electronic devices to school, and may not

use them in classrooms, hallways or on the playground during the school day unless it is under

the direct supervision of a staff member. If electronic devices brought to school, they must be turned

off and kept in zipped backpacks between 8:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Cell phones and other

electronic devices are often equipped with cameras. Students may not take pictures at school.

In order to satisfy legal requirements around the protection of privacy, photography at school

is allowed only for school purposes and with the permission of, and under the direct

supervision of a staff member. Unless requested by a classroom teacher for a specific project,

students are not allowed to bring cameras to school.

· The school takes no responsibility for loss or damage to any personal electronic devices.

Use of School Office Phone

There is no pay phone at Nelson. The office phone remains accessible to students for emergency calls

only. The office phone is not to be used to make play dates or social arrangements. Students are

expected to prearrange rides and activities prior to the start of the school day. We appreciate parents’

cooperation in this regard.

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COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE

A community health nurse is available through the Grandview Woodland Community Health Centre,

604-675-3980. The Vancouver Coastal Health provides immunizations as well as health information and

referral to school-aged children, staff and parents. Nurses also provide referrals for a variety of

assessments such as dental and auditory. Please visit their website for additional information at

http://www.vch.ca. Parents are contacted directly if there are any problems identified in screening.

Student records of immunization are not kept at the school. Parents should call the Grandview

Woodland Community Health Centre directly.

DISTRICT LEARNING SERVICES

District Resource Teachers

In order to assist with the integration of Special Needs children, the school draws on the services of

District Resource Teachers who consult with School Based Team, classroom teachers, and other district

personnel. In addition, modification of curriculum, provision of alternate materials, small group

instruction and one-to-one instruction are services that may be recommended for support.

DISTRICT SUPPORT SERVICES

The following support services are available to the school on a part-time basis: Area Counselor, School

Psychologist, Speech and Language Pathologist, Community Health Nurse, and District Resource

Teachers in a variety of specialty areas.

· Area Counselor

Area Counselors support the social, emotional, and educational

development of children in the elementary schools. Area Counselors

are teachers who have specialized training in the development of

preventative programs. They also provide crisis and early intervention,

and remedial services to children and their families. Their goals are:

• To consult and collaborate with teachers

• To teach student leadership and social skills

• To coordinate various community services for families

· To counsel students individually and in groups

· School Psychologist

In consultation with the School-Based Team, the psychologist receives

referrals for assessment of individual students who are having

significant learning difficulties. All assessments are done with written permission of parents. Test results

are shared with the School Based Team, parents, and any outside agency or professional designated by

the parents. Recommendations are made that involve appropriate teaching methods and ways that

parents can support both student and school.

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· Speech and Language Pathologist

The speech-language pathologist is involved with prevention, identification, diagnosis and program

management activities related to the areas of Hearing, Speech and Language. Consultation and remedial

services may be suggested.

DRESS CODE

To help create a positive learning environment for Nelson students, the following standards for dress for

both adults and students are expected: “Hats, hoods and sunglasses are for outside unless there is a

permissible reason for wearing such (Spirit Days, health, religious).

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

All schools are required to have emergency procedures in place that are taught and practiced

throughout the year. Staff are provided with professional development in these areas and students

have the opportunity to experience the procedures with drills. These procedures apply to all staff.

The following are the common emergency procedures Nelson School has in place:

Lockdown

· armed or violent assailant in the school

· disabling or life-threatening violence is occurring or threatened in the school

Shelter in Place

· an environmental or weather hazard outdoors is impacting the school

· armed or violent assailant in the school

Hold and Secure

· an emergency situation outside the school is reported

Earthquake Procedures

This procedure is established to match the needs and structure requirements of each school site. The

duck, cover, count and evacuate procedure is recommended by the VSB Health and Safety Division.

Students across the district are taught and practice the same routine. The goal of this drill is to ensure

safe and cautious evacuation from the building. Staff are assigned specific roles to follow in the event of

an earthquake. The roles vary from supervising student release to search and rescue. Search and rescue

teams are trained and equipped with a specialized tool kit. Schools practice throughout the year. In May

we participate in a district wide simulation in that requires the school to make radio contact with a

commend center.

Fire Drill procedures

This procedure includes teaching the students to evacuate the building in a safe, quick, orderly manner.

Exit routes are established to determine the fastest exit plan. Students practice lining up, listening,

exiting and reporting to a designated meeting place. The importance of listening is emphasized, as quick

decisions may need to be made by the staff to ensure student safety. The importance of leaving quickly

from wherever you are in the building and meeting at a designated place are emphasized.

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FINE ARTS

At Lord Nelson all divisions participate in Fine Arts classes at least once a week. Students are exposed to

a variety of disciplines such as music and drama. Most of all, students are provided with a specialized

time to explore their creativity and develop self-confidence.

FUNDRAISING

All participation in fundraising is optional. Funds raised both by school initiatives and PAC initiatives are

used to directly support resources and programs for students at Nelson School. Funds are used to

enhance and augment your child’s educational experience. We offer a variety of ways that parents can

contribute to the school and fundraising is only one of them. The PAC raises money through applying

for gaming grants, the sale of goods and community events (i.e. movie nights and other community

events). The school raises money through school Logo clothing, book fairs, concert ticket sales, optional

fees for performances, student events (raffles and bake sales) and a yearly Walkathon. Please do not

feel obligated to participate in every initiative. It is our hope to offer a variety of ways that parents can

support our school.

· Annual Walkathon Fundraiser

Our yearly Walkathon is our major fundraiser and is generally held in the Fall (October). We ask parents

to support our school and our students in this worthwhile fundraising event! A pledge form is sent

home with each child and we encourage students to collect pledges only from people they know (i.e.

parents, friends, relatives, and neighbours). We do not encourage students going door-to-door and

approaching strangers. Students are also discouraged from asking staff members or other students in

the school for pledges. Funds raised go towards programs and activities for students that could not

otherwise happen. Classroom equipment, technology, sports equipment and some specialized events

and presentations.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

· Sick or Injured at School

There is NO school nurse. A place to rest is available in the first aid room near the main office and staff

will administer basic first aid as required. Parents and caregivers will be contacted if necessary.

Emergency contact numbers for all children attending Nelson are kept on file and updated annually. It is

essential that parents/guardians provide emergency contacts and update information as required.

Emergency (911) services will be called as the situation warrants.

· Allergies and Other Medical Conditions

Nelson School has several students identified with severe allergies. These allergies pose a range of risks

to the students involved from hives to life threatening symptoms (anaphylaxis) requiring medical

intervention. The following statement is from the Vancouver School Board Policy and it is our hope to

encourage parents to support our goal of providing a safe environment for all students at Nelson School.

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“The Board of School Trustees (the "Board") is committed to providing as safe a learning and teaching environment as is

practicable for anaphylactic students. It is not possible, however, to achieve a completely allergen-free school as there can

be hidden or accidentally introduced sources. Instead, schools must strive to become 'allergy-aware' through strategies to

educate all students, parents, and staff about the allergy and the importance of working together to minimize the risk of

exposure for the allergic child. Even though each situation is unique, and each child's allergies are different, there must be

consistent strategies in each school. Schools must endeavour to minimize the risk of exposure without depriving the

anaphylactic child of ordinary peer interactions or placing unreasonable restrictions on the activities of other children in the

school. Parental involvement in all phases of planning must be encouraged as it can result in the greatest degree of success

and community acceptance”.

We ask for your assistance with;

· Where possible avoid sending the identified foods

· Reminding your child to eat all lunch foods in the lunchroom

· Being aware of designated nut free eating areas in the lunchroom

· Reminding your child not to share food and utensils with other students

· Encouraging washing hands before and after meals

The following foods have been identified with allergies in our school: peanuts, tree nuts, dairy and

seafood.

· Administration of Medication

Staff and school board employees are not allowed to administer medication or supervise the self-

administration of medication, except in an emergency situation, i.e. EpiPen. If a medical condition

requires ongoing medication, a form can be accessed at the office and must be filled out by your family

doctor.

INTERSCHOOL SPORTS

Cross Country

Season-FALL: Students in grades 4 to 7 are eligible

Soccer

Season-FALL: Students in grades 6 or 7 are eligible

Volleyball

Season-FALL: Students in grades 5 to 7 are eligible

Basketball

Season—WINTER: Students in grades 6 to 7 are eligible

Badminton

Season—SPRING: Students in grades 4 to 7 are eligible

Track & Field

Season-SPRING: Students in grades 4 to 7 are eligible

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LEARNING COMMONS (Library)

The Learning Commons is an integral part of our school and is also available to students most Tuesdays

to Thursdays after school (3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.) Library Monitors, chosen from the senior grades

assist in operating the library at these times. As an extra-curricular program, two groups of monitors per

year are trained in basic library procedures and routines. Parent volunteers also provide assistance to

the Teacher-Librarian.

During the instructional hours, the Teacher-Librarian works cooperatively with the classroom teacher on

various aspects of the curriculum. Classes are scheduled into the library to learn library skills in relation

to topics being studied in their classrooms. Small groups and individual students also use the library to

complete research projects. We encourage parents to browse through the library and share in the

selection of books with their children during non-instructional times.

MEDIA CONSENT FORMS

The Vancouver School Board requires media consent both within the school and

for the district. In the opening day package parents will receive these forms. Please read them

carefully, sign and return to the school. These documents must be on file in order for your child to

participate in activities that may include technology, school events and assemblies, school slideshows

and photos on our website.

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

PAC stands for ‘Parent Advisory Council’. PACs are meant to offer parents a way to be involved in and

influence the culture of their children's’ school. Members of the PAC executive can be advisors for the

school community to the Vancouver School Board, the City of Vancouver and the Ministry of Education.

PAC’s manage a small budget that is to be used to enhance the educational experience for children at

the school. At Lord Nelson our PAC believes strongly in supporting the school’s community and so we

plan activities and projects that get kids and families together having fun.

Meetings are held monthly. Visit the Lord Nelson PAC website at http://www.lordnelsonpac.ca/ for

meeting dates, agenda, minutes and information on ways for you to be involved. Meetings are open to

all Nelson parents and guardians, staff, community members and pre-arranged guest speakers.

Elected positions include Chair/Co-Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Fundraising, Special Events,

Education, Traffic Safety, Communications and Sports Day.

There are also opportunities for parents to be part of a wide variety of committees such as fundraising

and community garden. Elections are held at the Annual General Meeting (June). Any parent or

guardian may run for a position. Job descriptions of Nelson Parent Advisory Council positions can be

provided upon request. Many fundraising events are supported through the volunteer efforts of the

PAC. Profits from fundraising and other events are all used to fund items not covered by government

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funding sources. These items may include computers, software, library books, gym equipment, audio

visual supplies, etc.

POLICE LIAISON OFFICER

The School Liaison Officer is a Vancouver Police Department Officer who provides a range of programs

for Kindergarten to Grade 7 students. These programs include: School Patrol, Pedestrian Safety and

more. Please visit the VPD’s website for more information on this important role.

PROGRAMS

· Dance in School

An instructor from the dance company “Dance in School” will come for one week during the school year

to do a dance workshop with our students. Students will be participating in the program each day of the

week with a culminating whole school performance at the end of the program.

· Kinderguardians

Grade 4 and 5 students work with our new Kindergarten students during recess and lunch assisting them

whenever necessary.

· Music Listening

The purpose of this program is to encourage the development of good listening skills, broaden the scope

of music styles and help students develop a life-long relationship with music. Each day, as soon as

classes settle down after lunch, our Grade 7 students participate in providing a few minutes of music

including the introduction. While the music is being played all participants, including teachers, are

encouraged to sit quietly and listen to the music with focused attention.

· Peer Announcers

Grade 7 students participate as peer announcers. Students are selected on a rotating basis to facilitate

announcements each morning.

· School Patrol Crossing Guards

The Vancouver School Safety Patrol program is sponsored by the Vancouver Board of Education

together with the Vancouver Police Department and is available to responsible Grades 5,6 and 7

students. Students interested in becoming crossing guards are trained in established standard

procedures by members of the Vancouver Police Traffic Authority to be safe and responsible patrollers.

A consent form must be signed by parents/guardians and student must sign a Code of Conduct Contract.

Volunteers patrollers are expected to arrive early (8:40am) and stay after school (3:15pm).

· School Wide Skating

All Nelson students participate in the skating program as part of our physical education program. Each

student will have an opportunity to attend three skating sessions at Britannia Rink. Students walk to

and from the rink. All students must wear a helmet. Skates and helmets are provided, but students may

bring their own equipment and are responsible for carrying it to and from the rink.

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PROFESSIONAL DAYS

The Ministry of Education grants professional development days to the staff. In addition there is one

school planning day. Classes are not in session on professional (Pro-D) days. Teachers and support staff

use these days to attend workshops or study sessions, work on school related business, develop and

implement school-wide initiatives. The School Year Calendar is available from the website under

“Publications”

RAINY DAY PROCEDURES

Students are encouraged to dress appropriately on rainy and/or snow days. Your child should have

boots, a waterproof jacket, hat and an umbrella. We expect students to be outdoors at recess and lunch

breaks. On days when there is a heavy rainfall, we may offer students the option to stay inside. Students

would then be assigned by grade to various locations around the school and would be supervised by

designated staff. We presently have access to a covered area on the east side (front) of the school

building where students are welcome to play.

REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES AND LATE ARRIVAL “SAFE ARRIVAL”

Ensuring student safety is a shared responsibility. In order to assist schools, we ask parents to notify the

school of student absences. If your child will be absent from school, please Email or phone to report this

absence as early as possible. Messages will be received before the office is open. School offices are busy

places: consistently notifying the school in advance of your child’s absence will significantly improve the

efficiency and effectiveness of the Safe Arrival Morning Routine. To Report Your Child’s Absence:

Please EMAIL: nelsafearrival@vsb.bc.ca

Or CALL 604-713-4595 and follow the prompts.

SCHOOL FEES

The Vancouver Board of Education fee for this year is $35 per student to cover basic school supplies and

art materials used throughout the school year. There is no family discount—the full cost applies to each

child in the family. Parents are asked to pay this fee in September of each school year. In addition,

Nelson school expects all students in Grades 2 to 7 to use the school agenda to communicate with

parents and guardians to teach organizational skills to students. The cost of the agenda is $10 per

student. We also charge a $10 Performance Fee and a $10 Activity Fee at the beginning of the school

year to enrich your child’s learning with performances and events throughout the year. We encourage

all families to register for Cash on-line which is a convenient way to pay fees for your child.

Cash on-line

Registering for school cash online allows you to: · Easily pay for school fees and field trips online. (using Visa, Mastercard, etc.) · Once you have registered your child(ren), you will be able to see when they have a new item

posted online for purchase (e.g. field trip cost school fees, etc). · Follow the link below to register online (it takes less than 5 minutes!).

Register Online:

· Step 1: Please click on the link or go to this site: https://vsb.schoolcashonline.com/Home/SignIn

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· Step 2: Register by selecting the “Get Started Now” and follow the steps. · Step 3: After you receive the confirmation email, select the “click here” option, login and add

each of your children to your household account (your child’s name and email addresses must correspond with what the school has on file for your child). Choose “Nelson” for the school (not Lord Nelson).

School fees are an essential part of ensuring materials and resources are accessible to your child in a

school. In the case of a family hardship, however, parents are required to write a letter or email to the

Principal stating their need for financial assistance. Optional participation includes: Scholastic book

purchases, field trips and fund-raising events or products.

SCHOOL ORGANIZATION AND CLASS PLACEMENT

The Nelson staff place great importance on school organization and class placement. There are many

factors that are important in this process. It is hoped that the following information will help

parents/guardians understand some of the factors considered when placing students in their new

classes.

The number of teachers allocated to Nelson Elementary is determined by a formula that is established

by the Human Resources Division of the Vancouver Board of Education. The number of students in the

school determines the number of teachers and classes. Sometimes combination classes are an

organizational necessity based on student numbers and contractual agreement, while in other cases, the

school makes a philosophical choice to have combination classes based on the

cognitive/social/emotional needs of the students.

The class placement process begins with classroom teacher reflection on individual student strengths,

and academic and social needs. The next stage in the placement process involves grade level discussions

between current teacher(s) and receiving teacher(s), the Learning Assistance Teacher, and the

administration. Desirable criteria, as listed below, act as a guide for consideration and discussion and are

not intended to be inclusive or exclusive of any other. The criteria stated are not prioritized.

Workable Instructional Grouping

• age distribution

• ability distribution

• work habits and study skills

• teaching and learning styles

• special needs

Positive Social Grouping

• boy/girl ratio

• student maturity and self-discipline

• student self-motivation

• student-to-student relationships (friendships/conflicts)

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When there may be additional important information that should be considered in determining a

student’s placement, parents would need to address a letter to the principal. Information in the letter

should focus on some important personal or educational data that will assist staff with placement

decisions rather than being a request for placement with a specific teacher. Information such as

outlining specific strengths, attitudes toward school, learning style and learning needs of your child

should be included in your letter. You may also indicate successes your child has experienced in school.

Please do not request a specific teacher for your child.

A written request will be carefully considered as one of several criteria used when assigning students to

classrooms. It is important to note that it may not be possible to meet a request as stated.

Fundamentally, the final decision for student placement is a school-based, professional decision;

however, input to help determine that decision is welcome. Consideration will only be given to requests

that are accompanied with an educational rationale. Although teachers try to ensure that all students

are placed with familiar and friendly peers, naming students to place with your children is not

considered an educational rationale. Please ensure that teachers are aware of any learning or

emotional considerations for your child.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

In addition to the school fees, each year we provide a list of “optional” supplies and equipment we ask

your cooperation in providing for your child at the beginning of each school year. These supplies

augment what can be accessed at school but should not pose a hardship to families.

SNOW CLOSURE PROCEDURES

When the forecast predicts a heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, please listen to the news

beginning at 6:00 am for information regarding school closures. Please do not call media outlets or the

school to determine whether schools are closed. Please listen to the following news stations: CKNW

(980 AM), CKWX (NEWS 1130 AM), CBC RADIO (690 AM, 105.7 FM), BCTV/Global (cable channel 11),

FAIRCHILD Radio (CJVB AM 1470/CKHG FM 96.1) or CITY TV (cable channel 13). In addition, information

on snow closures will be available on-line at www.vsb.bc.ca. The decision to close schools in Vancouver

is made directly by the Vancouver School Board. It is not the decision of individual schools. The VSB

makes the decision by 6:00 am and notifies the above news stations. The school closure information is

broadcasted throughout the morning on the listed news stations and is not just a single announcement

at 6:00 am.

STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS

All students must remain on the school grounds at recess. Grade 7 students are permitted to leave the

school grounds for lunch ONLY on Fridays, with a note giving him/her permission each time. In the event

of an emergency or appointment, written permission (note or email) is required for students to leave

the school grounds. When a student must leave the school during school hours and has the appropriate

permission and notification from a parent, the student is required to sign out in the office before leaving

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and sign in upon return. We ask parents to come to the school office to sign their child out for any

appointments.

SUPERVISION

There is staff supervision of students from 8:40 to 8:55 am and again from 3:00-3:15 pm. School

dismisses at 3:00 pm and every attempt should be made to have your child picked up on time. If you are

going to be late, please call the school. If it is after staff supervision time, your child will be asked to wait

in the office. We have three supervision aides employed at Lord Nelson during the recess and lunch

breaks. Additional school and student support workers are also available for supervision. Please note

after 3:15 pm it is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to supervise their child/ren if remaining on the

school grounds to play on the playground, etc.

VOLUNTEERING AT SCHOOL

To ensure the safety of all students in our school, we ask that each volunteer review and sign a

Volunteer Conduct Agreement. The agreement outlines the Guidelines for Adults Interacting with

Students. The agreement form is available from the school office and must be completed prior to

volunteering in our school.

WEBSITE & EMAIL

Please visit our website at https://www.vsb.bc.ca/schools/lord-nelson/About-

Us/Publications/Pages/default.aspx on a regular basis for the school calendar, important notices, fieldtrip

notices, important news and event updates. Follow us on twitter@lordnelsonelem. Our monthly

newsletter and reminders are emailed to parents and guardians. Please provide your email address to

the school office by noting it clearly on the Student Verification Form.

WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN

WTK is brought to us through The Learning Partnership. Established in 1992, it is a national charitable

organization dedicated to championing a strong public education system in Canada through innovative

programs such as Welcome to Kindergarten. This program was developed to provide pre-kindergarten

children and their families with the early learning resources and experiences that can build a foundation

for learning and a smooth transition to school. In the year before starting school, parents/caregivers are

invited to attend a WTK Family Orientation. Families participate in activities using books, magnetic

numbers and letters, crayons, paper and scissors. Families meet school principals, kindergarten

teachers, school resource personnel, and staff from community support agencies. These educators

provide training on why and how family planned activity using the resources in the WTK bag will help

their children be better prepared for school and learning. At the orientation each family receives the

WTK bag of early learning resources and a parent information page.

WHEELS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

TBA

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COMMUNITY INFORMATION

FROG HOLLOW “THE VILLAGE AT LORD NELSON” School Age Program

For any information regarding before and after school care at The Village @ Lord Nelson School Age

Program, please contact Frankie Sobers, School Age Coordinator at frankie@froghollow.bc.ca or at

604-251-1225. For more information or to be added to the waitlist, visit

http://www.froghollow.bc.ca/programs-services/childcare/.

DOGS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

All dogs must be on leash at Nelson. Large breed dogs should remain outside, well away from school

entrances. Loud and/or aggressive dogs should not be brought onto the school grounds. Please ensure

that you pick up after your dog. Nelson has a disposal site on the west side of the grass field.

USE OF OUTSIDE AGENCIES

Community Facilities such as the Britannia Public Library, Britannia Community Centre and Templeton

Community Pool are used to enhance our programs. A few agencies, such as the Ministry of Children

and Families, assist us in situations that are beyond the scope of the school and pose a safety concern.

Britannia Secondary 604.713.8266

Britannia Public Library 604.665.2222

Britannia Community Centre 604.718.5800

Templeton Secondary 604.713.8984

Templeton Park Pool 604.718.6252

Hastings Community Centre 604-718.6222

Vancouver Technical Secondary 604.713.8215

Grandview Woodland Community Health Center 604.675.3980

Ministry of Children and Families 604.660.5437

BC Children’s Hospital 604.875.2345