Absence from School

1. Parents/caregivers are asked to call the school before 9:00 a.m. if their child(ren) will not be in attendance. (416) 396-6830 – Press   Absences can also be reported through Safe Arrival using the School Messenger app.
2. If a student must leave school early, parent/guardian please contact the Main Office and the student must sign out in the office.  Students require permission from a parent/guardian in order to leave the school.

 

Late Policy

Students must be in their class and ready prior to the start of the period. Being on time eliminates disruptions to class and demonstrates good employability skills. Patterns of late arrival to class will be addressed by teachers and administrators.

Continued lates will result in further consequences as determined by Administration which may include detentions or losing privileges for excursions.

 

Lockers

Each student is assigned a locker for his/her use. The combination/spare key and locker information must be given to the office. We highly recommend having a lock on your assigned locker. The school is not responsible for theft or damage to any personal property. In accepting this locker on school property, you must realize that your locker may be subject to inspection at any time. For your safety:

• NEVER share your locker or combination with anyone.
• Valuables such as wallets and other personal items should be secured in your locker.
•  

Lunch

1. Trays and dishes are to be taken to the dishroom and waste either thrown out or recycled by students.
2. Students are not permitted in the 100 or 200 hallways during lunch
3. No running through the halls, although the gym is usually open and running is permitted there.
4. Keep our school neat and clean.  Use the available garbage cans, recycling and green bins. Please remember we are a Platinum ecoSchool!
5. The gymnasium and games room typically will open during the 2^nd half of the lunch period.

 

Cell Phones / Personal Electronics

Cell phones / personal electronics may only be used in class with teacher permission. The office has a phone available for students for emergency phone calls.  Please contact the school if you need to speak with your child during class time.

It is not permitted for students to photograph other students or staff, or to record or stream within the school (this includes video calls).

The school is not responsible for theft or damage to any electronic device.

 

Online Code of Conduct

All students are expected to comply with the TDSB Acceptable Use Policy (P088) and the procedure for Code of Online Conduct (PR571), which protect the rights and safety of students and staff who use online systems and resources through a TDSB computing device or network. All TDSB rules apply when using TDSB computing devices and connections and the Board has the right to monitor their use. The Student and School Codes of Conduct also apply to social media.

 

Visitors

Students must NOT invite visitors to the school.  All visitors MUST report to the main office.  Visitors must sign in and wear a “Visitor” badge visibly at all times.  Professional Services providers must speak with the Principal or Vice-Principal before proceeding with a visit.

Smoking / Vaping

The TDSB and Toronto Public Health mandates a smoke-free environment.  Smoking, E-cigarettes and vaping is not permitted within 20 meters of school property.

 

Allergies & Scent Aware

The Toronto District School Board is a sensitive environment, and no fragrances (scented) should be worn or sprayed (i.e. Axe) and no nut products (i.e. Peanut Butter) should be brought to school.

 

Celebrations and Food/Treats

There are many events in students’ lives for which celebrations may happen at school (i.e. birthdays).  We ask that families and caregivers please refrain from sending food/treats as part of these celebrations.  We have many students with serious allergies and intolerances as well as other challenges regarding food.  Please consider food-free ways to mark these occasions. Due to classroom routines and structure, when sending any items to school for a celebration, families should coordinate with the classroom teacher.

 

Student Pick-up and Drop-off

Parents and caregivers who are picking up or dropping off students MUST report to the Main Office.  Staff will then sign students in or out and will arrange for students to be brought to class or to the office.

All student pick-ups and drop-offs should be through the main school doors.

 

Respect for Others

Students are expected to follow the directions of the teaching staff, the administration, and the members of the non-teaching staff, and to be courteous and respectful towards these persons.

If asked to identify themselves or to report to the office or to accompany a staff member to the office, they are expected to do so.

 

Protection from Discrimination and Harassment

Osler is committed to upholding the provisions of the Equity Foundation Statement and Equity Policies and Procedures of the TDSB by providing safe schools and workplaces that respect the rights of every individual. Every student at Osler has the right to learn in an environment free of discrimination and harassment by others based on race, colour, ethnic origin, religious faith, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, disability and age. The responsibility that accompanies this right is that every member

of the Osler community must, in word and deed, respect the rights of others and help maintain an environment free from discrimination and harassment. This includes reporting to a staff member or a member of school administration any incident that may occur when staff is not present.

 

Examples of discriminatory and harassing behaviour include:

• racist, sexist or homophobic jokes or comments
• unwelcome conduct, remarks, sounds, slurs or gestures
• graffiti or display of inappropriate pictures
• stereotyping
• name calling, teasing, threats or insults
• using media to send harassing or discriminatory messages
• physical or sexual violence
• creation or distribution of hate material

The teaching, administrative and support staff have an obligation to take all allegations of discrimination or harassment seriously and to respond to them promptly. Such behaviour will not be tolerated and consequences may include suspension as well as possible referral to the police.

 

Promoting Respect in the Workplace

Each and every day, TDSB staff in schools and buildings interact with students, parents, guardians, caregivers, and other members of the community. As a school board, it is our expectation that staff be treated with kindness, dignity and respect during all interactions, whether in-person or via phone and email. Harassment or disrespectful behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.

 

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE

Progressive discipline is a whole-school approach that utilizes a continuum of interventions, supports, and consequences to address inappropriate student behaviour and to build upon strategies that promote positive behaviours.

A positive school climate exists when all members of the school community feel safe, included, and accepted, and actively promote positive behaviours and interactions. Principles of Equity and Inclusive Education are embedded in the learning environment to support a positive school climate and a Culture of mutual respect.

Each of the students at Osler has an exceptionality and many with diagnoses from a medical practitioner. Manifestations of these conditions are often a form of communication and must not be responded to as intentional or purposeful violations of the Board’s Code of Conduct (PR585).  In such cases, a supportive approach will be used at all times. Progressive discipline requires that positive behaviour supports be used as an approach (PR699).

 

Mitigating Factors

A progressive discipline approach also requires schools to take into account a variety of mitigating and other factors, particularly when considering suspension or expulsion.  Some examples of factors considered are:

• The student’s ability to control behaviour and/or understand foreseeable consequences
• Potential risks to other students and/or staff
• Age of the student
• The student’s history
• Whether the behaviour is related to any harassment of the student because of their race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or any other harassment.

As part of progressive discipline, staff use a range of strategies depending on mitigating factors and other factors, including:

• Expectations communicated to student and parent/guardian         
• Verbal reminder of appropriate behaviour
• Review Code of Conduct  
• Contact with parent/guardian                    
• Behaviour contract            
• Conflict mediation             
• Consult or Referral to Administration/Guidance/Curriculum Leader/Special Education/Outside Agency
• Loss of privileges (i.e. field trips, swim program)
• Office detention or supervised withdrawal from class
• Reward/reinforce improved behaviour
• Home consequences
• Loss of computer and/or WIFI privileges

 

SUSPENDABLE BEHAVIOURS

Discretionary - Mitigating factors have been considered.

Progressive Discipline has been used, and a variety of consequences have been implemented.

Considerations:  Special Education accommodation/Predicated by harassment/Problems continue to disrupt the learning environment.

Mandatory - AFTER consideration of all mitigating factors, it is mandatory (Education Act, Part XIII, section 306) that a student shall be suspended if the student commits specific behaviours. It is also mandatory within the TDSB Safe Schools Policy that a student shall be suspended if the student commits specific behaviours.

Upon return from Suspension, there will be a meeting between administrators and parents/caregivers to develop a plan for success.

 

Helpful Hints for Families/Caregivers

1. Check your child's school bag or backpack.
2. Initial or sign the agenda/Communication Book, and use it to communicate daily issues or questions with classroom staff.
3. Encourage a regular reading routine.
4. Maintain regular contact with teachers regarding learning goals.
5. Life skills can be practiced and supported at home.  Involve your child in tasks such as dressing, food preparation/feeding, housework, and shopping as much as they are able.  This will help reinforce what they are learning at school.
6. Additional resources for families and caregivers are available on the TDSB web site:

https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Learning-Equity-and-Well-Being/Special-Education-and-Inclusion/Parent-Guides-to-Special-Education-and-Inclusion

 

 

 

 

Helpful Hints for Students

It is suggested that teachers and families/caregivers go over these hints with their students/children to help them develop regular study habits.

1. Make sure you have the things you need before you leave the classroom.
2. Make sure you listen to your classroom staff so you know what you have to do.
3. Make certain you have recorded all tasks properly in your Osler agenda, or course notebook.
4. Make certain you understand all tasks assigned to you.
5. Keep supplies on hand so you never have to search for the things you need. (Pencils, pens, leads, crayons, scissors, glue, tape, dictionary, ruler, etc).
6. Practice life skills at home such as dish washing, making bed, vacuuming, etc.
7.  

School Council

Sir William Osler H.S. has an active School Council.  There are four meetings each year (usually virtual) as well as various workshop events for Osler families.  Information about School Council is available on the Osler website:

https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/sirwilliamosler/School-Council
 

Home-School Communication

Communication between families/caregivers and school staff is critical to best support students. Information is sent by the school through the calendar in this student agenda, email, phone calls, the school website, and automatized phone messages.  We also send a weekly Community Update to Osler families.

Parents/Guardians who need to reach out to Teachers, CYWs, Main Office Staff or Administration may find staff contact information on the school website.

 

Bussing Information

All caregivers with students who take the bus to school are encouraged to sign up for the Student Transportation Parent Portal to access important bussing information and updates, which gives you access to transportation information specific to your student, including route number, stop location, times and bus company contact details. There is also the web based “where’s my bus” tool that will indicate the whereabouts of the bus for those who are registered.

Transportation Parent Portal :  https://busplannerweb.torontoschoolbus.org/

TDSB Transportation Policy for Speical Education  https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/sirwilliamosler/docs/Transportation-Brochure_tstg_special2024-ACCESSIBLE.pdf

Please note that your child's OEN number (not TDSB Student Number) will be required to create an account. The OEN can be found on the report card or by contacting the Main Office.

Please note that all policies, procedures and dates are subject to change, in accordance with TDSB policies and procedures. We will try to provide notification in a timely manner whenever there are changes.