As part of the Toronto Police streetproofing program, the pamphlet “Protect Your Child” encourages you to teach your child:
1. His or her name, address, phone number
2. To dial 911 in an emergency
3. To communicate with you when they feel unsafe or afraid
4. To keep you informed as to his/her whereabouts at all times
5. Never to admit to being alone in the home when answering the telephone
6. Never to invite strangers into the house or answer the door when alone.
7. Never to approach or enter a stranger’s car
8. Never to travel or play alone-always be with friends
9. To trust their feelings and say “NO”to an adult if that adult wants them to do something that is wrong
10. Not to accept gifts from strangers
11. To tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you
12. That no one has the right to touch any part of his/her body that a bathing suit would cover
13. That if he/she is being followed, or approached too closely, to run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help
14. To report to your school authorities or a police officer anyone who acts suspiciously towards him/her
15. Never to play in deserted buildings or isolated areas
16. Never to enter anyone’s home without your permission
17. To avoid taking shortcuts through parks and fields
18. Never to show his/her money and if attacked to give up rather than risk injury
19. That a police officer is a friend who can always be relied upon if he/she needs assistance
At school the safety of your child is our most important priority. As a staff, we have implemented these safe school procedures:
1. Teachers are discussing streetproofing issues with the children
2. Students in portables are sent in pairs to the washroom and our staff is checking washrooms, halls and entrances regularly.
3. Doors are locked with the exception of the front door after students have entered the school
4. We have a camera at the entrance to the school
5. Signs are posted directing visitors to come to the office and sign in
6. Staff will be approaching individuals they do not know and asking them to identify themselves
7. Supervision is being provided at the beginning and end of the school day
We remind you to keep us up to date with your address, phone number, childcare arrangements, to whom your child may be released, etc. We also encourage you not to permit your child to make alternate arrangements over the lunch hour if they are in our lunch program. We need you to let us know about any changes of routine and to sign your child in if they are arriving late or leaving early for any reason. Together, we can keep our school and community a safe environment for our children.
