School Playground Access: Drop Off and Pick-Up

Dear Cootes Families

As you know, the winter months brings the beauty of the white snow that, with the constant changing temperatures, quickly melts and freezes.

Over the course of the last month, our playground has had much snow added to it.  The students have enjoyed being able to play and build with it during our nutrition breaks.  Unfortunately, recently the snow has turned our pathways from snow, to slush and to icy conditions.  Our custodian, Ms Myke works tireless hours clearing the snow and salting our main pathways.  These pathways include:

• the front entry from King Street to the main doors and around the perimeter of the school building,
• the main path entry at Glen Rd,
• the playground paths from the school parking lot to each of the rear playground entry doors; and,
• the Bond street entry gate to the playground doors.

All other areas of the school property are cleared through Board contract providers which include:

• the pathway between the school and the temple,
• the school parking lot; and,
• the small stretch from the Bond street sidewalk to the front of those entry gates.

The accumulated snow and ice have resulted in the school’s ability to only maintain very narrow cleared pathways on the school property.  These pathways must remain clear to ensure the safe entry of our students and those with accessibility needs.

Recently, we have noticed an increase in the number of people entering our playground area which has caused further congestion on our cleared paths.  This is a concern not only in terms of physical safety, but also in terms of Public Health COVID protocols that require physical distancing in the playground.

Moving Forward on Wednesday February 9, 2022:

In order to ensure the safety of our school community and to eliminate congestion, we will be limiting the number of visitors allowed in the school playground as follows:

• Grades 1-3 students: One parent/guardian may accompany the student to their pod and must leave the playground immediately. At the end of the day, One parent/guardian may proceed to the pod to retrieve their child and must exit the playground immediately. Masks must be worn when on school property.
• Grades 4 – 5 students: Only the student may enter the playground to join their pod line, parents/guardians must remain at the gate. At the end of the day, the student can meet their parent/guardian at one of the entry gates.

We recognize that the winter weather coupled with the Public Health protocols results in additional challenges for our families; however, the safety of our student community remains our priority.  We appreciate your cooperation.

Thank you

Ms. J. Hogan, Principal

Mrs. S. Gojsic, Vice-Principal