August 26th, 2014

Empire has begun to participate in the Safe Welcome Program. 

In December 2012 the Provincial Government announced its intention to enhance security measures in elementary schools across Ontario.  The Safe Welcome initiative involves the locking of all doors in elementary schools.

Implementation of this initiative will occur throughout the 2013-2014 school year at elementary schools in the Waterloo Region District School Board.  All visitors (parents; vendors; central Board staff) to elementary schools will access the main doors to the school using an intercom system.  The system will integrate the needs of before/after school programs, child care locations and those sites with portables.

It is recognized that having all school doors locked will be new for our school community.  Our students, parents and staff will need to collaboratively work together as this initiative is implemented at our school.

What does this mean for our community?

All doors are locked all day.  Each portable has an access card which will allow students to get in and out.

If you need to come into the school, there is a door bell at the front door which will ring in our main office.

When picking up your child from the Extended Day Program you will use the door bell at the Kindergarten doors.  This door and door bell will only be available for use during the before and after school programs.

If your child is late, the front door will be opened for them.  At the end of day, it is very important that you have a meeting place established with your child(ren).  Students have a specified door for their dismissal.

We appreciate your support as we get started with this program.

Thank you.