January 30th, 2014

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Please see the message below from the Waterloo Region District School Board regarding all future skating trips effective today. Here at JFC we believe we have secured enough extra CSA approved hockey helmets to cover the remaining trips for this year. However, in the event we are unable to find suitable numbers of helmets, last minute cancellations may occur.

Thanks.

Mr. Lencz

 

ACTION REQUIRED:

 

This system memo describes implications of the recently announced Ministry of Labour (MOL) mandatory order that all staff who participate in skating activities (during school and Board-related events) are immediately required to wear Canadian Standards Association (CSA)-approved head protection for skating activities while on the ice.

In addition to the mandated requirement for employees, commencing immediately, all students involved in skating activities during school and Board-related events are also required to wear Canadian Standards Association (CSA)-approved head protection while on the ice for skating activities.

CSA-approved hockey-styled helmets bearing the CSA certification or identification are required.  Bicycle helmets are not permitted for skating activities as they as they are not designed and tested for this purpose.

Administrators are required to communicate the requirement for head protection to parents/guardians/students prior to students participating in skating activities.   

We understand that this requirement will cause some challenges, however this new requirement is intended to ensure consistent health and safety practices for all students and staff.

While immediate compliance is required, efforts are underway to develop longer term strategies to support continued implementation of this new requirement.

We appreciate your cooperation.