Dear MacNeill students and families,

As we wrap up the first week of school, I would like to thank our students, staff, and families for helping make it such a fantastic start to the school year. The energy throughout the building has been outstanding, and it has been wonderful to see students engaged, respectful, and ready to learn. Our staff have done an incredible job welcoming students back, and together we have created a very positive start to the year.

It is also noticeable that students have heard the message that attendance and being on time matter. We have seen many students arriving prepared and ready to begin learning at the start of the day, which is greatly appreciated.

With that being said, we continue to see a significant number of vehicles arriving after 8:30 a.m., when students should already be in class. We ask families to please leave a little earlier each morning to allow for traffic and unexpected delays. Arriving on time is an important life skill, and by emphasizing punctuality, we help teach our young people that being early and prepared is an expectation in school, work, and life.

Drop-Off & School Safety

As we begin the school year and establish routines, it is important that everyone in our community is mindful of making safe and considerate decisions regarding vehicle and pedestrian traffic during school days, particularly at the beginning and end of each day.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure the safety of all students, families, staff, and community members. We also want to be respectful neighbours to those who live in the area surrounding our school.

Traffic around the school during arrival and dismissal is very busy. To help reduce congestion and improve safety, students should be encouraged to walk, ride their bikes, or take public transit whenever possible. Fewer vehicles around the school create a safer environment for everyone.

Drivers

If it is necessary to drive your child to school, please help us maintain safe and efficient traffic flow by following these expectations:

• Drop students off only in the designated drop-off zone or in a legal parking space.
• Do not stop, park, or block traffic lanes while waiting for students.
• If arriving early for dismissal, park in a designated parking spot and avoid obstructing traffic flow.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and watch carefully for pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter riders.
• Stop for pedestrians at marked crosswalks and exercise patience during busy times.
• Follow all posted traffic signs and regulations.
• Please be considerate of nearby residents and avoid blocking driveways or creating congestion on surrounding residential streets.

Pedestrians, Cyclists & E-Scooter Riders - 16+

Whether walking, cycling, or using an e-scooter – 16+, please make safety your top priority by:

• Wearing bright or reflective clothing whenever possible.
• Wearing your helmet if you are biking, or e-scootering.
• Using sidewalks and designated pathways.
• Keeping at least one ear free of headphones or earbuds so you can hear surrounding traffic.
• Making eye contact with drivers before crossing roads and ensuring vehicles have come to a complete stop.
• Being mindful of others when riding bicycles or e-scooters.
• Giving yourself plenty of time to get to school so you are not rushing.
• Following all posted traffic signs and rules.

If we work together, we can ensure that every student arrives safely, on time, and ready to learn each day.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Let's all do our part to make this a positive, safe, and successful school year for everyone.

Sincerely,

MacNeill Secondary School