2024/25Family Handbook
KeyContacts
Main School Telephone Number: 705-444-5376
General Inquiries and Attendance: frontoffice@prettyriveracademy.com
Lead Contacts:
Head of School: Valerie Turner; vturner@prettyriveracademy.com
Front Office: Jaime Hargraft; jhargraft@prettyriveracademy.com
Daryl Pratt; dpratt@prettyriveracademy.com
Athletics Coordinator: Chris Brittain; cbrittain@prettyriveracademy.com
Director of Citizenship: Andie Fischer; afischer@prettyriveracademy.com
SchoolCalendar
Calendar
The2024/25PRAschoolyearcalendarisdisplayed below.Thiscalendarprovidesyouwithpertinent schoolclosuredates,PDDay,andParentTeacher Conferencedates.
Thefulldaytodaycalendarwillbeavailableinearly September.Oncemadeavailablethroughour website,itwillserveasalivingdocument. Any changestothiscalendarwillbepublishedinthe WEEKLYwherethecalendarwillalsobelinked.
DailySchedule
5 - Day Cycle
Early Morning Drop Off: 8:00 am
All students go directly to the gymnasium
Regular Drop Off: 8:15 am - 8:30 am
All students go to the gym, and then to their Homeroom at 8:25
Morning Meeting: 8:30 am - 8:45 am
Instructional Day: 8:45 am - 3:40 pm
Recess: We make every effort for unstructured free play time outdoors, please ensure your child is dressed appropriately each day so they can fully participate.
Regular Pick up: 3:40 pm
Co-curricular Activities
Mondays - Thursdays: 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
(Fee based, must be pre-registered)
Co-curricular Pick up: 4:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Main entrance
Aftercare JK-Gr 5: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Primary entrance/kindergarten playground
(Included in tuition, must be pre-registered)
*Charges may apply starting in the 2025-26 school year
NOTE:* A late fee ($25) will be charged for pick up later than 5:30 pm
StudentAttendance,Late Arrival,EarlyDeparture
Classes commence promptly at 8:30 am. Students should arrive at the school no later than 8:25 am. Students arriving after this time or leaving before the end of the instructional day at 3:40 pm, will be required to sign in and/or out in the front office.
If your child will be absent from school, please email frontoffice@prettyriveracademy.com to report the absence.
ParentAccesstothe School
Parentswhoarevisitingtheschoolduringthe instructionaldayshouldenterthebuildingthrough themainentranceandMUSTsigninuponarrival andoutupondepartureatthefrontoffice. Parents arerequiredtowearavisitorspasswheninthe buildingduringtheinstructionalday.
Duringspecialeventsandlearningcelebrations, parentsareinvitedtoattendwithoutsigningin/out orwearingavisitorspass.
DropoffandPickup
JK/SKandGrades1-3willbedroppedoff(8:05am -8:30am)andpickedup(3:40pm-3:45pm)atthe Primaryentrance.Between8:30and3:30,please usethemainentranceandsignyourchildin/out.
StudentsinGrades4through8willenterandexitvia themainentrance.Studentsmayarriveanytime after8:00amforunstructuredfreetimeinthegym, orforameetingwiththeirteacher.
Dropoffandpickupforco-curricularactivities, MondaythroughThursday,includingathleticswillbe viathemainentrance.
PickupfromAftercare,whichisavailableMonday throughThursday,willbeviatheprimary entrance/kindergartenplayground
MorningKiss&RideMap
Safe Parent Parking
HWY 26 EAST
HWY 26 WEST
SchoolClosurePolicy
Asarule,wearealwaysopen.Evenifthebusesare notrunning,PRAisopenonsnowdays.Wewill closetheschoolifpublicschoolsinthesurrounding areaareclosed,orifCollingwoodisdeclaredina stateofemergency.Thiswillbecommunicatedin astimelyamanneraspossible,byemail.We understandthatyoumaymakeyourowndecisions dependingonyourlocation.Assuch,attendance protocolsasperusualwillbeinplace.
Iftheweatherworsensthroughoutanygivenbad weatherday,youwillbecontactedbytheofficeif weneedtocloseearlyand/orcancelco-curricular activitiesduetoworseningweatherconditions.
HomeroomProgram
TheHomeroomProgramsupportsstudentsfromJK throughGrade8. TheHomeroomTeacherservesas thekeycontactforstudentsandfamilies. The HomeroomTeacherprovidesinstructionand supportthroughthedailymorningmeeting,Social EmotionalLearning,Literacy,NumeracyandSocial Studies.
ClinicandStudent LearningPlans
Clinicisanoptionalteachersupervisedhomework club. Clinicisavailableonadrop-inbasisbasedon studentneedand/orteacherrecommendationon TuesdaythroughThursdayforstudentsinGrades6 through8.ThereisnofeeforClinic.Occasionally, Clinicwillbecancelledduetoschoolholidaysor otherschoolevents.Cliniccancellationswillbe postedintheWEEKLY.
StudentLearningPlans(SLP)willbecreatedto outlinespecificaccommodationsrequiredfor individualstudentstosupporttheirachievementof academicexpectations.TheSLPmaybeabooster planforaspecificconcept/skillbeingtaughtthat requiresalternativeaccommodationsforadefined periodoftimeoraformalplanwhichwillsupporta student’scomplexlearningprofileasoutlinedinan individualstudentPsycho-EducationalAssessment.
BoosterPlanshaveadefinedtimeframeas determinedbytheHomeroom/SpecialistTeacher inconsultationwiththeHeadofSchool.
FormalPlanswillbecreatedforstudentswhohave hadaPsychological-EducationalAssessmentand willbeimplementedtosupportacademic achievementongoing.
ParentsofstudentswithanSLP,whetherboosteror formal,willreceiveasignedcopyoftheplan
Co-curricularActivities
PrettyRiverAcademyoffersadiverseand constantlyevolvinglistofCLUBStonurturestudent interestsintheArts,AcademicsandAthletics,while helpingstudentsbuildstronginterpersonal relationshipsandlifeskills.PRAstudentsareinvited toextendtheirlearningthroughtheirparticipationin theco-curricularactivitiesprogram,whichisoffered duringallthreeschoolterms.
Co-curricularActivitiesareofferedafterschool MondaythroughThursdaybybothPRAteachers andbyexternalproviders.ParentVolunteersare alsowelcometoprovideanafterschoolprogram. PleasebeintouchwiththeHeadofSchoolifyour areinterestedinprovidingaprogram.
Co-curricularActivitiesofferedbyPRAteacherswill beatanominalcosttocoversupplies. Co-curricular Activitiesofferedbyexternalproviderswillvaryin costaccordingtotheprovider.Allcostsforcocurricularprogramswillbechargedtothestudent accountatthebeginningofeachterm.
ThelistofCo-curricularActivitieswillbeavailablein lateAugustforthefirstterm,inDecemberforthe secondtermandinMarchforthethirdterm.
Athletics
Athletics opportunities will be offered each term. Pretty River Academy is committed to offering Cross Country Running, Volleyball, Basketball, Soccer and Track and Field to all students in Grades 3 - 8.
The Pretty River Academy Peaks continue to try and align with one of our 4 neighbouring district school boards to fully participate in sport-specific athletic competitions, leagues, and meets as per the sports being offered; however, if this is not possible, we will continue to ensure competitive opportunities with neighbouring schools as often as possible Fees will be calculated based on expected travel and tournament expenses and shared in September.
Athletics opportunities for students in JK through Grade 2 will be offered through intramurals and the Cocurricular Activities Program.
Movement and activity to foster a love of sport is central to the developing PRA Peaks Athletics Program. Skills, Agility, Teamwork and Sportsmanship are key development goals of the Athletics program, which we hope will give our PRA athletes a variety of opportunities while fostering improved wellbeing and sport specific skill development to support the culture of athletics at Pretty River Academy.
PRA Athletics uniforms purchased through The Uniform Factory must be worn for practices, games and competitions ‹#›
StudentLeadership
ThePrettyRiverAcademyStudentLeadership Programencouragesstudentstoplayanactiverole inthelifeoftheschool,thelocalcommunityand beyond.TheStudentLeadershipProgram encouragesstudentstofindtheirvoice,participate indecisionmakingandembracetheirleadership potentialbyfosteringagencyandprovidingarich learningopportunityforstudentstohavevoice, choiceandownershipovertheirdeveloping leadershipcapabilitieswhilebeingactivelyinvolved intheirschoolcommunity.
Ourstudentleaderswillco-constructstudent assemblies,housemeetings,housechallenges, serviceprojectsandcommunitybuildingeventsthat willenhancethePRAstudentexperienceand strengthentheschool’scultureofpride.
Studentleaderswillbeencouragedtotakerisks, workcollaborativelyandproblemsolvecreatively whiledevelopingtheirlisteningandcommunication skills.Studentleaderswillalsobeguidedto embracetheirleadershippotentialasmentorsand rolemodelstoyoungerstudentsandas ambassadorsandtourguidesatadmissionsevents.
UniformandCasual DressDays
We feel a great sense of pride and privilege being part of the Pretty River Academy Community. We express our pride through the respectful way we talk about our school and its community members, and by embracing the values and traditions of our school.
One of these traditions is the uniform. The uniform acts as a recognized symbol associated with Pretty River Academy and by proudly wearing the Pretty River Academy uniform, students express to one another and the broader school community, their commitment to our school and to upholding the values of our school. As such, and to express their allegiance to the core values of Pretty River Academy, students are expected to wear the proper uniform, as it is intended to be worn, to school each day.
Please note we have discontinued the House Hoodie, and is no longer allowed to be worn at school. The approved 1/4 zip in the new House colours is available at our online store. The House colours are as follows:
North- Grey
East- Green
South- Maroon
West-Black
We have also introduced new House Hats which may be worn on school days, please follow this Uniform Factory link to purchase.
UniformandCasual DressDays
School Uniform:
Uniforms shirts are purchased online through The Uniform Factory the approved bottoms are found at Athleta, Gap, Old Navy, Children’s Place, etc. See examples on the next page.
Tops: PRA Embroidered Crest Blue Polo Shirts, short & long sleeve
Bottoms: Beige khaki pants, jogger, shorts, skort (No skirt)
Footwear: Any comfortable running shoe, any colour. (Not high tops, converse, vans, platforms or crocs etc.)
Black or brown Blundstones
Physical Education Uniform:
Grade 6 - 8 only (students in JK - Gr.5 don’t change for PE.)
PRA Athletics T-shirt in white: The Uniform Factory Bball shorts or leggings/tights: black.
The last Friday of each calendar month will be a casual dress day. Occasionally, the Casual Dress Friday will need to be adjusted to accommodate special school events or field trips. Monthly Casual Dress Fridays will be noted in the daily calendar which will be available in early September.
UniformandCasual DressDays
Communications
There are a number of channels through which Pretty River Academy communicates. SeeSaw is a resource that teachers use to share specific class / grade / subject information. The Weekly is an all-school e-newsletter to keep parents informed and up-to-date with news from the Head of School. This can include:
Key dates for community and student life initiatives such as; the Terry Fox Run, Orange Shirt Day, Integrated Arts night, and other events which your child may be participating in celebrations of the past week
Upcoming Excursions
Food Program Weekly Menu
Divisional news & updates
Athletics
Citizenship
The majority of school information will be communicated through The Weekly rather than individual email correspondence. Direct emails from teachers will be more bespoke. Direct emails from the Head of School and/or the Board of Directors will be on a need to know basis.
Pretty River Academy also posts exciting content on Facebook and Instagram, be sure to follow us!
FoodProgram
Evidence suggests that eating healthy foods can help with academic performance, focus and attention span in the classroom, while also helping children maintain sustained energy levels and a positive mindset throughout the day. Healthy childhood diets may reduce the risk of colds and flu and positively impact long-term wellness for children.
Pretty River Academy offers Food Services for all students who opt into the Program. Pretty River Academy is a nut restricted facility and, as such, all food that is sent to school from home should be nut-free. If you are sharing food with your class for any occasion, all food must come from a nut-free facility.
Our food service provider ensures that our students and staff receive nutritious, balanced meals and snacks each day. Menus are planned by term and rotate in three-week cycles. Current Menus will be linked to the Weekly for your reference.
Students in the Food Service Program will enjoy 2 snacks and a hot lunch, including salad bar and soup each day. The cost of the full Food Service Program is $14 per instructional day, or $7 for snacks only, effective September 2024 and will be billed to the student account prior to the beginning of each term based on the number of instructional days in the term according to the school calendar. Sign up Here
Boxed lunches and snacks are included for all field trips for students in the food program.
FieldTrips
The Cost of field trips are included in this year’s Activity Fee, billed in September, or per term. Given our emphasis on experiential learning and our belief that experience teaches, students engage in a number of compulsory school trips each year. In planning trips to enhance learning, teachers work with the Head of School to assess and mitigate risk, maintain contingency plans, and keep parents well informed so that you can support your child’s involvement.
All parents and students will be informed of important trip details in advance. When planning and leading excursions, our faculty will use Pretty River Academy’s Venturing Out Policy where trips leaving the school are divided into three levels.
1. Level 1 Excursions take students to familiar settings in the local area for daytime activities which expose students to risks typically encountered in everyday life.
2. Level 2 Excursions take students to less familiar settings beyond the local area for daytime and overnight activities in North American city centers and or rural areas and offers low-risk activities typically encountered in everyday life.
3. Level 3 Excursions are overnight excursions that involve activities that incorporate a higher level of risk and typically take place in a more remote location, an unfamiliar setting, and with possibly less immediate access to emergency services.
PrettyRiverAcademy ParentAssociation
You and your family have joined an engaged, active and caring community that promotes the development of the whole student. The Pretty River Academy Parent Association plays a large part in contributing to this vibrant community. The PRA Parent Association conducts events to increase school spirit and camaraderie. The Parent Association also encourages volunteerism and raises funds to support the school. This year we hope to formalize the parent association committee. While all parents and guardians of current PRA students are informal members of the PRA Parent Association, we urge interested parents to fill out the form linked here if they wish to serve on the executive committee. Roles will include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Class or Divisional Representative.
Responsibilities from some past year events organized by the Parent Association include:
Fun Fair
Student Events at Halloween and Winter Holiday
Faculty and Staff Appreciation Events
Parent Social Gatherings
School decorating
Seasonal floral urn upkeep
We believe that the strength of our home / school partnership provides a safe place for our children to learn, play and thrive. Active engagement of our community through the Parent Association links us together as we work towards attaining our shared vision.
If you’re interested in serving on the executive committee of the Parent Association for the 2024/25 school year please fill out the linked form HERE
Technology
As the world continues to become more complex, it is important that learning tools reflect and keep pace with the changes. At Pretty River Academy, we are working with each grade and specialist teacher to find meaningful ways to enrich and deepen student learning through technology. PRA is continuously searching for opportunities and experiences that will enhance the curriculum and foster our curation of a developmentally appropriate learning toolkit that enables our teachers and students to work at the highest levels.
Students in JK through Grade 2 are assigned individual ipads for their designated learning areas. Students in Grades 3 through 6 are assigned individual Chromebooks to support and enrich their learning in all classes.
We use the SeeSaw learning platform to collect and document evidence of student learning and share that with families.
Students in Grades 7 & 8
NO STUDENT EXTERNAL PERSONAL DEVICES, EXCEPT FOR STUDENTS IN GR. 7/8 INCLUDING CELL PHONES ARE PERMITTED AT SCHOOL.
*PRA Computer Acceptable Use Policy follows.
Personal devices will be taken away from students and held in the office during the school day. It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that personal devices are kept at home.
PRAComputer AcceptableUsePolicy
Middle School students are invited to bring their personal computer / Chromebook to school for school related activities. By allowing your child this privilege, you agree to the PRA Acceptable Use Policy (follows this note). If you prefer to have your child use a school Chromebook, please let us know by sending the front office an email.
Policy
Ownership and Responsibility
Students and their parents recognize that any computer or electronic device (‘device’) brought onto school premises is the responsibility of the student, and PRA shall not be held responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to students' device. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure the security and upkeep of the device while it is on school grounds.
Purpose of Use
Students agree to use their devices solely for educational purposes related to their coursework at the school; devices shall not be used for personal or non-academic activities, including social media, streaming services, gaming, or unauthorized applications.
Security and Protection
Students and their parents are required to ensure that devices have up-to-date antivirus software and security measures to prevent unauthorized access or potential threats to PRA's network. Students should not share login credentials or permit anyone else to use the device.
Zero Tolerance Policy
PRA maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards the use of devices for activities unrelated to academic purposes. Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, as per the Code of Conduct, which may or may not include confiscation of the device, suspension, or expulsion from PRA. Students and their parents acknowledge that accessing social media platforms, video streaming websites, or engaging in non-academic activities on devices during school hours is strictly prohibited.
Reporting of Incidents
In case of theft, loss, or damage to a device while on school premises, students are required to report the incident to school authorities immediately. PRA will cooperate with students and their parents to provide necessary assistance and support in addressing such incidents to the best of our abilities.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy at Pretty River Academy helps us provide exceptional learning experiences for our students and empowers our teachers to be innovative and inspiring in bringing learning to life inside and outside the classroom.
We encourage all families to participate in Pretty River Academy’s ANNUAL FUND which supports program enhancements not covered through tuition fees. The ANNUAL FUND supports equipment purchases for classrooms, athletics, library, science, technology and music programs as well as supporting professional development for teachers which supports their development to become more outstanding, innovative educators.
We are grateful for the generosity and commitment of our school community, which allows us to continually innovate and provide unique learning opportunities for both current and future students.
Learn how to support us HERE