Safety Is Our Collective Responsibility
The safety of our students and community members is of utmost importance at St. Margaret Mary CS. As such, we ask that visitors review this information in support of our drop off/pick up procedures.
Everyone must feel safe and welcome at SMM, and that begins in our school’s parking lot.
Drivers are asked to be extra cautious around the school grounds, looking out for those walking, biking, etc. Be careful when backing out of parking spots. Those walking are encouraged to make use of walkways for optimal safety
The emergency lane and bus route are exclusively for emergency vehicles and buses; vehicles are not permitted to drive into this area.
Accessible parking spots are available and are designated for those who have licensed permission. This is the law. Please do not park in these spaces, even temporarily, unless you have a permit.
The Parking Lot Loop
If your child must be driven to school, you are expected to follow these Kiss and Ride guidelines:
- Drive into the ‘Kiss and Ride’ lane along the curb before allowing your child to get out of the vehicle;
- Students must independently exit from the passenger side of the car (closest to the school); parents are to remain in the vehicle
- Student belongings (i.e., school bags) should be with the child for easy exit/access
It is reasonable to expect a safe and efficient way for parents to drop off and pick up their children if they are making use of the curbside Kiss and Ride. As such, please use this option in a careful and expedient manner. Be considerate of other vehicles by not idling, parking or leaving the car unattended. If you plan to watch your child walk to the school yard from the front of the school, please park your car in an available spot or use street parking (where available; please review street signage).
Firglen Ridge & Margaret Mary Rd.
Some parents may choose to drop their children off from the street (i.e., Firglen Ridge). Please remember to check street signage to see where it is permissible to stop/park vehicles. Students should never exit a vehicle into the street. Remember that in order for crossing guards to be effective, cars must leave a safe distance from the intersection so that all directions can be clearly seen for crossing. Buses also need additional space to make safe turns in/out of Margaret Mary Road. U-turns are prohibited and create danger in school areas.
Active Travel
Parents, guardians and students are also encouraged to use active travel methods to come to school. Walking, jogging, or bike riding to school are great ways to get daily exercise. Many studies have linked student success and well-being to daily exercise and movement.
On The Playground
Morning supervision for students in the playground begins at 8:05 am. Students should not arrive at school before this time (unless they are in the Before and After School Program).
Intermediate students will enter the supervised playground to the right of the school’s front entrance.
SK/1 to Gr. 6 students will enter the supervised primary/junior playground via the walkway in front of the kindergarten pen. Parents are not permitted past the school’s front walkway to the playground for morning entry.
Kindergarten students will enter the school directly from the kindergarten pen during morning entry.
At the end of the school day, we welcome parents to the playground to pick up their children, Our staff will walk students to their designated exit doors to greet their pick-up contact.
Only students who ride the bus will be permitted to exit the school at the end of the day through the front doors.
Thank You
We thank our parent partners and community members for reviewing this information and working collaboratively for everyone’s safety and well-being, especially our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to discuss them with our school administration so that we can address them the best way possible together.