Review and follow the board’s policy and procedures regarding co-instructional activities and field trips
Recognize staff, students, parents and community members who contribute to the school’s activities and field trip program.
Ensurethat all activities can be linked to curriculum and student achievement goals
If a student’s participation in any activity is contingent on a prior record of appropriate behaviour, ensure that you communicate well in advance to students, staff, and parents that restrictions may apply
- Scrutinize the school’s policies and procedures concerning co-instructional activities and field trips to ensure they are in compliance with the board policies and collective agreements.
- Review the previous year’s school plan regarding co-instructional activities and field trips.
- Respect the workload and family responsibilities of staff, students and parents when planning the co-instructional program.
- Identify barriers and challenges; for example, access to bus services after school hours, program costs, safety concerns, workload for a small staff, lack of facilities and attitudes. (For example, beliefs that the co-instructional program takes time away from the instructional program.)
- Design creative partnerships among parents, staff, volunteers and community organizations to help overcomesome of the barriers that you may encounter.
- Be mindful of contract issues with providers such as deposits/refund policies, security staff, accommodation requirements
Want to Know More?
- Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA) Physical Education Ontario Safety Guidelines, which outlines minimal safety requirements. (www.ophea.org)
- Ontario School Board Insurance Exchange (OSBIE) website (www.osbie.on.ca) for the Field Trip Risk Management Guide (December 2008).
Supervision of School Activities
(3) In addition to the duties under the Act and those assigned by the board, the principal of a school shall, except where the principal has arranged otherwise under subsection 26(3):
(f) provide for the supervision of and the conducting of any school activity authorized by the board.
Duties of Principals (Regulation 298: Operation of Schools – General, Section 11)