Public Safety Advisory

Safety Guidelines

September 9, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians:

I am writing to make you aware of a Public Safety Advisory issued by Peel Regional Police on August 28 regarding the release of a high-risk offender in the Mississauga Valley area. A copy of this advisory is printed on the back of this letter.

We feel that it is important that you are aware of this situation and that you take this opportunity to review personal safety procedures with your child. 

Peel Regional Police have provided the following safety guidelines:

}         Tell your children to never go anywhere with a stranger, not to talk to strangers and to never take anything from them. You have to teach them what a 'safe stranger' is in case they need help. A safe stranger includes a police officer, a fire fighter, a cashier, etc.;

}         Teach your children that it is inappropriate for an unknown adult to ask a child for directions or for help from a car, van, etc., and that it is OK for the child to not respond;

}         Develop a 'what if' game for your children, to get them thinking of how they would respond if they felt threatened or afraid;

}         Know whom your children play with and where they go. This includes keeping a list of their friends' addresses and phone numbers;

}         Encourage your child to use a buddy system instead of walking alone;

}         Know the route that your children take to and from school, and tell them to go directly home or to their babysitter after school;

}         If possible, go with your child to the bus stop and meet them when they return from school.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at the school. 

Sincerely,

S. Macaluso

Principal