Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

 

As you may be aware, the Ontario Ministry of Education implemented The School Food and Beverage Policy (PPM 150) which came into effect in the fall of 2011.  and is in effect in all schools throughout Ontario.  This policy is designed for schools to play a role in supporting healthy and safe food choices through the food that schools are able and or allowed to offer.

As a result of this policy, food providers to the school, our lunch program for example, must follow strict nutritional guidelines around fat, sugar and salt.  These standards are available at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools/policy.html.

The policy allows for 10 “special food” days throughout the school year.  At W.T. Townshend these days will allow for such things as Multicultural Food Fair, Strong Start celebrations, Track and Field day popsicles, and special treat days as arranged by the teacher and taking into consideration our strict guidelines around allergies.

We are experiencing an increase in parents wanting to bring in cake or other treats on their child’s birthday, and have the rest of the children share in the goodies.  This is a kind gesture, but it is not a practice that we can allow due to PPM 150, and due to our concern about not being able to control potentially dangerous allergens.  We work hard to create a safe, healthy and equitable environment for all children.  So we ask that you refrain from bringing treats to school to share.

Your child’s teacher will have his or her own birthday routines which are geared to making the birthday boy or girl feel special on their day.  Their names are announced on their birthday or before or after birthdays which occur on weekends.  Please do not ask your teacher to go above and beyond what they already provide, asking them to facilitate a family celebration in their classroom.  We support your enthusiasm, and understand that this is coming from the most caring of places, but respectfully ask that family celebrations and treats be kept at home.

 

Sincerely,

Ms. B. Brown

Principal