I live in Guelph and work in Kitchener and the Upper Grand District School Board schools are closed due to the weather. There is no one to look after my kids. Can I use a family care day?

Frantic in Fergus

Dear Frantic,

No.

Family care days are to attend to the medical needs of family members.

An inclement weather day cannot be used for the purpose of child care. The fact that other school boards have closed and/or buses are cancelled and cause child care issues for an employee, is not the problem of the WRDSB. The WRDSB would expect the teacher to find a childcare solution - not call in an inclement weather day.

I enjoy my coffee and brought in a small coffee maker to use at the back of my classroom. My principal said I can't have the coffee maker in my class. Is that true?

Cathy Withdrawl

Dear Cathy,

Yes.

Only appliances approved by the school principal that relate to the programming needs of the students will be allowed in classrooms. Proper safety precautions need to be in place.

There is an increased health and safety risk with the use of small appliances in classrooms. Small electrical appliances include (but are not limited to) the following: lamps, electric kettles, coffee makers, fans, crock pots, fridges, toaster ovens, etc. These devices are not recommended by the Board’s insurance carrier for classroom use as they pose a burn/scalding or electrical malfunction hazard.

There is no storage or shelving in my classroom so I brought in bookshelves from home for my classroom library. I was told I can not bring furniture from home and that only WRDSB furniture can be in my classroom. Is this true?

Cluttered in Cambridge

Hi Cluttered,

Only furniture approved by the school principal and/or WRDSB that relate to the programming needs of the students will be allowed in classrooms. Proper safety precautions need to be in place.