April 5, 2012
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Earlier today, police issued a safety alert about suspicious incidents that were reported to have happened in the Warden Avenue/Danforth Road area late last week and earlier this week. In the first incident on March 28 at about 8:00 am, a man took pictures of young girls on their way to school. In the second and third, which occurred this past Monday and Tuesday at about 8.30 am, two men watched and tried to speak with a nine-year-old girl while she walked to school.
As we all take an active interest in neighbourhood safety, we are sharing this report with you. Anyone who might have information is asked to contact police at 41 Division at 416-808-4100 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222 TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com. Regarding the first incident, police are looking for a man described as black, 20-30 years old, with short, black hair with a moustache. He was last seen wearing an orange T-shirt. He was driving a four-door white vehicle. In the second and third incidents, the only description of the men is that the driver was black and the passenger white. They were seen on Monday in a green van and on Tuesday in a white van.
We are fortunate to have a number of safety initiatives, programs, and policies that contribute to a safe and caring school. However, most incidents happen away from school. With spring upon us, children will be outdoors more often so I want to emphasize again to all our students, staff, and parents the need to be aware and alert at all times, no matter where you are and even in the most ordinary and everyday routines.
Our staff regularly speak to students about how to stay safe. We recently reviewed safety tips. I know that you too will want to help ensure our community is as safe as possible. On the reverse of this letter, please find streetproofing tips that you may find helpful when discussing safety with your child.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.
Sincerely,
Todd McGilvray Marlene Harroun
Principal Vice Principal
Streetproofing Tips
At school, the safety of your child is our most important priority. We remind you to keep your school staff up to date with your address, phone number, childcare arrangements, to whom your child may be released, etc. We also encourage you not to permit your child make alternate arrangements over the lunch hour if they are in a lunch program. We need you to let us know about any changes of routine and to sign your child in if they are arriving late or leaving early for any reason.
The Toronto Police streetproofing program encourages you to teach your child:
1. his/her name, address, phone number;
2. to Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency;
3. to communicate with you when they feel unsafe or afraid;
4. to keep you informed as to his/her whereabouts at all times;
5. never to admit to being alone in the home when answering the telephone;
6. never to invite strangers into the house or answer the door when alone;
7. never to approach or enter a stranger's car or hitchhike;
8. never to travel or play alone- always be with friends;
9. to trust their feelings and say "NO" to an adult if that adult wants them to do something that is wrong;
10. not to accept gifts from strangers;
11. to tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you;
12. that no one has the right to touch any part of his/ her body that a bathing suit would cover;
13. that if he/ she is being followed, or approached too closely, to run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help;
14. to report to your school authorities or a police officer, anyone who act suspiciously towards him/ her;
15. never to play in deserted buildings or isolated areas;
16. never to enter anyone's home without your permission;
17. to avoid taking shortcuts through parks and fields;
18. never to show his/her money and if attacked to give it up rather than risk injury;
19. that a police officer is a friend who can always be relied upon when he/ she is lost or needs assistance.
Together, we can keep our school and community a safe environment for our children.
