Safety and Security

Durham District School Board (DDSB) is committed to maintaining safe schools and positive learning environments. This includes ensuring safe arrival and emergency response procedures are in place and school facilities are safe and secured throughout the day.

School security
All exterior school doors will lock 10 minutes after the entry bell. They may be unlocked during the lunch period and will be unlocked after school. If you need to enter a locked school, you must contact the school office using the front door buzzer.

Safe arrivals
Durham District School Board Safe Arrivals policy requires every school to have a Safe Arrival procedure. The procedure states that school principals must:


 * Check that each child arrives at school
 * Contact caregivers about any unexplained failure to arrive at school

Report a student absence
You can report an absence by:


 * Calling 1-844-350-2646
 * Online or on your smartphone through the SchoolMessenger app

Emergency response
The DDSB Emergency Flipchart provides principals and administrators with a quick reference tool to assist with an emergency response.

Safe learning environments
The Ministry of Education offers educators with a variety of resources to assist with creating a safe school environment. Similarly, the Ontario College of Teachers offers tips for ensuring that your classroom and school environment are safe for all students.