Staff
With construction of the new school on the horizon, administration at Robert Moore School is asking the public to steer clear of the site and think safety.
“It’s the biggest sandbox ever and the kids can’t play in it,” Robert Moore principal Dianne Thompson said about the large piles of dirt at the north end of the school’s property that have arrived since site preparation for the new school began a few weeks ago.
As the building of the new school gets rolling, safety is the school’s utmost concern at the moment, Thompson stressed.
They already have spoken with all the students, as well as sent letters home to parents, over what is being done safety-wise at the school, and are asking that the construction site is avoided—both during and outside of school hours.
Once a contractor is hired, fencing will be put up alongside the back of the property between the school and the construction site, noted Thompson.
In the meantime, however, there won’t be anything between the school and the large piles of dirt and equipment.
“It is a real attraction for younger kids,” admitted Thompson, who is asking parents to reinforce safety rules about staying away from the site.
“We just need parents being very vigilant and keep talking to their kids.
“We’re keeping an eye on [safety] as the process goes on and making changes as needed to ensure safety,” she added, noting parents and the community will be kept up to date with any changes to the safety procedures as construction continues through newsletters and online at the school’s website at http://rms.rrdsb.com
The building of the new Robert Moore School also means a reduction in outdoor space for children to play, noted Thompson—something the school is making changes to accommodate.
This includes staggering recess breaks so there’s fewer children using the smaller area, Thompson explained.
Indoor recesses, such as what is done during extreme weather, also will be brought in should a situation call for it.
“We’re also going to be taking the southeast section of our school property on Second Street, which normally has not been a playground area, and we’re going to be fencing it in to allow for another play area,” she said.
“So that gives more space for the kids.
“We’re still trying to make sure that they get all of that space for physical activity and outside time, but keeping them safe,” Thompson stressed.
Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to call the school at 274-9818.
