Our Values

At UHE,  our staff is committed to providing a safe and caring environment that respects and responds to each learner. Together, we have created four school beliefs that guide the work we do each day.  They are:

To support our students on their learning journeys, we have created this document to help families have conversations at home about how we can ensure a respectful, responsible, safe and kind learning environment for everyone.

Outside

We line up at class spot before school. (There is no supervision before or after school.)

We stay outside during recess times (rain , shine or snow)

We keep feet on the ground, unless we are climbing on the playground.

We respect nature. Trees, plants, and creatures need to be cared for.

We believe sticks and rocks stay on the ground. We don’t make weapons.

On the Zipline, we ride one at a time, we don’t grab others, and we take turns. If we can’t reach, we’re not ready.

On the Spinner- we can ride one or two kids at a time. We spin ourselves only; no pushing of others.

On the Slide we ride inside & down only! We don’t go on the outside of the slide, or climb up it.

We play inside the Birdcage; we do not climb on the outside.

For safety, we walk our bikes, skateboards, and scooters when on school property.

We visit the garden during learning times with staff members.

We play in the supervision areas during lunch and recess (north of the building and above the stairs on the west wing).

Parent/Guardian Info

Parents/guests need to check in at the office before entering the school.

Messages, lunches, etc. must be left at the office (there is a shelf by the main door for leaving lunches)

Students need to be signed out at the office to leave school grounds.

All personal items being brought to school are strongly discouraged. Please leave toys, cards, etc. at home, unless requested for a special activity.

Cell Phones

Cell phones are a major distraction in our school. While we would prefer students not to come to school with a phone, we understand that many families may feel a need for them to do so.  We ask for your support in ensuring cell phones are not used or relied on for communication with home during the school day.

We keep our cell phones in student backpacks or at home.

Parents/guardians phone the school office with any messages during the day.

We can use the office or classroom phones (with permission) as there will be no cellphone access for students between 8:55 and 3:00.

We ask for your support in ensuring your child is not using their device during the school day.

Gum/Hats/Snacks

While there are no blanket rules for things like hats, gum or snacking during the day, each teacher will establish routines around these things that make sense for their class, with their students.

*In Division 5:

  • hats are turned around or off
  • no gum or snacks during class

PAC

No child should be hungry at school. Please know the office has emergency snacks (granola bars, fruit) that your child has access to if they are in need of an extra snack from time to time.

The PAC runs an optional hot lunch program 2-3x week. Please email our PAC at UniversityHighlands.PAC@burnabyschools.ca if you have questions about hot lunch or about PAC in general.

On the rare occasion that the lunch provider is running late, we may reverse lunch playtime so that the students play first, and eat last during the lunch hour.