Holiday safety tips

Because holidays incorporate fun and celebration, it warrants some general safety precautions to help keep our families safe:

River and lake safety

Beware of fast flowing water, submerged objects, and deep water.

Ask someone who is familiar with the area.

Watch water levels in rivers and dams as they can rise suddenly due to water releases from reservoirs and after heavy rainfall.

Beware of slippery banks or paths near waterfalls

Fire Safety

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

Test smoke alarms every month.

Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP.

Stay safe in the sun.

Wear protective clothing.

Make sunglasses your favourite accessory.

Limit your sun time, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That's when the sun's rays are at their strongest.

Use sunscreen and use it right.

Say no to tanning.

Road crossing safety

Dealing with bad grades

Getting a bad grade or report card is a common part of learning, but it can be especially stressful given what’s at stake. You must get past the disappointment and plan your next move. Moving forward is necessary to do better in future:

6 Tips for children - Dealing with a Bad Grade

• Give yourself time to process. People often tell you to dismiss bad grades and try harder next time.
• Calculate and evaluate.
• Keep calm and carry on.
• Identify your weaknesses.
• Work on your gaps.
• Tackle it the next time.

8 Tips for parents -Talking about Bad Grades

• Address the importance of grades early.
• Approach the subject with concern, not anger.
• Separate the child from the grade.
• Ask questions.
• Talk to the teacher.
• Know that rewards and punishment don't work if you want your child to love learning.
• Beware of pressure.
• Take the simplest steps first.