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About Us

Welcome to our school! Please explore our website to learn more about the many exciting programs and helpful supports we offer.

Need more information? Contact details for the school are available at the bottom of our website.

General School Description

Zorra Highland Park P.S. was officially opened on December 16, 1966 to accommodate the students from eleven West Zorra Township schools. It is located in the centre of one of Ontario's fine agricultural communities. The community has a strong positive influence on the school and has high expectations for the students. We have a current student population of 576 with classes from Kindergarten to grade eight.

Zorra Highland Park P.S. has an active group of parents who contribute and volunteer in the school in various ways. There are many ways for parents, guardians and others to be involved in the school (e.g., volunteering in the classroom, on field trips, or by joining Parent/School Council or Home & School).

Important Telephone Numbers

  • Attendance: 1-844-305-3756
  • Auto Attendant Greeting: 519-475-4121
  • Secretary: Press 2
  • Learning Support Teacher: Press 3
  • Vice-Principal (Turtle Island P.S., Mrs. Methot): Press 4
  • Principal: Press 5
  • Fax: 519-475-4922
  • Email: zorrahighlandpark@tvdsb.ca

Important Websites

Attendance and Safe Arrival

Attendance Check

All schools are required to keep accurate, up-to-date records of student attendance (both absences and lates). Parents/Guardians are to report student absences using SchoolMessenger Safe Arrival.

Absences can be reported using one of the following options:

  • Online: Access SchoolMessenger at TVDSB SchoolMessenger page, select Sign Up, and follow the instructions.
  • Smartphone App: Download the SchoolMessenger app from the App Store or Google Play after registering online.
  • Phone: Call 1-844-305-3756 (toll free).
  • Students leaving during the day must be signed out at the office by a custodial parent or guardian.
  • Students arriving late must report to the office to receive an admit slip.

Safe Arrival Check

If a student is absent and not reported, an automated call and/or email will notify parents/guardians. A confirmation number must be obtained to confirm the absence.

Illness

Children who are too ill to complete daily activities or who have contagious illnesses should remain at home.

Bussing Information

Bus Safety

  • Be at your bus stop on time.
  • Remain seated. No scuffling or inappropriate language.
  • Keep the bus clean; no eating or drinking.
  • Keep hands to yourself.
  • Be polite and courteous.

Riding the bus is a privilege. Consequences for not following expectations may include a phone call home, detention, or suspension from the bus.

Transportation Policy

The Southwestern Ontario Student Transportation Services policy requires students to use their assigned bus stop only. Switching buses or stops is not permitted.

Routes, Arrival and Departure

Students are assigned routes at the start of the school year. Parents can access transportation details through the parent portal at My Big Yellow Bus website.

Cancellations and Early Departures

Transportation disruptions are communicated by radio, school websites, or phone calls.

Bus Delay

  • Less than 20 minutes
  • 20–30 minutes
  • 30–40 minutes
  • 45 minutes or more

Bus Cancellation

Fog cancellations typically affect mornings only. Other weather cancellations apply all day. Schools remain open unless otherwise stated.

Early Dismissal

Families will be contacted if early dismissal is required. Students may be relocated to Embro Community Centre if necessary.

Volunteers / Police Checks

Volunteers are encouraged and required to complete a criminal background check with an annual offence declaration.

Medications

Students with Prevalent Medical / Health Conditions

Parents/Guardians must update medical information through the Parent Portal to support Individual Plan of Care (IOPC).

  • Asthma
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Epilepsy
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Any other potentially life-threatening condition

Access medical information through the Student Medical Information tab in the Parent Portal.

Nut Free School

All students should avoid bringing nut products. Hand washing and safe food practices are emphasized.

Head Lice (Pediculosis)

Parents/guardians must check, report, and treat head lice. Contact the Oxford County Health Unit at 519-539-9800 if needed.

Code of Conduct

We promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. Students are expected to make responsible choices and demonstrate self-control.

Learn more about Safe Schools policies

Field Trips

Field trips enhance learning. Financial assistance is available to ensure all students can participate.

Report Cards

Progress reports are issued in November. Provincial report cards are issued in February and June.

Co-instructional Activities

  • Cross Country
  • Volleyball (Grades 7 & 8)
  • Basketball (Grades 7 & 8)
  • Soccer
  • Track and Field
  • Choir
  • Student Leadership
  • Library Helpers
  • Lunchroom Helpers
  • Office Helpers
  • Milk Program
  • Recycling Team

Zorra Highland Park Public School

Zorra Highland Park P.S. was officially opened on December 16, 1966 to accommodate students from eleven West Zorra Township schools. It is located in the centre of one of Ontario's agricultural communities. The community has a strong positive influence on the school and high expectations for students.

The school currently has approximately 576 students from Kindergarten to Grade 8.

Zorra Highland Park P.S. has an active group of parents who volunteer in many ways, including classroom support, field trips, and participation in Parent/School Council or Home and School.

Important Contact Information

  • Attendance: 1-844-305-3756
  • Auto Attendant: 519-475-4121
  • Secretary: Press 2
  • Learning Support Teacher: Press 3
  • Vice Principal: Press 4
  • Principal: Press 5
  • Fax: 519-475-4922
  • Email: zorrahighlandpark@tvdsb.ca

School Hours

  • Bus Arrival / Supervision: 8:50 AM
  • Nutrition Break 1: 10:40 – 11:30 AM
  • Nutrition Break 2: 1:10 – 1:50 PM
  • Dismissal: 3:30 PM

Important Websites

Staff

  • Principal: Mrs. Carne
  • K1 / K2: Mrs. McIntyre and Ms. Collins
  • K1 / K2: Mrs. Jack and Ms. Noddle
  • K2 / Grade 1: Mrs. Finch
  • Grade 1: Mrs. Rowland-MacDonald
  • Grade 1/2: Mrs. Defent
  • Grade 2: Mrs. Bertrand
  • Grade 3: Mrs. Dukeshire
  • Grade 3/4: Mrs. Hutchinson
  • Grade 4/5: Mr. Willows
  • Grade 5/6: Mr. O'Dea
  • Grade 6/7: Miss Brooks
  • Grade 7/8: Mr. Bilyea
  • Grade 8: Mr. Bartley
  • French: Miss Moodie
  • Learning Support: Mr. Roberts
  • Library / Prep / Music: Mr. Crockett
  • Prep: Ms. Webb and Ms. Godick
  • Educational Assistants: Mrs. Gingerich
  • Charge Custodian: Mr. Grimbleby
  • Afternoon Custodian: Mr. McMurren
  • Administrative Secretary: Mrs. Morris

School Learning Goals 2025–2026

  • Clearly communicate a flexible understanding of numbers and operations.
  • Become strong writers who communicate ideas clearly.

Attendance and Safe Arrival

Reporting an Absence

Parents and guardians must report absences using SchoolMessenger.

Students arriving late must check in at the office. Students leaving early must be signed out by a parent/guardian.

Safe Arrival

If an absence is not reported, an automated call or email will be sent to families to confirm the student's safety.

Illness

Students who are ill or contagious should remain at home.

Bus Safety

Students are expected to follow these rules:

  • Arrive on time at the bus stop
  • Remain seated
  • Keep the bus clean
  • Keep hands to self
  • Be respectful and courteous

Riding the bus is a privilege. Failure to follow rules may result in suspension from bus service.

Visit My Big Yellow Bus for transportation details.

Volunteers

Volunteers play an important role in supporting student success. Opportunities include classroom help, library support, and field trips.

A criminal background check and annual offence declaration are required for all volunteers.

Medical Information

Parents/guardians must update student medical information through the Parent Portal to ensure appropriate care plans are in place.

Conditions may include:

  • Asthma
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Epilepsy
  • Type 1 Diabetes

Nut-Free School

The school strives to be nut-free to protect students with severe allergies. Please avoid sending nut products to school.

Head Lice

Parents are responsible for monitoring and treating head lice. The school and Oxford County Health Unit can provide support.

Co-Instructional Activities

  • Cross Country
  • Volleyball (Grades 7–8)
  • Basketball (Grades 7–8)
  • Soccer
  • Track and Field
  • Choir
  • Student Leadership
  • Library Helpers
  • Lunchroom Helpers
  • Office Helpers
  • Milk Program
  • Recycling Team