Rainbow school board says they provide essential supplies other supplies optional

Parents don't need to worry about the basics for their children heading back to school, but they are still responsible for some items not provided by the board.

Bruce Bourget, a superintendent withthe Rainbow District School Board, said supplylists distributedby teachers are only suggestions for parents. The most importantitems will be available for students in schools.

"They're certainly not advised to do that or required to do," he said in reference to parents."The essential supplies for schools, you know, erasers, pens and pencils can be provided by the school, should the parent choose that they don't want to purchase those things."

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Other school-related objectssuch as backpacks, pencil cases, lunch bags, indoor running shoesand other items for extracurricular activitiesare still the responsibility of parents, the superintendent added.

Bourget said while it doesn't hurt to send your child to school with the best tools at their disposal, many items aren't essential for everyday learning.

In reference to the letters sent out by teachers, the superintendent noted it all comes down to wanting the best for students.

"There's so many good-hearted educators out there that sometimes, they want something a little extra, a little special,and they go and do that and it's all because they just care about the students," Bourget said.

The superintendent noted the board's policy related to school supplies adheres to the 2011 Education Act.