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Government efforts continue to prevent bullying in schools Education Minister Judy Foote said today efforts continue to address the important issue of bullying which occurs in schools in Newfoundland and Labrador. Minister Foote addressed a group of representatives from schools districts in Corner Brook today who gathered to further plan how the education system can work with community partners to ensure students are attending safe schools. "We are committed to ridding our schools of violence," said Minister Foote. "We want to create peaceful schools where children feel safe and valued and where they can focus their attention on learning." The session in Corner Brook is a follow-up to the Creating Peaceful Schools public forum held in May 2002. The provincial forum brought together education stakeholders, students, parents and community representatives to discuss how this province�s schools can become safer for students. "The message was clear at the provincial forum that bullying has to be addressed at the regional and district level," said Minister Foote. "The purpose of the sessions in Corner Brook and St. John�s is to get feedback from these Safe and Caring Schools leaders on a draft provincial action plan and to discuss ways to work effectively with community partners." Attending the day-long session today were school district personnel who are responsible for Safe and Caring Schools. It included representatives from school districts in western and central Newfoundland. A similar session will be held Wednesday, October 30, at the Airport Plaza in St. John�s for districts in the northern, eastern, Avalon and Labrador regions. "We know there are instances of bullying in our schools which is why we need to draw on the people within our education system to lead our action against bullying," said Minister Foote. "Yet, we also realize that bullying doesn�t begin at school, nor does it stop when the bell rings at the end of the school day. Our children are victims of violence at schools, at community centres, at home and on the roads in our communities. That is why we need to identify and work with community partners to find solutions to this problem." Minister Foote said following these sessions with key education representatives, the department will finalize the provincial action plan, have in place district action plans and have broad-based community partners involved in creating safe and peaceful schools. "We are proud of our identity that as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians we live in a safe and peaceful society," said Minister Foote. "We want to live up to that image by ensuring our children have a right to peace and protection and must feel cared for and safe. In the very near future, I look forward to having violence prevention and anti-bullying programs in every school in our province." Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications (709) 729-0048. 2002 10 28 10:45 a.m. |
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