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NLIS 14 February 14, 2003 (Education) Anti-violence book being supplied to primary schools Education Minister Judy Foote announced today the Department of Education is making available to all primary schools in the province copies of a story book which will help primary students understand what bullying is and what they should do if they are a victim of bullying. The sponsorship of Trevor and the Bully is part of the department�s Safe and Caring Schools Initiative. Trevor and the Bully was published by the Grand Falls-Windsor Committee Against Violence in 2002 as an educational resource for children ages five to eight. It tells the story of one child�s experience with bullying in his school and how he dealt with it. Minister Foote, along with Labour Minister Anna Thistle, MHA for Grand Falls-Buchans, attended the launch of the book today in Grand Falls-Windsor. "It is an unfortunate reality that bullying does happen in our schools," said Minister Foote. "Our younger students may not even be aware they are being bullied. I commend the Grand Falls-Windsor Committee Against Violence for its initiative in producing this book. Trevor and the Bully is an excellent resource for our young students to learn about bullying. The book will also teach them that bullying is not appropriate behaviour and that there is something they can do if they are victims of bullying. We believe that early intervention is essential to prevent bullying." The Department of Education�s sponsorship of $14,000 means every library and/or resource centre in primary schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will have copies of Trevor and the Bully. Students will be encouraged to bring the book home to share with their parents and caregivers. This funding is also providing for a flip-chart version of the book which can be used by teachers when reading the book in the classroom. "Our responsibility as educators is to ensure students are attending school in safe and caring learning environments," said Minister Foote. "It is unacceptable that there are children who may be afraid to go to school because they are victims of bullying and we are taking action to address bullying." "Concerned citizens and professionals in this area who help to provide education and awareness of the issues of violence and abuse are to be commended," said Minister Thistle. "I am extremely pleased to see that this book, which was developed by students Tia Morris, Jeff Hoffe and Sheri Lynn Hearn of Grand Falls-Windsor, has culminated into an effective way to educate young children." "As coordinator of this project, I am both proud and excited to have had the opportunity to work with a group of devoted volunteers in the production of this storybook," said Lorraine Hearn, Central Coordinator for the Violence Prevention Initiative. "This resource demonstrates the Grand Falls -Windsor Committee Against Violence�s efforts to address, in a practical way, a major social concern. We hope that generations of children to come will find the book both educational and fun to read. On behalf of our committee members, thank you to all involved in this endeavour, especially the sponsors." Media contacts:
2003 02 14 3:15 p.m. |
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