Safe and caring schools summer institute starts August 2

Education Minister Joan Burke said today that efforts are continuing to make all schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador safe and caring learning environments. A two-day conference starts Wednesday, August 2, for teachers and administrators which aims to enhance an atmosphere of caring and respect in the schools.

"This is the latest in a series of initiatives designed to make all of our schools safe, caring and positive learning environments," said Minister Burke. "We are committed to our Safe and Caring Schools Initiative. Students cannot be expected to learn and succeed unless they are comfortable and secure in their classrooms and schools. We are pleased with the overwhelming response this workshop received the first time it was offered earlier in the year. Clearly, getting the message out about the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) model, which is being highlighted at the conference, is important for teachers and students alike."

The Safe and Caring Schools Initiative is part of government�s Violence Prevention Initiative. The new $7.5 million plan of action, Taking Action Against Violence, was launched this past April. The plan focuses on preventing violence against women, children, youth and others who are victims of violence. It aims to increase awareness and community participation, improve programs and services, and enhance research and accountability.

"Violence and bullying are unacceptable in any environment and prevention is the key to putting a stop to these. We need to give our teachers and students the means to create positive school environments. The workshop gives them tools for responding appropriately to bullying, harassment and intimidation," said the minister.

Positive Behaviour Support is a proactive approach that schools can use when dealing with behavioural problems to help students experience success. Instead of focusing on one student�s behaviour, the model looks at the climate of the school to see what might be causing the behaviour and how this can be changed to help the student.

The workshop is being presented by Tom Schimmer, vice-principal at McNicoll Park Middle School in Penticton, British Columbia. Mr. Schimmer has been co-facilitator for the PBS Coaches Training for that province for several years. One hundred teachers and administrators from throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will attend the workshop. This is in addition to the 200 teachers who participated in the March workshop.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624

2006 08 01                                     3:45 p.m.