In recognition of Bullying Awareness Week, the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, is pleased to announce details today on a new initiative to support safe and caring schools and to combat bullying.

"The Provincial Government is providing $15,000 in grants for special projects, developed by individual schools, to end bullying and violence," said Minister Burke. "I am pleased to report that we have received applications from all areas of the province and 30 grants will be awarded valued at $500 each. We hope this funding will help schools develop innovative ways to promote the importance of respect and a caring attitude among students and indeed, anyone who is part of the school community."

Minister Burke said that examples of anti-bullying initiatives have been highlighted during Bullying Awareness Week in schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. For example, in one school, students traced their feet and wrote on the imprint ways to stamp out bullying. In another, students performed a skit on cyber-bullying. One high school handed out "Pay it Forward" compliment cards, while in another, students posted cardboard cut-outs of their hands on doors to show support for anti-bullying.

"Special projects stemming from the funding we are announcing today will provide students with an incentive to make themselves and others aware of their own behaviour and to take a proactive approach to creating a safe learning environment," said Minister Burke. "While this is Bullying Awareness Week, we know that promoting safe and caring schools must be part of the day to day activities in our schools. I am pleased we are able to provide these grants to help schools and students take a proactive approach to stop bullying."

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Media contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

2007 11 23                                                  9:50 a.m.