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Education
November 2, 2012

Evaluation of Safe and Caring Schools Policy Released

The Provincial Government today (Friday, November 2) released an independent consultant’s evaluation and review of the Provincial Government’s Safe and Caring Schools Policy (2006). The report will help inform upcoming consultations on potential changes to policy, procedure and legislation to address incidents of bullying among students.

“As I have indicated on several occasions, our government is committed to consulting with individuals who have insight and expertise into issues around bullying,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “The release of this report, prepared by Goss Gilroy Inc., is the first step in this process. It identifies 29 considerations to take into account when revising the current Safe and Caring Schools Policy, all of which the Provincial Government will use to finalize an action plan designed to improve the existing policy. As part of that action plan, we will be consulting on some of the major points raised in the report, specifically with respect to what changes may be required to legislation.”

The Provincial Government commissioned the review late last year, noting the Safe and Caring Schools Policy was five years old, and it was therefore a good time to review what was working, what was not, and how it could be strengthened. The consultant’s report advises, for example, that the province should have a clear definition of bullying, and guidelines in place to ensure consistent reporting of incidents across all school jurisdictions – as well as standard protocols in place to respond to such behaviour. Minister Jackman noted the upcoming consultations will focus on these issues, but will also go beyond what is recommended in the report.

“We will also be seeking input into potential changes to the Schools Act, 1997 to address bullying and the consequences of such actions, including the sections on suspensions and expulsions,” said Minister Jackman. “I have always maintained that it would be irresponsible to suggest substantive changes to legislation without going through an appropriate consultation process. I am pleased with the work that has been done to date in preparation for these consultations, and I expect to be in a position to announce details on where and when they will be held – and how individuals will have an opportunity for input – in the near future.”

The Evaluation of the Safe and Caring Schools Policy can be viewed at: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/studentsupportservices/publications.    

The Safe and Caring Schools Policy was introduced in 2006 as part of the Provincial Government’s over-arching Violence Prevention Initiative. Over the years, the initiative has been proactive in developing programs aimed at early intervention and education on violence prevention, including:

For more information on Safe and Caring Schools, visit: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/safeandcaring/index.html.    

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Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca 

2012 11 02             12:55 p.m.

 
 
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