Education
November 13, 2012
Minister Joins Students to Highlight Bullying Awareness Week
This is national Bullying Awareness Week (November 12-17) and the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, was at MacDonald Drive Elementary in St. John's today to talk to students about this year's theme, Stand Up! (to Bullying).
“This year's Bullying Awareness Week theme highlights the fact that every individual can do something to counteract violence, harassment and intimidation, whether it be in our schools or elsewhere in society,” said Minister Jackman. “By standing up to those who bully; by refusing to be a bystander to aggressive, disrespectful, or hurtful behaviour – and by encouraging others to do likewise – we can all be a part of ensuring our schools are safe, inclusive and welcoming environments for all.”
Earlier this month, the Provincial Government released an independent consultant's evaluation of the province's current Safe and Caring Schools Policy. The report concluded that the policy had created a heightened awareness of the importance of creating safe and caring school environments; that it was having a positive impact in schools, and that it was a solid foundation on which to implement further measures to address bullying behaviours. The report identified 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, and to inform upcoming consultations on potential changes to legislation.
“I welcome the opportunity, during national Bullying Awareness Week, to reiterate the message that it takes all of us, working together – and standing up against bullying – to develop school communities that are built on caring and respect for others,” said Minister Jackman. “I encourage all students, parents and teachers to talk about these issues, and to make safe and caring philosophies a part of everything we do in our homes and in our schools.”
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:
- Province-wide professional development and special training to school district leaders, principals, teachers and other school personnel;
- Online resources for students, parents and teachers to help in their efforts to address violence among students;
- A requirement that every school have its own school development plan which speaks to how they can make safe and caring issues a part of their unique school culture;
- The expansion of Violence Awareness Week activities, including the provincial promotion of Pink Day to encourage students to take a leadership role in anti-bullying activities at their schools;
- The implementation of the Safe and Caring Schools Special Projects awards, which provide $20,000 ($500 to 40 schools) annually to support school-based initiatives to combat bullying;
- The introduction of the annual Safe and Caring Awards, which provide 15 graduating students with a $500 post-secondary tuition voucher in recognition of their individual efforts to address violence and harassment in schools; and,
- New annual student surveys which include questions regarding bullying.
For more information on Safe and Caring Schools, visit: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/safeandcaring/index.html.
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Photo: Education Minister Clyde Jackman addresses Grade 6 students at MacDonald Drive Elementary school as part of national Bullying Awareness Week activities - November 13, 2012.
Media contact:
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
2012 11 13 2:05 p.m.