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February 26, 2010

Minister Announces Recipients of Safe and Caring Schools Grants

The Wall of Virtues. The Peace Place. Catch Me Good. These are just some of the safe and caring schools initiatives created by students and teachers that are receiving support through the Provincial Government's Safe and Caring Schools Special Project Grants. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, announced the successful schools today during International Stand up to Bullying Day.

"Today is an appropriate occasion to showcase schools which are going above and beyond to make their school environments safe and caring places to learn and grow," said Minister King. "Bullying or intimidation of any kind is simply unacceptable. It is imperative that our classrooms, schools and playgrounds are places where students feel safe, secure and ready to learn. That is exactly what the Safe and Caring Schools Program aims to accomplish."

Schools are invited to send in applications detailing their proposed projects for the grants on an annual basis. Thirty schools in total were selected from across Newfoundland and Labrador for 2010 (see backgrounder), each receiving a grant of $500 for a total investment of $15,000 this year.

Minister King also noted that the Department of Education is currently receiving applications for the Graduating Student Awards. These awards acknowledge the contribution of youth in establishing and maintaining safe and caring schools and communities. Graduating students may apply, indicating their leadership in projects or activities aimed at improving the safety and well-being of their schools and/or communities. Awards will be granted in the form of a $500 tuition voucher. More information is available at www.gov.nl.ca/edu.

Since the implementation of the Safe and Caring Schools Policy in 2006, a position with the Department of Education has been devoted solely to this initiative and to support districts and schools. This is in addition to the seven behaviour support specialists who are working with teachers and students across the province.

There has also been a significant amount of professional development to help make schools safe. Thirty pilot schools across the province have been trained and supported in inclusive practices, which will ultimately expand to all schools. As well, extensive training for districts has occurred over the last five years to promote positive behaviour supports. 

"Bullying is harmful and hurtful, and without intervention a significant proportion of youth who bully others in childhood will continue to use their power negatively through adolescence and into adulthood," said Minister King. "By working together, as students, teachers, parents and communities, we can ensure our students start out right and that schools offer only positive learning experiences."

For more information on violence prevention, visit www.outrageNL.ca.

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Media contact:

Tara Power
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 727-5953
tarapower@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Safe and Caring Schools Special Project Grant Recipients and Project Names

Labrador School District:
Peacock Primary School – Buddy: ASK – A Proactive Approach to Behaviour and Social Skill Development
J.R. Smallwood Middle School – We Respect Campaign
B. L. Morrison – Doing It Right

Western School District:
St. Boniface All Grade – Respect Day
Our Lady of Mercy – Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS)
Humber Elementary – Catch Me Good
Roncalli Central High – Positive Behaviour Supports
Piccadilly Central High - Piccadilly Central High School Action Committee
Presentation Junior High – Positive Behaviour Supports
Belanger Memorial – Filling Your Bucket

Nova Central School District:
Sprucewood Academy – Creating A Bucket Filling School
Hillview Academy – Hillview Hawks S.O.A.R.
Exploits Valley Intermediate – PBS for EVI
Hillside Elementary - Hillside Elementary's Safe and Caring Schools Launch
Gander Academy – Be Positive Project
Riverwood Academy - Positive Behaviour Supports Launch
Avoca Collegiate – Avoca Collegiate PBS Implementation

Eastern School District:
Laval High – Three Schools Collide at Laval
Baccalieu Collegiate – AWARE
Matthew Elementary – The Wall of Virtues
Balbo Elementary – Bobcats have SOLE
Lake Academy – Anti-Bullying Initiative
St. Georges Elementary – St. Georges Gives Back
Holy Heart of Mary – Mentorship of At-Risk Students
Bishop Field – The Peace Place
Brother Rice Junior High – International Club
Holy Spirit High – Student Personal and Academic Development
Holy Family – Positive Behaviour Supports
Vanier Elementary – Vanier Sea Stars

Conseil scolaire francophone:
École Boréale – Emotional support for students studying a language other than English and for students having physical or intellectual differences

2010 02 26                                                         9:55 a.m.
 


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