Violence Awareness Week Contest Winners Named

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, today announced the winners of the 2013 Violence Awareness Week poster and video contests, which were held in conjunction with Violence Awareness Week at schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador this past February.

“Throughout Violence Awareness Week, schools were encouraged to participate in both curricular and non-curricular activities that develop awareness of violence and bullying,” said Minister Jackman. “I congratulate the contest winners, and all the students and staff who participated, as we know that active and engaged students are essential to making our schools safe, caring and inclusive environments for all.”

This year the Department of Education held two contests which focused on the prevention of all forms of violence, including bullying, discrimination and homophobia. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 6 were invited to submit posters, while students in Grades 7 through 12 were asked to submit videos. Contest winners were chosen by the school districts.

The winning entries for the poster contest were:

• Clara Fillier – Grade 1, St. James Elementary, Port aux Basques;
• Morgan Piercey – Grade 5, John Watkins Academy, Hermitage;
• Lorrie Ann Morris – Grade 6, St. Peter’s School, Black Tickle; and,
• Brittany Stumpf – Grade 12, École Boréale, Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Winning entries for the video contest were:

• Menihek High School, Labrador City – Kylie Hillier, Cassidy Nicholas, Ariana Pitcher and Haley Russell-Waterman, with teacher support from Chantal Patten; and,
• Holy Cross High School, Eastport – Dylan Ralph, Stephen Moss, Alex Price, Ryan Hodder, Natasha Mercer, Lacey Crewe and Kayla Hardman, with teacher support from Janna Orr.

“It is encouraging to see students working to prevent violence and abuse in schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Joan Shea, Acting Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and lead Minister for the Violence Prevention Initiative. “Our government is committed to supporting students in their violence prevention efforts by continually learning about the types of violence they face, and by developing supportive tools and initiatives that help eradicate violence.”

The winning entries can be viewed at: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/safeandcaring/VA_week_contest_winners.html 

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2013 04 23                             11:45 a.m.