Safe and Caring Schools a Priority for Provincial Government

  • Education and Early Childhood Development
  • Executive Council

February 14, 2018

The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister Responsible for Status of Women along with departmental officials met today with members of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre, the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Provincial Advisory Council for the Status of Women, to discuss the province’s Safe and Caring Schools Policy, the Schools Act and violence prevention in schools.

The Safe and Caring Schools Policy provides school-based protocols and practices to combat all forms of bullying, harassment and inappropriate behaviour, and is designed to provide students with a safe and caring learning environment.

Quotes
We are listening to the concerns raised by students and community members throughout the province. Ensuring all students have a positive, safe and caring learning environment is a key priority for our government. It is also equally important that legislation and education policies keep pace with developments in our evolving society. We are taking proactive steps to work with stakeholders to review the Schools Act to ensure that it is modern and up-to-date, including discussions on suspensions and expulsions, home schooling, and appeals of decisions affecting students. We want to ensure our students are being provided the best possible education system that is safe and nurturing for everyone.”
Honourable Dale Kirby
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

“We all deserve a safe environment in which to learn, to work, to live. Violence in any form is not acceptable. It is essential we address and act on concerns that have been raised and ensure a safe school environment.” 
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Minister Responsible for Status of Women

“Providing a safe and caring learning environment is the priority of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District and collaboration with the partners at the meeting today is a positive step to address sexual violence that may involve students. We look forward to continuing this approach, reviewing the Schools Act, and developing a district policy that will enhance the safety of our learning environments and help us appropriately address these circumstances when schools are impacted.”
Tony Stack
CEO/Director of Education (Interim), Newfoundland and Labrador English School District

“We all have a role to play in educating and supporting the young people of our province. Working collaboratively is a critical aspect of that support. Leaving today’s meeting, there was a strong commitment amongst stakeholders to work together to improve and strengthen policies that address issues of sexual harassment and sexual violence.”
Linda Ross
President, Provincial Advisory Council for the Status of Women

“Conversations around the table today offered insight and a start towards much needed change. Next steps and actions taken will be the most critical to everyone concerned and impacted by sexual violence. Our Centre is committed to supporting solutions that incorporate a survivor- centred and trauma- informed approach.”
Nicole Kieley
Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre

Learn more

Safe and Caring Schools – www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/safeandcaring/

Schools Act, 1997 – www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/statutes/s12-2.htm

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL@EDU_GovNL  and @WPO_GovNL 

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Media contacts
Debbie Marnell
Education and Early Childhood Development
709-729-1906, 699-9048
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca 

Nancy Hollett
Natural Resources
709-729-5777, 685-3372
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca 

Ken Morrissey
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District 
709-758-2371, 730-0798
kenmorrissey@nlesd.ca

Nicole Kieley
NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre
709-747-7757
executivedirector@endsexualviolence.com 

2018 02 14 4:55 pm