Posted on: 11/9/15
Student-produced posters and minute of silence featured as part of Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Dufferin-Peel Catholic Schools
Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario schools runs from November 15-21 and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board and its 149 schools have planned a wide range of events, activities and actions to highlight greater awareness of, and, to promote a culture of care, respect and inclusion for all through efforts to eliminate bullying.
As part of Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, a wide range of board-level initiatives and school events and activities are taking place. These include:
- Minute of Silence: On Monday, November 16, at 10:00 a.m., all Dufferin-Peel students and staff will join together in one minute of silence in recognition of all victims of bullying, including bystanders.
- Poster Campaign: A series of posters created by Dufferin-Peel students is being distributed to all schools. Each poster incorporates the header, “Stand Up! Against Bullying”, as well as, “Let us allow God to fill our hearts with his goodness and mercy.” (Pope Francis). The posters can be viewed on the board website.
- Online Reporting Tool: The board began a pilot project with secondary and select elementary schools last year which allowed for the anonymous reporting by students and others of bullying incidents and negative behaviours impacting the school community. The online reporting tool is now available board-wide.
- Bullying Prevention and Awareness Faith Resource Package: A resource package containing prayers, reflections and a liturgy has been distributed to all Dufferin-Peel schools. This will aid in increasing bullying awareness with a focus on creating a Catholic community of culture and caring.
“We recognize the impact that bullying has on individuals, families and communities,” said John Kostoff, director of education. “Dufferin-Peel schools work hard to nurture and maintain a culture of care, respect and inclusion for all. Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week gives us another platform in which to promote positive messages, not only to our students, but beyond the walls of our schools as well.”
In addition to the above board initiatives, anti-bullying focussed events, activities and actions are taking place at all Dufferin-Peel schools. These events are posted on the board website.
Media is welcome to attend these events.
The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board serves approximately 82,000 students in 149 schools located throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville. With approximately 11,000 employees, the board is also one of the largest employers in the region.
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Media Contact: Nancy Marshall, Communications Officer, 905-890-0708 ext. 24278 or 416-788-9367
