The issue of safety of all students in area public schools has been brought to the surface on two fronts.
Much discussion in Meaford about this topic has been prompted by the upcoming legislation coming into effect February 1, 2010 in the form of the Education Amendment Act (Keeping Our Kids Safe at School), 2009.
The first of its kind in Canada, the Keeping our Kids Safe at School Act builds on Ontario's safe schools strategy and is a primary recommendation from the Safe Schools Action team, established by the Ontario Ministry of Education. It explains what must happen when serious student incidents or inappropriate student behaviour takes place in schools.
Paired with recent public calls for greater transparency within the Bluewater District Board of Education (BWDSB) procedures, action on this Amendment has been demanded, and is being taken by parents and staff in the school community at Ecole St. Vincent Euphrasia Elementary School (SVE).
At the BWDSB Board meeting on January 19, 2010, frustrated parent Evan Wilson brought forward a plea for help in the form of a complaint about the experience of one of his children at SVE. After months of communication with school officials, Wilson still did not feel satisfied with the situation in which he feels his son has suffered, and was compelled to take further action.
Currently in grade one, Wilson's son has experienced bullying while at school, and in a presentation to the Board, Wilson stressed that something needs to be done to protect his son and all students in the public school system. While working with SVE Principal and Staff, Wilson found what he calls cracks in the system, and feels that more can be done with respect to student safety.
“Even when it becomes known that a situation is happening, no one does anything about it. We want intervention,” Wilson told The Independent, “As a parent I am totally responsible for my child's safety, I need to know that he is going to school every day in a safe environment.” he added.
The Independent contacted SVE Principal Oscar Burnside, who offered his thoughts and explained the position of the school with respect to bullying and school safety in general.
“We have always made student safety and well-being a priority at this school. The majority of parents work co-operatively with the staff and seem confident in our ability to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for our students,” said Burnside.
Burnside further explained that his school has been recognized as an excellent learning institution.
“St. Vincent-Euphrasia was identified in 2007 by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat as a Provincial School on the Move. Much of the recognition was based on academic achievement but school climate was a factor in being selected for the award,” informed Burnside, “Creating a healthy and safe school climate was identified as one of the factors leading to improved student achievement. The school was expected to share methods used to create a positive environment with other schools in the province.”
Implementation of the new Education Amendment Act may help parents to feel that their thoughts and input are valued and acknowledged within the school system.
BWDSB satisfaction survey results released in November 2009 showed that only half of responding parents believe that their input is valued at their child's school. In that same survey, almost a quarter of respondents did not agree that Bluewater schools are safe for students and staff, and only 61% of parent respondents felt that schools are making efforts in the area of bullying prevention.
In the final report of the satisfaction survey prepared by Academica Group for BWDSB, it is stated that “While the majority of parent, staff, and community respondents agree that Bluewater schools are taking action to prevent bullying and improve student safety, staff are significantly more likely than parents to agree that schools are making efforts in the area of violence prevention.”
That report also advises that “It is worth noting that 8% of parents do not know about violence prevention initiatives at their child’s school, and were unable to respond to this question.”
Disciplining students for inappropriate behaviour is a complex issue, and one that might not always satisfy all parties, but as Burnside explains, the focus must always be on teaching.
“Our approach to discipline is to teach students to demonstrate empathy, show respect and behave in a civil manner in order to become good citizens,” said Burnside, “The challenge for administrators is to select and use the most appropriate and effective disciplinary measures. The goal at this school is to teach students to behave properly and correct inappropriate behaviour in a positive way rather than using punishment and negative incentives. It is our hope that teaching rather than punishing will provide more long-term benefits for our students while keeping our school safe and welcoming.”
With a heartfelt interest in the progress of the issue, Wilson has resolved to take an active role in assisting children and parents find the accountability he seeks in the system. In conjunction with his study of the Education Amendment Act, Wilson plans to help establish a 'Safe School Team' at SVE.
This team would be comprised of the Principal, at least one Staff representative, School Community Council representative, parents, students and a community partner. The goal of this team will be to support efforts in bullying prevention and to facilitate open communication between parents and school staff, as described in the new legislation.
Alongside parents on the School Community Council, Wilson wishes to bring awareness and positive change to a system which he feels needs support. He is prepared to put his energy and experience into the initiative, and maintains his dedication to his son's safety at school.
“SVE can be the leader in this Board for safety.” champions Wilson.
Principal Burnside agrees.
“Each school will be required to establish a Safe Schools Team to ensure that good practices for school safety are being followed,” said Burnside, "St. Vincent Euphrasia has been in compliance with the Safe Schools Act and staff is presently in the process of implementing programs in order to comply with the new requirements. The principal and two staff members recently attended a day-long session of Safe Schools Training sponsored by the Ministry of Education. The school will continue to make a healthy and safe environment a priority as we implement the changes.”
Editor's note:
In the interest of full disclosure, it should be noted that Meaford Independent writer/reporter Natalie Richardson is a parent of children who attend Ecole St. Vincent Euphrasia Elementary School, and is also active in the Parent Council and various fund raising activities there.
