A consultative process beginning this week is hoped to garner ideas to help strengthen the way the education system reports and responds to incidents of bullying and aggressive behaviours among students, the provincial government announced today.
The consultations will focus on finalizing a definition of bullying as it pertains to the education system; a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Protocol, and a consistent Code of Conduct to be used in all schools. There will also be an opportunity to suggest ways to address cyber-bullying; the role of students, schools, parents and the community at large in preventing and responding to bullying behaviours.
“Those consultations are set to begin this week, with a focus group session to be held with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils on Friday,” said Education Minister Clyde Jackman.
“It will be followed next week with sessions in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador City for Labrador School District personnel, principals, teachers, school council chairs and parent representatives, as well as intermediate and high school students.”
The presentation and discussion guide can be viewed at www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/consultations/index.html, through which participants are guided to respond to specific questions and suggestions. General feedback is also encouraged through the webpage, via email, or by regular mail. The current Provincial Safe and Caring Schools Policy (2006); a recently-released independent consultant’s evaluation of that policy, as well as other related background materials, are included on the webpage.
