Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
November 14, 2011
GUELPH, Ontario – It is responsible for fear and misery. It can be relentless, lasting for weeks, months or years. It can rip away happiness and hope. Sometimes it cannot be endured, and the consequences may be tragic.
Bullying is everywhere, but many students in the Upper Grand District School Board have decided there’s no place for it in their schools – and they, together with teachers, staff, parents and school administrators are working against it.
During Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week – November 13-19, 2011 – students, school staff and parents are encouraged to learn more about bullying and its effect on student learning and well-being.
Here are some examples of activities and events around the district:
- Minto-Clifford P.S. students have a “Bully Team” that designed a pink T-shirt to promote their message, selling over 150. On Thursday morning they will lead a school assembly on bullying, with a brief presentation, song, and skits. After Grades JK-6 have returned to class, Grade 7 and 8 students will learn about the connection between bullying and suicide, listen to a guest speaker and have the opportunity to ask her questions.
- This week Centennial C.V.I. in Guelph is doing a poster contest to promote bullying awareness. As part of the campaign the winning entry from last year’s poster contest will be displayed throughout the school.
- Laurine Avenue P.S. in Guelph plans to have a “Wear Pink Day”. Throughout the week morning announcements will be used to raise awareness. There will also be quotes and posters put in the school’s hallways.
- Mono-Amaranth P.S. kicks off their Anti-Bullying Committee for 2011-2012, under the leadership of a Grade 8 student who trained at the Ontario Educational Leadership Centre on Lake Couchiching.
- Stories, videos, discussion and role play are some of the anti-bullying strategies being used at Alma P.S. The John Howard Society is hosting a workshop for parents, and bullying will be the focus when a police officer visits the Grade 6 class on Wednesday.
- Wellington Heights wraps up their “Respect Week” with an assembly and a challenge to students to wear pink or purple to stand up to bullying and discrimination.
- The Toronto Argonaut’s Huddle Up program has just gotten underway at Waverley P.S. (a big assembly with an Argonaut player is in January), and motivational speaker Ron Bachman will be visiting the school on Wednesday.
These are just some of the activities happening in district schools during Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, and they are also representative of efforts being made throughout the school year.
For more information about what you can do to prevent bullying, download “Bullying: We Can All Help Stop It” at www.ugdsb.ca/bullying.pdf
For more information:
Maggie McFadzen, Communications Officer
519-822-4420 ext. 725
[email protected]
Mark Weidmark, Administrative Officer – Communications
519-822-4420 ext. 544
[email protected]
Categories: Media Releases