November 16, 2020
Near North District School Board is working to make schools safer by implementing a safe schools framework that focuses on three key concepts: citizenship and community; conflict resolution; and bullying awareness.
All school boards across the province are participating in an annual Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week November 16 – 20 and this year, NNDSB has some extra special activities lined-up. On Monday, November 16, 2020, students heard from local leaders including Mayor McDonald of North Bay, Mayor McGarvey of Parry Sound, Chief McLeod of Nipissing First Nation, and Mayor Savage of Nipissing-West. These leaders taught students about community and citizenship; challenging them to engage in civic activities that will promote safe and inclusive environments. Lessons and activities for all elementary and secondary students will continue throughout the week, each day focusing on an aspect from our safe schools framework.
To further our commitment to providing safe, inclusive spaces for all students, NNDSB has created a reporting tool that will allow any student, parent or community member to report a concern for student safety, particularly as it relates to bullying. The SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool is an online form that can be completed anonymously, should the sender choose. It is then sent to the school’s principal for further investigation. While it is still our recommendation that students, parents or community members speak directly to a teacher, principal, vice-principal, or other school staff member regarding issues of conflict or bullying, the SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool is another method in which we can ensure the lines of communication are open between our schools and the communities we serve. The SAFER SCHOOLS! reporting tool can be accessed directly from the NNDSB website.
For more information, please contact:
Josh Casey
Information/Communication Coordinator
Near North District School Board
P. (705) 472-8170, 5083
E. josh.casey@nearnorthschools.ca