SAFER SCHOOLS! Reporting Tool Now Available
At NNDSB we believe that all students, staff, and community members are entitled to safe, welcoming environments. In order to ensure that our schools are as safe and accepting as possible, we have created an additional method for reporting incidents related to the infringement of human rights such as bullying and/or discrimination. At NNDSB we are committed to the safety and well-being of students, staff, and all members of the school community and will ensure that programs are in place to educate the school community about discrimination and bullying and to respond to these appropriately. When schools become aware of these incidents, steps can be taken to assist all individuals involved to repair the harm and restore the relationship. When we support the rights of all, schools become safer places. Learn more about our SAFER SCHOOLS! Reporting Tool today!
Visit the Ministry of Education's Safe and Accepting Schools site for additional information.
Safe and Accepting Schools
Fostering safe and accepting schools sets out expectations for all school boards to provide safe, inclusive and accepting learning environments that support the achievement and well- being of every student, including addressing bullying, implementing progressive discipline and creating a positive school climate.
The Accepting Schools Act of 2012 was instrumental in requiring a positive school climate that is inclusive and accepting, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability.
NNDSB has two procedures that it employs in the event of an unexpected incident at or near a school.
Hold & Secure
Hold & Secure is a response to a threat and/or incident in the general vicinity of a school, but not on or very near to school property. School life continues as normal inside the school; however, as a precautionary measure, outer doors are locked and no one enters or leaves the building. Note: As a result of Secure Access Systems that are installed at NNDSB elementary schools, outer doors are typically locked during the learning day.
Lockdown
Lockdown is used in a serious emergency situation where the threat is inside a school, on or very near to school property. A Lockdown minimizes access and visibility in an effort to shelter students, staff and visitors in secure locations. Similar to a Hold & Secure, all outer doors are locked; however a Lockdown requires that all students be kept in classrooms or other designated locations and that inner doors also be locked where possible. Entry to, and exit from, the building is restricted to emergency services personnel only.
During a Lockdown, lights are turned off in the classroom/office, curtains/blinds are closed where possible, cell phone use is restricted and all people inside the building should remain quiet. During a Lockdown, school phones will not be answered as the administration is tending to the ongoing situation. As cell phone use is restricted, students are asked not to use phones until cleared to do so. It’s important to note that each school across the Near North District School Board is required to practice two Lockdown drills per year to ensure students and staff know what to do in case of an emergency.
The Near North District School Board is Committed To:
- Working with schools, families and the community to provide a positive learning environment in which members are treated equitably.
- Promoting programs and activities that focus on building healthy relationships, character development and civic responsibility.
- Nurturing a positive school culture where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility.
- Encouraging the use of non-violent means to resolve conflict.
The entire Near North District School Board is committed to creating safe learning spaces for your child. Throughout the year, all schools participate in activities that focus on creating safer schools through Citizenship and Community; Conflict Resolution; and Bullying Awareness. Each of these three domains contain additional subtopics that support and reinforce the main idea. Character education, for example, is a key component of creating future citizens, while understanding Cyber Safety will help prevent incidents of bullying by keeping students safe online. These three domains work together to create Safe and Accepting schools, which is part of our Well-being Strategy.
