St. Stephen Safe School Committee

Bill 13: Accepting Schools Act, February 2013- Definition of Bullying

Bullying is always the result of someone being judged and mistreated for being different in some way (sometimes intentionally and sometimes unconsciously); most times it begins with a conflict which then escalates into a case of discriminations wherein people use ‘difference’ to retaliate (ie.e racial, gender, age, etc.). The literature calls this ‘escalatory’ bullying.

What Do You Do when You Are Being Bullied?

  • Tell them to stop, then walk away
  • Get OFF LINE immediately
  • Tell an adult- REPORT
  • Tell your parents
  • Call the help line
  • Call the police
  • Take control--- be your own advocate

Think Before YOU Post Online

“What YOU type has a SERIOUS impact on OTHERS”:

  • Is permanent
  • Can be proven
  • Can hurt others
  • May lead to loss of privileges- clubs, teams
  • May affect your future- education, job, sports
  • Only type and talk to your friends and family

Do’s
Be a friend, report, and defend
Use computers to be friendly
Type kind words
Communicate with your friends
Include others
Be respectful
Recognize differences as positives / Don’ts
Watch and do nothing
Use computers to bully
Type harmful words
Communicate with strangers
Humiliate others
Cause emotional stress
Isolate others

What we are doing as a SCHOOL!

  • Virtues Program- Catholic values are celebrated each month
  • Scientists in the School
  • Classroom Discussions on Religion and Family Life curriculum
  • Police involvement, Neighbourhood Policing Unit
  • Daily Announcements- Faith filled messages, St. Stephen Student prayer, daily prayers, and reflections
  • Police Presentations- R.A.I.D
  • Safe School Committee- including students, parent representation, Peel health nurse, staff and administration. Initiatives such as, i.e. Operation Christmas Shoe Box, Big Crunch, Walk to School Wednesdays, Fresh Fruit and Veggie Wednesdays
  • Leadership Opportunities- PALS program, Circle of Friends, Faith Ambassadors, multiple initiatives, i.e. Spirit Weeks
  • Church/ School Connections- masses, sacraments, liturgies, monthly rosary apostolates
  • Eco Initiatives—DPA, Earth Hour, Earth Week, Walking Wednesdays, the Big Crunch, the Big Gulp
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusivity- Black History Month presentations
  • Catholic School Council- review and monitor safety concern
  • Staff, Social Workers and Child and Youth Workers support positive social interaction