November 19 to 25, 2023 is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario. While there are many anti-bullying initiatives that occur in our schools throughout the year, this week provides a collective opportunity for students and staff to have conversations and foster learning on safe and inclusive spaces for all.
Bluewater District School Board’s mission is “To provide a quality education for every student in a safe, accepting, and caring environment.” This extends to our board strategic priority of a ‘Safe Supportive Learning Community’ and the following associated goals:
• work together to support wellness
• foster the strengths, contributions, and overall health of students and staff
In addition to forming the foundation of the teachings and learning that happen in our schools every day, these principles underpin the overarching system level work that is underway. For example, the board has a newly expanded mental health team, which works to ensure therapeutic supports are available for students at all schools. Professionally trained staff from the team also proactively implement preventative measures and programming to support students in the development of emotional literacy and relationship skills. Also, from a system perspective, the 2023 – 2024 Student Senate, comprised of elected student representatives from each secondary school, has identified diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as safe spaces in our schools as its key focus areas.
#BWDSBkind Social Media Campaign
During Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, students, staff, families, and members of our local communities are invited to join our acts of kindness campaign on social media. Post or share an act of kindness that you have been involved in or witnessed in one of our schools or work sites on Facebook, Instagram, or X using the hash tag #BWDSBkind. Be sure to tag @BluewaterDSB on any of these platforms so we can spread the word! Let’s go viral for kindness!
Related Board Policies and Procedures
Listed below are policies and procedures that address Bluewater’s various approaches to bullying prevention and intervention.
AP 1604-D “Communications – Addressing Parent/Community Concerns”
BP 6303-D “Equity and Inclusive Education”
AP 6303-D “Equity and Inclusive Education”
AP 6801-D “Police/School Protocol”
BP 6820-D “Safe and Accepting Schools”
AP 6819-D “Safe and Accepting Schools Incident Reporting”
AP 6820-D “Suspensions and Expulsions”
AP 6821-D “Bullying Prevention and Intervention”
AP 6822-D “Code of Conduct”
AP 6825-D “Progressive Discipline – Students”
BP 7520-D “Human Rights”
AP 7520-D “Prevention and Resolution of Harassment, Discrimination, Objectionable Behaviour and Human Rights Violations”
BP 7523-D “Workplace Violence”
AP 7523-D “Workplace Violence”
TCP-B005 “Code of Conduct” – Student Transportation Service Consortium of Grey-Bruce
Other Useful Links
“Bullying – we can all help stop it” – Ontario.ca
Mental Health and Well-Being – Bluewater District School Board
Bill 13, Accepting Schools Act, 2012
Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce
Grey Bruce We C.A.R.E. Project
Kids Help Phone
Bell Let’s Talk
PREVNet
WES for Youth Online