By Rosalind Russell – Rainbow Schools are marking Bullying Awareness and Prevention all this week with a new program in 12 of its schools.
Director of Education Bruce Bourget, says the board is piloting the “Dare to Care” anti-bullying program as part of its ongoing commitment to building responsible and respectful citizens and providing welcoming learning environments where students feel safe.
He adds the program has proven to be an effective way to build empathy and reduce bullying.
A.B. Ellis Public School
Students from A.B. Ellis Public School will complete lessons using storybooks, visual texts and discussions to build understanding of bullying behaviours and safe ways to respond. With a focus on nurturing empathy and a sense of community as a means to prevent bullying, students are challenged to complete daily acts of kindness leading up to Hat and Toonie Day on Friday, November 25th. The fundraiser will support local families this holiday season.
Assiginack Public School
Students from Assiginack Public School enjoyed a special performance from singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker Errol Lee in the lead up to Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. His songs encouraged students to be positive, thoughtful and caring. Students will continue to learn about bullying and how to prevent it through daily announcements, read alouds, readings, writing, drama and art.
Central Manitoulin Public School
Students at Central Manitoulin Public School continue to build awareness about bullying and bullying prevention. Singer, songwriter, author and motivational speaker Errol Lee visited students on Thursday, November 17th to discuss “Hands Are for Helping” and “The Hero Club”. The entire school remains focused on building an empathetic and diverse learning community. Students will continue to read stories and engage in discussions about the impacts of bullying, and Provincial Constable John Hill will also visit some classes to speak about bullying and social media.
Charles C. McLean Public School
In addition to classroom lessons about bullying, its effects, and the warning signs, Charles C. McLean Public School will host three performances by motivational speaker Errol Lee. Students will hear Errol’s anti-bullying message through “Hands Are for Helping”, “The Hero Club” and “Character Traits”.
Little Current Public School
Students, staff and families of Little Current Public School are learning about bullying, why it exists, and how to be kind through the “Dare to Care” anti-bullying program. On Monday, students learned with announcements, and from Tuesday to Friday, they will participate in age-appropriate activities to build understanding and improve interpersonal relationships. Students will focus on discrimination and racism, and families will dive into reactive behaviours and how to help a child self-regulate. Lessons will resume through January and will carry forward through words and actions. Announcements will continue to be shared in all classes, and displays will be placed throughout the school to reinforce the messaging.
R.H. Murray Public School
Staff and students at R.H. Murray Public School are encouraged to model kindness and respect, and to recognize others who go above and beyond to make our school a great place for teaching and learning. Each class will create their own objectives – and will have a celebration at the end of the week for meeting their goals.
Remote Learning Elementary and Secondary School
Students enrolled in the Remote Learning Elementary and Secondary School will participate in the Crumpled Paper Activity through videos and discussion. The activity relays a powerful message that every child should take part in to understand the lasting effects of bullying. Photo: Dare to Care Logo … visit the site daretocare.ca for more information. Logo provided
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