Safe and Caring Schools New to the North Educators’ Conference August 17, 2017

Kathryn Walker Taught at Elizabeth Mackenzie Elementary School in Behchokǫ̀ from 1999 to 2010 Originally from Toronto Wellness and Literacy Coordinator at the Department of Education, Culture, and Employment (ECE) Kathryn_Walker@gov.nt.ca Brief intros –

Safe and Caring Schools Working Group Through Education Renewal, all initiatives are planned and implemented through working groups Core working group: members from ECE Extended working group: members representing the different regions and educational bodies in the NWT

Safe School Legislation 2013 Safe Schools Legislation – changes to the Education Act to include definitions of bullying Safe Schools regulations followed, including a Territorial School Code of Conduct As per the regulations, all schools now have Safe School Plans which have been developed by the principal and the Safe School Committee

Ask your principal if you can be on the Safe School Committee! Safe School Plans Each school’s Safe School Plan is required to: describe the ways that the school will create a safe and caring environment for students and staff include the procedures that the school will use to deal with bullying, including cyber-bullying describe the healthy relationship programming that is provided for all students Ask your principal if you can be on the Safe School Committee!

Healthy Relationship Programming All schools are required to provide evidence based, healthy relationship programming, as a proactive step towards developing safe and caring schools. 2 programs that are promoted by ECE are: WITS and WITS LEADS- Grades K-3 and 4-6 4th R for Grades 7-10 Both programs are available as free online training The 4th R training is offered during the year, face to face, in different locations in the NWT Many NWT teachers have been trained in the 4th R and free one day trainings are being offered a number of times during the school year. Training is also provided online. We currently have 4 NWT teachers who are Master Trainers and work under the supervision of staff at the Western University of Ontario to provide the training. WITS= Walk away, Ignore, Talk it out, Seek help

“64% of LGBTQ students report feeling LGBTQ2+ Policy “64% of LGBTQ students report feeling unsafe at school.” Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, 2 Spirited Plus ECE LGBTQ2+ extended working group has representation from groups such as NWT Pride, the Rainbow Coalition, FOXY/SMASH, NWTTA, Sport North First Rainbow Youth Conference March 2017 Policy is currently being developed to support the full inclusion and safety of LGBTQ2+ students and staff in NWT schools 2011 report by Egale Canada- Every Class in Every School 38 students from across the NWT who identify as LGBTQ2+ FOXY Fostering Open eXpression among Youth SMASH Strength, Masculinities, And Sexual Health

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