BILL 157 SAFE SCHOOLS ACT

BILL 157 KEEPING OUR KIDS SAFE AT SCHOOL ACT

On February the 1st 2010, Bill 157 “Keeping Our Kids Safe at School Act “comes into effect. This legislation introduces new expectations and requirements to address inappropriate student behaviour, and to support students who have been the victims of serious student behaviour. These requirements include:

 

-               the legislative requirement of all schools board employee groups who work directly with students, to respond to any behaviour which could negatively impact upon the school climate.

-               the legislative requirement for all school board employees to report to the principal, any student behaviour which may cause a student to be suspended or expelled

-               schools must have a process in place whereby students can report to the principal, incidents of bullying and harassment

-               it is now the duty of the principal to inform the parents of any student who has been a victim of serious student behaviour

-               schools need to have a plan and or process to support students who have been the victim of serious student behaviour

-               schools must have a progressive discipline and bully intervention and prevention plan to promote positive behaviour and to address inappropriate student behaviour

 

The Grand Erie District School Board recognizes that keeping our students safe at school is our first and foremost priority. These legislative changes help schools to better address the community problems of bullying and violent behaviour. Immediate response to inappropriate student actions will allow staff to stop and correct undesired behaviours, allowing students to realize that the offending behaviour is unacceptable. Reporting of serious student incidents will allow the principal to be aware of all activities taking place in the school where student discipline needs to be considered. It is hoped that these legislative changes coupled with ongoing dialogue with parents and community members will allow Grand Erie District School Board schools to be even better places to learn.