BRANTFORD, ONT. – The Grand Erie District School Board is excited to release the Police Resource Outreach Supporting Education modules aligned with Ontario curriculum expectations. PROSETM was developed in collaboration with staff, the Brantford Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police in Brant County, Norfolk County and Haldimand County.
The curriculum initiative was followed by the launch of an extensive review and consultation process outlined in the Police in Schools Review Report (June 2023). The updated program is guided by recommendations prioritizing inclusivity, transparency, and the unique needs of Grand Erie’s diverse school communities.
Grand Erie partnered with police services to co-produce teaching materials to enhance student learning and engagement. The police service partners possess a deeper understanding of some of the topics outlined in the curriculum and the students will benefit from this learning experience. The police presence in the classrooms during these presentations will meet our objective of community building to build positive relationships with students.
Key features of PROSE include:
- Strengthened partnerships: Clear communication and collaboration between families, Grand Erie schools and police.
- Equity-focused training: Enhanced cultural competence and bias awareness training for PROSE officers and staff.
- Student-led engagement: Opportunities for students to co-design programs and initiatives that build trust and mutual respect.
- Grade-relevant content: Educators and police will jointly develop and deliver presentations and programs that align with Ontario curriculum expectations.
The program’s guiding principles emphasize transparency, restorative practices, and a shared commitment to student success and well-being. PROSE presentations and programs will be aligned with the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum expectations.
This year, our work focused on creating modules for two compulsory secondary school courses: Grade 9 Physical Education and Grade 10 Career Studies. This way, all students will have the opportunity to experience this co-delivered learning in their first two years of high school. Writing teams comprised of educators and police officers, working collaboratively, have been focussed on the first modules.
The first module, Online Safety and Social Media, is ready to launch. This interactive, research-based, trauma-informed practice addresses the curriculum expectations related to internet safety, online behaviour and consequences. View the Online Safety and Social Media grade-relevant content to provide a sample of the presentation delivered in high schools.
Additionally, a unit on Human Trafficking, with a focus on recognizing the signs that someone may be in danger of being trafficked, how to help and who to go to if you are concerned about someone.
Quotes
"This partnership between the Grand Erie District School Board and local police services is a valuable extension of our commitment to fostering positive learning environments. The PROSE program will provide a consistent approach across all school locations and four police detachments, where every school community member feels safe, welcomed and included." Susan Gibson, Chair of the Grand Erie District School Board
"Through student, staff and community voice, the PROSE program is an evidence-based initiative to strengthen the relationship between Grand Erie students and local police services. We're creating a culture of well-being and belonging, focusing on revised curriculum connections, and based on educators and police services to come together to redesign relevant and current curriculum connections to support students. This collaboration with police service partners possesses a deeper understanding of some of the topics outlined in the curriculum. The students will benefit from this learning experience, ensuring a consistent and inclusive approach across the Grand Erie District School Board. Thank you to Meghan Cameron, Jason Hall, and our police partners for their work in developing new modules aligned with the Ontario curriculum and a new collaborative approach to police presence and programs in schools. This is reflected in the new PROSE name. Together, we can make a difference in our students' lives and learning." JoAnna Roberto, Director of Education, Grand Erie District School Board
“The PROSE program represents a meaningful evolution in how our members engage with schools and communities, prioritizing relationship-building and collaboration to support student success. This program empowers officers to foster trust and understanding with students, staff, and families by focusing on equity, human rights, and community building. The Police Association of Ontario is proud to support an initiative that prioritizes officers in schools where meaningful engagement opportunities take place between the police and the school community.” Mark Baxter, President, Police Association of Ontario
“By placing dedicated officers within our schools, we are taking a proactive step towards ensuring safety, building trust, and fostering mentorship. The PROSE program isn’t just about responding to challenges – it’s about preventing them and creating a secure, supportive environment together where students can learn and grow.” Interim Chief Jason Saunders, Brantford Police Service
“Brant County OPP detachment assigns frontline officers to the role of a PROSE Officer in Grand Erie District School Board schools. We look forward to interacting with students and other members of our educational community and participating in programs that focus on positive engagement and relationship building with youth in schools.” Conrad Vitalis, School Resource Officer, Brant County OPP
“Norfolk County OPP is pleased to partner with the Grand Erie District School Board in advancing the PROSE program. Together with teachers and staff across Haldimand and Norfolk, we’re dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment where every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.” Andrew Gamble, Media Relations and Community Safety Officer, Norfolk County OPP
“The safety of our youth is a shared responsibility. When law enforcement and schools work together, we create a stronger, safer community for everyone. Haldimand County OPP anticipates bridging the gap between the schools to foster stronger relationships and collaboration.” Patti Cote, Media Relations and Community Safety Officer, Haldimand County OPP
Front row (L-R): Constable Kelsie Annaert, Students Savannah Litchfield, Morgan Armstrong, Bella Hoffman, Constable Conrad Vitalis. Back row (L-R): Deputy Chief Jason Saunders, Chair of the Board Susan Gibson, Superintendent of Education Peter Ashe, Director of Education JoAnna Roberto, BPA President Jeremy Morton, Principal Stephen Wills, Constable Andrew Gamble, Constable Patti Cote, Inspector Michael Sciberras, and PAO President Mark Baxter.
