Newsletter-1-Safe-Schools-November

Restorative Practice The Durham District School Board is invested in Restorative Practice as a means to promote healthy relationships in a Positive School Climate. Restorative Practice is a way of thinking and being that cultivates community, supporting well-being and achievement. This approach fosters the conditions that promote a positive sense of self, spirit and belonging for all school community members. Restorative Practice also provides a framework to maintain community when challenges and conflicts arise, and to restore community when needed. There are nine interconnected elements upon which Restorative Practice is based. These elements provide the foundation to cultivate caring and healthy communities. Cannabis On October 17th, Bill C-17 legalized cannabis for everyone over the age of 19 years in Ontario. Use and possession of cannabis for those under the age of 19 remains prohibited. Use of cannabis on school property or within 20 metres of schools property is subject to fines under the Smoke Free Ontario Act 2017, and could be subject to Progressive Discipline as a violation of the school Code of Conduct. Schools will continue to address students being intoxicated while at school (regardless of the substance) as a health and safety concern that could also be subject to Progressive Discipline as a violation of the school Code of Conduct. The DDSB Safe Schools Department will continue to work with schools and community partners to provide support through updated policies, training, and resources for students, staff, and parents. DYDAC The Leader in Me: Action to Awareness Conference was held at the DDSB board office on October 20th. Over 150 staff and students were in attendance, representing 21 schools from both the DDSB and DCDSB. At the conference, students learned about creating an effective health promotion campaign; the links between substance use, physical health, mental health and addictions; and the importance of relationships in prevention and treatment of substance use addiction. They were also given valuable and up-to-date information regarding alcohol, cannabis, and prescription drugs such as opioids. In partnership with their school’s Public Health Nurse and guided by the Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School - Promoting Well-Being, students applied their learning to the creation of a Health Action Plan that is specifically tailored to the needs of their school. We Are Better Together The DDSB is currently in the process of updating and enhancing our Bullying Awareness and Prevention Campaign. Over the course of the 2018-2019 school year, you will be seeing new digital and physical resources that will help support the ongoing Bullying Awareness and Prevention work we are doing in your schools.