Safer Schools Student Support Services Karen Campbell & Brenda Jenner

Safer School Principles Caring, respectful and safe school environments are essential for children and young people to learn and to achieve healthy personal and social development. Members of the school community commit to building a school culture that fosters respect, diversity and equity. The Safe and Caring Schools policy is a commitment of the school community to plan, strategize and create a respectful, safe and nurturing educational environment for everyone. All students and school staff have the right to be treated in a fair, respectful and equitable manner in a safe school environment free from all forms of bullying, harassment and intimidation. Government of Yukon

The goal of the Yukon Education system is to work in cooperation with parents / guardians to develop the whole child including the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, cultural potential of all students to the extent of their abilities. The Department of Education, including school administrators and school staff, shares the responsibility with parents, school councils, school committees and school boards and the community to promote caring, respectful and safe school environments. The sense of belonging to the school community where everyone is accepted and supported by all members of the community is the paramount goal of Yukon Education. Every effort will be made by schools to provide support so that students can achieve their goals in the classroom. Government of Yukon

Policy and Plan Safe & Caring Schools Policy: http://www.education.gov.yk.ca/pdf/policies/safe_caring_schools.pdf Safe & Caring Schools Policy Support Plan: http://www.education.gov.yk.ca/pdf/policies/safe_caring_policy_implementation.pdf Government of Yukon

Safe & Caring Schools Policy Support Plan Safer School Tools Student Support Services is involved in and supports a number of initiatives to insure safer school climates: Safe & Caring Schools Policy Support Plan Trauma Informed Lens to appreciating, understanding and responding to student development and need, Restorative Approaches to responding to hurtful/harmful behaviour and improving school culture & connection, Positive Behavioural Intervention Supports (‘PBIS’) to supporting whole school efforts to encourage helpful, kind behaviour Government of Yukon

In-services for School Busing Curriculum Development and Student Support Services conferences in conjunction with YTA conferences In-services for School Busing Professional Development Conferences on topics of Safer Schools Delivery and facilitation of protocols such as VTRA, Complex Needs and Critical Incidence Stress Response Guidance and direction from leading researchers in the field Government of Yukon

In Closing A positive school climate exists when all members of the school community feel safe, included, and accepted, and actively promote positive behaviours and interactions. Principles of equity and inclusive education are embedded in the learning environment to support a positive school climate and a culture of mutual respect and connectedness. A positive school climate is essential in the prevention of inappropriate behaviour, harmful and bullying behaviour. Government of Yukon

Government of Yukon

Dept. Contacts Karen Campbell A/Director of Student Support Services 867-667-5986 or Karen.Campbell@gov.yk.ca Liza Manolis A/Manager of Student Support Services 867-667-5130 or Liza.Manolis@gov.yk.ca Brenda Jenner A/School Community Consultant 867-456-6587 or Brenda.Jenner@gov.yk.ca Government of Yukon