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TVDSB leaders named to expert panel to create safer schools

Tuesday, June 19, 2012 – TVDSB Education Director Bill Tucker and Trustee Peter Jaffe have been named to the new Accepting Schools Expert Panel aimed at finding ways to make schools safer, more inclusive and accepting places for students to learn.

The Ontario Education Ministry created the 15-member expert panel to identify and advise on developing resources and practices that promote a positive school climate, equity and inclusive education, as well as bullying prevention and early intervention.

“We have made important progress working with our community to deal with issues such as bullying and making our schools welcoming and inclusive places to learn – regardless of gender, race, creed or sexual orientation,” said Director Tucker.

Creating the panel, which met for the first time last week, is part of a comprehensive action plan that began with the passage of the Accepting Schools Act (Bill 13) on June 5.

“I want to thank the members of our expert panel for their dedication and commitment,” said Education Minister Lauren Broten. “Their advice will help bring about the change needed to make all of our schools accepting and safe schools.”

The following elements of the action plan will be developed by the panel:

• Bringing mental health support workers into schools as part of Ontario's 10-year mental health and addictions strategy;

• Reporting from Ontario's Curriculum Council on integrating equity and inclusive education principles and bullying prevention strategies across the curriculum;

• Creating a public awareness campaign to promote the role that all Ontarians have in preventing bullying;

• Renewing support for Kids Help Phone.

Trustee Jaffe is a professor in the Faculty of Education at Western University and the academic director of the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children. He has worked in the community as a psychologist specializing in child abuse and domestic violence.

Director Tucker has written and presented to school boards across Canada about domestic and school-based anti-violence programs and special education. He is currently the 2012 United Way Cabinet Chair for London and Middlesex County.

For More Information:

Richard Hoffman, Public Affairs Coordinator

Thames Valley District School Board, 1250 Dundas Street E. London N6A 5L1 519-452-2000 ext. 20505 Cell: 519-630-3846 r.hoffman@tvdsb.on.ca

expert panel

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