Banting is one of only 10 schools across Ontario to receive the award.

In honour of the school’s achievement, Minister Laurel Broten will be visiting the school on Monday, June 25, 2012 to meet students on the Safe Schools Action Team, as well as teachers and administrators who contribute to a safe and inclusive community.

The student population at Banting is drawn from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and needs, including students who are new to Canada and may face language barriers.

Regardless of background, the school strives to offer all students equal opportunities and an inclusive environment.

The school’s Safe and Healthy Schools Committee – a group of about 60 students from Grades 9 through 12, assisted by staff advisors – plays a key role organizing events and activities to promote a safe and inclusive environment at Banting.

Some of these campaigns included: The Upstander campaign, Sea of Pink, Shine the Light on Woman Abuse, Buckets of Kindness and the White Ribbon Campaign.

The student-led Upstander campaign saw student leaders visit each Banting classroom to encourage students to sign an anti-bullying pledge. The pledges were displayed prominently on the door of each classroom and in the school foyer.

The “We Belong to Banting” campaign was aimed at new students and included a “Wildcard Event” involving a sleepover at the school for Grade 8 students. The event was led by 90 senior Banting students who took on many roles, including “skill builders,” and provided leadership models for the younger students.

One Banting student commented on the success of these initiatives, saying she is “proud to attend an accepting, special school” and feels that the school's resources for helping students resolve conflict have resulted in a school where bullying is almost non-existent.

Banting has been well supported by TVDSB Safe Schools Programming by hosting several drama presentations related to issues such as: mental illness, harassment, bullying, cyber bulling and dating violence. Each of these presentations incorporated classroom activities led by trained peer facilitators from Banting.

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