Family Handbook 2017-18

5. Bullying Preven on and  Interven on  The Accep ng Schools Act,  known as Bill 13, was passed  in  June 2012. The bill amends  the  province’s Educa on Act and as  such, every  school must  comply. Bill 13  requires all  schools  to  prevent and address  inappropriate and disrespec ul behaviour among  students  in our  schools.  These behaviours  include bullying, discrimina on and harassment. The  law promotes  respect and  understanding  for all  students  regardless of  race, gender,  sexual orienta on, disability or any  other  factor. Bill 13, Accep ng Schools Act  (2012) begins with a preamble.  It  says,  “The people of  Ontario and  the  Legisla ve Assembly:  ● Believe  that educa on plays a  cri cal  role  in preparing  young people  to grow up as  produc ve,  contribu ng and  construc ve  ci zens  in  the diverse  society of Ontario;  ● Believe  that all  students  should  feel  safe at  school and deserve a posi ve  school  climate  that  is  inclusive and accep ng,  regardless of  race, ancestry, place of origin,  colour, ethnic  origin,  ci zenship,  creed,  sex,  sexual orienta on, gender  iden ty, gender expression, age,  marital  status,  family  status or disability;  ● Believe  that a healthy,  safe and  inclusive  learning environment where all  students  feel  accepted  is a necessary  condi on  for  student  success;  ● Understand  that  students  cannot be expected  to  reach  their  full poten al  in an  environment where  they  feel  insecure or  in midated;  ● Believe  that  students need  to be equipped with  the  knowledge,  skills, a tude and  values  to engage  the world and others  cri cally, which means developing a  cri cal  consciousness  that allows  them  to  take ac on on making  their  schools and  communi es more equitable  and  inclusive  for all people,  including  LGBTTIQ  (lesbian, gay, bisexual,  transgender,  transsexual,  two‐spirited,  intersex, queer and ques oning) people;  ● Recognize  that a whole‐school approach  is  required, and  that everyone—government,  educators,  school  staff, parents,  students and  the wider  community—has a  role  to play  in  crea ng a posi ve  school  climate and preven ng  inappropriate behaviour,  such as  bullying,  sexual assault, gender‐based  violence and  incidents based on homophobia,  transphobia or biphobia;  ● Acknowledge  that an open and ongoing dialogue among  the principal,  school  staff, parents  and  students  is an  important  component  in  crea ng a posi ve  school  climate  in which  everyone  feels  safe and  respected;  ● Acknowledge  that  there  is a need  for  stronger ac on  to  create a  safe and  inclusive  environment  in all  schools, and  to  support all  students,  including both  students who are  impacted by and  students who have engaged  in  inappropriate behavior,  to assist  them  in 

Last Updated Aug. 18, 2017  Havergal College Family Handbook 2017–18

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