Our schools have been busy this week learning about bullying, conflict, and how to be good friends as part of Bullying Awareness Week.

Some of the activities that took place this week included:

-High school students visited elementary schools to present, interact, and support younger students in choosing kindness, and how to overcome potential bullying situations,

-Teachings were shared on how to build healthy relationships and tolerance,

-Students each created a unique fish scale to represent themselves, and then put them together to create a beautiful fish mosaic art piece,

-Odd sock day was celebrated in many schools to show that it's ok to be different, and to stand up against bullying and discrimination,

-Students created a #BeKind banner with positive messages and drawings,

-Online trivia games were played as a group, around the topic of bullying,

-Northern Haven Support Society visited some of our schools to speak about bullying.

Some great practices that some of our schools do year-round include:

-Hosting friendship groups for students who struggle with making friends, to help with social skills and bring students with common interests together,

-Regularly giving shout-outs and monthly awards to students who display values such as kindness, relationships, and being a good friend,

-A buddy bench on the playground where students can go to sit if they don't have anyone to play with. This makes them visible to others that they need a friend.

A big shout-out to our wellness coaches for their planning and efforts this week to raise awareness on bullying, equip students with healthy social skills, and work together to keep our schools safe.