Plenary Sessions
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SESSION ONE
Safe Schools: from Rhetoric to RealityHow do we move beyond the "Anti-Bullying" rhetoric to create a school climate in which everyone feels safe, respected and valued? Hetty van Gurp has been working with schools around the world that are actively seeking practical solutions to this common challenge. Hetty believes that it is possible to create a safe and caring school ethos and will explain why she holds this belief as well as her own story of the tragedy that led her to start Peaceful Schools International, an organization that supports schools world-wide. Her message is one of hope and optimism.
Hetty van Gurp
Hetty is an internationally recognized educator and author and an inspiring and passionate presenter. She is the author of several books and educational materials. Her accomplishments are the subject of a National Film Board of Canada documentary film entitled "Teaching Peace in a Time of War." Hetty's contributions to peace education have been honoured with a number of awards, including a Baha'i Commendation for promoting racial harmony, the Nova Scotia Principal of Distinction Award, the Queen's Jubilee Medal and the 2006 Special Recognition Award from the Canadian Teachers' Federation. Hetty holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education from Mount Saint Vincent University (where she is also a part-time faculty member). In 2005, Hetty was awarded a Doctorate in Civil Law from Saint Mary's University.
SESSION TWO
See No Evil, Hear No Evil: The Parents are Out to LunchChildren's perceptions of peer relationship problems differ greatly from those of their parents and adults at school. This session investigates the involvement of parents in addressing the self reported bully-victim and sexual harassment problems of their children. Data comes from a large, multi-school Canadian study investigating bully-victim problems, sexual harassment and racial discrimination in grades four to twelve. Very few parents of bullies report having any knowledge of their child's harmful behaviour, and just over one-half of victims have a parent who is aware. Parents and teachers are least likely to know about children’s involvement in sexual harassment. In general, adults have very little understanding of when and where harmful incidents take place at school and school administrators report that they do not have the resources nor the authority to hold parents of bullies accountable. When parents are not meaningfully involved in school efforts to deal with bully-victim problems, program impact will be limited. Programs should adopt a public health perspective to enhance school-based interventions. Parent education and training should be a key element of this strategy.
Dr. Mark Totten
Dr. Totten has authored over 25 books, academic articles and government reports on youth issues, including "Guys, Gangs and Girlfriend Abuse" (2000) and "When Children Kill: A Social- Psychological Study on Youth Homicide" (with K. Kelly, 2002), published by Broadview Press. Currently, he works with groups across Canada on evidence-based practices in the areas of Restorative Justice, Male-Responsive and Female-Responsive Youth Justice Interventions, Gangs, Extreme Youth Violence, and Gender Identity. Mark is Director of Research at the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa and has worked with high-risk children, youth and families in a variety of therapeutic, community and correctional settings for three decades.
SESSION THREE (ONE PLENARY - TWO PRESENTATIONS)
Laugh, Cry, Learn: Entertaining Presentations for ChildrenThe first presenter, Bruce Langford, is a teacher with an important message and a unique style. He presents practical and fun methods for using drama, music and video to integrate bullying prevention into the curriculum. Bruce will demonstrate ways to instill healthy values in students and share ways for those who work with children to use their own creativity in day-to-day teaching. Gary Fraser, a police officer from Nova Scotia, will adapt his hugely successful interactive kids program for an adult audience and in the process demonstrate the power of drama, music and song. Participants should be prepared to be picked on!
Bruce Langford
Bruce Langford, an experienced elementary teacher from the London, Ontario, area has delivered inspirational presentations to over 300 schools. He uses music, role play and videos to ensure the message will stick with the students. Bruce currently has three programs: 'Stand Up Against Bullying', Stand Up For Respect’ and a parent program entitled 'Stand Up – Keep Your Kids'.
Gary Fraser
Gary Fraser is a police officer from Nova Scotia who partners with Officer Sam to engage elementary students in their innovative bullying awareness program. Officer Sam is a three foot tall fully uniformed puppet with a message. Gary and Officer Sam use music, skits and a short video to promote their message. We have word that there may be some freebies available at this session.
SESSION FOUR
Putting it Together...with students too!"Working together to prevent bullying" is the theme of a collaborative initiative involving a Public Health Nurse and a group of elementary schools in the Region of Peel. The "Bullying Prevention Initiative" is a comprehensive school wide program that emphasizes a positive school climate and challenges the bullying behaviour demonstrated by all school community members. It is rooted in a collaborative partnership of school staff, students, parents and community members. We focus on the goals of consistency, sustainability, shared ownership and youth empowerment. Creative student led activities, policy development, peer education, creation of monthly bullying prevention lesson plans, adult education and the use of a common definition of bullying across the group of schools are some of the achievements of this initiative. This presentation will provide an overview of the initiative highlighting the collaborative grass-roots process and youth involvement.
Linda Andrews - Public Health Nurse, Region of Peel Health Department
Linda is a Public Health Nurse with the Region of Peel Health Department. She has worked with children and youth for more than 16 years and has focused on the issue of bullying prevention for the past 10 years. Linda has a Masters of Divinity in Counseling and experience in adolescent psychiatry which have allowed her to bring an enriched skill set to addressing childhood bullying. For the past 5 years, Linda has worked with school communities to create a proactive, systemic approach to bullying prevention.
Nancy Godfrey - Principal, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
Nancy is the Principal of Holy Family Catholic Elementary School. She has been actively involved with the Bullying Prevention Initiative since its inception 5 years ago. The Holy Family school community provides a positive model for sustainable bullying prevention.
SESSION FIVE
Rhetoric, Practice, Success!In May, 2002, the Lakeland Catholic Board of Trustees, in response to parent concerns that too much bullying was going on in the schools, embarked on a journey that has resulted in significant decreases in bullying and dramatic changes in the "culture" of their schools. Within two years of starting the initiative, school administrators reported significant decreases in bullying and/or referrals to the office, and the district and school surveys revealed marked improvements in satisfaction with safety and respect. The Superintendent and three principals from Lakeland Catholic will share their journey and the key practices that contributed to their success. Lakeland Catholic is the recipient of the "2005 Alberta Premier's Award for Innovation and Excellence" for their "Anti-bullying/Moral Intelligence" Initiative.
Valerie Hansen - Elementary School Principal
Diane Bauer - Middle School Principal
Michele Revoy - High School Principal
Bernadette Provost - Superintendent of Schools (Lakeland Catholic Board, Bonnyville, Alberta)
SESSION SIX
Awareness to Action: Abuse, Harassment & Bullying in RecreationIn response to a growing need in our communities, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) recently introduced Making All Recreation Safe - Awareness to Action, a national multi-sector initiative that helps Canadian communities implement abuse, harassment, and bullying prevention strategies to make their recreation services safer.
The interactive session will involve, but not be limited to, the following:
Sharon Jollimore, Director National Initiatives
Keri Hoffman, Coordinator National Initiatives
Canadian Parks & Recreaton Association
SESSION SEVEN
Cyber Bullying: Navigating the Dilemmas of Safety and Education in Cyber-SpaceYoung people use the Internet to explore identity, stay connected with friends and develop new social networks. While most online interaction is positive, the increasing pervasiveness of peer-on-peer bullying is raising concern among parents, teachers and school administrators. This joint workshop presents a profile of cyber bullying and research on its prevalence and consequences on children's health, learning and school environment. Cathy Wing examines the impact of new technologies on ethical behaviour and explores the online youth cultures that give rise to bullying and harassment. Dr. Shariff will discuss existing and emerging court decisions relating to freedom of expression, student safety, privacy and protection, with a view to providing parents and schools with policy guidelines as they navigate the uncharted realm of bullying in cyber-space.
Shaheen Shariff, PhD, McGill University
Cathy Wing, Director of Education, Media Awareness Network
SESSION EIGHT
Miss, It Hurts"If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for much". Marian Wright Edelman
For many years, I had the honour and privilege to teach First Nation children from my local community. I heard many things that inspired me but sadly, I heard far too many things that broke my heart. "Miss, It Hurts" will share the words, poems, and statements directly from the heart of the children.
As a teacher, I always asked myself if what we do in our schools helps or hurts the children...are there times when we add to their pain...when our words lift up and when they deflate and potentially destroy our students?
The presentation will also discuss school culture and how educators can develop classrooms so positive that even the most withdrawn student can blossom?
"Miss, It Hurts" is not meant to bring shame to our people but to open the doors of communication so healing can take place in our families, communities and within our nation. If we continue to bury our hearts, we can never fully become the people that the Creator has called us to be.
Vera Tourangeau
Peepeekisis First Nation
Vera addressed the "Beyond Rhetoric" Bullying Awareness conference in March, 2005, and moved many delegates to tears. She has since spoken across the country, written a book and addressed parliamentarians in the capital on National Child’s Day. She is currently working for Treaty Four Education in southern Saskatchewan as Coordinator of the Education Indicators Program serving 22 First Nation Schools.
SESSION NINE
All Kids are Our Kids!"Dwell on what children do right, instead of what they do wrong"
Everyone, adults and youth-in big and small ways-can help increase assets in the daily lives of young people. We just need an understanding of what actions and behaviors breed success, ideas to apply that knowledge, and most importantly, a desire and passion to see young people grow up happy, healthy, and responsible. It's time to act on the belief that problem-free is not fully prepared. The presentation will provide an overview of the THRIVE program, the building of strong learning communities, conflict management and character education.
Joanne McQuiggen
Joanne McQuiggen is the Executive Director of Thrive! The Canadian Centre for Positive Youth Development. She has spent over 20 years in the field of youth work as both a professional and volunteer. She has travelled across Canada and internationally, delivering workshops and presentations to support the development of healthy, capable youth people of strong character.
SESSION TEN
Recess is supposed to be fun, right?Student Mediated Conflict Resolution Programs
In a survey of over 17,000 students in Hamilton schools, the playground and recess were reported to be the place and time when the vast majority of bullying and aggression occurred, the place where students felt least safe. Our students are no different from those in schools the world over. Not fun for a significant number of children who are constantly the targets of bullying and relational or physical aggression. Not fun for an even greater number of children who are either passive participants or witnesses to this kind of behaviour. Can student mediated conflict resolution programs help to make playgrounds safer places, and recess fun again? Our research would suggest that they can and do. This plenary session will consider the rationale for peer mediation programs, share the evidence that they are effective in reducing playground conflict, discuss the benchmarks which are necessary to have in place to sustain an effective program and explore the evidence for whether peer mediation is effective in dealing with the power imbalance, repetitive and relational nature of bullying.
Lesley Cunningham
Lesley is a social worker with the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, with responsibility for Violence Prevention programming. She has been extensively involved in the development, implementation and evaluation of bullying/violence prevention, social skills and depression prevention programs within the school system and has presented numerous workshops on these topics both within Canada and internationally. She has co authored several book chapters and articles in peer reviewed journals in the area of violence prevention, social skills and peer mediation. Other interests include the promotion of evidence-based interventions in the practice of social work.
SESSION ELEVEN
Stand Up and Stop Bullying: Alberta's Bullying Prevention InitiativeThe session will present core elements of Alberta's Bullying Prevention Strategy. In particular, the session will explore the work undertaken to date with special emphasis on the "Stand Up and Stop Bullying" prevention youth campaign launched in Edmonton and Calgary on May 12, 2006. The youth campaign is targeted at youth 12 - 17 years and includes a number of key elements including the launch of a helpline, development of mass media materials, a province wide contest/campaign and a website for youth. A provincial youth committee was trained in bullying prevention and is currently conducting training sessions as requested throughout Alberta. The "Stand Up and Stop Bullying" campaign was developed in consultation with the Prevention of Bullying Youth Committee and Canadian research experts, and was focus tested with youth. The session will include presentations from youth engaged in the program.
Carri Boulton, Manager, Bullying Prevention, Alberta's Children Services (Co-Chair)
Paula Coombs, Manager, Alberta Children and Youth Initiative, Alberta Education (Co-Chair)
Youth Presenters - Alberta's Provincial Prevention of Bullying Youth Committee
SESSION TWELVE (ONE PLENARY - TWO PRESENTATIONS)
(1) Zero Tolerance Policies and Discretion: Finding a BalanceHeightened concerns about violence in schools have led to the widespread implementation of zero tolerance policies. On an increasing basis, the effectiveness of these policies is being challenged. Clearly, schools want to send the message that violence in schools will not be tolerated. At the same time, however, responses to incidents require the use of discretion, allowing school personnel to consider the nuances of each situation and determine an appropriate consequence. In this session, participants will have the opportunity to examine the complex relationship between policy and discretion. Finally, the effectiveness of exclusionary measures such as suspensions and expulsions will be challenged and alternative approaches will be discussed.
Dr. Mary Hall
Dr. Mary Hall is the Director of Safe Schools Manitoba, an organization that works with partners in education and justice to promote safe schools and communities. Mary has worked in the field of education for 25 years, teaching in the public education system, as well as the undergraduate and graduate levels of the post-secondary system. Her doctoral research examined the use of discretion by school administrators in response to youth violence in schools. She has lectured in the Faculty of Education and the Department of Criminology at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. In addition to her work at Safe Schools Manitoba, she is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba.
(2) Since we insist on using physcial punishment, why do we insist that kids stop bullying?
The Criminal Code of Canada permits corporal punishment of children. Many voices still defend its use. The law and these voices undermine effective public education regarding physical punishment. The session will summarize the research evidence on physical punishment, including the evidence linking it to bullying behaviour in children. Physical punishment will be examined from legal and human rights perspectives. An agenda for action in Canada based on research evidence and human rights will be discussed. The Canadian Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth will be referenced extensively.
Ron Ensom
Ron Ensom's career has been dedicated to the well-being of children. His expertise and activities include extensive experience in child protection, clinical practice, teaching, program development, advocacy and research in child maltreatment, family violence and child poverty. He is the author of a book on child sexual abuse, co-author of the Canadian Joint Statement on Shaken Baby Syndrome and the Joint Statement on Physical Punishment of Children and Youth.
SESSION THIRTEEN
Social Aggression as Bullying: What Do We Know?This session will focus on the use of social/relational aggression, often referred to as "girl's aggression", as a form of bullying. We will discuss the reasons why such behaviours are used and the impact this form of bullying has. The role of gender in the use of this form of behaviour will be examined and strategies for dealing with it will be discussed. Finally, we will examine practices designed to prevent the likelihood of social aggression occurring.
Dr. Tina Daniels, Carleton University, Canada
Tina Daniels is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Coordinator of the Child Studies Programme at Carleton University. Her research interests focus on social aggression in girls and the dynamics of girl's social relationships especially amongst close friends. She is a member of two Canada-wide research networks, the Canadian Initiative for the Prevention of Bullying and the Network for Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence. Her goal is to promote safe and healthy relationships for all Canadian children and youth. She is Chair of the Ottawa Anti-Bullying Coalition, a group of community members committed to reducing bullying in the City of Ottawa and surrounding areas. Each year she gives many talks and workshops to children, teachers and parents.
SESSION FOURTEEN
"That's so gay!" - Speaking Out About Homophobic Bullying and HarassmentOne-third of teens report that students are frequently bullied because they are, or are perceived to be, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit or queer (LGBTTQ). Despite this reality, few anti-bullying initiatives consciously acknowledge or address homophobic bullying and harassment. Research indicates that youth hear anti-gay slurs such as "homo", "faggot" and "sissy" about 26 times a day, or once every 14 minutes. Even more troubling, a study found that 31% percent of queer-identified youth had been threatened or injured at school in the last year alone.
This plenary session will bring together the voices of youth, community workers, educators and parents to help break the silence surrounding homophobic bullying and harassment in both urban and rural environments. The panel will explore options to help promote safe schools and communities that foster healthy youth development for LGBTTQ youth, children of LGBTTQ families, those who are perceived to be LGBTTQ, and bystanders of homophobic bullying.
Youth - Jean-Yves Benard
Parent - Libby Boudreau
LGBTTQ Youth Worker - Ernie Gibbs, Centretown Community Health Centre
Educator - Kim Boudreau
SESSION FIFTEEN
Going Beyond Talk to Find Youth Voices!Stephan Leafloor is a father of 3 and the founder of Canada's oldest Bboy Crew (Breakdancing crew) "The Canadian Floor Masters". Through his company, Blue Print For Life, he has been delivering creative programs In Canada's Arctic and aboriginal communities in what he calls Social Work through Hiphop. By empowering young people to find their own voice through Hiphop while incorporating their own traditional culture, many of the issues facing youth such as Bullying, Suicide, Solvent and Drug Abuse and Violence are directly addressed. This session will look at some of the techniques used in his workshops and a short documentary on the Iqaluit project will be shown. Some of Stephen's youth leaders and dancers will also be on hand to keep this session lively.
Stephen Leafloor
Stephen Leafloor, ( aka Buddha) is a social worker with an MSW degree and over 25 years front line experience in Child protection, Wilderness programs, Residential Work and Youth Outreach. He has also been directly involved in the Culture of Hiphop for over 25 years. He is working extensively with the young people of Canada's most northern communities.
SESSION SIXTEEN
Shared Concern: Intervening with BulliesThe Method of Shared Concern is a non-punitive, and educative intervention, whose purpose is to help youth who display bullying behaviours develop empathy towards the victim. Developed by Swedish psychologist, Anatol Pikas, the method aims at breaking up the bully group through individual talks with its members in a genuine two-way communication that elicits a shared concern about the effect of the bullying behaviour on the victim. It also helps develop skills for finding mutually agreeable solutions for both the victim and the perpetrators. Although the method involves a non-blaming approach, it does not in any way seek to excuse or condone bullying. It is in fact quite direct. It strongly invites and expects a responsible response. Careful monitoring of what ensues after promises have been made is absolutely essential.
This workshop will explain the rationale for using this method and provide basic training in how to implement it in a school setting.
Eva de Gosztonyi
Eva de Gosztonyi is a psychologist who has worked in the education system for 30 years. She received a Masters Degree in psychology from Concordia University, Montreal, and a Bachelor of Education Degree from University of Saskatchewan. Her experience includes many years in the north, Saskatchewan and the Yukon, travelling to small Metis and First Nations communities, helping teachers to cope with a wide variety of learning and behaviour challenges. She is presently the co-ordinator of the Centre of Excellence for Behaviour Management providing support to the English School Boards of Quebec.
SESSION SEVENTEEN
Safe and Healthy School Communities: The Character ConnectionThis session will focus on the connection between Bullying and Character Education Initiatives. It will assist in:
Evidence based success stories from 15 years of research in Canadian and International schools will be shared.Participants will leave with practical strategies to assist in implementation efforts.
Sandra Dean
Sandra Dean is the Executive Director of Safe and Healthy School Communities, an international organization dedicated to bringing people together to help children learn and grow in healthy, safe and caring communities. She is the author of the book, "Hearts & Minds: A Public School Miracle", and former Principal of the award winning South Simcoe School. Sandra is a sought after speaker and has presented to, trained, and coached educators, business executives, politicians, and other leaders on a variety of topics in countries around the world.
SESSION EIGHTEEN
Schools that Buzz!The session will address issues relating to school ethos and the engagement of young people in the development of policy, code of conduct and school culture. Information relating to student participation in school accreditation will be discussed, along with an examination of the key roles of administrators, teachers and non teaching staff. The goal is to highlight those areas where schools (and staffrooms) can be transformed. The session will include presentations from young people.
David Millen
David Millen has held many senior positions in child welfare. He is one of the founders of Child & Youth Friendly Ottawa (CAYFO), an organization responsible for the advancement of youth engagement and community service. David is responsible for the coordination of Canada's first national conferences on bullying (2002 & 2005), the development of Canada's first cyber network newsletter (2500 members) and the founder of the Ottawa Anti Bullying Coalition. He has organized the National Child's Day ceremonies in the Canadian Senate for the past seven years and in 2002 was the recipient of the Queens Jubilee Medal for services to children and youth.