Sherwood Park, AB. — Staff and students throughout Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) are planning a variety of activities to promote kindness and healthy relationships in honour of this year’s Bullying Awareness Week, taking place November 15-19.

Bullying Awareness Week is an annual event celebrated in schools provincewide to boost awareness among students, staff, families and community members about bullying and how to prevent incidents of it in schools. Within EIPS, students and staff are spending the week learning strategies to foster healthy relationships, discourage intolerances and communicate through conflict.

“Promoting welcoming, inclusive, respectful and safe learning spaces for all students is a key priority for the Division,” says Trina Boymook, the Board Chair of EIPS. “It’s an ongoing commitment. Year-round schools teach students about healthy relationships, working together, kindness and the importance of respecting others. That’s key. When people feel welcomed, safe and respected, they’re more likely to reach their full potential, give back to their communities and help promote healthy relationships with others. That’s what this week is all about: Reminding learners about the importance of kindness and being compassionate citizens—both at school and in their daily lives.”

Throughout the week, various activities are planned at schools divisionwide, including morning announcements, presentations, lesson plans, art projects, read alouds and activities—themed around healthy relationships, empathy building, conflict-resolution, deeds of kindness, cyberbullying and much more. Additionally, all EIPS schools have ongoing projects and initiatives in place focused on building healthy relationships such as the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings, Random Acts of Kindness, Bucket Fillers, Leader in Me and various community-service programs.

"Across EIPS, school communities prioritize nurturing healthy learning environments for all students," says Marcus Reed, the Director of Specialized Supports at EIPS. "They do this by working together with intention to promote positive relationships and supports that are responsive to the needs of all students. Bullying Awareness Week is a reminder for all of us kindness and compassion are truly the efforts of every one of us. When we work together to foster and promote these values, we all contribute to a more caring and just society."

In addition to individual school activities, EIPS schools, staff and students are encouraged to show their support for Bullying Awareness Week by posting positive, inclusive and respectful messages on various social media platforms using the hashtags #EIPSBAW, #BullyingAwarenessWeek and  #ItTakesOne.

EIPS is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,125 students in 43 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

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For more information contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902