On Wednesday, March 26, 2014, the Halton Catholic District School Board hosted a system-wide Bullying Prevention Gala. As part of the Board's commitment to bullying prevention and intervention, the event served as the culmination of a system-wide campaign that was launched during Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in November, 2013.
Students and staff from across the Board attended the gala held at Corpus Christi Catholic Secondary School, where student submissions in three categories (original poster, video and song) were showcased, followed by a voting process to select the winning entries for the system. While votes were tallied, students enjoyed a presentation by guest speaker, Anthony McLean, founder and director of iEngage.
Congratulations to the following students and their schools:
1. Best Original Poster - Joel Louzado, St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School
2. Best Original Video - Erin Heidecker, Sheila Murray & Emily Moradian, St. John Catholic Elementary School, Oakville
3. Best Original Song - Elizabeth Silverton, St. Michael Catholic Elementary School
"This first annual Bullying Prevention Gala and Campaign are part of our Board's ongoing commitment to fostering a system-wide approach to safe, inclusive and accepting schools," says Toni Pinelli, Superintendent of Education. "We were thrilled with all of the entries that we received from our students. We're so proud of each student - their participation in this initiative demonstrates their personal commitment to promoting respect and a sense of belonging in each of our school communities."
The winning entries in the Halton Catholic District School Board's Bullying Prevention Gala will now advance to the regional Give Respect, Get Respect initiative, which is a movement that aims to spread the message of respect and healthy relationships. Give Respect, Get Respect, launched by Halton Regional Police Service, in partnership with Halton Region, Halton Catholic District School Board, Halton District School Board and independent schools in Halton, challenges students in grades six to twelve, from across the region, to develop creative arts-based public service messages that communicate the theme of respect for all. Learn more about Give Respect, Get Respect by visiting the Halton Regional Police website.