Three local schools tops for promoting safety, acceptance

Three of this year’s 10 Premier’s Awards for Accepting Schools are in Hamilton.

The awards, given out annually for safe and accepting schools, recognize teams of students, educators and parents for creating positive school environments. The three Hamilton schools are: Annunciation of Our Lord Catholic Elementary — for assemblies each Monday morning showcasing student talents and interests, celebrating clubs and teams; for hosting healthy events like walk-to-school days, and yoga and anti-tobacco displays; and for installing a buddy bench and painting a conflict resolution circle in its schoolyard to help students find friends and resolve disputes.

Bishop Tonnos Catholic high school, Ancaster — for student bully-prevention training that have led to helping peers report or diffuse bullying; for student planning of a girls’ empowerment summit in response to unique bullying faced by females; and for organizing two safe school town hall meetings.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Elementary, Stoney Creek — for introducing activities such as yoga and meditation to deal with student self-identified stress problem and for holding a Kindness and Human Dignity month featuring bullying awareness activities.

Every school in Ontario is required to have a Safe and Accepting Schools Team.