The PAC Health and Safety Committee has begun to gather resources on drug, alcohol and other health concerns. Two very informative pamphlets have been purchased and will be included with the next report card. They deal with "date rape" and drugs that can be found in our area. We are sending them home to you so that you can take the opportunity to discuss these issues with your children. This committee is still focusing on the development of Community Information Forums and Volunteer Criminal Record Checks for all those who have direct contact with our children. Anyone interested in becoming a Health Committee member or who would like to help out with the events being planned, are asked to contact Kandace Winsor at 457-5339 or leave a message at the school 453-9144. [continues 174 words]
At the last PAC meeting, the parents unanimously voted in favour of participating in the newly formed Gold Trail District Parents Advisory Council. Most of the schools within this School District have agreed to take part in this new group to obtain representation on the Provincial Level as well as to represent the School PACs that share similar issues. Kayely Smyly and Damian Couture did a power point presentation about the Drug Free Zone to the Ashcroft Village Council last Monday. [continues 180 words]
The student elections are now completely over and there was a majority vote in favor of the Drug Free Zone Program. Now steps are being taken to bring this program into realization. The Students Council will be involved with informing the community, as well as all the students, about the implications that will occur once this program is fully implemented. The administration is pleased with the students' decisions to go forward with this agenda. Plans to help guide them into a smooth transition are underway. This program will have a positive effect on the community, especially for anyone residing within this zone which will include the entire area within a two-block radius around the school. Information pamphlets will be developed and handed out throughout the community explaining the full implications of this Zone. The target date for full implementation is Feb. 1, 2005. [continues 173 words]
The results of a student survey conducted at the high school were quite surprising in some areas. Seventy-seven per cent of the students said that they were aware of the drug problem in the school. Again 77 per cent said that they did not improve literacy by being a student at this school. Finally over 75 per cent of the students said they felt safe while on school grounds. The drug program is being addressed by the Drug Free Zone, which will be detailed for you in later articles. The problem with safety seems to be associated with the drug use. Students say they feel un comfortable when passing a group of kids that gather in a large group to do drugs. Also there was mention of some bullies who wait until not on school grounds to attack other students. As mentioned above, the drug problem is being addressed. As for those bullies who think that they have outsmarted the school, some of their names have been given to the principal of the school. The school will not tolerate any threats. Students do not have to wait until bullies act physically. [continues 141 words]
