Safe Schools Plan

Research shows that there is a direct link between students’ success and the school environment in which learning takes place. Students are more motivated to do well and to realize their full potential in schools that have a positive school climate, where they feel safe and supported.

Safe Schools Action Team, Shaping a Culture of Respect in Our Schools: Promoting Safe and Healthy Relationships, 2008, p.1

The Durham District School Board and Northern Dancer P.S. are working to ensure safe and inclusive learning environments for all. We share a commitment to provide a safe learning environment for all.

In February, 2010, mandatory School Climate Surveys were introduced by the Ministry of Education as part of the Safe Schools Strategy. Recently the DDSB has expanded the focus of the survey to include well-being measurements. The School Climate and Well-Being Survey provides a snapshot of student perception on a variety of topics related to how welcome and safe students feel in their school, including bullying within the school. As part of Northern Dancer P.S. commitment to providing a safe, learning environment for our students, our Safe and Accepting Schools Team will use the data from the 2018-2019 School Climate and Well-being Survey to assess our success and to guide future initiatives and practice here at Northern Dancer P.S.

When the Safe and Accepting School Team reviewed the data at Northern Dancer P.S, the following highlights became apparent:

Northern Dancer P.S. Strengths to Leverage

  • Students feel safe at school

  • Digital tools identified as strength for learning

  • Diversity is respected

  • High levels of participation in school clubs

  • Teacher feedback identified by students as helpful for learning 

We welcome the opportunity to discuss the results of our School Climate and Well-being Survey and the subsequent School goal and action plan at our Curriculum Night on September 19th at 5 p.m.  You can find additional information about our Safe Schools strategy on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. We are better together.