Eliminating bullying starts with the hard-work of creating a culture of caring, empathy, compassion and respect, says a School District 43 elementary school principal.
John Goheen of Coquitlam's Alderson elementary school will speak tomorrow, along with Karen Moss of the Canadian Red Cross, about ways to reduce bullying in schools and in the community. The presentation is the third in the Bullying Prevention Series produced by the Tri-Cities Joint Family Court and Youth Justice Committee and it will be held at Alderson elementary, 825 Gauthier Ave., at 7 p.m.
Goheen said he's no expert on the topic but has seen how developing core values among teachers, students and the community has helped create a positive atmosphere in his school.
"We asked what is the kind of culture, what do you want kids to do and how do you want adults to be interacting?" The theme that arose was Alderson Cares, with "cares" standing for caring, accepting, respect, empathy and safety.
Students still have conflicts, he said, but they feel empowered to resolve them because staff deal with every single complaint.
Goheen will share his story and Moss will show a film about youth perspectives on bullying.
Registration is required at www.bullyingpreventionseries.eventbrite.ca.
