Woo Hoo! Team Etienne Brule Public School!

A team of students, staff, parents and community partners at Etienne Brule Public School has received a Premier’s Award for Accepting Schools.

The award recognizes the Sault school's efforts to create a safe, inclusive and accepting school environment.

Etienne Brule Public School is one of only 12 schools across Ontario to receive the Premier's Award for Accepting Schools.

Team members include: student Cameron Taylor, parent Monique Levesque, parent Ruby Blue, teacher Cora Severini, non-teaching staff member Shari Smale, community partner Steve Murray, and Principal Carol Lucio.

The school's Bucketfillers program encouraged the recognition of positive behaviour sat Etienne Brule.

Every classroom had a bucket that was filled with slips describing the kind words and actions of everyone at the school, including students and school staff.

Each day, slips were read over the PA, along with expectations for behaviour and suggestions on how to “fill the buckets.”

Each month, the school held an assembly celebrating positive character attributes.

Drumming groups allowed all students to learn about Aboriginal culture and traditions.

These events tied in to the school's character education program and helped students to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal Canadian culture.

Hot and nutritious breakfast and lunch programs were offered five days a week to all students.

This made a difference to many students who rarely had healthy food.

This support was made possible through the school's partnerships with the local Rotary Club, Community Living Algoma and Casino Sault Ste. Marie.

“As a board we are proud to promote the building of strong character and welcoming environments," said Algoma District School Board Chair Jennifer Sarlo.

"On this occasion, we are especially proud of the students, volunteers, parents and staff at Etienne Brule who have created a positive, warm and accepting climate at their school. This nurturing and supportive environment, which is being recognized today, is something that is felt – and commented on – by visitors, parents, community partners, in short by all who enter the school. Students have a voice. Positive social skills are modeled. Behavior and academic successes are celebrated, and students want to be there. Etienne Brule is truly a model of what an inclusive, positive school climate looks and feels like."

The provincial Accepting Schools Act requires school boards to create policies for bullying prevention and intervention, issue tougher consequences for bullying, and support students who want to promote understanding and respect for all.
 
“The work of Etienne Brule Public School to create a positive, inclusive school environment is a model for schools across the province," said Liz Sandals, Minister of Education, in a news release. "Safe and Accepting Schools Teams like this one in Sault Ste. Marie, ensure that all school community members – including students, parents and staff – feel safe and accepted in an environment where they can thrive.”

"Congratulations to the Safe and Accepting Schools Team at Etienne Brule Public School for their accomplishments and hard work,” said Sault MPP David Orazietti who presented the award today during an assembly. “Students, staff and parents, as well as community partners, have created an exemplary school environment that supports student success.”