Government of Ontario, Canada - News

Government of Ontario, Canada - News


Ministry of Education

Statement by Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne re: school safety


TORONTO, Jan. 10 /CNW/ - I would like to thank Julian Falconer, his panel
and the Toronto District School Board for their report and recommendations.
I appreciate the Toronto District School Board's commitment to reviewing
school safety. This report raises some serious issues that the board needs to
study and carefully consider. And the Ministry of Education will continue to
work with the Toronto school board, educators and parents to make sure our
schools are the best places for students to learn.
We know that in order for students to be at their best, they need to be
safe and feel safe. A safe and healthy learning environment is an essential
part of student achievement.
Provincewide school safety audits, new security devices, a
bullying-prevention program in all schools and training for principals are
several ways we've already made school buildings safer.
Keeping the building secure is one part of school safety - engaging
students in active learning so that they are in classrooms instead of
wandering the malls or streets is another.
We have 9,000 more teachers and 7,600 more support staff who are giving
more individual attention, helping all kids focus on learning, and helping
at-risk youth avoid trouble.
Learning is now mandatory to the age of 18, meaning increased graduation
rates, and lower dropout rates.
Our Community Use of Schools program makes school buildings available and
affordable for community groups, clubs and sports groups.
We will continue to make more improvements to our schools, but we know
that schools alone cannot provide the total solution. Last June, Premier
McGuinty appointed former Chief Justice Roy McMurtry and former Speaker of the
Legislature Alvin Curling to conduct a review of youth violence. The review
will help identify contributing factors to youth violence and provide
recommendations to continue building safer, stronger communities.
The work of making our schools as safe as possible is never done, and we
must remain vigilant.
As Minister of Education, I strongly believe that our publicly funded
schools offer Ontario students the best education possible. Ontario's schools
should be as inclusive, welcoming and safe as possible.
Students should have every opportunity to flourish and to become
well-rounded citizens who can contribute to a cohesive society and our future
prosperity. Students ask for nothing more. And we owe them nothing less.