A Newspaper for School Councils in Newfoundland and
   Labrador                      

                         February 2014     

•	

Message from the President

Happy New Year – welcome back to another year of helping children across our province achieve their best. Thank you for being a 
member and thank you for your dedication to excellence in education. Since my last message, we have been working with School Councils and partner organizations to raise awareness about issues facing education such as student safety, LGBTQ inclusiveness, and advocacy.

Recently, I met with Susan Rose, President of EGALE Canada Human Rights Trust in order to gain additional knowledge about our province’s myGSA.ca resource and challenges facing our LGBTQ community, which are extremely 
important to providing inclusive education in Newfoundland and Labrador. You will find my editorial that was inspired from this conversation enclosed.

On another front, the NL Federation of School Councils met with representatives of the NL Teachers’ Association to discuss improved 
partnerships and new initiatives that will support school communities across the province. We look forward to making our relationship even stronger with teachers and administrators by showing our support for Teacher Staff 
Appreciation Week (TSAW) that will be held February 9 -15, 2014. I encourage each School Council to engage students, parents, and the wider school community in order to make all of our educators and support staff feel valued and appreciated for their tireless efforts in providing the best possible education for our young people. 

During the past few weeks we have uncovered information about the School Climate Survey recently released by the Department of 
Education. While some of the statistics are alarming, it is important to note that you play a valuable role as a School Council member in shaping the way our students feel about their school climate. 

I recommend that if you haven’t done so already, please add the School Climate Survey results to your next School Council meeting agenda and use it in monitoring your School Development Plan. To find out how your school did, please visit the Department of Education’s website.

Continued on Page 2
President’s Message Continued

Finally, I would like to extend an invitation to you to attend our Annual General Meeting that will take place in Grand Falls-Windsor from April 4 – 6, 2014. During this weekend, we will have an opportunity to network, discuss, and learn about issues facing education and our province’s youth. Moreover, this an a key 
opportunity for your School Council to place 
issues on the provincial education agenda by proposing a resolution and to elect new members to our Board of Directors. Conference packages will arrive at your school in the coming days and will include more information about how your school can make payment arrangements for a representative to attend. I highly encourage your school to make every effort to send a 
representative and ensure your perspective is considered. See you there!

Yours in Education,

Nathan Whalen

president@schoolcouncilsnl.ca

Media Interviews

Over the past few months President Whalen has been interviewed by the media on a number of issues affecting our schools, students and School Councils. Topics include:
(Bullying, Mental Health and Addictions among our Youth, Safe and Caring Schools Policy, Math Challenges, Male and Female Gender Gap in Achievement,  School Closures (due to power outages) 
Special Services Teacher Allocation, School 
Transportation, Teacher and Guidance 
Allocations, Student Drug Use Survey and the School Climate Survey.

In addition to his radio, television and 
newspaper interviews, President Whalen wrote two editorials related to education.                

His editorials entitled: Gay Straight Alliance; Doing the Report Card Hustle were published in several Transcontinental Weekly Newspapers across the province.

Meeting with NLTA

On December 11, 2013 NLFSC 
President Whalen, along with Executive Director 
Denise Pike, met with Jim Dinn, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers 
Association, and Don Ash, NLTA Executive 
Director.

The meeting focused on common education concerns; the need for more 
resources to support the Inclusion Model in schools; the promotion of Teacher Staff 
Appreciation Week, NLFSC AGM in April as well as the importance and value of both 
organizations continuing to working together on behalf of our students, school councils and teachers.

Pre-Budget Consultation 

In a few weeks the government of NL will be holding pre-budget consultations - designed to provide key stakeholders, individuals and 
interest groups an opportunity to identify budget priorities for consideration during the upcoming provincial budget. As with other years NLFSC will submit a brief on behalf of our 
membership and students. 

Correspondence 

Update on request for information on Mental Health Services/Supports

In the Nov/Dec. issue of The Cuffer the NLFSC Executive reported that we had written the 
Department of Health and Community Services requesting the following information:
 
1. How many Youth Addiction Counselors are in the province - and has there been an increase in the number over the past year?

2. How many Youth Early Intervention/Outreach workers are in the province, and what is their specific job description?

3. Please provide us with information on the 
status of the Youth Addiction Treatment Centre in Central NL; the Mental Health Centre in CBS, and the expected date of completion for both 
facilities?

The NLFSC Executive was contacted by the Department of Health and Community Services and a meeting for Feb. 28 has been scheduled to discuss the above questions. 

NLFSC will continue to update our membership with information on this critical topic 

Mental Health and Addictions 

The importance of healthy mental and physical development for children cannot be 
overestimated. Many people recognize the 
importance of a healthy childhood, but few 
understand the impact of mental and emotional problems and the effect it can have on children and youth. 

As many as one in four young Canadian adults between the ages of 15 and 25 suffer from some degree of depression, substance dependence or anxiety disorder.                                  

NLFSC believes that: unless these problems are treated appropriately and effectively, these young people never reach their full potential and will underachieve their entire lives. 

Advocating for supports for Mental Health 
Issues and Addictions among our youth has been two of the main goals of the NLFSC over the past few years. 
We often hear from parents who are searching for Mental Health and Addictions counselors for  their children. 
NLFSC believes more Mental Health providers, who specialized in the treatment of children and adolescents, and more Treatment Centres are needed in this province. The NLFSC executive will continue to lobby government for these supports. 

Eating Disorder Public Awareness and 
Education Presentations

The Eating Disorder of NL (EDFNL) Foundation is dedicated to: promoting research and 
providing services and information about eating disorders for individuals and families who 
experience disordered eating. 

The Foundation also offers presentations to 
Service Clubs, Public Meetings, Companies, Healthcare groups, Parent Teacher Associations and Post Secondary schools.

The presentation focuses on understanding 
and defining eating disorders, the causes and signs of an eating disorder, recent research, 
current treatment programs and the benefits of early detection and early treatment.

To book a presentation please contact the EDFNL at 722-0500 or Toll Free at 1-855-722-0500.

Update on request for information on the implementation of the School Transportation Recommendation

In the Nov//Dec issue of The Cuffer the NLFSC
Executive reported that we had requested the following information from the Minister of 
Education:

1. If any or some of the recommendations from the School Transportation Review have been implemented?

A. If so, which recommendations?

B. If not, when can we expect the 
recommendations to be implemented.

Department of Education Response

On Dec. 17, we received this reply from Janet Vivian-Walsh, Deputy Minister of Education

“Dear Mr. Whalen:
 
This is in response to the NLFSC email dated December 5, 2013 regarding the School 
Transportation Report.
 
While there will be no major changes to policies or procedures anticipated for this school year as a result of the report’s findings, there has been progress made on the implementation of the 
considerations in the report. 
 
The report recommended that the province 
implement a comprehensive student 
transportation management program. Such a program will assist in managing the routing of buses, the drop off and pick up of students, the contracts with private operators, the inventory of buses and bus parts, and the repairs and 
maintenance of board-owned buses. 

As noted in the report as well, such a system is needed to provide the necessary information and 

analysis required to consider changes in school 
transportation policies, such as any adjustments 
to the eligibility zones. 
Departmental officials, in cooperation with school district staff, are in the process of 
determining the requirements and timelines for implementing a computerized school 
transportation management program.  
 
The department, together with the 
Newfoundland and Labrador English 
effectiveness of external cameras on school 
buses. Ten school buses in various regions of the province were equipped with cameras in order to 
determine the effectiveness as a means of 
reducing the number of vehicles illegally 
passing school buses. This pilot started in 
September 2013 and is currently on-going.   
 
The report recommended changes to the 
current standard contract with school bus 
operators. An advisory committee is being formed to review the contract template and the Newfoundland and Labrador School Bus Owners Association has already suggested its 
representatives. 
The department is finalizing membership of the advisory committee and will begin the review of the template in the new year.
 
The report also recommended that the 
department undertake a review of many of its policies to ensure they are complete and current. As both the department and the various school districts had many policies and procedures 
related to school transportation, the department is compiling an inventory of all such information and will review policies in priority order.
 As always, our priority is to ensure we provide safe transportation for all students who avail of this service”. 
 
Janet Vivian-Walsh, Deputy Minister of 
Education

Safe and Caring Schools Policy Launch

On Dec. 2, 2013 NLFSC President Nathan 
Whalen and Executive Director Denise Pike, along with numerous other education and 
community partners, joined Education Minister Clyde Jackman for the launch of a revised Safe and Caring Schools Policy. The policy will guide new school-based protocols and practices to combat all forms of bullying, harassment and inappropriate behavior, and is designed to 
provide students with the ability to recognize, and avoid, activities which can put them in harm’s way

Revisions to the policy include, but are not 
limited to:
A definition of bullying;

The introduction of a bullying intervention
protocol which provides specific information to school staff as to how to prevent and respond to reported incidents;
A requirement that all schools maintain a 
database of reported incidents and actions taken;
A template for developing a school’s code of conduct; and,
The requirement that all school communities develop and implement a plan to teach safe, 
respectful and responsible behavior, including the use of technology and social media.

Press Release, Dec. 2, 2013

“School councils across the province have taken a special interest in Safe and Caring Schools initiatives, as there is nothing more important to parents than the safety and 
emotional well-being of their children. School councils play an important role in the school development process, and recognize how it takes both education and community partners to nurture positive behaviors, and reduce the likelihood of bullying and other inappropriate behaviors.” 

Nathan Whalen, NLFSC President

NLFSC Letter to Minister

Following the launch of the new Safe and Caring Schools Policy, President Whalen sent the letter below to Education Minister Clyde Jackman; Finance Minister Tom Marshall and Premier Kathy Dunderdale

“As President of the Newfoundland and 
Labrador Federation of School Councils, I am writing to reiterate our concerns surrounding the impact of Budget 2013. Our office frequently 
receives correspondence from schools that are concerned about the ability for their staff to 
provide adequate support for their students to achieve their full potential. School communities across this province are stressing that additional 
resources are needed in order to bridge the gap. This is particularly apparent in schools with high needs related to the duties of guidance 
counselors and school administrators.

The implementation of the Department of 
Education’s revised Safe and Caring Schools policy will provide further stress to already overworked schools in September 2014. In order to roll out this strong policy and improve the climate and culture of our province’s schools, additional administrators and human resources are necessary.

Today, Hon. Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance announced that the province’s deficit is now forecast to be $113 million less than originally projected when decisions to cut teaching 
allocations were made. On behalf of Federation, 

I urge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to reinstate all or a portion of 
teaching units that were cut in Budget 2013, a cost that should not exceed more than 11% of the new projection in order to adequately 
support our most valuable resource – our 
children.

Continued on Page 6

NLFSC Letter to Minister Continued

We appreciate every opportunity to work with the Department of Education to ensure that each and every child can thrive in a safe and caring learning environment.”

Nathan Whalen, NLFSC President

Response from the Minister of 
Education 

“Thank you for your letter dated December 2, 2013 in which you reiterated concerns on the impact of Budget 2013.

The department of Education consulted with parents, students and teachers prior to 
proposing changes to the Safe and Caring Schools Policy and subsequent Schools Act 1997. The department is encouraged with the response to this initiative and looks forward to working with both the Newfoundland and 
Labrador English School Board and Conseil Scolaire Francophone as it is implemented 
provincially. 

School Districts address emerging allocation concerns in schools through an appeals process initiated by the school principal, often in 
Consultation with the Senior Education Officer for that particular school. This process begins in September and continues throughout the school year.

Government is committed to providing the 
highest possible quality education for students of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure they are well prepared for further education and career opportunities. Recent initiatives are meant to ensure that this education occurs in a safe and caring earning environment.”

Sincerely,
Clyde Jackman, MHA Burin-Placentia West
Minister

School Climate Survey

A Department of Education Survey has found that almost 10 per centof students in high school in Newfoundland and Labrador have abused prescription drugs.
The survey, which was released last June, 
encompassed the 2012-2013 school year.
Students in Grades 2, 5, junior high and high school levels were asked questions categorized by school safety, expectations, bullying, drug and alcohol use as well as student satisfaction.
Although the department never issued a formal news release when the survey was released, it was posted on their website. Department 
officials say they also provided the 
information to school boards.

According to the survey 
-1 out of 10 Grade 2 and Grade 5 students don’t feel safe at school 

-1 in 5 students in Junior High and High School don’t feel safe. 

-7.6% of students in grade nine consume alcohol either once per week or multiple times per week

8.2% of students in grade nine have smoked 
cigarettes once per week or multiple times per week

11.6% have tried illegal drugs once or more with 5.6% using at least once per week.

10% - 20% of students do not feel safe at school.
 
The survey also showed: 
A huge disparity exists between boys and girls in terms of "finding work interesting," (some grade levels with only approximately 55% of students 
finding work interesting).

Continued on Page 7

School Climate Survey Continued

Nearly 30% of students, from all Grades 
surveyed, don't find their school work 
challenging –citing lack of enrichment program and resources as the cause.

21.6% of Grade 12 students don't think they can get the help regarding scholarships.

27.6% of students don't feel they can get help at school with problems that are not related to work (pointing to a lack of guidance and substance use supports).

More information on the School Climate Survey can be found on 
http://www.education.gov.nl.ca/sch_rep/2012/index.htm

Membership                                                              
               
If you have not yet sent us your membership 
renewal, we would like to extend to you a friendly reminder to do so.   
We don’t want you to miss out on your ability to participate fully in the upcoming AGM. If you have any questions about renewing your 
membership, or about NLFSC, please don’t
hesitate to contact us at our email address, by telephone, or regular mail. We look forward to receiving your renewal. 

Thank you to those who have 
already paid their membership fees!

AGM Information

Our AGM will be held at the Mount Peyton in Grand Falls-Windsor from April 4 - 6. 
To ensure a room please book early by calling the Mount Peyton at 
1-709- 489-2251; or Toll Free 1-800-563-4894 

Some of our AGM topics and speakers will focus on the Critical Role and Functions of School Councils; Drug Awareness (education and 
prevention) and Mental Health Issues and 
Services. 

With political parties gearing up for a Provincial Election, it is critical we ensure funding for
Education sits at the very top of the campaign agenda. Our AGM will also provide the 
opportunity for us to begin drafting our concerns on education into election priorities and 
questions to put forth to each political party. 

NLFSC encourages all School Council Members (parents, teachers, community representatives, administrators and students) to attend our AGM. 
As in the past please discuss the cost of attending the AGM (Travel, Meals, and Accommodations) with your School Councils and School 
Administrators. The cost incurred by almost all of our participants is covered in the schools budget. 
(Please note: NLFSC continues to advocate for operational funding for each School Council, so our membership do not have “to take” from school funds in order to attend our annual 
meeting) 
 
We must continue to be vigilant in our attempts to keep issues that are crucial to education at the fore-front of the provincial agenda. We must continue, in union, to advocate for what we 
believe our students need to achieve the 
education that they are entitled to and 
deserve. To do otherwise would be a discredit to our students.

AGM 2014 Overview

The NLFSC provides school councils and parent groups with a voice on education issues and 
encourages positive parental involvement at all levels of education. We believe positive parental involvement affects student attitudes, behaviour and their ability to achieve. 

We are proud to be part of a network of 
advocates for the advancement of education in Newfoundland and Labrador. We take our role for school councils very seriously and,
like all our partners in education, we have 
impressive goals and an abiding hope for our children’s future. 

The NLFSC continually provides information, support and guidance to parents and school councils to help them better understand the 
policies and procedures of their local schools, school districts and the Department of 
Education. 
We also provide parents and school councils with moral support to help them achieve a 
successful resolution to their educational issues and concerns.

NLFSC uses the weekend of its Annual General Meeting to provide professional development to our member councils on a wide variety of topics and to network and share ideas on issues relevant to our schools and students. 

NLFSC Election of Officers

This year’s AGM in Grand Falls-Windsor will include an election of officer’s for the positions of 1st Vice-President, and Secretary. If you 
decide to offer yourself for a position on the 
executive, please contact the NLFSC office as soon as possible so your information can be 
included in the AGM material kit.
Nominations can also be made from the floor during the AGM. 
Any member may nominate another member for a position on the provincial board.
These are volunteer positions for a one and two-year term.
Only members of school councils in good 
standing (paid membership) may be elected as officers. 
To date one person has been nominated for the position of 1st Vice-President and another for Secretary

AGM Information

An information Package on the AGM should arrive at your school within the next few days. 
The AGM information and 
Registration form will also be e-mailed to our members via the 
Listserv.

Please take the time to review the information and consider attending our AGM.

Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week

This year’s annual national Teacher /Staff 
Appreciation Week will be held February 9-15. NLFSC encourages our membership to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work and care our teachers and support staff give to our children on a daily basis.

What Teachers and School Staff Do
Teachers and our school staff have some of the toughest jobs. They are there for our children day in and day out, often under trying 
circumstances and with less than adequate 
resources and support. Their professionalism, dedication, and expertise form the cornerstone of our nation's public education system. Without the hard work of teachers, Canadian scientists, artists, and political and business leaders would not be among the best in the world. 

Many education leaders suggest that the most effective way to improve education in this 
country is to give teachers the status, support, and recognition they genuinely deserve. To help focus provincial and national attention on the outstanding contributions our teachers and school staff give to us individually and 
collectively, Feb. 9th – 15th has been designated as Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week. 

Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week is dedicated to recognizing exceptional teachers and celebrating the great things being accomplished in schools. Many School Councils and PTA’s across the country plan special events to show appreciation for our teachers and school staff. They host 
appreciation breakfasts and luncheons, 
sponsor special student activities, and involve 
other school clubs, community groups, and local 
businesses in the week-long event. There are a lot of fun activities and simple things you and your children can do to celebrate TSAW. 

(Suggestions for TSAW were sent out on our Listserv on Jan.23rd)

Showing Appreciation Year Round

Recognizing our teachers and school staff, for all they do, does not need to be time-consuming, expensive, or reserved for one special week 
during the year. One of the greatest ways parents can show their appreciation, to those who work in our schools, is by being actively involved in their child's education all year long. 
Parents should establish a good working 
relationship with teachers/school staff early in the school year. 

Talk to your children's teachers on a regular 
basis, not just at scheduled parent-teacher 
conferences. Find out how you can help with homework assignments and reinforce at home what is being taught in the classroom. By being an involved parent, you are showing your respect and appreciation for your child's teachers and the school. When parents and teachers establish open communication and good working 
relations, great things get accomplished for 
students. 

Thank Them for Being Teachers

Teachers play a critical role in the lives of our children. It takes a lot to give a lot. Patience, 
understanding and kindness are constantly 
required to nurture a class full of young minds and personalities. 
Teachers also play a very important role in 
promoting self-discipline in our children and in establishing guidelines and rules for participating in a classroom or group. Their guidance helps our children develop social skills and become competent in group situations. That's why it's important for parents to remember those little, often overlooked qualities that make teachers such special people in our children's lives. 
Be sure to tell teachers and our school staff how much you appreciate who they are. 

Continued from Page 9

Give Teachers/School Staff More Quality Time

One thing that parents probably don't think about is that the "quality time" teachers and school staff spend spent with our children is just as 
important to them as it is for parents. Quality time for teachers means teaching. 
Often teachers are asked to assume a range of clerical and other school duties that take time away from teaching our children. When you 
advocate for teachers, advocate for giving 
teachers the time they need to teach. Let your teachers know you value their profession and support their needs. Be their advocate and you will find them advocating for you and your 
children! 

A little gesture can make a huge difference. When parents take time to thank teachers, it makes both the parents and teachers feel good about working together. And when parents and teachers work together, student achievement soars! 

    

Thank you to the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association for printing this Newsletter!

Kids Eat Smart

Help them be their best!

Every school day hundreds of volunteers in schools and community centres around our province serve over 21,000 nutritious meals in the form of breakfast, lunch or snacks to our children.  

With 232 Kids Eat Smart (KES) Clubs, throughout the province, this strong volunteer commitment is essential in keeping clubs 
running and providing nutritious food for our children. 

However, some KES Clubs have difficulty 
finding volunteers and are always looking for new people to help. Parents, grandparents, teachers, students, community members, and employees of local businesses all volunteer for Kids Eat Smart Clubs in their communities.  Maybe you can help.  

If you, or someone you know, would like to volunteer for the Kids Eat Smart Club in your child’s school please contact the school’s 
principal. Giving our children the fuel they need to be their best is a rewarding and lasting 
experience.  

Student Drug Use Survey 

The Student Drug Use Survey is an ongoing
collaborative initiative between all four Atlantic
provinces and has been administered periodically
since 1996. The survey, coordinated by 
Dalhousie University, asked students in Grades 7, 9, Level I, and Level III about their 
experiences, if any, with substance use, 
gambling and associated risk behaviours. 
A total of 2530 students from all regions of the province completed the survey.

Findings
According to 2012 student responses, 46.6% of
students had not used any substances in the 12
months prior to participating in the survey.

Alcohol remains the most commonly used
substance (47.0%), followed by cannabis (30.0%) and tobacco use (16.4%).

In 2012, 53% of students chose to abstain from
using alcohol in the previous 12 months. 
Overall, in 2012 the average age of first alcohol
consumption was 13.5 years of age

In the 30 days before the survey, 27.8% of 
students reported experiencing drunkenness. This is unchanged from 2007 (27.7%) and 
significantly higher than students in New Brunswick (19.8%).

Tobacco Use
In the 12 months prior to the survey, 83.6% of
students were not regular smokers. Cigarette
smoking amongst Newfoundland and Labrador
students is at its lowest since 1996.
The average age of smoking one’s first whole
cigarette was 13.4 years in this province; up
significantly from 12.6 in 2007.

Cannabis Use
30% of Newfoundland and Labrador students had used cannabis in the 12 months prior to the survey. Age of first use of cannabis was 14.2 years; up significantly from 13.5 in 2007.

Other Drug Use (illicit and non-illicit)

Drugs such as LSD (2.9%), psilocybin or   
mescaline(3.7%) and inhalants (2.3%) are at their lowest since1996; while MDMA (ecstasy; 5.7%) has significantly increased since 2003.

Substance Use and Driving
Among licensed drivers in Levels I and III, 7.7%
reported driving within one hour of consuming
alcohol. 
11.5% of students reported being a passenger
with a driver who had been drinking.
Among licensed drivers in Levels I and III, 16.1% reported driving within one hour of using cannabis.
23.6% of students reported being a passenger
with a driver who had been using cannabis. 

Sexual Behaviours and Risk
38% of the Newfoundland and Labrador student
population had vaginal, oral or anal sex in the 12
months prior to the survey.
30.5% of Newfoundland and Labrador students
reported having vaginal sex and 34.7% had oral sex in the 12 months prior to the survey.
36.5% of sexually active students (vaginal, oral
or anal) had unplanned sex after using alcohol or
drugs in the year prior to the survey.

Gambling
Almost half (48.5%) of students played at least one of the nine gambling activities listed for money in the 12 months before the survey
4.3% of Newfoundland and Labrador students met the definitions of “at-risk” or “problem” gambling based on the screening tool used in the survey.

Continued on Page 12

Student Drug Use Survey Continued

Mental Health
Based on a screening tool, significantly more
students were determined to have “very 
elevated “depressive symptoms (8.4%) when compared to 2007 (4.8%).
One out of six (17%) students reported seriously
considering suicide in the 12 months before the
survey, while 14.1% made plans to attempt 
suicide and 8.4% attempted suicide.

Help Seeking
In the 12 months before the survey, while 20.3%
of students reported needing help for depressive
symptoms, only 6% got help.
Significantly more females (26.5%) than males
(14.1%) reported needing help for depressive
symptoms; however, females (7.6%) were not
significantly more likely than males (4.6%) to
receive help.

For a copy of the Student Survey Report or more information go to:
www.gov.nl.ca/health/addictions/studentsurvey.html

Campaign To Government

Suicide is the #1 cause of non-accidental death among youth.
23% of all deaths for youth aged 15 to 19 can be accounted for by suicide.

The Right By You Campaign is encouraging Canadians to speak out and stand up for change and declare to government that greater support and funding is necessary in order to prevent tragedies like suicide.
The Right By You Campaign is calling on the provincial and territorial governments to make mental health-related services, treatment and support available to all children and youth by creating a$100-million national suicide prevention fund.

To sign their petition to government visit www.rightbyyou.ca

Pink Shirt Day 
Bullying is often a problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and over the Internet. On Wednesday February 26th the NLFSC executive 
encourages School Councils across the province to wear something pink to symbolize that we as a society will not tolerate bullying anywhere.

Pink Shirt Day began in Nova Scotia in 2007, when two Grade 12 students - David Shepherd and Travis Price - stood up to defend a young male person who was bullied because he was wearing a pink shirt during the first week of school. The students took a stand by wearing pink shirts to show solidarity, and handing out pink shirts to their classmates.
Pink Shirt Day has since become a national campaign aimed to raise awareness about the power to prevent bullying. 

Pink Shirt Day aims to reduce bullying by 
celebrating diversity and promoting the 
development of positive social relationships. An annual event helps to create a province and 
nation where all people feel safe, valued and 
respected

Pink Shirt Day unites people in a movement to change people’s attitudes towards bullying. It teaches young people that we need to be more accepting of differences and that we cannot stand by and watch as bullying occurs around us. Schools, police departments, businesses, 
politicians and youth groups across 
Newfoundland and Labrador are using this day to raise awareness of the negative effects of 
bullying and show that any form of bullying will not be tolerated in their organization.

You too can join the sea of pink! NLFSC invites you to take the opportunity to address the issue of bullying with your children or teens, by 
wearing pink, planning an event or activity or
just having an intentional conversation. 

Bullying
Bullying happens in many different forms. It's doing, saying or acting in a way that hurts someone else or makes him or her feel bad on purpose. Some kinds of bullying are:
•	Verbal (name-calling)
•	Physical (punching, pushing)
•	Social (leaving someone out of a game or group on purpose)
•	Extortion (stealing someone's money or toys)
       Cyberbullying (using computers, the 
       Internet, mobile phones, etc. to 
       bully others)

Words hurt! We all seem to recognize physical bullying, but sometimes other forms of bullying are not as easy to identify.
Being called names can hurt someone else's feelings really badly. All forms of bullying are harmful, but VERBAL bullying, including name-calling, happens more often than any other kind of bullying. 

Bullying hurts everyone. Victims can have their feelings hurt or be injured by bullies. Other kids can feel sad or scared, even if they are just watching a bully pick on someone else. Kids who bully often grow up to become adult bullies. 

Bullies come in all shapes and sizes and ages. Anyone can be a bully - even you. Kids usually become bullies because they are unhappy inside for some reason or don't know how to get along with other kids. 

Fact: Bullying happens to someone in Canada every 7 minutes on the playground. 

Fact: Other kids are watching 85% of the time when one kid bullies another kid. Adults like teachers or parents hardly ever see a 
bully being mean to someone else.

Tips 

If you are being bullied, try one of the following strategies:
- Walk away
- Tell someone you trust
- Take the initiative to get help
- Say something complimentary to the bully to distract them
- Stay in groups to avoid confrontation
- Use humour to deflect the situation
- Never let the bully see you sweat
- Practice self affirmation (i.e. I am a nice 
person)

If you are a bystander, instead of ignoring a 
bullying incident try the following:

- Tell a teacher (administration)
- Move toward or next to the victim
- Use your voice "stop"
- Befriend the victim
- Lead victim away from the situation

If you think you are the Bully, try the following:

- Talk to a teacher/counsellor
- Put yourself in their shoes
- Stop the cycle
- Think before you act

    
Editorial By Nathan Whalen
NLFSC President

Forget Tolerance, Let’s Talk About 
Acceptance.
I talk a lot about bullying: who’s most likely to be a bully or be a target and why. It seems like our culture is more aware of it than ever and yet it still occurs at alarming rates. I think much of the problem has to do with how as adults, we aren’t aware when we exhibit bully-like 
behavior, especially when the little ones are watching. We all know it’s a big problem and we task the education system with finding a 
solution. But what we don’t spend much time talking about is how what we think, say, and do can marginalize others and make people that identify as a visible minority feel worthless or unsafe. We all understand that at its core, 
bullying is about power and vulnerability. 

“Every Class in Every School” is the first 
national high school survey ever conducted to investigate what life at school is like for students that identify as a gender or sexual minority. 
According to the study conducted by Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, “70% of all 
participating students, LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ, reported hearing expressions such as “that’s so gay” every day in school and almost half (48%) reported hearing remarks such as “faggot,” “lezbo,” and “dyke” every day in school.” This is an alarming statistic as the common use of 
anti-LGBTQ language contributes to a culture of bullying and harassment of LGBTQ students and makes these students feel even more 
marginalized. 

Much research has been conducted to support that these same students are more likely to be the victim of bullying, be physically or verbally 
harassed, drop out of school, experience mental health problems, and are even more likely to commit self-harm or suicide. Moreover, this same study suggests that, “almost 10% of non-LGBTQ youth reported being physically harassed or assaulted about their perceived 
sexual orientation or gender identity and more 

than 10% reported being physically harassed or 
assaulted because of their gender expression.” 
In Newfoundland and Labrador, we have been very progressive in how we are making school and home life safer and more comfortable for 
both youth that identify as LGBTQ and those that do not. However, it takes more than simply acknowledging that LGBTQ individuals exist and “tolerating them.” Tolerance is not impactful enough to shape our climate and culture to 
nurture our approximately 1 in 10 lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer youth and adults. We need to accept them. 

How can you help as a parent of community member? Whether you’re a parent of a child that is LGBTQ, LBGTQ identifying yourself, or if you identify as Straight, you can still be an ally in promoting a safe and positive climate for your school community. Being an ally starts at home. From how you make an effort to include diverse and positive portrayals of LGBTQ individuals in your own home or ensuring you do not use 
homophobic or transphobic slurs common in schoolyard conversation, children in your care will certainly notice. Establishing boundaries in your home will ensure everyone understand that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia is not acceptable.

If you’re involved in your child’s school, ask whether or not a Gay Straight Alliance is active in your school and be sure to promote and 
support their efforts. GSAs help to create safe spaces and actively foster awareness and 
inclusion. These groups can be powerful support networks for students and the entire school community; be sure to support them.
In 2011, the Provincial Government launched the myGSA.ca resource for teachers, parents, and students, however we all need to work together to foster safer schools and a safer province for our young people. Will you be a partner in 
acceptance?

The following was submitted by the 
Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (ACT) NL

Flavoured Tobacco Products 
Information Sheet

FEDERAL LEGISLATION

The Federal Tobacco Act was amended by Bill C-32 in 2010 to prohibit flavoured cigarettes, cigarillos and blunt wraps. This was determined to be necessary because of the rise in the 
marketing of cigarillos in flavours such as 
chocolate, peach, cherry, strawberry, vanilla, and mint. These cigarillos were usually sold in 
colorful packaging and often sold individually. 

WHAT IS THE ISSUE?

In Canada and in other countries, the tobacco industry is increasing its use of flavoured 
tobacco products as part of a marketing strategy. Products with fruit, candy, menthol and other flavours are making tobacco products more 
attractive, especially to youth and young adults. 

Tobacco companies have reformulated cigarillos to get around the definition in Bill C-32 which defines a “little cigar”(cigarillos) as a cigar weighing 1.4 grams or less or having a cigarette filter. Some companies have sold flavoured 
cigarillos without a cigarette filter and with a weight of more than 1.4 grams. As a result, Bill C-32 has no effect on flavours in many 
categories of tobacco products such as waterpipe tobacco, smokeless tobacco, cigars not covered by the “little cigar” definition
roll-your-own-tobacco, cigarette papers, pipe tobacco and bidis. Regulatory control exists in the Federal Tobacco Act to restrict or prohibit flavours in all tobacco products but to date this authority has not been used. Hence, flavoured tobacco products remain widespread in the 
Canadian market. 

In response to this industry tactic, a growing number of governments worldwide are adopting legislation to restrict or prohibit flavours in 
tobacco products. 

PRESS RELEASE

During National Non-Smoking Week 2014, ACT Seeks Elimination of Flavoured Tobacco 
Products
The latest release of the National Youth 
Smoking Survey (2010-2011) indicates that a very high number of high school students are using flavoured tobacco products. The survey indicated that 14% of high school students in Canada used tobacco in the previous thirty days. Of this 14%, more than half (52%) had used 
flavoured tobacco products. For this reason, the NL Alliance for the Control of Tobacco (ACT) is advocating for the removal of all flavoured 
tobacco products from retail stores.

According to Kevin Coady, ACT’s Executive Director “Flavours such as chocolate, mint, strawberry, peach and other sweet variations are currently being added to tobacco products and these flavours make the product very attractive to youth and young adults. This increases the likelihood that our youth will start smoking and become addicted to tobacco.” 

As a result ACT believes that Newfoundland and Labrador should follow the lead of Provinces such as Alberta and Ontario who are dealing with the issue through proposed legislation. 
 
For more information please contact:
ACT office at 709-753-0079 or email:melissamoore@actnf.com

Upcoming Events

Freedom to Read Week

February 23–March 1, 2014
Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and 
reaffirm their commitment to intellectual 
freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Freedom to Read kit is suitable for librarians and educators. It includes a poster, extensive background material on freedom to read and some classroom exercises. For more information visit their website at http:/.www.freedomtoread.ca/kits.index.htm

National Nutrition Month

March is Nutrition month across Canada. This year’s theme, "Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right," encourages personalized healthy eating styles and recognizes that food preferences, lifestyle, cultural and ethnic traditions and health concerns all impact individual food choices. Registered dietitians play a critical role in helping people eat right, their way, every day.
National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and 
Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This year is the 40th anniversary of 
National Nutrition Month

National Heritage Day

Heritage Day was established in 1973 by the Heritage Canada Foundation, and is celebrated
the 3rd Monday of February to encourage the preservation and promotion of Canada's
nationally significant historic, architectural, 
natural and scenic heritage.

Heart Month

Heart Month, a national campaign that runs for the entire Month of February, mobilizes 
Canadians to rally together in raising awareness and funds that have an enormous impact on the lives of all Canadians. Through the generosity and compassion of volunteers, the Heart and Stroke Foundation is able to help Canadians prevent heart disease and stroke, save lives by enabling faster and better emergency medical response and treatment, and enhance support for survivors, families and caregivers.

             

  The Cuffer is a benefit of membership in the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils. 
Annual membership dues are based on school enrolment. Individual subscriptions are available at $15 per year. 

The views expressed or implied in this 
publication are not necessarily official positions of the Federation.  
The mention of any program, organization, 
resource, product, person, place, or school does not constitute an endorsement by NLFSC.                         

Editor: Denise Pike

NLFSC Contact Information

P.O Box 23140

St. John’s NL A1B 4J9

Tel: (709) 229-2094
Toll Free: 1-877-739-4830

Email:nlfsci@gmail.com