Message from Superintendent Adam Murray - Safe and Caring Learning Environments and Celebrating Pink Shirt Day
January 26, 2022- At Peace River School Division (PRSD) we pride ourselves in our ability to create and foster safe and caring learning environments for our students. There are many people who play a role in this process, and I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate their efforts and thank all the students, staff, parents, local partners, and community members who contribute to creating a culture of kindness and respect in our schools.
We share in the success of our work in this regard with our school communities as our latest survey results show that 87.5% of our students, staff, and parents feel that PRSD schools provide safe and caring learning environments for students. On top of that, our 3-year high school completion rate had a significant jump from 67.8% to 77.6% which tells us that students feel confident, respected, supported and safe in our schools throughout the completion of their education.
The work we do in this regard is on-going through various programs, initiatives and presentations focused on healthy relationships, anti-racism and personal well-being. Examples of such programs and initiatives include the work of our school-based Youth Education Support Workers, Success Coaches, Divisional Social Workers, PRSD Anti-Racism Committee, student leadership groups, mentorship programs, behaviour support programs, wellness programs, the focus on citizenship division-wide, daily learning incorporated into the curriculum and the meaningful support that comes from community involvement and various agencies.
Pink Shirt Day is one day per year where we wear pink in a united stand to support healthy relationships, wellness, and diversity. Providing safe and caring learning environments for students is incredibly important to us. We understand that for students to learn, flourish and reach their full potential, they need to feel safe, happy and cared for.
Thank you so much for your involvement and support. We invite you to join us on February 23, 2022, for Pink Shirt Day when PRSD students and staff will wear pink in support of healthy relationships, wellness, and diversity.
Adam Murray
Superintendent of Schools
Peace River School Division