Last year RRHS joined forces with Pangman, Ogema, and Gladmar to bring Diane Francoeur and the Red Cross’ Respect Ed’s peer facilitation training to our school division for the first time. Mark Penny, our school counsellor was in attendance, as was Jeff Lafloret, a counsellor from the east. $6000 in grants and two days later, nine RRHS students, along with neighbouring students were trained in the art of bully prevention and student intervention.
Now we have another first. The four schools approached the Red Cross about doing a one year anniversary meeting. It was evident that there were positive things coming out of the program, which looked different in each school. The Red Cross liked the idea of re-energizing the movement, sharing experiences, seeing new resources, and overcoming challenges together rather than apart. They agreed to put on a 1 day anniversary meeting as a pilot project. RRHS and the other three schools would receive the experience and in exchange the Red Cross would have a starting point for a follow up program for the province.
The day went excellent. Brooklynn Scott said, “The Respect Ed in Gladmar turned out good because everyone was really involved when we reviewed last year’s content, and everyone was eager to share what their school had accomplished last year.” Also commenting was Makayla MacDonald “There were more real life examples and related to real life situations.” Last year Mr. Gilmore asked people to sign up for the training after only a few signed up voluntarily. The hard work and positive message of the students has grown the group to a dozen students. That means that over 10% of the school wants to be a leader in creating a positive climate in our community’s school.