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ParentSpeak

May 2008

The next Council meeting is on June 12 at 7 pm in the teachers’ staffroom.

Chair’s Corner (Sara Adam)

The discussion at the Council meeting in May highlighted some key issues that we as parents should be aware of and talking to our children about. There have been recent incidents in Old Ottawa South and in the Glebe related to ‘stranger danger’. Here are two examples:

“A man in a red Mazda who was reported to have got out of his car ahead of a girl and grabbed her by the hand as she walked on Craig St. near Ella St. in the Glebe. The attack occurred at about 8:30 a.m. when parents were taking their children to school. He is described as white, in his 20s, with shoulder-length curly brown hair”. Kenneth Jackson: Sun media.

The other incident, which was reported to the school, was regarding a man who was performing poetry readings, distributing trading cards and candy and interacting with Hopewell Students at the corner of Bank St. and Hopewell Ave. Our school administration was legitimately concerned about the behavior of this man and felt it necessary to inform police and communicate with students, teachers and parents about the potential risks involved in speaking to such an individual.

These incidents directed our discussion to the issue of internet safety and the potential risks when using MSN, Face Book etc.

The general outcome of the discussion of our Council indicated that our students showed a lack of understanding and awareness around the potential risk of ‘stranger danger’ and the potential risks in using MSN, Face Book etc.

We are very fortunate to have members of our Council who have extensive expertise and resources in these areas. A clear need for Council consultation and support was identified to help address these issues.

Parents should take this opportunity to talk to their children and empower them to evaluate risks and protect themselves. We should also remind our children to be respectful of people who are trying to protect and empower them. This includes, teachers, administrators, police and other adult mentors in their lives.

Study: Young Canadians in a Wired World

This research project tracked and investigated the behaviors, attitudes, and opinions of Canadian children and youth with respect to their use of the internet. The research raises a number of issues that demand society’s attention and, more importantly, highlights the importance of adult involvement and education as key responses in helping young people make wise online decisions. For the study’s results visit: www.media-awareness.ca/english/research/YCWW/

Hopewell's Enrichment Programs

Read-a-Thon 2008
Hopewell enjoyed another successful Read-a-thon in May. Hundreds of books were read and over 300 books were collected and donated by Hopewell students to York St. Public School. This beacon school, where Melissa Kirkwood is now principal, was thrilled with the books which will be distributed to all the classrooms and to the school library. The grade 7 & 8 literacy mini-conference was a huge success with over 17 guest speakers, as was the “Community Leaders, Community Readers” reading program which saw police officers and other professionals reading to students in their classrooms. The entire junior division enjoyed a trip to the Mayfair Theatre to watch the book based movie “The Waterhorse” and the primary division enjoyed a performance of Brothers Grimm by Opera Lyra, thanks to Council.

Ottawa Fury Soccer at Hopewell: On June 6 all the grade 3 & 4 students will take part in a one-hour soccer clinic put on by the Ottawa Fury Soccer Club’s elite players.

STOP BULLYING! : Notes from An Anti-Bullying Conference:

On May 2, 2008, the Ottawa Anti-bullying Coalition held a one-day conference at Centrepointe Theatre which was co-chaired by Dr. Tina Daniels, Professor of Developmental Psychology at Carleton and Hopewell parent. Speakers at the conference highlighted action that schools, parents and children can take to stop bullying.

What can the school do?

• foster a positive climate of respect among teachers, students and the community
• raise awareness and provide support to all children
• encourage students to speak out against bullying
• provide intensive support for children at risk

What can parents do?

• act as positive role models for appropriate conflict resolution
• encourage children to report bullying behaviour directed against themselves or others
• monitor their children’s cell phone and computer use for inappropriate comments

What can children do?

• report bullying against themselves and others – bullying will decrease or stop
• tell a child to stop if they see inappropriate behaviour
• don’t be a bystander -- walk away from a bully and call an adult
• support the victim

Anyone can engage in bullying behaviour or be a potential victim. Together we can stop inappropriate behaviour and foster mutual respect. Visit www.prevnet.ca for more information.

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