Page 20 - CARING and SAFE SCHOOLS in ONTARIO

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN IMPLEMENTATION
A caring and safe school culture is built through a collaborative process that involves all stakeholder groups – system and school leaders, school staff, students, parents, and community members. The roles and responsibilities of these partners include but are not limited to the following.
System and School Leaders:
✦ lead the planning and implementation process;
✦ foster a culture that is favourable to change;
✦ maintain communication with all stakeholders about goals, plans, and progress;
✦ lead by example, by modelling attitudes and behaviours consistent with the principles and practices of caring and safe schools;
✦ empower all partners – but especially students – to become involved in setting goals, planning, and participating in implementation initiatives.
School Staff:
✦ participate in the planning and implementation process, taking on roles and responsibilities as team leaders and/or members as required;
✦ maintain communication about progress with system and school leaders, students, parents, and community members;
✦ model attitudes and behaviours that contribute to a caring and safe school culture by valuing and demonstrating respect for all students, including students with special education needs;
✦ take responsibility for the well-being of all students, including students with special education needs;
✦ empower students by ensuring opportunities for them to participate in making decisions, setting goals, planning, and carrying out plans.
Students:
✦ contribute to information gathering by responding to surveys and participating in action research;
✦ participate in planning and goal setting by sharing ideas during classroom and school-wide consultations;
✦ demonstrate appreciation of and respect for diversity;
✦ demonstrate commitment to the well-being of the school community by cooperating and participating in character development programs, problem- solving processes, and restorative circles;
✦ demonstrate willingness to take responsibility for their own actions and learn from their mistakes;
Caring and Safe Schools
✦ advocate for themselves and others. 18