The sunny tourist mecca of Penticton, British Columbia, has something to brag about. Princess Margaret Secondary, a small but distinguished high school, located at the south end of the little town did not win the Boys' AAA Basketball finals, nor did it send a team into the final championship for debating and it did not end up having the top marks for provincial scholarships. What made this school of 750 students stand out among the rest? Inclusion.
At a time where national headlines are bombarded with stories about physical, social, verbal and cyber bullying and even in extreme cases - suicide, there seems to be something different happening in the halls of "Maggie." Students have a name where each individual is known by administration, staff and student body alike. Jake*, a soft spoken grade eleven student says, "When I walk through the doors in the morning, the principal greets me by name." Kayla* adds "that the vice principal found my student card on the floor and took the time to return it personally during Socials class. They care about us as people." Efforts are continually being made to personalize the high school experience. Assemblies take place, not only as a whole school, but also for each individual grade, nine through twelve. This way information is given in a more informal, relaxed and welcoming setting so that each student can feel as though they really matter. Parent, staff and student committees work in unison to provide a positive and enthusiastic learning environment. Anti bullying day, multicultural day, Western week, recycling groups, noon hour jeopardy, muscular dystrophy walk, 10,000 To-night, Dry Grad, Aboriginal celebrations.... the list goes on and on with activities that work at involving and including ALL students.
Bullying needs to be dealt with directly. To stop hurtful behavior students, staff and parents need to respond when it occurs and take steps to prevent it. It seems that Princess Margaret could give us all a lesson on how to work together as a unit in order to provide each young person the right to feel safe at home, at school and in the community.
*Names have been changed
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