Parents concerned about violence in elementary schools are invited to learn more at a speaker series hosted by the Newmarket Parent Network.
The network, made up of parents from seven Newmarket schools, including Stonehaven Elementary School, presents its first talk of the season, Violence in our schools: How can parents help? on Tuesday, March 19 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Trinity United Church, 461 Park Ave., in Newmarket.
“Violence in our schools is prevalent, it is affecting our children and school staff, and it is an issue about which we all need to work together as a community,” Stonehaven school council and speaker series chairperson Shameela Shakeel said.
“We are hoping that parents will attend the talk and come prepared to learn about the extent of violence in the classrooms, as well as how they can help their children cope and become more resilient.”
The speakers line-up features several perspectives on school violence, including David Clegg, president of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario - York Region, York Region Distrist School Board staff, and psychotherapist and social worker Roxanne Francis, who will speak about the psychological and social impact that witnessing violence has on children.
Information will also be available at the event to help parents navigate the channels to report concerns, as well as to better advocate for their children in the local school system and at the government level. Parents and guardians will also learn about the frequency of violence in local elementary schools.
All Newmarket Parent Network events are free and childcare is provided for school-aged children. Registration is required. You can register here.
The next event, on Wednesday, March 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Stonehaven Elementary School, is Understanding the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) and Individual Education Plan (IEP).
For more information on the parent network and other upcoming events, visit them on Facebook.
