Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise this House that the results of the NWT School Relationships Survey have now been released. This project was initiated by the Northwest Territories Teachers' Association, which invited the Department of Education, Culture and Employment to participate.
The survey includes information from students, regional board members, teachers, principals, and other staff. It describes the relationships in NWT schools, and between schools and the community.
The results show that in schools with a positive climate, there is teamwork and an effective discipline policy that is applied consistently. The survey also shows that schools must be flexible and use a variety of approaches to find what is most effective for students, staff and community.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture, and Employment and the Teachers Association are already working with district education authorities and teachers to improve the relationships in NWT schools.
Several initiatives are designed to help students deal effectively with challenges. These include the use of school community counsellors and peer counselling. The school health curriculum helps students learn anger management, problem solving, and personal management skills.
Providing support to teachers is also very important. A staff member from the department has travelled extensively across the NWT to train teachers in non-violent crisis intervention so they can work more effectively with students. Through the Principal's Certification Program, principals learn how to foster a school environment that encourages learning.
Developing this climate depends very much on the co-operation of parents, elders, and the community. And to ensure that students, teachers, and the community know what is expected of them, the Education Act requires every school to develop a discipline policy. The relationships within a school, and between the school and community, are very much a matter of community wellness. The resources of the entire community, including sport and recreation opportunities, play an important role in helping young people develop healthy lifestyles and the confidence they need to work effectively with others.
Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the School Relationship Survey will encourage a healthy discussion of school relationships in communities across the Northwest Territories, and help stakeholders develop an action plan to improve relationships. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.