Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Among our youth today, there has been a disturbing trend, Mr. Speaker, of more violence, more bullying and intimidation, especially in our school yards and in our classrooms, Mr. Speaker. This is the kind of behaviour that later manifests itself in family violence and spousal assaults and other kind of violent behaviour in society.
I am happy to acknowledge the work of a committed group of people in the NWT who are challenging that kind of behaviour, Mr. Speaker, and really are making a difference.
Over the past three years, the Restitution Peace Project has successfully established the peace circle model. It is a restorative justice approach to behaviour and discipline at J.H. Sissons School here in Yellowknife.
Teachers, children, parents and community members have all played a part in developing this program. It offers an early intervention method and educational approach for children from kindergarten to grade 12 to address this growing concern, Mr. Speaker, for safe schools and student achievement across the North.
Over the past three years at Sissons School, suspensions have dropped from 49 to five. Students are learning self-discipline and non-violent problem solving. Long-term results include improved self-esteem, stronger relationships, reduced incidents of bullying and increased achievement. I think we can all learn from this approach, Mr. Speaker.
There is a video called "The Circle for All" that has been produced by Paul Gordon of Yellowknife. It chronicles the progress of this project. The support for this film was extended, Mr. Speaker, by both our government and the federal Justice department, along with community support and parental support for the whole project.
This video and the models and the examples and the success that is shown is now being circulated across schools in the North and I want to acknowledge especially, Mr. Speaker, the contribution and the belief and the commitment of Lynn Taylor, a key player in this project. I commend her for her efforts and for her colleagues and all the students at J.H. Sissons for setting such a great example. Thanks.
-- Applause