Safe Schools
Community VTRA Protocol: Violence, Threat Risk Assessment
A Collaborative Response to Assessing Potential Violence has been created by both school boards in partnership with Police Services and Community Agencies. The protocol supports collaborative planning and to reduce violence and support safe, caring and restorative approaches within our schools and communities. Specialized training, provided by experts in the field, has allowed key staff members enables the school and community partners assessment team to respond and develop intervention plans.
A revised local police-school board protocol based on the new provincial model has been developed and is being implemented with the different police services across our eight counties.
Specialized Supports and Programs
When serious conflict occurs and student behaviour is deemed unsafe, progressively intensive supports must be employed. Behaviour Crisis Consultants along with Itinerant ABLE Workers support the school teams to help stabilize students and support staff to develop successful programs and plans at the school level. This process includes reviewing and revising the student safety plan or plan for success, modelling different strategies and enlisting support from parents and community partners.
Specialized A.B.L.E. (Alternative Behaviour Learning Environments) programs are provided as alternatives to suspension or long term suspension placements. In this supportive small group setting focused student action plans with academic and behavioural goals are completed and restorative reentry meetings occur when students are ready to return to their community schools.
Turning Points Programs are available for students (grade 7-12) requiring longer term support from mental health agencies who as partners play an important therapeutic role in these classrooms. Mental Health and Addictions Counsellors support in our Turning Points, a partners program, in Smiths Falls, Russell and Cornwall focuses on helping students deal with mental health and addiction issues.
Enhancing Communication and Partnerships
The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meets monthly to review and discuss the Board’s annual plan, programs and policies. The minutes and agendas are posted on the Board website and a copy of the Annual Plan on the provision of Special Education programs and services is provided to each school for parents and staff review.
The Board continues to be the lead Board responsible for the Student Support Leadership Initiative implemented with our partner agencies and coterminous Board. The Checkered Flags: Everyone’s Responsibility resource document was launched in partnership with various police and community agencies, and sets the protocol for addressing and responding to students in need.
Additional Resources
Police and School Board Protocol VTRA Fair Notice 2026-2027 Bully Prevention & Intervention Plan Community VTRA Protocol Anti-Sex Trafficking School Board ProtocolBullying Prevention and Intervention Plan
At the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, we are committed to developing a community that is safe, inclusive and accepting by utilizing our Gospel values and the sacrament of reconciliation. Our Bully Prevention and Intervention Plan is designed to integrate strategies which prevent, respond to, and stop bullying by focusing on developing students’ empathy and understanding. Preventative programming along with targeted intervention, supports students in their call to Care, Act and Rebuild Relationships.
Restorative Practices
Restorative Practices aim to establish an environment where students are empowered to solve problems through authentic conversations using Restorative Proactive Classroom Circles, Questions/Conferences and Formal Conferences, in which all stakeholders have a voice in finding a solution.
Restorative Practices do not seek to deny consequences for misbehaviour, but focus on helping students understand the real harm done by their misbehaviour, to take responsibility for the behaviour and commit to positive change. A Restorative Approach works with all participants to create ways to make things right and make plans for future change.
The Restorative Practices Continuum moves from informal actions such as effective statements to the use of informal conversations and the “Five Questions,” to more formal classroom circles or conferences. The “Five Questions” for reflection are:
- What happened?
- What were you thinking at the time?
- What have you thought about since?
- Who has been affected by what you have done? In what way?
- What do think you need to do to make this right?
It also functions on the belief that people are happier, more cooperative and more productive when people in authority do things WITH them, rather than TO them or FOR them.
We believe in the power students have to interact with others and solve problems in positive ways. Proactive circles also allow students to practice effective communication which is a life skill that we and our students can and must use in all relationships.
Kids Help Phone Poster Campaign
Bullying is the number one reason that young people reach out to Kids Help Phone. The CDSBEO, in partnership with STEO, UCDSB, the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Champlain East and Kids Help Phone, have introduced posters on all school buses to remind students that they always have someone to turn to who will listen, and provide support.
Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, national support service. They offer professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French.
Whether by phone, text, mobile app or through our website, you can connect with them whenever you want, however you want. Here are the ways you can reach out to Kids Help Phone now:
Here are some other resources you can use to find support:
- Resources Around Me
- Good2Talk – for post-secondary students in Ontario & Nova Scotia
- www.kidshelpphone.ca
Kids Help Phone is always there for you. No matter what you want to talk about, they are there to listen. No judgment, totally private, 24/7.
Links
Contact
Safe Schools Department
Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario
2755 Highway 43
Kemptville, Ontario
613-258-7757