The prevention of bullying and violence in New Frontiers School Board schools and centres will continue to be a top priority for the 2026-2027 school year.
Director general Mike Helm confirmed that bullying was high on the list of priorities presented to the council of commissioners during their Sept. 1 meeting. The focus on bullying continues work that began last year after a task force reported increasing incidents in schools.
The report included 19 recommendations and measures to reduce bullying and violence within the system, as well as implementation timelines over the short, medium and long term. Helm explained that while he is pleased with the work that took place last year on all the recommendations, there is much more to be done.
“All of the departments are working toward and supporting the continuation of the implementation of those recommendations in our schools and centres,” he said, noting they will focus on supporting the schools that needed extra time or structure to carry out short-term priorities.
Helm highlighted some successful initiatives for the NFSB, including the creation of designated safe spaces in all 15 of its school buildings. All ten elementary schools have operational “N.E.S.T. rooms,” where students can come for support.
All the schools and centres have established a clear protocol for staff to respond to reports of bullying that ensures timely and transparent communication with all involved, including parents. At least five schools have also implemented anonymous reporting systems to allow students to report bullying and violent incidents without fear of retaliation. Helm said he expects the remaining ten schools will have a system in place within this year.
He explained that a core philosophy guiding the board’s efforts is the belief that students must be at the centre of solutions. “In order for us to make real gains in terms of reducing bullying and violence, we need the students,” he said.
“We will be working with the student coalition group right from the get-go to have them give us support and input, in terms of what initiatives we should be putting in place that are going to have the greatest impact for our students,” he added. “And then we’ll just keep building off of that voice.”
The board will also work with the parents’ committee again this fall to establish a common language and understanding among students, parents and staff to accurately define and address incidents.
Along with bullying, Helm has also prioritized working with the REDI framework (Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) to foster equitable, safe and respectful learning environments across its schools and adult centers. “It is not a one-off that, for example, we are going to recognize our Indigenous communities and students on September 30. This is throughout the year – every day, we are doing it,” he said.
Communication with students and their families has also been identified as a top priority, along with the board-wide Commitment to Success Plan, which will need to be renewed after this year, and sound financial management.