“I feel bad for other kids that are getting bullied, and they don’t want to say anything because if they do, they are literally shown nothing is done,’ says frustrated mom
As newcomers to Innisfil, Jennifer Thompson and her family were eager to begin their new life in the area.
She enrolled her two children at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School, but her son reportedly started facing bullying right away.
Thompson mentioned that her son had never dealt with bullying before, but she accuses a group of boys and girls of making his experience difficult. She stated that she reached out to her son’s teacher, the secretary, the vice-principal, and the principal, Loriana Nicoletta-Liguori, regarding this issue.
“Everyone knows in there. Everyone,” she expressed.
She claims Nicoletta-Liguori indicated that there would be “serious consequences,” including suspension for those involved if the bullying continued. However, when it did persist, Thompson said the principal changed her stance and claimed they couldn’t suspend students.
“Not only that, she then questioned whether or not the bullying actually happened,” Thompson alleged. “No one’s doing anything.”
She added that the kids who were allegedly bullying her son began calling him a “rat” since it was known he sought help to address the situation. Thompson mentioned every time she brought up concerns about bullying – which lasted from September to early December – school officials said they would “monitor the situation” and reach out to parents via email.
“I was like, ‘No, no, no. I’m gonna deal with it now,’” Thompson said.
Her son felt “really low about himself,” so Thompson decided to take her children out of school.
She claims to have met another parent who pulled their child from St. Francis for similar reasons.
Thompson says she requested a meeting where all parents could come together to voice their concerns.
She also asked for contact information for the parents of those accused of bullying; however, this was not recommended by the principal.
“If they don’t get in trouble or have consequences, they’re going to keep doing it,” Thompson warned. “They don’t care. They think it’s a game. Like, it’s a joke.”
Nicoletta-Liguori stated that the school takes “bullying seriously.”
“We use a number of resources, policies and practices to guide our response, including progressive discipline,” she explained. “At the same time, we work to address root causes and we always must respect the privacy of everyone involved.”
The challenges can be “complicated,” she noted.
“The staff at St. Francis cares deeply about creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces and we do respond promptly and appropriately when incidents of bullying occur,” Nicoletta-Liguori added.
“We are often dealing with students who may not fully understand how their words or actions affect others for various reasons. As faith-based educators, we strive to teach kindness, empathy and compassion through different means such as restorative practices or involving school counseling resources or support.”
A Dec. 8 email sent out to parents indicates that on Dec. 5 both the principal and vice-principal met with a Grade 7 class where they reminded students about clear expectations regarding bullying behavior:
A conversation with a teacher or administrator
Reflection assignments or restorative conversations
Loss of privileges
Contact home
Meetings involving parents/guardians
Behaviour contracts
Suspension in more serious or repeated cases
The consequences depend on how often and how severe the behavior is; our goal is helping students learn from their choices while ensuring everyone’s safety and well-being.
The message encouraged students being bullied or witnessing such behavior should talk to a teacher or an administrator like Vice-Principal or Principal so everyone feels supported at school without getting anyone in trouble!
“They should implement measures that ensure kids being bullied feel safe instead of feeling like they’re going through hell… excuse my language; but that’s what it feels like daily at school…” Thompson shared.
Taking note from past experiences: Her youngest child faced some bullying at another school too! The principal effectively addressed it by explaining why teasing is unacceptable while taking disciplinary action-resulting in long-term resolution!
An anonymous parent working within education will be referred as Anna here has also echoed these sentiments after seeing her daughter face similar challenges at St. Francis – encouraging them forward towards action against ongoing issues!
“My daughter thinks nobody cares during those times-they brushed off any attempts made by HER trying advocate herself!” Anna remarked sadly emphasizing how concerningly neglected victims feel overall.”
(My son) spent years crying needing encouragement even just entering building until finally finding ways giving him confidence!”
Acknowledging professional experience shows teachers genuinely try intervene although methods vary depending circumstances requiring discretion regarding student identities due privacy rules
This leads concerned parents questioning potential solutions beyond mere reactions given today’s climate.. the negative influence around perceptions on youth responsibility exacerbates existing situations need addressing proactively rather than reactively…she believes resilience training needs focus more than ever nowadays amidst everything else impacting teenagers’ social skills development too much online engagement distracting realities!
The Ministry emphasizes personal safety topics-focusing identification & prevention along areas related specifically addressing issues surrounding peer aggression/bullying etc.; ensuring proper understanding requires ongoing commitment improve lives amongst all affected individuals collectively-not just punishment!”
Bigger systemic problems arise when considering frameworks top-down might lack practicality implementation alongside complexities tied relationships directly involved adults who share insights affecting younger generations’ experiences navigating schools environment today!’
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