News Release
5/13/2018
Johnny Lombardi P.S. in Woodbridge was one of 10 schools across the province recognized this year for creating safe and accepting learning environments.
The Premier’s Awards for Accepting Schools celebrate school teams that have shown leadership and innovation in creating safe, inclusive and accepting schools.
Johnny Lombardi P.S. received the award for their work to build a respectful and inclusive school culture where everyone feels welcome and valued since opening in 2016. This includes:
Creating a Students Advocating For Equity (S.A.F.E.) team made up of students and staff dedicated to promoting well-being and developing a safe and inclusive environment.
Offering a variety of resources to encourage student and staff learning about different cultures, mindfulness and mental health, including daily, school-wide Mindful Moments.
Fostering a sense of belonging for all students through initiatives like the Buddy Bench, which supports students who are looking for a peer to play with and fosters friendship and inclusion, and the Zen Den, a safe place students can access when feeling anxious, in need of support or a quiet spot to reflect.
Initiating a conflict resolution circle to address conflicts and help students solve problems.
Providing leadership opportunities for older students to support younger students at recess.
“Opening a new school and bringing together a new community, we wanted to ensure we created an environment where everyone had a voice and felt a sense of belonging. I am so proud of our staff, students and families, and it is such an honour for all of us to be recognized in this way,” said Rita Angellotti, Principal, Johnny Lombardi P.S.
“Equity and inclusivity are priorities for our Board, and this is a great example of how creating a respectful and inclusive environment makes a real difference for our students. It is wonderful to see the Johnny Lombardi Public School community recognized for their efforts,” said Corrie McBain, Chair of the Board.
“This school opened its doors with a vision to create a warm and welcoming environment where everyone felt valued, and I congratulate the whole school community on all they have done to achieve that, and on receiving such well-deserved recognition,” said Louise Sirisko, Director of Education.
Johnny Lombardi P.S. also received a 2018 School of Character Award from the Character Community Foundation of York Region. It is the sixth school in York Region District School Board to receive the Premier’s Award for Safe and Accepting Schools in the last five years. Other schools include:
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 123,000 students in 176 elementary schools and 32 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow @YRDSB on Twitter
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