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Dear Floris Family,
After that unexpectedly lengthy winter break, I am ready to dive into my new role as Acting Assistant Principal at the school I have come to love these past two years. I wish it was possible to reach out to each family individually to introduce myself and say hello, but there are not enough hours in a day, hence this note to you all.
One of the tasks of an assistant principal is to deal with concerns related to discipline. If I have reason to contact you, it may be because of a disciplinary matter. That is the least favorite part of a school administrator’s job and, I know, tough communication for parents to receive. Children do not always exercise good judgment and so it is not a surprise that they occasionally get themselves into jams. Let’s work together to support our students through peer conflicts and poor choices, providing them with the support and strategies they need to make better, more mature decisions moving forward. We are on the same team. My objective is to ensure that our students are able to learn safely and happily.
On this note, I want to draw your attention to the importance of using our words carefully. Peer conflict is developmentally normal, and all children experience this from time to time. Bullying, however, refers to intentional, repetitive, targeted behaviors that are designed to hurt, and there is an imbalance of power between the aggressor and the target. When we receive a report of bullying, it requires a very specific and reported investigation, regardless of the outcome. The word “bullying” is too often used as a synonym for peer conflict, but they are not the same, so please use that term with caution at home as well as in your communications with the school. Rest assured that I will respond to all concerns – from parents, teachers, and students – with seriousness, following prescribed protocols to investigate concerns, communicate with parents, and draw on resource staff for support, as needed. My approach will always be to help students find ways to make amends and restore relationships so that friendship, respect, and kindness are the mainstays of student life at Floris.
Finally, I can only solve problems I know about, so stay in touch (and do let us know when things go well too – our teachers and staff are working so very hard and it really makes their day to receive affirming communications from home).
My best wishes to you all for a safe, healthy, happy 2022!
Jo Gordon
Acting Assistant Principal
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