Safe and Inclusive Schools

Creating Safe, Inclusive, and Respectful Learning Environments

At CISVA, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where every student can thrive academically, spiritually, and emotionally. Our schools actively promote a culture of mutual respect, empathy, and kindness, rooted in our Catholic values.

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    Comprehensive Approach to Safety

    Regular Safety Checks and Policy Updates: We regularly review our safety measures to find ways to improve and stay up-to-date with best practices.

    Ongoing Staff Training: Our staff receives continuous training to effectively handle emergencies and maintain a safe environment for students.

    Safety Education for Students: We provide safety programs suitable for students’ ages, helping them learn how to recognize and react to dangers.

    Partnerships with Local Law Enforcement: We work with local police and safety experts to shape our safety plans and conduct drills that prepare our school community for different situations.
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    Bullying Prevention and Response

    Clear Reporting Channels: Set up easy ways for students and parents to report bullying. Designate specific staff members to handle reports and create a simple process for submitting concerns, whether anonymously or openly.

    Immediate Support: When bullying is reported, provide quick support for those affected. This can include counseling, peer support groups, and regular follow-ups to ensure they feel safe and cared for.

    Restorative Practices: Rather than just punishing offenders, use restorative practices to repair relationships and encourage accountability. This involves guided conversations between those involved to promote understanding, empathy, and constructive conflict resolution address and prevent bullying behaviours
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    Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

    Preparing students for responsible Preparing students for responsible digital engagement:

    Integrate digital literacy into curriculum

    Host parent workshops on monitoring online activity

    Partner with cybersecurity experts for up-to-date protection measures

    Implement and enforce clear guidelines for device use in schools

Inclusive Education Practices

Group of children and adults wearing pink shirts gathered outdoors for Anti-Bullying Day 2025, forming a heart shape, with the caption "Everyone smiles in the same language" written above them.

Mental Health and Well-being

    • School counseling services are available in select BC schools. Parents can contact their child's school directly to learn more. All school counseling is managed at the school level.

    • The Student Mental Health Toolkit provides mental health information, resources, and activities to support children and youth's well-being, including coping tips and activity ideas

    • FamilySmart provides peer support for parents of young people with mental health challenges. Call 1-855-887-8004 (toll-free in BC) or 604-878-3400 (Lower Mainland)

    • The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre offers free personalized support from parent peer support workers for families across BC

    • My Anxiety Plan (MAP) is a free resource for parents to "coach" anxious children or teens using practical strategies

    • The "Walking Alongside Youth (WAY) with Depression" online learning resource helps parents support children experiencing mild to moderate depression

Additional Resources & Reporting

At CISVA, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students. While we offer numerous resources and support systems within our schools, we understand that parents may sometimes need additional assistance or information. We encourage you to explore the resources provided on this page and contact your child's school if you need further support. Remember, your child's school should always be your first contact for any concerns or incidents.

  • If you need to report an incident:

    1. Contact your child's teacher or school administration immediately.

    2. Follow the school's established reporting procedures.

    3. Work collaboratively with school staff to address the situation.

  • For further resources or support beyond what's offered at your child's school, please visit:

    • ERASE (Expect Respect and A Safe Education): www.erasebullying.ca

    • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or www.kidshelpphone.ca

    • BC Ministry of Education - Safe and Caring Schools: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/safe-caring-and-orderly-schools

    Remember, we are here to support you and your child. By working together, we can ensure a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all students in our CISVA community.

  • CISVA Policy #408 – Anti-Bullying

    CISVA Student Threat Risk Assessment Protocol

    CISVA Student VTRA Parent Letter

  • Download HERE

We are dedicated to continually improving our practices to ensure every student feels safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential in our CISVA community.