Using their WITS at Hinchinbrooke PS

Nov 29, 2012

Photo: grade7/8 students at Hinchinbrooke PS use their WITS to stand up against bullying

Students at Hinchinbrooke Public School were reminded of a number of ways to deal with bullying at a special assembly in the school gym on November 26. Grade seven and eight students from Ms. Ironsides’ grade 7/8 class made the presentation, which included videos they created highlighting the WITS Program, a special program that puts forth a number of conflict resolution strategies to help students deal with bullying.

The program was introduced first to staff at HPS in October by Caroline Tesky of Queen’s University and staff then ‘introduced the program to students at the school. The WITS program was begun in 1993 by a teacher at an elementary school in Esquimalt, British Colombia and has since spread to over 150 schools across Canada and the United States. The program includes a number of elements designed for primary and middle school aged student as well as staff. In a nutshell the program aims to arm students, staff and entire community with ways to deal with bullying.

This year was the first time that the WITS program was brought to Hinchinbrooke and HPS Vice-principal James McDonald believes it is already having a positive effect. “The WITS program gives students the skills to help themselves when it comes to issues of bullying on the playground and in the school and it also give both students and staff a common language and strategy to both speak about and to deal with bullying when it does occur. So far the program has been received really well here at the school and has set a great tone, ” McDonald said.

The WITS program highlights four ways to deal with bullying- W- for Walk away, I- for Ignore, T- for Talk it out, and S- for Seek help. The strategies were introduced to the younger students at the school by the grade eight students, who since October have been involved in the WITS LEADS program, which recognizes the developmental advantages that older students can offers as leaders to younger students. Grade 7/8 teacher Ms. Ironside said she felt that her students responded very well to the program. “They embraced the program immediately and they really seem to enjoy the leadership element of the program, which sees them as role models for the younger students at the school.” At the end of the presentation all the students were invited to recite a group pledge. It reads: “I make a commitment to stand against bullying. I will treat others with respect and kindness. I will have the compassion to not be a bully and the courage to not be a bystander. It is my responsibility to help others being bullied and to report bullying.” For more information about the program visit www.witsprogram.ca