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In October 2011, York Region was recently declared Canada’s safest community with over one million residents for the fifth year in a row by the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, a division of Statistics Canada.
Keeping York Region safe is a joint effort between police officers and residents of these communities. York Catholic students have been working with the York Regional Police for many years to keep our communities as the safest in the country.
At most of York Catholic’s high schools, staff and students participate in the
Empowered Student Partnership (ESP), a program involving the partnership of students and teachers from York Catholic, the York Region District School Board and the York Regional Police.
All partners work together to promote safe school initiatives that focus on the values of healthy living choices and respect for others. Students are empowered to share their ideas and to coordinate school- based activities that promote a safe school climate.
In October, students and staff advisors from 12 of York Catholic’s 15 high schools participated in the Empowered Student Partnership Forum, along with participants from the York Region public board. Throughout the day, attendees heard from guest speakers and workshops on safe school issues.
Guest speaker Andy Thibodeau passionately spoke to attendees about student leadership, hate crimes, abusive relationships and drug abuse. Known for his relatable presentations, students responded positively to Andy and came away with great ideas on how they, as leaders, can make positive changes at their own schools.
Eugene Pivato, Vice-Principal at St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Maple and ESP committee member, believes the ESP forum will help to keep students actively engaged in safety throughout the entire year.
“ESP Student groups throughout York Region will carry out many school-based safe schools initiatives over the course of the school year, thanks, in part, to the many resources and ideas sharing at this successful day,” said Mr. Pivato.
York Region Police Chief Eric Jolliffe also recognizes the importance of the partnership the police have with York Region’s high schools. When asked by why he thought York Region was named safest community for the fifth year in a row, he said it’s through collaboration.
“We operate lots of crime prevention programs and we have lots of community partners. For the last 17 years, we have had officers connected to our high schools,” said Chief Jolliffe.
The ESP program continues to grow in its success. This year, the ESP program is at 12 of 15 York Catholic high schools, with St. Robert and St. Brother Andre being the newest schools to join this September.