Wendy Morley
Contributing Writer

IF we think back on our
own fives, we can proba-
bly recall an incident at
school where we were

_ buliied or even involved
in the bullying process.

Burt what is different today
is the severity of bullies and
the large number of serious
and violent incidents.

In our high schools, bully-
ing, has progressed to a some-
what scary new level. We read
horrific stories that include
threats on lives, w capons being
used with the i intent to injure

The Ptit Bouguet

ying prevention imp

ad even death.

It is a truly sad state of
affairs when 2 14-year-old stu-
dent ends her lite because she
feels no one can protect her
against three tough girls at
schol. It is also disturbing to
read about owo legal cases in

Perfect for office gifts, house warming or
“to sweeten your home for the holidays

Another traditional idea —
Poinsettias from 5. 99

Valley, Horts

LYNN VALLEY CENTRE

WUSTHOF-TRIDENT

Rated #1 by two independent product-testing institutes

Sharpest lift ldeas ..

Advantages
» Pally forged.
* Full tang

ty
"Salenced

«Incredibly sharp a

* High carbon
noutain steel

 Flawlessly finished

if ‘your passion is cooking * Wusthof. The Knite.

© KNIFE & SCISSOR SHARPENING KEY CUTTING ©
© ENGRAVING © WATCH BATTERIES [INSTALLED =

980-7503

which the victims claim they

have endured both psychologi-

cal and physical aivuse front
fellow classmates for years.
Focus on Bullying is a]
vention program which has
en implemented into
mour Heights Elementary
in North Vancouver.
Recently, a special school
assembly launched the pro-
gram with skits, a school song,
banners and comments from
the students on what caring
means to them. We also had
an evening for staff and par-
ents to outline the programy
answer questions ;
resules ofa student survey,
Although our school docs

not have serious problems
with bullying, there is name
calling, alienation and hurtful
harassments which are being
addressed.

Bullying is not just “kids
being kids” as some of us
might think. [tis a pattern of
repeated aggressive behaviour
with a negative intent.
Unfortunately, adults are usu-
ally una of the extent of
bullying among, children and
teenagers.

While playing on school
grounds over a year ago, our
son and two others were
approached bv bullies trom
another school. For no appar-
ent reason, one boy decide

Come and browse our selection of many local and
Canadian made gift ideas to warm any home.

Oil Candles by Kranberry Lane

starting at 18,99

and Porcelain Dolls

starting at 39,99

Plus many more unique gift ideas

Just ask and we'll help you find
the right gift.

Gift Wrapping Available

GIFT GALLERY
LYNN VALLEY CENTRE

980-9891

Sunday, December 3, 2000 -

pul! a small knife on my son.

le holding his arm, he
uttered dhreats. Quite terrified,
my son and his g*oup didn’t
move until they felt safe to do
so, Later, this student was spo-
ken to by police and asked fo
wnite a letter of apology, but,
was never made accountable
tor his actions.

One useful strategy to pre-
vent being bullied is to build a
connection of friends you can
walk to and from school with.

Iso, think smart and think

id. Ifyou know there is

trouble, leave t

and inform someone of
authority. If vou become
directly contronted, try to take
a stand. This might change the
whole outcome but it is the
most risk

$15.00 off a Colour or Highlig
© NOT AALS WITH ASY OTHER OFTER © NO CASTEVALUE © VALID UNTIL DEC
Check out our Gift Packag

North Shore News - 29

watch for signs of bullying and
to teach your child how to
stick up tor herself or himself’
through assertive, not ageres-
sive behaviour.

Students shouldn't feel
intimidated or scared to go to
school, They need to be aware
of troublemakers and should
try and settle disagreements

hout vielen

Violence in our schools can
happen anytime and without
any warnings. But, if students
become more aware of paten-
dal dangers, get involved
school activities and reper
bullies, the end result sho
be much brighter than it
tod.

Wendy Marley is the chair-
woman of Seymour Heights
Schooal’s Parent — Advisory
Conneil.

DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE
.. Mention this ad to receive:

$5.00 off a Cut Package or
$10 off European Facial or

Package
ER AE, 2K)

just in time for Christmas!

RAYMOND SALONS

LYNN VALLEY CENTRE + 981-3306

We know what Dad wants.
for Christmas...

We just can’t
show it.

We carry Montecristos &
other cubans.

Aud for the Tea Lorer

we carry spectally selected -§
loose Leaf Teas, including

Grey, Japanese & Camonii

-Shefield. Gourmet
Gourmet Coffee & Fine Tobacco -
LYNN VALLEY CENTRE 983-3931 - |