Uniqueness

Each school and viewpoint different

One of the most notable findings of this project is that each NWT school is unique. Some schools offer exceptional environments for both staff and students.Others overflow with tension and stress.

Not only is each school unique; individuals in the schools go home each night with unique experiences and views, even within the very same school. Listen to the comments of two staff members from one school:

• "Small school. Good staff. Few real problems."
• "Our school community generally permits violent and abusive behaviour as not serious. You know, the little push, the occasional swear word. Personally, I find the attitude apathetic and the major reason for the level of violence."

While no one person or group can single-handedly create a good school environment, each school does reflect its principal's style of leadership. One staff member described a new principal whose co-operative approach and understanding of students has changed the school's atmosphere "very noticeably" in less than one term.

voices

Every day, either on recess duty or in the halls, students are abusive to one another (physically or verbally), to staff and to other adults in the school. Although only about 15% of the kids act this way, they are holding the rest of the school hostage.
- Staff member

(This) school is an excellent place to work. The students are quiet and very respectful. The teachers are a strong, co-operative team. We have a new principal, and thus far the school atmosphere has become excellent for all.
- Staff member

You have asked about the relationship between staff and students and that is almost impossible to generalize some teachers have excellent relationships with their students while others are always in conflict with them.
- Staff member

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