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In the spirit of open conversation and to support an array of perspectives, Professionally Speaking welcomes letters to the editor. The opinions expressed in letters are solely those of the authors and should not be interpreted as the view of the College. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Letters should be sent to ps@oct.ca be in response to content in the magazine, and include the writer's phone number and registration number.
Thank you for publishing the article "Responding to Bullying" (March 2021). Real examples of how teachers create positive learning environments and empower their students to confront bullying behaviour serve as a great resource.
The article points out the power of educators and schools in creating a just society by engaging students through purposeful learning opportunities. The author also talks about the importance of building healthy relationships within the class community, engaging students in creating the class norms, and providing tools for discussions without being disrespectful of others' ideas.
It was surprising to read that when peers intervene, bullying incidents stop within 10 seconds. I am sure readers would like to know more about these strategies to support peers and bystanders in stopping bullying incidents.
Thank you for sharing this timely article with educators as they engage in online and in-school learning and strive to create healthy classroom communities during the pandemic.
Gurmeet Gill, OCT, is the principal of Fernforest Public School in Brampton, Ont.
College Registrar and CEO, Dr. Derek Haime, OCT, rightly describes himself as a teacher, first and foremost. A few years back, I learned — and unlearned — plenty in a collaborative and transformative First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies AQ with Dr. Haime. "A rising tide lifts all boats," he writes in the Registrar's Report in the March 2021 issue of the magazine. Extending his metaphor, it is great to have him aboard.
Brian Pastoor, OCT, teaches at TMS (Upper School) in Richmond Hill, Ont.
I wanted to thank Stuart Foxman for his articles: "Building Resilience" in the June 2020 issue and "Communicating Online" in the December 2020 issue. I find myself often reading his articles with a highlighter. I liked the emphasis on self-care and practical ways to do that in "Building Resilience." I needed the reminder about empathy as [it can be challenging] with all the self-isolation. It's good to consider what others are going through as well.
I appreciated the timely message about maintaining professionalism and the term "digital citizenship" in "Communicating Online." I will definitely be adding that to my vocabulary.
Hetti-Marie Manu is a Special Education resource teacher at Broadlands Public School with the Toronto District School Board.