British Columbia (Including Yukon)
A Canadian First! Pilot RRS
Cape Horn Elementary School
Coquitlam School District
In September 2008, Cape Horn Elementary School embarked on a journey to become the first Rights Respecting School in Canada with support from UNICEF Canada. In January 2009, researchers Katherine Covell and Brian Howe from the Cape Breton University's Children's Rights Centre visited the school and shared highlights of the Rights, Respect, and Responsibility Initiative. Research conducted at a group of schools in Hampshire England has shown that:
| • | There are higher levels of participation in all aspects of schooling. |
| • | Detentions have been reduced by up to 50 per cent. |
| • | Teachers' morale is boosted - they say they are reminded that their job has the potential to improve society and the lives of school children |
Following the visit the teachers successfully planned and launched a Rights Respecting School week in March 2009. The lessons were designed to make sure children can distinguish between rights and wants, and they understand that if they have rights, then so does everyone else - the other children in the class and the school, and all the adults too. They learned that they have a responsibility to respect their own rights and those of others. The school is reinforcing these principals through school assemblies, wall displays and in the development of class charters based on the Convention. A full plan for RRS implementation is in development.
To learn more about the RRS initiative please contact:
Kelly Quinlan
Education Manager, Global Classroom
UNICEF BC
Kquinlan@unicef.ca
Tel: 604 874 3666 ext. 8127
