St. Mary Catholic Secondary School receives the 2016-2017 Premier’s Award for Accepting Schools

The Ontario Ministry of Education recently announced that St. Mary Catholic Secondary School’s Safe and Accepting school team won the 2016–2017 Premier’s Award for Accepting Schools. St. Mary Catholic Secondary School was one of 10 schools across the province to receive this honour.

The Premier’s Award recognizes school teams that have done exceptional and innovative work in creating a safe, inclusive and accepting school environment. The award recognizes schools that have demonstrated initiative, creativity and leadership in promoting a safe, inclusive and accepting school climate.

“We are extremely proud of the students and staff at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School for their commitment to creating a climate of inclusion and understanding,” said John Rinella, Chair of the Board. “Congratulations to Principal O’Brien and the staff and students at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School for this outstanding achievement.”

St. Mary Catholic Secondary School received the Premier’s Award for implementing numerous initiatives designed to reach their students and staff. These initiatives include:

• Making Connections
• See Differently
• Alliance for Compassion (A4C)

“All our staff and students at the Durham Catholic District School Board work tirelessly to celebrate inclusion and promote safe and caring schools,” said Janine Bowyer, Superintendent of Safe Schools. “These school initiatives, along with a Board wide anti-bullying campaign, have made a dramatic difference at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School.”