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Safe School Policy and Complaints Process

A safe learning environment for all

Centennial Academy acknowledges that every student has the right to learn and socialize in a physically and emotionally safe environment. We are committed to providing a secure, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all.

Centennial Academy’s five core values are the foundation of our safe learning environment. Every member of the Centennial community, including staff, parents and students, is responsible for promoting these values. They are:

  1. A commitment to effective learning;
  2. Collaborative approaches to learning;
  3. Care for all learners;
  4. Acceptance of differences; and
  5. Accountability of action

Action Plan Against Violence and Bullying

We have adopted an action plan against violence and bullying that aims to ensure that our school is safe and that our values are upheld. You may consult it by clicking the link below.

Bullying

This refers to any direct or indirect behaviour, comment, act or gesture, whether deliberate or not, including in cyberspace, which occurs in a context where there is a power imbalance between the persons concerned and which causes distress, and injures, hurts, oppresses, intimidates or ostracizes. (Section 9, Private Education Act)

Violence

This refers to any intentional demonstration of verbal, written, physical, psychological or sexual force, which causes distress and injures, hurts or oppresses a person by attacking their psychological or physical integrity or well-being, or their rights or property. (Section 9, Private Education Act).

Complaints Policy and Procedure

Since the start of the 2023 school year, Centennial’s procedures for the handling of complaints have been aligned with the Québec government’s appointment of the National Student Ombudsman and reflect the school team’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all its students. The National Student Ombudsman is the independent body that is responsible for handling complaints and reports within the Québec school system. Our review of these procedures meets the requirements of the Private Education Act as well as the National Student Ombudsman Act:

  • The Private Education Act (PEA) requires that each school develop its own plan to prevent and stop bullying and violence, and that it review this plan annually and update it if necessary.
  • Section 21 of the National Student Ombudsman Act requires that each school inform its students and their parents of the possibility of filing a complaint under the school’s complaint processing procedure.
  • Section 21 of the National Student Ombudsman Act also requires that each school inform its students and their parents of the possibility of making a report or filing a complaint concerning an act of sexual violence to or with the regional student ombudsman, if the school’s handling of the complaint is deemed unsatisfactory.
  • In line with the above, the school is implementing support measures for the victims and, if applicable, the witnesses, as well as sanctions and/or support measures for the perpetrators of these acts and is also committed to making resources available to students and their parents.

Centennial’s Complaint Processing Procedure

If your child is experiencing any type of problem involving bullying, abuse, or violence at Centennial and you would like to report it to the school, please inform us as soon as possible.

  • By filling-in the form below, which will be sent immediately to the Student Success team; OR
  • By emailing the Student Success team at studentsuccess@centennial.qc.ca.

 

Form for reporting cases of violence or bullying to Centennial

This form must be completed by a complainant or a parent/guardian:

If you have not been able to resolve the issue by speaking with Centennial’s Student Success team or senior leadership, then you may file a formal complaint with the National Student Ombudsman. This is the independent body that is responsible for handling complaints and reports within the Québec school system. The procedure for doing so is described below.

Procedure and Processing Sequence for a Complaint

Reporting an act of bullying, violence or sexual violence to the Student Success team, either by email or by completing the form above. The Student Success team must respond to the complaint within 10 working days following its reception.
1
If you are dissatisfied with the processing of the complaint, or if the complaint has not been processed within the prescribed delay, refer the complaint to the person in charge of processing complaints at Centennial:

Joey McKitterick
Director of Student Life and School Climate
Office: Student Success Office
Email: jmckitterick@centennial.qc.ca
Phone: 514 486-5533 x 266

The person in charge of processing the complaint must respond within 15 working days following its reception.
2
If you are dissatisfied with the processing of the complaint, or if the complaint has not been processed with the prescribed delay, refer the complaint to the Regional Student Ombudsman.
3

Resources for Students and Parents

Resources for Students

Resources available at Centennial

Students should feel free to see the following people if they are experiencing any form of bullying, violence or abuse:

Joey McKitterick
Director of Student Life and School Climate
Office:  Student Success Office
Email:    jmckitterick@centennial.qc.ca

Caterina Agostino
Coordinator of Outreach Services
Office:  Student Success Office
Email: cagostino@centennial.qc.ca

External Resources

SPVM
Tel-jeunes
Jeunesse j’écoute
Need Help Now
Centre Axel
Sport’aide
Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec
Interligne
Fondation Émergence
Gris Montréal