Canadians have been left shocked by the tragic story of Amanda Todd, a B.C. teen who was tormented by bullying for years before taking her own life.
    Many of the older students in the community have been asking questions about the story and the issues surrounding it.
    “We did have some questions brought up by our Grade 12 students. Some of the comments were wondering why something like this could happen, how people treat each other, and how social media has really blown it up,” said Tim Gregorash, principal of St. Anthony’s School.
    Students at Drumheller Valley Secondary School (DVSS) have discussed the issue as well.
    “There’s been discussions in various classes. This incident has brought these issues to the forefront now, but we’re always in the process of educating about these issues,” said Lynn Hemming, a teacher and counsellor at DVSS.
    To help combat bullying in Drumheller, the schools have implemented programs to teach students tolerance and understanding.
    “We’ve had quite a few bullying education session come though. A lot of it is about educating the kids about what bullying is,” said Dave Watson, family resource worker at Greentree School.
    Students have also been doing what they can to stop bullying. The Friends of Rachel (FOR) Club have taken time to address bullying with their peers and are seeing their efforts make a difference.
    “The FOR club has been trying to get people involved, but we’ve started to see people standing up on their own,” said Allyson Campbell, a FOR Club member.
    “For the past two days we’ve had someone come in to talk about sexual harassment and assault. I think a lot of students eyes were opened,” said fellow member Desiree MacFarlane.
    In addition to anti-bullying sessions, St. Anthony’s School, Grade 1 students go through the Roots of Empathy program to raise social and emotion competency and empathy. Faith also plays a critical role in how bullying is addressed.
    “We’ve always tried to be proactive when dealing with issues of bullying,” said Gregorash. “Our faith is ingrained in all we do, so we talk about how Jesus calls us to love one another.”
    Schools can and do take a more direct approach if the situation arises.
    “Usually what happens is it becomes a discipline issue. If it’s a bullying situation, it’s not a one-time thing. It’s been happening for awhile. We try to look at the history and why  it’s happening. We try to make sure both children get the support they need,” said Watson.
    “We have a zero-tolerance policy in regards to bullying, but not the people. Our role as educators is to work on the changing of behaviour,” said Curtis LaPierre, principal of DVSS.
    Students and parents are encouraged to contact their school principal if they feel they are being bullied and especially if the bullying is occurring via social networking websites or texting.

Members of the Drumheller Valley Secondary School Friends of Rachel (FOR) Club at a anti-bullying session last year at Greentree School. Schools in Drumheller are taking a proactive approach in regards to bullying and some have taken the time to discuss the Amanda Todd tragedy with students.

    While Christmas seems like it is eons away, The Morgan Jayne Project is hoping they can make it a reality for youngsters in the Roatan.
    The Morgan Jane Project is plugging away at its annual Christmas list, and it looks as though Drumheller residents have stepped up and have pledged to help families in need.
    However as the deadline approaches, one roadblock could stand it its way.
Making Christmas come in Roatan, simply put, costs money.  Shipping the dozens of gift packages for the families who truly need them, is a monumental fundraising task.
    So far Fred Makowecki says they have raised in the area of a quarter of the funds they expect they will need, and hope to ship the packages in less than two weeks. They hope to raise  another $6,000 to send the packages overseas.
    Riverside Value Drug Mart has lent its support and is collecting funds for shipping. Makowecki says they are grateful for any support they receive.
    This week volunteers are beginning the packing and wrapping process at Elim Pentecostal Church. Organizers are asking those who have pledged gifts to make sure they honour them as soon as possible so volunteers can set to work wrapping all the gifts. It appears the bulk of the families on the list have been spoken for.
    There is also a need for more volunteers to help with the wrapping, many hands make light work. Paula Peake is spearheading the packing and shipping. Tonight (Wednesday) a crew of volunteers is beginning to package the gifts at the Elim Pentecostal Church facility. They hope to make Wednesday night a set time to meet. She says there are other times available and to contact her at 403-820- 0766 to make arrangements.
    “If we have to add days later on, or if there is a group that wants to come on a different day, call my cell phone. I can always try to make it here, and the more people, the faster this process goes,” said Peake.
    For more information or to make a donation, contact Makowecki at 403-823-8082.

(l-r) Paula Peake, Angela Moreau and Cindy Thomas set to work getting ready to pack gifts for the Morgan Jayne Project Christmas Miracle. Volunteers are needed to pack the gifts. Funds are also needed to make sure the gifts arrive in Roatan before Christmas.
mailphoto by Patrick Kolafa