Where were you on April 20, 1999?

With Christmas just around the corner, many of us will take some time to reflect upon past years and the year that is about to become history. I had such an opportunity as I drove 17 hours to a conference in Denver, Colorado this November. In 2001, being the organizer of a conference, I had the opportunity to bring a teacher from Columbine High School, to share her story of the tragic events that occurred on April 20, 1999.

Read the entire article here...

Coming to a future issue...

In January I will be meeting with Dr. Shelley Hymel, from the University of British Columbia, to investigate the possibility of collecting data pertaining to self-harm and suicide. Research indicates that 10 – 15% of those doing self-harm are having thoughts of suicide. These figures do not reflect what students are telling me, which is why I am pursuing this issue further. This will potentially be a longitudinal study which may result in some updated, ground breaking numbers. I'm looking forward to presenting updates in the February edition of the Villager.

Did you know?

There is a new emoji for “I am a witness”

, the Ad Council campaign which was launched with the latest version of iOS 9.1.

is to be used when you witness bullying to let the person know, “I see it, I’m speaking up and I’m doing something about it.”

To all of our SUPPORTERS & VOLUNTEERS!

Yes, Tell Me How I Can Help!

While in Colorado I was able to speak with some administrators and teachers about the changes to their state drug laws and how it is impacting their students and schools. Here is a little of what they told me.

“We can get them to attend in the morning but it not so easy to get them to come back in the afternoon after lunch.”

“We have Marihuana Wednesdays. Anyone caught in possession or under the influence on school property must attend this educational meeting on Wednesday after school with their parents. If they fail to show they are suspended for 8 days, if they repeat they are suspended for 8 days, leading to potential expulsion.”

“If they are caught under the influence they are automatically suspended for 10 days and for any additional infractions, expulsion will be considered.”

Is this what we are in for?

Family Time

Parents need to take a break from work and spend time with their children. I am hearing more and more from students that they wish their Dad, and sometimes Mom, would spend more time with them and their repeated requests go unheard. Play a board game, or if you are up for a challenge an "E" video game, watch a movie, go for drive without any digital devices, have a digital free day on a weekend or start with a digital free evening. It is easy to get caught up in life and everything that is demanded and expected of us. However, probably the greatest demand for our time is with our children. You will never regret spending time with your children, however, if you choose not to, I guarantee that you will regret it later on in life.

Testimonial of the month

"I don't know if you remember me much but I go to the school that you were at yesterday. My name is ....... You haven't really spoke to me since the last time you were at my school when you did Life's Challenges in Secondary School and spoke about suicide and eating disorders among other topics. Yesterday I was going to stay after the presentation of alcohol and drugs just to tell you that time when I spoke to you in grade 8 about 4 years ago when I was 14. That day you changed my life. I was about to leave everything, my life, my family, my friends, until I talked to you. You helped me a lot and I didn't even tell you my whole story. I just wanted to let you know that you were the reason I stayed. The reason I am still here. I am now 17 and still battling depression but I thank you so much. You are a life changer. Thank you again."
Grade 12 Female Student

In closing,