HASTINGS AND PRINCE EDWARD DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Words Matter campaign launching at HPEDSB

Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is committed to creating safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments for everyone. In support of this, we're launching a year-long Words Matter campaign in our schools. 

What is Words Matter about?

The Words Matter campaign addresses the nuances of language that can instil harm, bias and discrimination. By having open dialogue and education about the power of words, the aim is to create a culture of mindful communication. This campaign will involve not just students and staff but also parents and caregivers, emphasizing the crucial role that families play in promoting respectful interactions.

What parents/caregivers can do

Parents/caregivers can get involved to learn more. We are offering a virtual workshop to help parents/caregivers learn about the impact of language on children and others in our communities. Find out about tools to support your children to use words that uplift and empower.

ONLINE EVENT: Words Matter Parent and Caregiver Virtual Workshop

DATE: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

TIME: 6:00-7:30 PM

Access to the virtual workshop will be provided by each school.  

We encourage all parents and caregivers to participate in this important discussion. Contact your school principal to learn more. Together, we can foster a positive school culture that values respect and inclusivity.

Our commitment

As part of the Words Matter Campaign, our schools have committed to the following actions:

•  Active intervention: Empowering everyone in our community to speak up against harmful language.
•  Staff training: Providing ongoing professional development for staff to address harmful and discriminatory language effectively.
• Parent/Caregiver engagement: Facilitating important conversations with families about the significance of this issue.
• Words Matter Day: Organizing a special day where all classrooms engage in discussions about the impact of harmful language and strategies for addressing it.

School Climate Survey

In addition to the Words Matter Campaign, each school will prepare and provide their own school based survey for students in Grade 4 through 12 to complete. This short online survey will be available to students at three different points in the school year (pre, mid and post campaign). The survey will be voluntary and anonymous. 

The school climate survey results will be used in several ways:

• Support the HPEDSB priority of promoting well-being and safe environments
• Support the work of schools and School Climate Teams
• provide valuable information for Student Achievement Plan goals
• Help schools understand their school needs and encourage them to explore new and effective ways of involving their students, staff and school community 

Already, HPEDSB has reviewed previous school climate survey results and set measurable action steps as they align with the Student Achievement Plan and 2025-2030 Strategic Plan priorities.

HPEDSB School Climate Goals

School climate is a way of describing feelings around safety, belonging and how welcoming schools are. By gaining a greater understanding of how students are feeling through the survey, HPEDSB will work toward the following goals:

1.  Increasing the number of students, families and staff who feel safe, have a greater sense of belonging and feel their schools are a welcoming place.
2. Supporting schools in working with their School Climate Teams, consisting of at least one student, parent, teacher, non-teaching staff member, community partner and administrator, to assist in monitoring, reviewing and improving the school climate.

Anonymized survey results will be shared with students, school councils, school climate teams and school staff to monitor their progress and celebrate their successes. 

We are eager to embark on this journey together and look forward to your support in making a positive impact on your child's school community.