Elementary Students Vow To Use Their WITS

Written by admin on 10 March 2011

Students listen intently as the story of Witsup is read. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com Officer Mike introduces Witsup.

MANITOUWADGE, ON– Monday, March 7^th, students from Manitouwadge Public School (MPS) and Our Lady of Lourdes School (OLOL) gathered with their teachers in the latter school’s gymnasium for the official launch of the WITS program; an anti-bullying initiative that brings together schools, families and communities to help elementary school children deal with bullying and peer victimization.

The acronym WITS; Walk away, Ignore, Talk it out and Seek help reminds kids of how best to respond to bullying – learning to use their WITS. It also served as the introduction to accredited WITS instructors Martina Duffy and Officer Mike Pigeau’s (Manitouwadge/Marathon OPP Detachment) address to those in attendance as they provided a brief overview of the afternoon’s agenda and introduced Witsup the Walrus, the WITS Mascot.

Officer Mike, as he is fondly referred to by children and adults throughout the community, queried the students regarding how a walrus might have become the WITS mascot. Both MPS and OLOL have work diligently to promote and enforce anti-bullying policies and the children did not hesitate to respond, proud to show off their knowledge of the topic with Officer Mike, as they called out suggestions of how the walrus’ differences – big teeth and a large frame among them – might be targets for bullies. Officer Mike then clarified, how Witsup’s own experiences having been bullied, had prepared him for his role as an anti-bullying spokes-walrus before taking the stage to read Witsup’s story (projected to a big screen).

Following the story, Duffy and Pigeau announced that everyone would soon be sworn in as WITS Special Constables, the excited group buzzed in anticipation. The OPP Officer introduced his colleagues, Sergeant John Hatch and Constable Justin Loring as well as other members of Manitouwadge’s emergency services including Fire Chief Owen Cranney and members of Superior North EMS; communities leaders, whose attendance reinforced the message that there are responsible adults beyond the school walls who believe in the WITS message and are willing to help children before problems escalate to someone getting hurt. The group would be assisting in the swearing in ceremony.

Officer Mike reads the story of Witsup of the big screen.

Duffy and Pigeau taught the eager group how to stand at attention and salute, with demonstrations by the emergency services personnel. When the students had their salutes well practiced, the community leaders worked their way through the crowd, addressing each student individually, for a ‘secret handshake’ and friendly greeting of “Huddy Huddy”, walrus for “Hey, How ya doing?” and presenting them with special constable stickers. Finally, with their hands over their hearts, the group was led by Officer Mike in reciting the WITS oath (see video):

“I promise to use my WITS, to walk away, ignore, talk it out and seek help when I’m dealing with teasing and bullying.

I promise to also help other kids use their WITS to keep my school and my community a safe and fun place to be and learn”

Following the presentation after MPS students left, OLOL Principal Diane Nelson invited Father Manuel to bless the students, teachers and parents as they begin this important new program (WITS).

The launched wrapped up with thank you’s and a group photo, but the WITS program will continue at OLOL and MPS. Duffy and Pigeau make classroom visits at each of the schools. During the visits they will review the WITS message with students and provide opportunities for the children to ask questions and talk about how they’ve used their WITS. These visits are essential, says the WITS website, to sustaining a community presence and supporting students and teachers to continue integrating WITS.

Going forward teachers at the schools have new tools for teaching, participating in online training through the WITS Program. The WITS Teacher Accreditation Program is a free 90-minute online training module that teaches elementary school instructional staff about the WITS Programs and enables them to become Accredited WITS Programs Teachers, recognized with a Certificate of Accreditation.

MORE INFO

: Following the presentation after MPS students left, OLOL Principal Diane Nelson invited Father Manuel to bless the students, teachers and parents as they begin this important new program (WITS).