Teachers across the province are encouraged to engage Island students in discussions about healthy relationships, says Valerie E. Docherty, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.
The Premier’s Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention Youth Engagement Working Group is inviting submissions for the 2014-15 storyboard contest from students in grades four through nine to support the theme What is a healthy relationship?
“By participating in this contest, Island youth can show what healthy relationships look like,” said Minister Docherty. “We are all involved in many different relationships with friends and family members, and it is important for students to ask themselves if they know what a healthy relationship looks like? It’s important to know what defines a healthy relationship.”
Ann Sherman, chair of the Premier’s Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention notes that it is equally important for youth to be able to identify signs of an unhealthy relationship. “It’s also important to recognize an abusive relationship, and to know where to turn for help before things get worse.”
Storyboard entries illustrating the theme What is a healthy relationship? must be submitted on an 8.5" x11" page and can be single or double-sided. Storyboard designs will be judged based on depiction of theme, attractiveness and creativity. All storyboards meeting contest guidelines will be featured in an online gallery at www.stopfamilyviolence.pe.ca.
The hope is to have submissions from schools all across Prince Edward Island. Two prizes of $250 will be awarded, one for the classroom of the teacher with the winning entry from grades four through six, and one for the winning entry from grades seven through nine.
Entries must be mailed or emailed with a signed, completed entry form and received by Friday, February 13 during PEI Family Violence Prevention Week February 8 to 14. Full contest details, and information about the 2015 Family Violence Prevention Week campaign can be found at www.stopfamilyviolence.pe.ca/2015campaign or you can call (902) 368-6712 for more information.
For information about healthy relationships and where to get help visit http://stopfamilyviolence.pe.ca/teens.