Changes are on the way for how serious issues such as bullying, vandalism and racist comments will be handled in schools,
New legislation is coming into effect this February that will affect how all school board employees handle serious incidents at school.
Bruce Grey Catholic District School Board Superintendent of Education Jerry Casey says instead of just responding to an incident, now all incidents must be reported to the principal.
Each report will involve paperwork, a phone call to the parents as well as the parents of any victim.
This responsibility doesnt rest solely on teachers.
All staff members from teachers and librarians to custodians and bus drivers are required to file a reports whenever an incident occurs that could have a negative impact on the school climate.
This includes: racist or sexist comments, vandalism, uttering threats, possessing alcohol, illegal drugs or a weapon, swearing at a teacher or person in authority and bullying.
Serious incidents that occur off of school grounds can also be reported.
Casey says this makes school discipline everyones responsibility.
This no nonsense approach to inappropriate behavior is aimed at making the schools a safer place for students.
In the past teachers often responded to the incidents, but they didnt always report them.