Peace education is a big component in Catholic board schools across Peterborough and surrounding area, according to Mike Langlois, director of education.

In fact, November has been designated Peace Month in the schools, and current activities and lessons are reflecting this focus.

"[Peace education] is a high priority in our religious and family life curriculum," says Peter Crane, curriculum consultant with the Catholic school board, although he adds that it also plays a part in other departments.

Students learn about the value and virtues of peace through role-playing and drama. "We might use particular Scriptural references that speak of peace… we can do that in the Catholic system… Or it could be stories," says Peter. "Storytelling is one of the best motivators… Even starting with the kids' experience can be an entry point into that whole issue."

One of the Catholic schools is working on a school-wide program that focuses on respect. "The entire school buys into this program," says Mike. Students and staff are encouraged to be hospitable, welcoming, polite, and to recognize the worth of their peers.

Father Leo Coughlin is known as the faith animator for the education system. He says that in teaching about peace, the instructors focus just as much on justice as on peace. "Peace is only the fruit of justice on every level. If you're going to work for peace, you're going to have to work for justice, first, especially social justice."

Peter agrees about the importance of tying social justice in with peace teachings. "Peace is about a lot more than absence of war," he says. "Justice is kind of a prerequisite for a peaceful world. People have to be living in just situations for peace to break out."

Students from the schools have visited different communities ravaged by social injustices, which has led to increased conflict. "We wanted to show them and give them the experience of social injustice, so that they can see the need for social justice," according to Father Leo.

Mike says that the schools in the jurisdiction of the Catholic school board for Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington, are 'definitely' peaceful communities, which he attributes to the education.

"The bullying is there," he admits. "But we think that's isolated, and when it does occur, we use it as a teachable moment. We determine why that is happening, and try to do something about it."

"I see our schools as safe communities," says Mike, "where people try to live out all the virtues and values that we talk about, and I think they do a pretty good job of that."

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