Welcome to The Peace Foundation

The Peace Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation actively involved in creating a more peaceful society. The Foundation promotes peaceful relationships among people of all ages, at all levels, through education, research and action.

An international survey (2009) of 5000 Year Five pupils in 40 countries showed New Zealand children have the second highest reported incidence of bullying.[1] To support this claim, national statistics indicate that 2000 students have been stood down or suspended over a three-year period.

Reasons for this stood down and suspensions vary with many behavioural issues (violence, drug and alcohol, family and relationship problems). Further, statistics NZ figures show numbers of assaults with weapons at schools and universities including knife attacks are rising from 21 in 2007-2008 to 24 in 2008-2009.[2]

Bullying and cyber-bullying using email and mobile phones is likewise a growing problem in schools and has been linked with several youth suicides.[3] This situation shows the need to adopt a multi-pronged approach that involves schools, parents and the wider community.

The Peace Foundation offers the Cool Schools Peer Mediation Training to primary and secondary schools nationwide, and the Parents Programme to schools parents and the wider community to help curb the violence and bullying problems and its consequences. These education programmes offer empowerment of teachers/schools staff, pupils and parents with peaceful conflict resolution skills which help build safer, peaceful school and community environments.

[1] “Deborah Coddington: Parliamentary thugs give free lessons to child bullies” 15 November 2009. NZ Herald.

[2] “Inquiry into how schools respond to violence” 4 November 2009. Dominion Post.

[3] “Bullying claim as girl quits school” 23 November 2009. www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/3086780/Bullying-claim-as-girl-quits-school

The Peace Foundation invites you to apply as Cool Schools Peer Mediation Trainer.

We seek a person who has the ability to develop empathetic relationships across age groups and cultures. The following essential skills are needed for the position: a) excellent oral and written communication skills; b) organisational skills; c) proficiency in computer/IT especially with MS Office applications i.e. MS Word and PowerPoint; and d) can work flexible hours, i.e. evenings and weekends. Experience in teaching at primary and secondary schools is an advantage. The position is initially a part time role but is intended to become full time.

We are a professional and passionate team working on peace education. If you would like to be part of our organisation, please email admin@peacefoundation.org.nz or call Sue at 09-373-2379 for the job description.


Sue Tregurtha
Client Services Administrator
The Peace Foundation
ph. 09-373-2379

AUCKLAND PRIMARY TEACHERS COOL SCHOOLS TRAINING WORKSHOP

When: Wednesday 10th March, 2010 from 8.45a.m – 3.30p.m
Where: Rm 2, Kohia Teachers Centre, Gate 2, Level 2, 78 Epsom Ave, Epsom, Auckland
Cost: $150 per person includes; training, handouts, morning tea and lunch
Who should attend: New staff members of schools currently implementing the programme, co-ordinators who have not had previous training, teachers and co-ordinators who need a refresher course, school management interested in implementing the programme.


COOL SCHOOLS NETWORK MEETINGS 2010

Wellington
Friday 12th March, 2010 from 1.00p.m – 3.30p.m Pasifika Room, Mana Education Centre, 5 Hariot Drive, Todd Park, Porirua Ph (04) 237 7318

North Auckland
Friday 28th May, 2010 from 1.00p.m – 3.30p.m Sherwood Primary School, Sartors Avenue, Browns Bay, North Shore Ph (09) 478 3024

2010 CHRISTCHURCH SECONDARY SCHOOLS SYMPOSIUM
Friday 5th March from 9:15a.m - 3.00p.m. Venue: Holiday Inn Avon Conference Centre


2010 AUCKLAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS SYMPOSIUM
Friday 25th June (last day of Peace Week). Venue: To be confirmed


PEACE WEEK 2010
June 21st – Friday 25th (Week 10, Term 2, 2010)

COOL SCHOOLS NEWSLETTERS 2010: DUE DATES FOR ARTICLE CONTRIBUTIONS
Please can we have all articles, reports, letters, poems, photos, profiles, etc. emailed to: christina@peacefoundation.org.nz by:
Edition 1: Friday May 7th (Week 3, Term 2, 2010)
Edition 2:    Friday 24th September (Week 10, Term 3, 2010)

For recent NEWS and updates on the Cool Schoools Peer Mediation Programme read our latest newsletter edition (Term 4 2009) (PDF 6 MB)

In this issue...

• Trace It To A Face!
• The Power of Mediation ... It Works!
• The Rangitikei Cluster Model
• Secondary School Symposium – Student Reflections
• Resource Clearance Sale
• Upcoming Events
• and other articles from schools, etc.

MASSIVE RESOURCE CLEARANCE SALE ON NOW 

The Peace Foundation have heavily discounted clearance resources avaliable for sale. Resources on sale include books, posters, t-shirts, wristbands, CD's, DVD's, magnets and first day covers. Don't miss out, as 95% of stock is marked at half price, stocks will be limited. All discounted prices are valid while stocks last. The Peace Foundation continues to stock and sell a large range of other resource. For more information or to place an order contact the Foundation on (09) 373 2379 email admin@peacefoundation.org.nz

Clearance books, t-shirts and wristbands.

Clearance CD's, DVD's, magnet, first day cover & posters.

Clearance Kindergarten resources.

 Cool Schools has recently created a Facebook page where Cool School Mediators can share photos, videos, stories, ideas and comments about resolving conflict peacefully in our school communities. Check out our page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Auckland/Cool-Schools-
The-New-Zealand-Peace-Foundation/136695189247 and become a fan. 

WHAT IS THE PEACEBUILDING APPROACHES CATALOGUE?
T... more

ENACT is a new youth website dedicated to inspiring the participation of young people in peace issues; in Aotearoa and in the world as a whole.

It provides a forum for voicing your opinions and finding out about all things peace-related. It includes information and initiatives for youth on promoting peaceful relationships at home, in the community and around the world.

ENACT is an initiative of the Peace Foundation Wellington office.