The Provincial Government is recognizing school initiatives that help create safe and inclusive learning environments for all students. This year, 11 schools throughout the province have been awarded Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Special Initiatives Grants.
A list of the 2025 grant recipients and a short project description is available in the backgrounder below.
Each school will receive $1,000 to support new or ongoing projects that are student‑focused and promote safe, caring and inclusive learning spaces that value equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is committed to building an educational community in Newfoundland and Labrador that fosters positive, healthy environments for all students, educators and staff.
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“The dedication and commitment of our school communities to connect with and look out for each other is unmatched. Our new government is proud to support schools and see students and staff thrive as they provide safe, inclusive, and caring environments for all students. Congratulations to this year’s recipients and I can’t wait to learn more about all about these wonderful initiatives.”
Honourable Paul Dinn
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
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BACKGROUNDER
Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools
Special Initiatives Grants
Recipients 2025-26
| School
|
Community
|
Project |
| Bishop White School | Port Rexton | The Learning Loft – A comfortable space for students to work together, fostering social-emotional learning through communication, cooperation, and respect for self and others. |
| Carbonear Collegiate | Carbonear | Comfort Spaces – The school community will work collaboratively with the residential construction class to propose ideas for benches and other features that enhance the aesthetic appeal of both indoor and outdoor spaces. |
| Dunne Memorial Academy | St. Mary’s | Project Inner Peace: The Compass – A calm, inclusive space that supports emotional regulation and mindfulness, where students can de-escalate, refocus, and build self-awareness. |
| École Rocher-du-Nord | St. John’s | Différents mais Unis: Célébrons nos Diversités Different but United: Celebrating Our Differences – Through creative and collaborative activities, this project fosters an inclusive and respectful school environment by celebrating the unique identities and cultures within our French school community. |
| Elwood Elementary | Deer Lake | The Kitchen Table -Inclusive outdoor play kitchen promoting communication, cooperation, and imaginative play, with visuals and sensory-friendly design to ensure all students can participate and thrive. |
| J.R. Smallwood Middle School | Wabush | Respect Checks -Recognizes and celebrates students who demonstrate positive behaviours that foster wellness, responsibility, and healthy relationships within the school community. |
| Memorial Academy | Botwood | Sensory Support Spaces – Provides inclusive, calming environments that promote wellness, focus, and positive relationships for all students. |
| St. Mary’s Elementary | St. John’s | Strengthening Connections – Communication Boards will be installed in outdoor play areas to help all students communicate, connect, and engage in positive social interactions during play and learning. |
| St. Michael’s Elementary | Stephenville Crossing | St. Michael’s Craft Club – Offers students a creative space to learn new skills, practice mindfulness, and build positive relationships through engaging activities like sewing, knitting, and beading. |
| Topsail Elementary | Conception Bay South | Connecting Voices through Communication Boards – The boards will be installed in outdoor play and learning areas to ensure students can express themselves and be understood, creating a sense of belonging for all. |
| William Mercer Academy | Dover | Indoor Buddy Area – Three benches to be constructed in key grade-level areas to create safe, welcoming spaces where students can connect socially throughout the school. |