And so, yes, that is an element of stress. Along with the added tension of a possible teachers strike, two new education laws passed in June have given principals extra work this year, said McCarthy. The education accountability act has forced many principals to work through the summer drafting and redrafting schedules to make sure staff teach a sufficient number of courses. And the new Safe Schools Act, passed in June, sets provincewide standards for behaviour and consistent penalties for violations. It gives teachers the power to suspend students if they're sworn at.
Principals can expel students for more serious acts like bringing a weapon to school.
McCarthy said the safe schools legislation is not expected to bring about rapid change, but she hopes it will lead to a change in both expectations and attitude among students.