Sooke School District is welcoming a new dedicated community youth officer with Sooke RCMP this month, creating more opportunities for positive connections with young people in schools and throughout the Sooke community later this month.
The community youth officer will focus on building relationships with students through regular, everyday interactions. That could include helping with breakfast programs, volunteering at school events, joining intramural sports, reading to classes or taking part in fundraisers. The officer will also support safety around schools, including working with crossing guards and promoting safe driving in school zones.
“Some of the most meaningful connections happen through everyday interactions, whether at a school event, through sport or simply having a conversation,” said Sooke RCMP Staff Sgt. Greg Willcocks. “Community policing is at its best when we know the people we serve and they know us, long before they ever need our help.”
The new role builds on the District’s ongoing relationships with Sooke RCMP, West Shore RCMP, families and community partners to support safe, welcoming and connected school communities.
"This is about knowing our communities and listening to the people we serve," said Superintendent Paul Block. "There is no single relationship or program that creates a safe and welcoming school. It takes families, educators and community partners working together. Our responsibility is to approach those relationships thoughtfully and respectfully, and to listen and respond to the young people in front of us."