Roots of Empathy (ROE) is an award winning, evidence-based classroom program that has shown dramatic effect in reducing levels of aggression and violence among school children while raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. The program reaches children from Kindergarten to Grade 8 across Canada, in English and French, in rural, urban, remote and Aboriginal communities both on and off reserve and internationally in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

The Roots of Empathy program at St. John is taught to our Grade 6 english class by instructor Jennifer MacDonald. Jennifer is a member of our School Council and is is extremely active in all facets of our school life. Both Jennifer's children attend St. John.

For their Roots of Empathy program, Miss Bradley and her students have welcomed Gareth Thompson and him mom to their classroom. Gareth was born on October 3/07 at 10:58. He weighed 6lbs 10 oz and was 201/2 inches long. Mom's name is Laura and he has an older brother named Emmet. We were fortunate enough to discover Gareth through our St. John Council Co-Chair Christina Sitko who is employed at the day care that Emmet attends.

The response has been overwhelming.

Our Roots of Empathy Friend Gareth Thompson

Roots of Empathy Website

Interview with Mary Gordon, Founder of Roots of Empathy (pdf)

Wall Street Journal Article, February 2008