Safe Schools


How to write a compelling letter of support

Across Ontario, there are safe schools teams working to promote a safe and caring school climate at their school because they understand how important this can be to students' learning and well-being. This is your chance to celebrate these exceptional people and their achievements. Your letters must explain and include clear examples of why the team deserves special recognition.

Here are three tips to help you write a compelling letter of support:

  1. Don't just say your safe schools team is outstanding – prove it!
    Use specific and concrete examples and stories to illustrate how your team meets each of the award criteria. You must provide clear evidence of how your team is helping to create a positive school climate.

  2. Give different perspectives
    Don't tell the same story twice! The two supporter letters should provide various examples from a range of views and perspectives. They cannot be written by family members of the team.

    For example, a teacher might write a letter about the challenges faced at the school; a student might talk about the impact the team had on his or her experience at school; while a parent could describe how the team connects the school with the community.

  3. Keep it simple
    You only have three pages to sell your team to the selection panel. Keep it clear and to the point

    These two letters should paint a complete picture of the team because they are key components for the selection panel in making their decision. So make them compelling!

Formatting your letters

Make your letters easy to read. Each letter should be:

  • Single sided, typed and double spaced
  • In an easy to read font size – no smaller than 10 point, please
  • No more than three pages long.

Each letter must also include the writer's full name and signature.