Bullying

Definition:

A person is bullied when one or more other people expose them regularly, and over time, to negative or harmful actions. Bullies are people who deliberately set out to intimidate, exclude, threaten, and/or hurt others repeatedly. Bullying is a clear form of harassment.

Rationale:

The College aims to provide a positive culture where bullying is not accepted, and all will have the right to be respected, the right to learn, the right to teach and a right to feel safe and secure in their school environment.

Aims:

To clarify within the college community the definition of bullying, and reinforce the fact that it is unacceptable.
Everyone within the college community to be alert to signs and evidence of bullying, and to have a responsibility to report it to staff whether as observer or victim.
To ensure that all reported incidents of bullying are followed up appropriately, and that support is given to both victims and perpetrators.
To seek parental and peer-group support and cooperation at all times.

Procedures:

Parents, teachers, students, and the community are made be aware of the school’s position on bullying.
Professional development is provided for staff in relation to bullying, harassment and proven counter measures.
The College community is provided with input relating to bullying, its characteristics and the College’s programs and response.
Programs that promote resilience, life and social skills, assertiveness, conflict resolution and problem solving are provided.
Students and staff are encouraged to report any incidents of bullying.
Tutor Group Teachers, Leaders of Wellbeing & Engagement and the Executive are regularly reminding students and staff to report incidents of bullying.
Parents are encouraged to contact school if they become aware of a problem.
Positive anti-bullying behaviour is recognised.
The Principal and the Assistant Principal Wellbeing & Engagement are to be made aware of all incidents of bullying.
Once identified each bully, victim and witnesses will be spoken with, and all incidents or allegations of bullying will be fully investigated and documented.
Students who have been identified by others as bullies will be informed of allegations.
Both bullies and victims will be offered counselling and support.
If student bullying persists, parents will be contacted, and consequences implemented consistent with the College's Student Code of Conduct.
If staff bullying persists the Principal will commence formal disciplinary action.

Consequences:

The consequences for a student who has been the perpetrator of bullying may involve the following:

Exclusion from classes
Exclusion from the yard (or other sections of the College grounds)
College suspension
Ongoing professional counselling

Support Structures:

The College endeavours to offer appropriate support mechanisms for both the victim of bullying and the perpetrator of bullying. These strategies may vary between incidents but may include the following:

Counselling provided by the College
Counselling provided by an External Agency
Monitoring by the Tutor Group Teacher
Monitoring by the Leaders of Wellbeing & Engagement
Monitoring by the Assistant Principal Wellbeing & Engagement