St John’s is committed to the provision of a safe and supportive environment free from harassment and intimidation which promotes personal growth and positive self-esteem for all, both in and out of the classroom.
Definition
The National Safe Schools Framework (2011) defines bullying as “repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse of power by an individual or group towards one or more persons”.
Cyberbullying
“…any form of bullying that utilises technology such as instant messaging, online chat rooms, online bulletin boards and email. In many ways this is a more insidious form of bullying since it may reach into a victim’s home.” In other words, technology now allows the bully to inflict psychological harm on his or her victim anywhere and anytime without respite. (Schools and the Law – Des Butler and Ben Matthews, p. 46).
Responsibilities of Staff
- To model appropriate behaviour at all times.
- To deal with all reported and observed incidences of bullying as set out in this policy.
- To report incidences of bullying to the principal.
- To ensure that students feel and understand that they have been heard.
- To watch for signs of bullying amongst students.
- To build a sense of respect for each individual within the school community.
- To nurture a sense of goodness (Godness) in students.
- To give time and support to children who report instances perceived by them as ‘bullying’.
- Document all reported incidents and their follow up on the school Gate21
- Policy will be posted on the school’s webpage.
- Follow the school’s policy and procedures on anti-bullying.
- Monitor student understanding of anti-bullying policy and processes through the conduct of an annual survey.
- Evaluate the policy annually.
Responsibilities of Children
Children at St John’s are asked to:
- Let someone know if they are being bullied or if they feel someone else being bullied – both at school and on the way to and from school.
- Assist / intervene if someone who is being bullied. Bystanders can provide support and assist in addressing bullying.
- Be always respectful and caring of others.
- Respect themselves as individuals and as part of a loving and encouraging community.
- Respect the viewpoint of others and to strive to empathise and understand that no one viewpoint has absolute authority over another valid, positive viewpoint.
- Cooperate with and respect the judgement of teachers when assessing ‘bullying’.
- Accept responsibility for one’s own behaviour, to own actions.
- Follow the school’s policy and procedures on anti-bullying.
- Understand what constitutes bullying.
- Participate in class activities including mindfulness and restorative justice processes.
Parents are asked to:
- Work with the school community to encourage positive values of respect and tolerance of individuality.
- Understand that conflict is a normal part of relationships.
- Distinguish between relationship conflicts and ‘bullying’.
- Participate positively in school anti-bullying processes.
- Watch for signs that their child may be upset or uncomfortable about something.
- Speak to someone on staff at the school if they suspect their child is being bullied.
- Instruct their children to let a teacher know if they are uncomfortable or think they are being bullied.
- Support the procedures outlined in school policies
