Anti-Bullying Policy

30/12/2007

Purpose

We believe children have the right to be educated in peace and friendship, in a safe, happy and supportive environment.

Broad Guidelines

• No student can be expected to deal effectively with bullying on their own.

• Bullying is repetitive, it involves an imbalance of power and it may be verbal, physical, social and psychological.

• Bullying can make children uncomfortable, embarrassed, upset, hurt, angry, sad and depressed.

• Bullying can change the atmosphere of a class and the climate of a school.

• Bullying can have a detrimental long-term effect on the social and emotional well being of the victim.

• Those who encourage or stand by are equally involved as it is peer support and protection for bullies (both direct and indirect) that keep their behaviour going.

Implementation

• School programs will assist children to identify bullying and understand why it is unacceptable.

• Children will be taught strategies to deal with bullying situations.

• All reported incidents of bullying will be investigated thoroughly and promptly.

• Bullying audits will be conducted during the 4th and 8th week of each term.

• Teachers will use the “Method of Shared Concern” where appropriate when dealing with bullying incidents.

• Colac P.S. Incident Reports (yellow forms) are to be used to document incidents of bullying and are a means of communicating to teachers, Principal and parents.

• Bullying is a breach of school rules and sanctions will apply.  Refer to Student Code of Conduct.

Students will be encouraged to act responsibly in support of victims.