Welshpool & District Primary School

ANTI BULLYING POLICY

DEFINITION:

Bullying is physical or psychological actions by an individual or a group which are aimed at hurting or intimidating another individual or group. It is sometimes called harassment.

Some activities in which bullies engage are:

·          Teasing

·          Name calling including swearing

·          Demands for money or possessions

·          Damaging, removing or hiding property

·          Leaving someone out of activities on purpose

·          Physical violence

·          Put downs

·          Other actions that are meant to hurt or embarrass someone.

AIM:

In the belief that Welshpool & District Primary School provides a safe and supportive learning environment it endeavours to

·        Promote the right of  all students of the school, working within the school, to an environment free from bullying and harassment.

·        Eliminate bullying and harassment.

GUIDELINES:

At Welshpool & District Primary School it is intolerable for a student or group of students to:

§         Bully or harass

–       Any student or group of students

–       Any visitors to the school premises

·        To request, instruct, induce, encourage authorise or assist another to bully or harass.

IMPLEMENTATION:

·        The school will provide material on bullying, tolerance and relationships in the curriculum.

·        Provide a safe environment for students, teachers, ancillary staff and visitors.

·        Provide a supportive environment which encourages positive relationships between students, peers and school staff.

·        Implement Classroom Management Plans the Student Code of Conduct/Welfare Policy and Anti Bullying Policies in a fair and consistent manner.

·        Respond to all reports of bullying and harassment as outlined in the consequences statement of this policy.

·        Model appropriate behaviour on a consistent basis

·        Ensure that the bullying policy is implemented by staff.

CONSEQUENCES:

·        Students reported for a first incidence will be counselled and their name placed on record in an anti bullying book.

·        Students reported for a second incidence will be given detention of up to half of recess and/or  lunchtime and have their parents notified in writing.

·        Students reported for a third incidence will proceed to Stage 3 of the breaches of Student Code of Conduct. An interview with parents will be arranged and  parents will be invited to discuss the matter with the school with a view to the involvement of outside support agencies and/or Stage 4 being implemented.

·        Severe breaches of the anti bullying policy will result in parents being notified immediately.

EVALUATION:

·        Parent survey as part of annual review process.

·        Incidence of student and parental complaints.

RESPONSIBILITY:

School Council

Principal

Teachers

Integration Aides