Please find attached a copy of the updated school Anti-Bullying Policy. This policy was ratified by Governing Council at the August meeting.
Key messages from the policy:
At Woodend Primary School we expect that everyone is safe, valued and respected and that individual differences are appreciated, understood and accepted. Therefore we will not tolerate bullying or harassment in any form.
Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert).
Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.
Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying. However, these conflicts still need to be addressed and resolved.
We use the ‘Method of Shared Concern’ approach to deal with incidents of bullying as opposed to an approach of blame and punishment. This approach is solution focussed and relationship based and is very effective in changing student behaviour.
The Bullying. No Way! website provides information and ideas for students, parents and teachers.
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