TCC Anti-Bullying Policy
Rationale
We at Trinity Catholic College believe that all students have a right to feel safe, happy and be well taught. We endeavour to espouse the Gospel message of Jesus Christ in all of our dealings, and thus ensure that the dignity of each person is upheld. The actions of our staff members aim to model right behaviour, create a caring and supportive culture and prevent instances of bullying. In the unfortunate, but inevitable occurrence of bullying, a clear, inclusive, yet discreet management plan is enacted by the College Pastoral Care Team.
Staff at Trinity Catholic College use the overarching principles of the Sydney CEO Anti-Bullying Policy when enacting the local Anti-Bullying Policy. The guiding principles of this document are as follows:
Bullying
When identifying and deciding if an occurrence of Bullying has taken place, the following definitions should be discerned.
Bullying is 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. Bullying can involve humiliation, domination, intimidation, victimisation and all forms of harassment including that based on sex, race, disability, sexual orientation or practice of religion. Bullying of any form, or for any reason, can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Bullying can happen anywhere: at school, travelling to and from school, in sporting teams, between neighbours, or in the workplace.
Bullying behavior can be:
(Students’ Responsible Use of Technology Guidelines)
Conflict or fights between equals and single incidents are not defined as bullying. Bullying behaviour is not:
In the instance of bullying, or a complaint about this process, the first port of call should be the relevant Pastoral Care Coordinator/s. If a party is still not satisfied with the procedure or outcome, they should refer to the Sydney CEO Complaints Policy.
Prevention of Bullying
The college attempts to create and maintain a safe and supportive learning domain. The Pastoral Care Framework (2013) identifies all key stakeholders and their responsibilities in ensuring an environment free from instances of bullying.
Regular staff induction, training and learning are embedded in order to identify, deal with and record instances of bullying:
New staff induction each year
Students are informed and educated of their role in the prevention of bullying through:
Caregivers are informed and educated of their role in the prevention of bullying through:
Pastoral Care Program – Bullying: No Way
As a result of the Pastoral Care Framework and the development of a comprehensive collaborative approach to reshaping the Pastoral Care Programs from Years 7-12, the College integrates at every stage of learning, within the Pastoral Care program a reorientation and focus on all forms of bullying.
Stage 4
○ The art of conversation
○ Problem solving and conflict avoidance and resolution
○ Friendship and belonging
○ Cybersafety
○ Cyberbullying website
○ Teacher interviews with individual students.
○ Relaxation techniques
○ Meditation and prayer
○ Calming techniques.
Stage 5
○ Examples of all forms of bullying
○ Presentation from Brainstorm Productions – Bullying
○ Effects of Bullying on individual, community, school
○ Perseverance and dedication
○ Motivational media presentation overcoming adversity
Stage 6
○ How to avoid it?
○ Victim or Perpetrator, how not to be either
○ Creating resilience for yourself
○ How to maintain a resilient atmosphere
Procedure for Dealing with a Reported Incident
In most instances, an occurrence will be deemed as bullying if the purported victim asks the purported perpetrator to desist from the act of aggression and they continue. The above heading is a link to navigate an attempt to stop the anti-social behaviour, appropriately support all parties and accurately record the event.
Community contacts that can provide additional support for students and their families
Should you feel that bullying is occurring and that your child is either the victim or perpetrator, please feel free to email the relevant Pastoral Care Coordinator to discuss the issue further