Bullying Prevention Plan

SCHOOL: VICTORIA CROSS PUBLIC SCHOOL

DATE: September 5, 2023

School Bullying Prevention Plan 2023-2024

Everyone at our school is committed to making our school a safe, inclusive and equitable environment for all. We treat each other with respect and we will refuse to tolerate inequities in any form at our school. We know that a “whole-school” approach where all stakeholders are involved in supporting our students helps create and maintain a positive school climate.

Definition of Bullying
“Bullying” means aggressive and typically repeated behaviour by a student where,

1. The behavior is intended by the student to have the effect of, or the student ought to know that the behavior would be likely to have the effect of,
 causing harm, fear or distress to another individual, including physical, psychological, social or academic harm, harm to the individual’s reputation or harm to the individual’s property, or
 creating a negative environment at a school for another individual, and

2. The behavior occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance between the student and the individual based on factors such as size, strength, age, intelligence, peer group
power, economic status, social status, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, family circumstances, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, disability or special education needs.

Bullying takes different forms of contexts with age. It can be physical, verbal, social/emotional or through electronic means (cyber-bullying). Bystanders contribute to bullying by doing nothing to prevent it or become actively involved in supporting it.

“Cyberbullying” includes electronic communication that:
• Is used to upset, threaten or embarrass another person.
• Uses email, cell phones, text messages and social media sites to threaten, harass, embarrass, socially exclude or damage reputations and friendships.
• includes put downs, insults and can also involve spreading rumours, sharing private information, photos or videos or threatening to harm someone.

Examples of Bullying
• PHYSICAL AGGRESSION: e.g., hitting, pushing, stealing, damaging property
• VERBAL AGGRESSION: e.g., insults, threats, taunting someone in a hurtful way, name calling, making sexist, racist or homophobic comments
• SOCIAL OR RELATIONAL AGGRESSION: e.g., spreading rumours about someone, excluding someone, gossiping
• ELECTRONIC (Cyberbullying): e.g., spreading rumors and/or hurtful comments through the use of email, cell phones (texts) or on social media.

Safe Schools Committee

(Note: mandatory for all schools – an existing committee may assume this role)

School Administrator: Shannon Spike (Principal), Carol- Anne Sloan (VP)
Equity Rep: Shealynn Bodendistle, Rachel Peters
Teacher(s): TBA
Support Staff: Joanne Worth
Student Rep: (when appropriate) TBA
Parent: Becky Wagner, School Council Chair
Community Partner: (if possible) N/A

The role of this committee should include but is not limited to the following:
• Develop and annually review the School Bullying Prevention Plan
• Implement and analyze data from the School Climate Survey (WHY – Wellness Health of Youth Survey) – every two years
• Identify and implement bullying prevention and intervention programs that address the needs of the school
• Identify relationship building and community building programs relevant to the needs of the school
• Assist with training and awareness raising strategies for staff, students and parents/ guardians
• Communicate bullying prevention and intervention strategies and reporting procedures to the school community

School Monitoring and Review Process

This Bullying Prevention and Inclusive School Plan was developed or reviewed by our Safe School Committee on: September 5, 2023

Our most recent school climate (WHY) survey was or will be conducted on: 2022

50% of students in grades 4-6, 50% of students in grades 7-8, 86% of parents, and 12% of staff completed our most recent school climate survey.

Data from our most recent climate (WHY) survey indicated that:

• N/A% of students in grade 4-6 and N/A% of students in grades 7/8 feel very safe at school.
• 29.1% of students in grade 4-6 and 29.1% of students in grades 7/8 identified that they have been bullied a few times at school over the last year.
• 74.2% of students in grade 4-6 and 74.2% of students in grades 7/8 indicated that they told an adult about bullying that had occurred.
• 44% parents who completed the survey felt that adults at school were helpful in resolving bullying issues.
• N/A% of parents who completed the survey indicated that bullying stopped after their child told an adult about the bullying.
• N/A% of staff who completed the survey indicated that when steps were taken to address specific incidents of bullying, the intervention was successful.

Training Strategies for Staff and Members of the School Community

Members of our school community will receive Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive training through:

• Board professional development workshops
• Online training for new employees
• Staff meetings
• Provision of professional development materials and resources
• Other (please specify)

Parents/Community Communication and Outreach Strategies

We will communicate our Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive strategies and initiatives by:

• Including our Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive Plan in our school/student handbook
• Including information inserts in our school newsletters and other in-house publications
• Sharing information during school assemblies and announcements
• Sharing information through bulletin board postings
• Sharing information at School Council and other parent meetings
• Sharing information at staff meetings
• Integrating Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusion into classroom instruction
• Posting our Bullying Prevention Plan and Safe, Equitable and Inclusive Schools strategy on our school website
• Informing parents and school volunteers of our procedures for reporting incidents of bullying and inequity
• Assisting parents to build awareness and knowledge so they may support our school Bullying

Prevention and Equity & Inclusive strategies

Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive Strategies, Education Programs/Activities

Note: Our Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive goal(s) are determined after analysis of the results of our school climate (WHY) survey.

School Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive Goals(s):

1. To help our students identify and practice kindness, respect, empathy and problem solving strategies as they collect strategies to fill their “tool kit” and grow positive conflict resolution skill
2. School wide, intentional participation during inclusive recognition events using student voice to convey messages and school wide activities to maximize student learning/understanding.
3. Ensuring all students have equal access to school activities.
4. Actively teach students about harmful language, how to interrupt it, and learn from it (interrupt, stop, educate).
5. Use culturally responsive teaching and resources with focus on various identities and lived experiences.

Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive, Education Programs and Activities:

Our school currently implements or will implement the following bullying prevention and equity & inclusive education programs and activities that focus on developing healthy relationships and provide leadership opportunities for our students:

1. To develop and extend their empathy, conflict resolution and self regulation skills (i.e., colour teams, leadership opportunities, multi-grade activities)
2. To lead announcements and assemblies to share messages and strategies that our students can us to develop positive peer relationships, cope with stressful and anxious feelings.
3. To participate in classroom based activities and lessons that provide students opportunities to develop leadership and teamwork skills
4. To be exposed to resources that reflect the UGDSB equity goals so student see their live and others’ represented in the materials, books, pictures and voice within the classroom
5. To notice and appreciate and focus on the greatness that each person brings to school each day -recognizing that we each have different areas in which we shine – we are all good at something
6. To focus on hands on experiences that allow students to have a positive impact in their class, their school and their community
7. To have a voice in clubs and committees that focus on inclusion and equity

Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive Responsibilities

The role of this committee should include but is not limited to the following:

• Develop and annually review the School Bullying Prevention Plan
• Implement and analyze data from the School Climate Survey (WHY – Wellness Health of Youth Survey) – every two years
• Identify and implement bullying prevention and intervention programs that address the needs of the school
• Identify relationship building and community building programs relevant to the needs of the school
• Assist with training and awareness raising strategies for staff, students and parents/ guardians
• Communicate bullying prevention and intervention strategies and reporting procedures to the school community

School Monitoring and Review Process

This Bullying Prevention and Inclusive School Plan was developed or reviewed by our Safe School Committee on: September 5, 2023

Our most recent school climate (WHY) survey was or will be conducted on: 2022

50% of students in grades 4-6, 50% of students in grades 7-8, 86% of parents, and 12% of staff completed our most recent school climate survey.

Data from our most recent climate (WHY) survey indicated that:
• N/A% of students in grade 4-6 and N/A% of students in grades 7/8 feel very safe at school.
• 29.1% of students in grade 4-6 and 29.1% of students in grades 7/8 identified that they have been bullied a few times at school over the last year.
• 74.2% of students in grade 4-6 and 74.2% of students in grades 7/8 indicated that they told an adult about bullying that had occurred.
• 44% parents who completed the survey felt that adults at school were helpful in resolving bullying issues.
• N/A% of parents who completed the survey indicated that bullying stopped after their child told an adult about the bullying.
• N/A% of staff who completed the survey indicated that when steps were taken to address specific incidents of bullying, the intervention was successful.

Training Strategies for Staff and Members of the School Community

Members of our school community will receive Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive training through:

• Board professional development workshops
• Online training for new employees
• Staff meetings
• Provision of professional development materials and resources
• Other (please specify)

Parents/Community Communication and Outreach Strategies

We will communicate our Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive strategies and initiatives by:

• Including our Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive Plan in our school/student handbook
• Including information inserts in our school newsletters and other in-house publications
• Sharing information during school assemblies and announcements
• Sharing information through bulletin board postings
• Sharing information at School Council and other parent meetings
• Sharing information at staff meetings
• Integrating Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusion into classroom instruction
• Posting our Bullying Prevention Plan and Safe, Equitable and Inclusive Schools strategy on our school website
• Informing parents and school volunteers of our procedures for reporting incidents of bullying and inequity
• Assisting parents to build awareness and knowledge so they may support our school Bullying

Prevention and Equity & Inclusive strategies

Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive Strategies, Education Programs/Activities

Note: Our Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive goal(s) are determined after analysis of the results of our school climate (WHY) survey.

School Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive Goals(s):

1. To help our students identify and practice kindness, respect, empathy and problem solving strategies as they collect strategies to fill their “tool kit” and grow positive conflict resolution skill
2. School wide, intentional participation during inclusive recognition events using student voice to convey messages and school wide activities to maximize student learning/understanding.
3. Ensuring all students have equal access to school activities.
4. Actively teach students about harmful language, how to interrupt it, and learn from it (interrupt, stop, educate).
5. Use culturally responsive teaching and resources which focus on various identities and lived experiences.

Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive, Education Programs and Activities:

Our school currently implements or will implement the following bullying prevention and equity & inclusive education programs and activities that focus on developing healthy relationships and provide leadership opportunities for our students:

1. To develop and extend their empathy, conflict resolution and self regulation skills (i.e., colour teams, leadership opportunities, multi-grade activities)
2. To lead announcements and assemblies to share messages and strategies that our students can us to develop positive peer relationships, cope with stressful and anxious feelings.
3. To participate in classroom based activities and lessons that provide students opportunities to develop leadership and teamwork skills
4. To be exposed to resources that reflect the UGDSB equity goals so student see their live and others’ represented in the materials, books, pictures and voice withint the classroom
5. To notice and appreciate and focus on the greatness that each person brings to school each day -recognizing that we each have different areas in which we shine – we are all good at something
6. To focus on hands on experiences that allow students to have a positive impact in their class, their school and their community
7. To have a voice in clubs and committees that focus on inclusion and equity

Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive Responsibilities

Staff:
• Closely supervise students in all areas of the school and school grounds
• Watch for signs of bullying and stopping it when it happens
• Respond quickly and sensitively to bullying reports (Affirm, Ask, Assess, Act)
• Take seriously parents’ concerns about bullying incidents
• Assign consequences for bullying
• Teach students our procedures for reporting incidents of bullying
• Provide a safe environment for students who report bullying (protection from retaliation)
• Treat others respectfully
• Model positive ways of getting along with others

The role of this committee should include but is not limited to the following:
• Develop and annually review the School Bullying Prevention Plan
• Implement and analyze data from the School Climate Survey (WHY – Wellness Health of Youth Survey) – every two years
• Identify and implement bullying prevention and intervention programs that address the needs of the school
• Identify relationship building and community building programs relevant to the needs of the school
• Assist with training and awareness raising strategies for staff, students and parents/ guardians
• Communicate bullying prevention and intervention strategies and reporting procedures to the school community

School Monitoring and Review Process

This Bullying Prevention and Inclusive School Plan was developed or reviewed by our Safe School Committee on: September 5, 2023

Our most recent school climate (WHY) survey was or will be conducted on: 2022

50% of students in grades 4-6, 50% of students in grades 7-8, 86% of parents, and 12% of staff completed
our most recent school climate survey.

Data from our most recent climate (WHY) survey indicated that:

• N/A% of students in grade 4-6 and N/A% of students in grades 7/8 feel very safe at school.
• 29.1% of students in grade 4-6 and 29.1% of students in grades 7/8 identified that they have been bullied a few times at school over the last year.
• 74.2% of students in grade 4-6 and 74.2% of students in grades 7/8 indicated that they told an adult about bullying that had occurred.
• 44% parents who completed the survey felt that adults at school were helpful in resolving bullying issues.

• N/A% of parents who completed the survey indicated that bullying stopped after their child told an adult about the bullying.
• N/A% of staff who completed the survey indicated that when steps were taken to address specific incidents of bullying, the intervention was successful.

Training Strategies for Staff and Members of the School Community

Members of our school community will receive Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive training through:

• Board professional development workshops
• Online training for new employees
• Staff meetings
• Provision of professional development materials and resources
• Other (please specify)

Parents/Community Communication and Outreach Strategies
We will communicate our Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive strategies and initiatives by:

• Including our Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusive Plan in our school/student handbook
• Including information inserts in our school newsletters and other in-house publications
• Sharing information during school assemblies and announcements
• Sharing information through bulletin board postings
• Sharing information at School Council and other parent meetings
• Sharing information at staff meetings
• Integrating Bullying Prevention and Equity & Inclusion into classroom instruction
• Posting our Bullying Prevention Plan and Safe, Equitable and Inclusive Schools strategy on our school website
• Informing parents and school volunteers of our procedures for reporting incidents of bullying and inequity
• Assisting parents to build awareness and knowledge so they may support our school Bullying

Full plan available here: School Bullying Prevention Plan 2023-2024