Bullying Prevention Week 2019

Posted November 18, 2019

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

 November 17-22, 2019 is Bullying Prevention Week

 Bullying” means aggressive and typically repeated behaviour and…..

A) the behaviour is intended by the pupil to have the effect of, or the pupil ought to know that the behaviour would be likely to have the effect of,

i) 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

ii) creating a negative environment at a school for another individual, and

B) the behaviour occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance between the pupil 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 the receipt of special education; (intimidation)

Bullying takes different forms and 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 by becoming actively involved in supporting it.

Not all conflicts are classified as bullying.   Many students have disagreements or issues that are part of being at school.  At Island Lake, students can also use NO, GO, TELL to go to a a teacher or supervisor to solve big disagreements (any “hands on” or “name-calling” etc.) and Rock, Paper, Scissors to solve small disagreements (was that a goal? whose turn is it next? etc.)

What can you do as parents/guardians?

*Talk to your children about the impact of bullying and make it very clear that you will not tolerate bullying

*Help your children get involved in watching for bullying. Bystanders have responsibilities.  Explain why they need to report any bullying they witness to school staff.

*Read   “Bullying. We Can All Help Stop It– A Guide for Parents of Elementary School Students” found at www.ontario.ca/safeschools

 *Take a look in the Resources section of  our school website for our Bullying Prevention Plan.

This week we are having discussions throughout the school about how to combat bullying.  ILPS Chooses Kindness and Empathy to combat Bullying.  Our announcements this week are focussing on practical ways students can Build their Knowledge, Be a Good Friend, Stand up for Each Other and Build Empathy.

Thank you for your support as parents and guardians in communicating with us so that we can address any issues immediately – together we can make a difference.

Sincerely,

Sean Singh

Principal, Island Lake PS

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