From the Assistant Principal - Students

Bullying

In a perfect world there would be no bullying. Unfortunately, we live in a complex world and bullying does occur. 

Bullying in schools is a worldwide problem that can have negative consequences for the general school climate and for the right of students to learn in a safe environment without fear. Bullying can also have negative lifelong consequences--both for students who bully and for their victims. 

Bullying happens on buses, in the cafeteria, gym, hallways, playground, and in classrooms even after school. The most frequent form bullying takes is through psychological humiliation words such as teasing, taunting, ridiculing, name-calling, and gossip, secrets. This type of bullying happens in the “physical” world and that world has time and space limits. 

Cyber-bullying is making school days even more painful for many children preventing them from doing their job. Bullying in cyberspace is not bound by school hours, school days, or facing the intended bully victim. Unfortunately, the nature of the Internet often insulates the bully from the consequences of their behaviour.

What does cyberbullying look like?

Cyberbullying behaviour might include:

• abusive texts and emails
• hurtful messages, images or videos
• imitating others online
• excluding others online
• humiliating others online
• spreading nasty online gossip and chat
• creating fake accounts to trick someone or humiliate them

What can you do as a parent?

The Government has set up a site to support students, Teachers and Parents in dealing with issues around Cyber Safety. 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

This site is a great way to get information and support when there are concerns online with your children or friends. You are able to apply for assistance if you have an issue and they will advise and help with the concern.

Sexual Harassment

The College has started an education session for students about sexual harassment. We have noticed, especially online, comments and harassment of a sexual nature being made by students towards others. In response to this we will ensure that all students receive the same information regarding sexual harassment. The following is a quick overview of what they will be taught.

Sexual harassments is defined as when a person in relation to another: 

• makes an unwanted sexual advance.
• an unwelcome request for sexual favours.
• engages in other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.

Where a reasonable person, would have regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated the possibility that the person harassed would be offended, humiliated, or intimidated by the behaviour.

The intent of the harasser is not relevant. It can be a one off or a pattern of behaviour. A person going along with it at the time or not objecting does not make the behaviour consensual or acceptable.

Examples could include.

• unwelcome physical contact (brushing up against someone, touching, hugging blocking someone’s path, invading their personal space)
• Sexually suggestive behaviour (leering, staring, offensive gestures, winking, throwing kisses, licking lips)
• Sexually suggestive comments or jokes in another person’s presence, even if its not about them, comments or questions of a sexual nature or asking about a person’s private life or appearance.
• Repeated invitations to go out on dates, unwanted declarations of affection, personal gifts.
• Displaying offensive screensavers, photos, calendars, or objects.
• Sexually explicit emails, text messages or posts on social networking sites
• Requests for sex, sexual assault, indecent exposure, physical assault and stalking (which are criminal offences)

These can happen at school or outside school. If they effect or target a student or teacher at the College, the time it happened will be irrelevant. If there is a connection to school, the school will respond to the harassment.

Students at the College are expected to be always respectful. They can prevent any bullying or harassment by 

• Being aware and identifying any discriminatory, harassing, or bullying behaviour
• Not acting in a discriminatory, harassing, or bullying way.
• Assisting the College to eliminate such behaviours weather a complaint is made about the behaviour or not.
• Reporting behaviour that appears to be discriminatory, harassing or bullying.
• Assisting the College when investigating a complaint.

Reporting Sexual Harassment.

All complaints will be treated seriously and dealt with in a timely manner and conducted in a fair and impartial way.

Students are encouraged to see a teacher, their Leader of Wellbeing or any of the College Leadership team to raise a complaint. Any report will be confidential.

If students are found to be engaged in such a breach of conduct, there will be severe disciplinary action taken. Allegations related to criminal conduct will be reported to the Police.

If you have any questions about this information, please contact me at the College.

What is in the Planner?

“When you judge someone, you have no time to love them” Love is a way that we increase Positive Emotions. Spend time being positive and the right emotions will come through.

Always remember to be kind to YOU. Use your strengths and practice positive self talk.

Did you know that your brain can process 110 bits of data per second. When you are distracted by your phone or technology you use about 60bits. The remaining bits are not enough to get started on homework or other tasks. When we are distracted, we tend to procrastinate. You need to ensure that your focus is on the right task at the right time.

Thank you and God Bless

Mr Nicholas Thrum

Assistant Principal - Students