Scotch College

Bullying Policy

Scotch Aims

Scotch College Junior School encourages in each boy:

1. A high standard of personal achievement:

The school endeavours to enable each boy to achieve a level of scholarship as close to his potential as possible. The school also encourages achievement in areas other than scholastic.

2. The full development of his personality:

The school is concerned with the development of each boy’s personality: intellectually, socially, emotionally, spiritually, morally, aesthetically and physically.

3. A sense of responsibility to himself and others, by providing:

• the development of Christian ideals,
• service to other people,
• leadership opportunities,
• encouragement of sound standards of personal conduct, consideration and respect for others.
• an environment that encourages good role models from all members of the school community.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is the inappropriate use of power by an individual or group, with an intent to injure either physically or emotionally.

It is usually deliberate and repetitive.

The bullying may be physical or psychological (verbal and non-verbal). Physically, bullying includes pushing, hitting, punching, kicking or any other action causing hurt or injury.

Verbal bullying includes insults, taunts, threats, and ridicules.

Psychological bullying includes physical intimidation and ostracism.

Interference with, or damage to personal property, may be included as bullying.

Scotch Position:

All students have the right to be free from bullying. Any form of bullying is contrary to Scotch's philosophy and will not be tolerated.

A student has the right to seek assistance as soon as he feels threatened.

Bullying is regarded as a serious and punishable offence, and therefore, suspension from school may result.

Scotch Process

If subjected to bullying a student should approach a parent or a teacher to seek assistance or advice.

The school will follow up any report discreetly and will undertake an appropriate investigation.

If the report is verified, the school will view the matter seriously and will take appropriate action, which may include punishment and counselling.

Counselling and support for boys and parents will be made available through the Educational Support Unit as required.

Staff and visitors to the College are, wherever possible, made fully aware of our policy and any associated legal responsibilities.

Further advice can be obtained by contacting the Deputy Head of the Junior School.

Pastoral Care Structure:

The following procedure should be followed when seeking assistance for any boy.

1. Classroom Teacher

• first point of contact
• academic and routine matters

2. Year Level Coordinator

• more major, on-going concerns

3. Director of Educational Support

• when on-going guidance is sought
• when an assessment referral or counselling maybe required

4. The Deputy Head / Director of Junior Primary

• as a further step to the above process
• when immediate advice may be required
• in an emergency

5. The Head of Junior School

• the final point of contact
• parents and teachers should keep the Head of Junior School informed of on-going concerns

Further assistance can be obtained by contacting the Junior School Office.