TCDSB Policy Register

SAFE SCHOOLS:
Bullying Prevention and Intervention S.S.11

POLICY PREAMBLE 

The serious nature of bullying behaviour is recognized as having an adverse affect on student learning, safety, relationships and a healthy school climate. 

POLICY DEFINITIONS 

Bullying is defined as a form of repeated, persistent, aggressive behaviour that is directed at an individual/s.  It is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear, distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation.  Bullying occurs in a context where there is real or perceived power imbalance. 

POLICY 

1.                  Bullying behaviour will not be accepted on school property, at school-related activities, on school buses, or in any other circumstance (e.g. online) where engaging in bullying will have a negative impact on the school climate. 

2.                  Bullying behaviour is an infraction for which suspension must be considered. 

3.                  Schools must have expectations for student conduct that are supported through bullying prevention training and leadership initiatives.   

4.                  Intervention strategies must address incidents of bullying in an appropriate and timely manner within a framework of progressive discipline. 

5.                  Training strategies must be provided for students, staff, parents and all members of the school community. 

6.                  Schools must incorporate communication and outreach strategies as part of their bullying prevention and awareness plan. 

7.                  Schools will develop and implement school-wide bullying prevention and intervention plans as part of the School Improvement Plan.   

8.                  Each school must have in place a safe school team that is responsible for school safety.  The team must have at least one student, parent, teacher, support staff, community partner and principal.  The chair must be a staff member and an existing school committee can assume this role. 

9.                  A monitoring and review process which includes performance indicators will be conducted every three years.