Dear Parents/Guardians,
In accordance with the requirements of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and the code of behaviour guidelines issued by the NEWB, the Board of Management of Scoil Cholmcille has adopted an anti-bullying policy within the framework of the school’s overall code of behaviour. The policy fully complies with the requirements of the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools which were published in September 2013.
The Board of Management recognises the very serious nature of bullying and the negative impact that it can have on the lives of pupils and is therefore fully committed to the following key principles of best practice in preventing and tackling bullying behaviour:
(a) A positive school culture and climate.
(b) Effective leadership.
(c) A school-wide approach.
(d) A shared understanding of what bullying is and its impact.
(e) Implementation of education and prevention strategies (including awareness raising measures).
(f) Effective supervision and monitoring of pupils.
(g) Supports for staff.
(h) Consistent recording, investigation and follow up of bullying behaviour (including use of established intervention strategies).
(i) On-going evaluation of the effectiveness of the anti-bullying policy.
In accordance with the Anti-Bullying Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools bullying is defined as follows:
Bullying is unwanted negative behaviour, verbal, psychological or physical conducted, by an individual or group against another person (or persons) and which is repeated over time.
Negative behaviour that does not meet this definition of bullying will be dealt with in accordance with the school’s code of behaviour.
The relevant teacher(s) for investigating and dealing with bullying is (are) as follows:
- The Class teacher initially
- The Principal thereafter if necessary
The education and prevention strategies, procedures for investigation, follow-up and recording of bullying behaviour and the established intervention strategies that will be used by the school are set out in the policy which is available on the school website www.mounthanover.scoilnet.ie/blog.
The primary aim in investigating and dealing with bullying is to resolve any issues and to restore, as far as is practicable, the relationships of the parties involved.
All questions relating to the execution or interpretation of the policy should be referred to the school principal.