Be Respectful to Others

 Positive Student Behaviour and Bullying

It is an expectation that all interactions between members of the school community are positive in nature, which precludes the use of inappropriate, hurtful, threatening, or demeaning language, comments, and actions.

Students can expect that any inappropriate comments and actions will be addressed by a staff member and that consequences will be progressive in nature, potentially resulting in suspension from school.

“Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent, and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation.  Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance.” (PPM 144)

 

Bullying can take many forms:

Physical:  Hitting, pushing, tripping

Verbal:  Name calling, mocking, making sexist, racist or homophobic comments

Social:  Excluding others from a group, spreading gossip or rumours or it can occur through the use of technology (spreading rumours, images or hurtful comments through the use of e-mail, cell phones, text message.

Internet websites or other technology:  Bullying using technology is often referred to as cyberbullying.

 

Bullying will not be accepted on school property, at school-related activities, on school buses, or in any other circumstances (e.g., online) where engaging in bullying will have a negative impact on the school climate.  Students who engage in bullying behaviour can expect for their behaviour to be addressed by a vice-principal, school consequences and may include police involvement.