East Glendalough School

1 Definition

Bullying is repeated aggression, verbal, psychological or physical (including via electronic media), conducted by an individual or group against others.

2 General Statement

Every student has the right to enjoy learning and leisure time in school in a safe and secure environment.

Bullying and intimidation of others is completely unacceptable. Unkind actions or remarks are unacceptable even if these are not intended to hurt.

Bullies rely on our silence. It is important that bullying behaviour be reported at all times. East Glendalough School is a “telling” school and it’s everyone’s responsibility to report bullying, not just up to the victim.

3 Student Ethos

The school emphasizes politeness, courtesy and co-operation and respect for others and their property as fundamental principles of behaviour.

This is a clear part of the ethos of East Glendalough School and is stated in unambiguous terms in the Code of Conduct. Acceptance of a place in East Glendalough School is taken as acceptance of this ethos.

The school communicates this ethos by:

Sending all parents/guardians a copy of the School Code of Conduct to be signed and accepted by all pupils and parentsall 1 Year students in their first month in the school that East Glendalough School does not tolerate bullying behaviour.and displaying Our School Code throughout the school (see appendix)with the issue of bullying in the following subject areas: SPHE, CSPE, Religious Education, Civics and Englisha specific anti-bullying module in 1 year SPHEAssembly which regularly makes reference to the rights and responsibilities of all at school to feel secure, and to the General Statement outlined above

4 Procedures should bullying occur in the school

All reports of bullying should be made to the Form Teacher or any teacher. Teachers in East Glendalough School take all forms of bullying seriously.

The Form Teacher, School Head, Deputy Principal will investigate the initial report. Those involved will be interviewed and may be asked for a written account of his/her version of the incident, and may be referred to either the Counsellor, Chaplain, Form Teacher or any teacher with whom s/he feels comfortable.

The victim will be assured that they are entitled to a school environment free of any intimidation or bullying and will be encouraged to report any further incidents as soon as they occur. This may be by direct pupil-teacher communication or through a parent.

Should it be judged that serious bullying has occurred the teachers involved may inform the School Head, Deputy Principal or Principal as appropriate.

In all cases of bullying the bully will be informed that his/her behaviour is unacceptable. Parents will be informed and/or invited to an interview at the school in cases of repeated or serious bullying offences.

Counselling will be offered to both the bully and the victim as thought necessary and following contact with and discussion with the parents involved.

5 Persistent or Serious Bullying

When serious or persistent bullying/intimidation occurs parents may be invited to an interview with the Deputy Principal or Principal. In such situations parents and students will be informed in clear terms of the content and meaning of sections 1, 2 and 3 of this policy. Students may be requested to reaffirm their commitment to the School Code of Conduct and acceptance of this Anti-Bullying Code in writing.

If necessary, reference will be made to the Code of Conduct Sections 8.4 and 8.5. which state:

8.4 ….. Serious misdemeanours and repeated offences can be referred to the Principal and to the Board of Management.

8.5 Where a pupil’s conduct warrants it, the Principal has authority to suspend a pupil. The Board of Management reserves the right to confirm suspension and to cancel enrolment.

Reference may also be made to the Admissions Policy of the School which states:

“The Board of Management reserves the right to remove from the school register any student who puts the health and welfare of other students or staff at risk, or any student who engages in persistent or serious misbehaviour which undermines the ethos of the school or undermines the education of other students.”

East Glendalough School reserves the right at all times to protect all the students in its care from intimidating or bullying behaviour.

6 Bullying of Staff

Complaints of bullying or harassment of staff will be dealt with according to the Code of Practice agreed between the ACCS, ASTI, TUI and Impact.

Approved by the Staff 15/1/08
Board of Management 30/1/08
Parents’ Association 28/1/08
Student Council 11/1/08