Basic Beliefs:

Myrtleford Primary School should be a safe and pleasant place to be for all members of the school community – including students, teachers, parents and visitors.

Bullying is not acceptable at Myrtleford Primary School.

It can be a criminal offence if there is physical violence or threats and anyone over the age of 10 may be dealt with by the law.

Bullying is any cruel or hurtful behaviour by one person or group towards another. It includes:

• Physical violence (e.g. pushing, punching, hitting)
• Leaving someone out of activities on purpose
• Spreading rumours and name calling
• Damaging, removing or hiding belongings
• Racist and sexist remarks and put downs
• Forcing someone to do something they don’t want to do
• Humiliating or ridiculing another
• Invasion of personal space

WHAT THE SCHOOL WILL DO

• Provide a safe, secure environment for students, teachers, other staff and visitors.
• Provide a supportive environment, which encourages positive relationships between students, their parents/guardians and teachers.
• Include material on bullying, tolerance, prosocial behaviours in the curriculum.
• Respond to all reports of bullying within the school community.

• Be strong in rejecting bullying behaviour. Don’t allow yourself to become a victim.
• Do not tolerate bullying behaviours within your friendship group.
• Talk about bullying openly.
• Do not bully others yourself.
• If you see bullying taking place, tell someone you trust.
• If you are being bullied tell someone you trust, e.g. parent, teacher, peer support leader.

• Get the story. Discuss the incident with your child. Listen to your child’s opinions and feelings.
• Support your child. Talk through the situation and agree upon what action will be taken. Assure them that they have done the right thing in reporting the bullying incident.
• Do not attempt to sort out the bullies yourself. This may worsen the situation.
• Make an appointment with the Principal or the Principal’s nominee. Without an appointment the school may not be able to investigate the situation and your meeting may not be as useful as you would like it to be.
• At the meeting calmly present the concern and explain that you are hoping to work out some solution with their help. All parties should work together on the problem.