Dear Parents

This Friday is Bullying-No Way day where we are taking the positive stance of a Kindness Culture. This is in line with our PBSS value … Be Kind. We have worked very hard at PBSS to create a positive school culture where the students feel safe and happy to come to school. We have a zero tolerance to bullying and as such I can honestly say that bullying is not a regular part of the PBSS school culture. Our BE KIND value is a true reflection of most of the students and adults within our school community. Unfortunately, in society there are always those who are rude, mean and bullies. This is no different in schools.

While it is important to understand and define what bullying is, it is also important to understand what behaviours are NOT bullying. In our Student Code of Conduct we explain the differences between rude, mean and bullying, as the word bullying is very quickly used when it may not be. When framed using the definitions below, the vast majority of incidents we deal with at PBSS are incidents of rude and mean behaviours. Another aspect in the Prep-Year 2 years we see is where imaginative play based on what they watch, see and hear at home via TV/Online games, tends to cross over into the school playtime games. Whilst we always encourage parents to contact teachers for any incidents that they may become aware of through their child, please understand that there are always two sides to your child’s story and ‘bullying’ is rare.

Inappropriate language and developing social skills are usually what has occurred, particularly in the younger years. To explain all of the above to our students, this is the chart we use at PBSS. You may like to discuss this with your child.

Another issue across schools is friendship and relational aggression. At PBSS we take the stance that not everyone will be ‘besties’ and be forced to play together. Just as adults choose their friends based on similar likes and values so do children, but we do insist on tolerance and kindness towards one another. This is often difficult for parents to understand when their child may wish to play with a certain child/group, but for some reason the social dynamics just don’t ‘work’. Please reflect on this if your child is ever in this situation.

What behaviours are not bullying?

Dr Rigby identifies that for some people the term ‘bullying’ is a highly emotive term and its use may lead to an over-reaction. The National Centre Against Bullying acknowledges that while the following behaviours are often upsetting to those involved, they do not constitute bullying, rather they may be isolated or one of incidents of rude or mean behaviour:

• mutual arguments and disagreements (where there is no power

imbalance)

• not liking someone or a single act of social rejection

• one-off acts of rudeness, meanness or spite

• isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence.

While these behaviours would not be considered bullying (because they do not involve deliberate and repeated harm and a power imbalance) at PBSS they are addressed in the same way as other inappropriate student behaviours.

What is bullying?

Bullying is defined as a systematic and repeated abuse of power. In general, bullying may be defined as repeated acts of:

• dominating or hurting someone

• unfair action by the perpetrator(s) and an imbalance of power

• a lack of adequate defence by the target and feelings of oppression and humiliation.”

Bullying can take many forms and may relate to:

• race, religion or culture

• appearance or health conditions

• sexual orientation

• home and family circumstances

• learning needs or disabilities

• gender or sexual bullying.

The National Centre against Bullying identifies five kinds of bullying:

1. Physical bullying

This is when a person (or group of people) uses physical actions to bully, such as hitting, poking, tripping or pushing. Repeatedly and intentionally damaging someone's belongings

is also physical bullying.

2. Verbal bullying

Repeated or systematic name calling, insults, homophobic or racist remarks and verbal abuse.

3. Covert bullying

Such as lying about someone, spreading rumours, playing a nasty joke that make the person feel humiliated or powerless, mimicking or deliberately excluding someone.

4. Psychological bullying

For example, threatening, manipulating or stalking someone.

5. Cyber bullying

Using technology, such as email, mobile phones, chat rooms, social networking sites to bully verbally, socially or psychologically.

WE ARE A KINDNESS CULTURE – FRIDAY 18TH MARCH

On Friday students are encouraged to wear an orange accessory with their school uniform

eg ribbon, socks, wristband and bring a gold coin donation that will be used by Student Council for their next playground project.

SCHOOL COSTS NOW OVERDUE

As school costs should now be paid, where payment has not been received, students will be removed from access to Mathletics and Literacy Planet by the end of this term. There are also a few students who do not have their spelling text book and therefore, missing an important part of their learning. If this applies to your child please pay immediately. If you have any personal financial concerns, please contact the school office where we may be able to arrange a payment plan.

CROSS COUNTRY

Cross country will be held on Thursday 31st March (second last day of this term). It will be held at school. Year levels and age groups will participate across the morning. Please see the Deputy Principal page of the newsletter for more information.

Student, Music, Garden & Library News