Parent Opinion Survey

 Dear Parents, 

As mentioned last newsletter, the Parent Opinion Survey will be sent to parents next term.  These articles are provide context for that survey, with this edition focussing on bullying.

When talking about bullying, it is important to agree on what it is, and what is is not. The Australian Human Rights Commission defines bullying as "people repeatedly and intentionally us[ing] words or actions against someone or a group of people to cause distress and risk to their wellbeing"(AHRC, 2024). Two words here are important - repeatedly and intentionally. These words differentiate bullying a one-off incident, or an accident. Both are unfortunate, however neither would constitute bullying. 

At school, children are meant to experience challenges with their friends to practise social-skills. Most issues can be sorted by students themselves. Some will need adult support, and a smaller number need direct intervention. 

When an incident occurs, first we ensure the immediate safety of all. We then look to restore an imbalance and find a solution. There is not a 'one-size-fits-all' to dealing with children. Solutions may be found through discussion or by  involve parents, and it may include a consequence. The incident may be one-off , or it may be ongoing an in need of support. 

When addressing issues, some parents feel nothing is being done. A more apt phrase may be nothing is seen to be done. What we do to support students is done for the most part in private to assist with healing and the building of resilience for all. 

A recent survey of our students indicated 90% had not experienced bullying, and only 5% felt we could be more effective. One child being bullied is too much, and we can always do more. However these results are encouraging, and let us know our practices are working.

We hope this short article regarding our approach to managing incidents was insightful. In our next edition, we take a U-turn and discuss promoting positive behaviour of which there is plenty here at Mackellar.

Regards, 

Mackellar PS