Boarding Handbook 2020-21

Anti-bullying

This policy is informed by Bill 13, Accepting Schools Act, 2012 and is based on the belief that every member of the school community is equal in dignity and worth. Everyone must be allowed to live, learn and work in an environment that is free from bullying and harassment. Each person at Branksome Hall not only has the right to feel safe and to be treated with respect, but also bears the responsibility to ensure the respectful treatment of others. Bystanders must not allow bullying to persist, and students who witness or experience bullying are expected to report bullying by completing a confidential Anti-Bullying Report.

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Bullying is a form of aggressive and typically repeated behaviour directed at an individual or individuals that is intended to cause distress and/or physical, psychological, social or academic harm to another person’s body, feelings, self-esteem or reputation. Bullying and harassment have many similarities.

There are many ways to bully, but in all cases, students who bully other students want to hurt or upset them. It is not an accident. Bullying can happen between two people or in groups while bystanders watch.

POLICY STATEMENT

Bullying will not be accepted on school property, at school-related activities or in any other circumstances (e.g., online) that have a negative impact on the school climate. Some types and examples of bullying are:

 

Verbal Bullying

Name-calling, hurtful teasing

Insulting, humiliating, or threatening someone

Social Bullying

Excluding others from “the group” or from an activity

Setting up others to look foolish

Gossiping or spreading rumours about others

Making sure others don’t associate with someone

Physical Bullying

Hitting, pushing, shoving, slapping, kicking, spitting at, or beating up others

Damaging or stealing someone’s property

Electronic Bullying

Posting on public electronic forums, websites, blogs, social networks, or Branksome’s network, or sending an email, text message or pictures, which threaten or hurt others’ feelings; single out or embarrass them; assume the identity of (or impersonate) them; or spread rumours or reveal secrets about them

Racial/Ethno-cultural Bullying

Treating others differently or badly because of their culture, racial or ethnic background, or the colour of their skin

Saying negative things about someone’s race, culture, ethnic background or skin colour

Calling someone by a racially or ethnically derogatory term

Telling racist jokes

Sexual Bullying

“Sexting”: is the act of transmitting sexually suggestive text messages and/or intimate images (including nude or semi-nude photographs), via an electronic device, or over the Internet

Touching, pinching, or grabbing someone in a sexual way

Making crude comments or spreading rumours about someone’s sexual behaviour

Utilizing derogatory terms often directed to members of the LGBTQ community

Making sexual gestures at someone

Religion-based Bullying

Treating others differently or badly because of their religion

Saying negative things about someone’s religion

Procedure For Safe Reporting Of Bullying

1.

We encourage students to report acts of discrimination or harrassment. They may do so by speaking with a trusted adult, or by completing a confidential Bullying Report form available on the Portal. They may be completed anonymously, though accountability and follow-through are more difficult in these cases.

2.

Remember the facts: date, place, time, and people involved.

3.

The school’s goal is to listen, investigate and act so that all students feel safe and supported.

Branksome Hall supports complaints that are made in good faith. If it is determined as a result of an investigation that a complaint against another party (adult or student) was made maliciously with intent to harm or made in bad faith, formal disciplinary action will be taken against the complainant.

Consequences For Bullying Behaviour

When a report is received, the Assistant Head, Senior and Middle School, Operations will investigate and contact the parents of those involved. Consequences are at the discretion of the Assistant Head, Senior and Middle School, Operations in consultation with the the Director, Boarding and, if necessary, the Deputy Principal and Principal and may include:

1.

Meeting with Deputy Principal

2.

Restorative measures

3.

Loss of privilege

4.

Suspension

5.

Expulsion