CCDA takes a no-tolerance approach to bullying. Students and parents should be assured that known incidents of bullying will be responded to. The ethos of CCDA fosters high expectations of outstanding behaviour, and we will consistently challenge any behaviour that falls below this.
CCDA must be certain bullying has occurred within class time and at the school for us to take action. Initial offences will be dealt with immediately by a staff member, logged in the Behaviour Log, and the Principal notified.
General incidences of bullying will be recorded in the Behaviour Log by the teacher or helper who witnessed it. All incidents of bullying will be discussed with relevant staff and parents.
Bullying is unacceptable behaviour used by an individual or group, usually repeated over time, which intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally.
Bullying takes place where there is an imbalance of power of one person or persons over another. This can be achieved by the size of the individual, the strength of the individual, the numbers or group size involved, or anonymity.
A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and investigate if a child shows any of them.
All known/reported incidences of bullying will be investigated. The child displaying unacceptable behaviour may be asked to genuinely apologise. Other consequences may take place, including reconciliation between students.
As the parent of a child whom you suspect is being bullied, report bullying incidents to the class teacher. Do not attempt to sort the problem out yourself by speaking to the child whom you think may be behaving inappropriately towards your child or by speaking to their parents.