Appendix B Bullying Prevention and Intervention Action Template Providing students with an opportunity to learn and develop in a safe and respectful society is a shared responsibility in which the board and our schools play an important role. Schools with bullying prevention and intervention strategies foster a positive learning and teaching environment that supports academic achievement for all students and that helps students reach their full potential. Bullying prevention and intervention strategies must be modeled by all members of the school community. from HDSB Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy

Definition of Bullying Bullying means aggressive and typically repeated behaviour by a student where, a) the behaviour is intended, or the student ought to know that the behaviour would be likely to have that effect of,  causing fear or distress to another individual, including physical, psychological, social or academic harm, harm to the person’s reputation or property, or  creating a negative environment at the school for another individual, and b)

the behaviour occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance between the pupil and the individual based on factors such as size, strength, age, intelligence, peer group power, economic status, social status, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, family circumstances, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, disability or the receipt of special education.

Bullying behaviour includes the use of any physical, verbal, electronic, written or other means. For the purposes of the definition of bullying, bullying by electronic means (commonly known as cyber-bullying), including, creating a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or impersonating another person as the author of content or messages posted on the internet; communicating material electronically to more than one individual or posting material on a web-site that may be accessed by one or more individuals from Accepting Schools Act 2012

SSAT MEMBERSHIP

2012 / 2013

School

T.A. Blakelock H.S.

Principal or Vice Principal

Heather Stewart

Teacher

Pearson, Gorska, Donatelli, Othman

Non-Teaching Staff

Carole MacKay, Tracy Jarvis

Parent

Lynne Collaton

Community Partner

Amber White PHN, Officer M. Vegso

Student (where appropriate)

Chris Casale, Twoey Gray, + several more

SSAT CONTACT PERSON

Heather Stewart

(must be a staff member)

Email address Sept 2012

[email protected]

Types of bullying that exist in our school (as identified through school based data and information) According to the TTFM survey information, there are approximately 23% of students who have been bullied. They include: verbal, social, cyber and physical bullying in that order (most to least).

School Bullying Prevention SMART Goal 1. The percentage of students experiencing bullying will decrease from 23% in 2012 to 20% in 2013. 2. TAB students will increase their sense of belonging from 70% to 75%. We will focus on increasing student participation in extra-curricular activities by 5% (37% to 42%).

Bullying Prevention and Awareness Strategies/Curricular Connections/Activities (for whole school and those students at risk of bullying behaviours) 1. The "Campaign of Caring" developed by the Leadership class will heighten awareness of bullying and bring a positive message to the forefront. 2. During Anti-Bullying Week, students will hear the inspirational speaker, Spencer West. As a man with no legs and a positive attitude to life, he will inspire students to be their best and rise above their challenges. He will challenge students to accept those with physical challenges and share his life's struggles. 3. Anti-Bullying Week will focus on what a caring student will do and how he/she will behave, rather than on the negatives of bullying. We will do the TAB version of "Rachel's Challenge".. Students will outline their hand print on a mural and write their commitment to supporting all students. Positive and inspirational quotes will be read each day on announcements. Students will have additional wall space to add their own positive, inspirational quotes to support the goal that all should be able to live bully free on the "Positivity Wall". The Breakfast Club will have game(s) available to provide positive interaction among students and promote positive relationships among students. The focus of the games is on bullying awareness. 4. Developmental Assets and Imbedding the Community of Caring/Acceptance/Respectful treatment of all will continue to be a focus in the Phys Ed curriculum and teachers will be encouraged to make intentional connections in the curriculum to highlight and enhance the message of "safe and inclusive schools".

Sept 2012

Bullying Intervention and Support Strategies

(for individuals who cause harm, are impacted by harm, and are witness to harm) 1. Curriculum Interventions: The leadership classes and a senior girls physical education class will focus on creating a community of caring and the skills to stand up to bullying. Students will work with grade 9 students to help them understand the importance of being an "upstander". 2. All members of the Admin Team, Student Success and School Team will continue to support students through appropriate interventions, counselling and referrals to community resources. On-going collaboration with parents will be key in the process of support. Learning Resources will develop a Social Skills group to aid students with social skill deficits so that they will be better armed with an understanding of the social contexts in which they operate.

Training Resources and Outreach Strategies for Members of the School Staff, Parents and Community Safe Schools Ambassador Program: A group of teachers and students together will be trained by two Halton Safe Schools Social Workers in the 5 skills to address bullying as "upstanders". These students and staff will then train key groups in the school of which they are a part or assist other groups. We already have Tiger Crew in operation, which is a group of students who are trained and help the grade nines make the transition to high school. Their training will be enhanced with the Safe Schools Ambassador Training. School Council, World Council, Couch Cru, Interact, GSA, as well as the members of the SSAT will receive the training.

Bullying Prevention and Awareness Responsibilities for: Staff : Staff have a responsibility to address any bullying they observe or that is brought to their attention.

Students: Students have a responsibility to "stand up" to bullying. As the Safe Schools Ambassador Program becomes imbedded in the school culture, more and more students will have the skills to address bullying as helpful bystanders.

Parents: Parents have a responsibility to work with the school staff and their children to ensure their children are taught the importance of treating all students with respect and to be good citizens in the TAB community.

Sept 2012

Monitoring and Review Process/Timelines This plan has been shared with staff and parents via: ■ Staff Meeting ■ School Council Meeting

Newsletter ■ School Website (required)

Other: Yes, our team would be willing to have our plan shared on the Safe Schools portal on myHDSB Resources/Reference: Safe Schools portal on myHDSB HDSB Guide to Bullying Prevention and Intervention Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy Promoting a Positive School Climate TFFM Survey Safe Schools Social Workers Public Health Nurses

Sept 2012