Anti-bullying posters in every class
- (Bullying) questionnaires filled out by year 9s &10s administered at start of the year
- Senior managers doing class visits thoughout the week
- Strong focus on duty
- Restorative Justice training
- Refocused detention system - changing behaviour
- Self-Esteem training for teachers
Initiatives Implemented
The following processes have been developed by the EMG of Whangarei Boys’ High School to address the outcomes that were collectively agreed upon by staff members at the Anti-Bullying meeting.
Identify ‘hot-spots’ for bullying around the school
In addition to those hotspots already identified, there will be other areas that, from time to time, will host bullying behaviour. Identification of hotspots will be on-going. Of those hotspots identified, the driveway is apparently the area that has the highest rate of bullying in the school. The areas identified will receive a higher density of duty staff on random days, with particular emphasis on the driveway. The additional staff will be directed to those hotspots from their designated duty areas around the school e.g. duty staff from the field and/or the quad (at interval or lunchtime) may be directed to the driveway or other area. This will happen on a random bur frequent basis. (weekly or more).
Consistency of bell times, ‘Boys’ High Way’.
Awareness of bell times as well as other routine occurrences will be heightened through accurate and consistent dissemination of information to all staff members.
Awareness of gang mentality & participants.
Although it is recognised that the assaults occurring outside the school (in the public arena) are indicative of gang prospecting, we must be cautious not to label students as gang members, or as bullies. A label will stick and have the potential to ensure the student fits the label rather than giving the student the opportunity to reflect and modify behaviour. Reflection and modification may be the result of a restorative justice process. Gang members and bullies will identify themselves as their errant intentions/status manifests itself.
Citizenship classes
All teachers have a responsibility to reinforce the ‘Boys’ Highway’ (encompasses all aspects of citizenship classes – as discussed by staff). In addition, all staff members are role models to their students and through daily delivery/contact will discuss appropriate behaviour and standards.
Awareness of expected standards & behaviours.
The ‘Boys’ Highway’ is the vehicle to achieving awareness across the school of expected standards. Consistency in exercising the ‘Boys’ Highway’ protocol in all classes is imperative to a school-wide awareness and understanding.
Areas for boys to sit - safe places.
One suggestion was that the area down the drive / stream be developed. The school needs more outdoor seating. The hall will be available to boys at interval and lunchtime on wet weather days. The Student Council have agreed to meet costs of purchasing DVDs for showing on wet lunchtimes. Duty staff allocated to the field will supervise the students in the hall on those days.
Prefects more visible – en masse, reward positives.
There is a Prefect duty roster posted in the staffroom. Duty staff will need to familiarise themselves with the boys on duty and introduce themselves to those boys as they perform their duties.
Systems – e.g boys returning from withdrawal, correct notices etc.
It will be mandatory for boys who have been placed on withdrawal, for receiving too many transfers, to be on red report for a minimum period of two weeks, on their return to class. This will encourage them to reflect on behaviour as well as receive support from staff and parents. Management will ensure messages are timely and accurate.
Greater consultation re: student movement in classes.
Deans will consult with all teachers before any student is moved. Class dynamics to be taken into consideration. Tuesdays are available to set up meetings with class teachers / year level teachers to address issues.
Communicating names of bullies to staff.
Names of those boys displaying recurring bullying behaviour will be communicated to staff. Bullying behaviour often is dispensed with once the effects of a bully’s actions on others are realised – this generally occurring through a restorative process.
Cell phones supplied to duty teachers
There is now a cell phone in the main office that is available for duty staff to pick up before their duty begins. There is a sign out / sign in procedure, to make available the phone, to those who wish to use it.
