At HWDSB, we are committed to making all schools caring and safe places to learn. Our first strategic priority, Positive Culture and Well-being, includes a focus on equity, inclusion, mental health and well-being, safety and acceptance of all staff, students, families and community partners.We know that bullying exists in our schools and community – and want to do all that we can to prevent it and intervene effectively.
Parents and children should never feel alone or suffer the consequences of bullying in silence. Please tell a teacher, vice-principal or principal at your child’s school immediately if you have a concern.
Bullying Prevention and Intervention
The Bullying Prevention and Intervention resource contains valuable information for families and students. The resource addresses topics such as what is bullying, what families can do about bullying and much more.
Parents and children should never feel alone or suffer the consequences of bullying in silence. Please tell a teacher, vice-principal or principal at your child’s school immediately if you have a concern.
Bullying Prevention and Intervention
The Bullying Prevention and Intervention resource contains valuable information for families and students. The resource addresses topics such as what is bullying, what families can do about bullying and much more.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is defined as aggressive and typically repeated behaviour by a student where the behaviour is intended, or the student ought to know that the behaviour would be likely to have the effect of:
Bullying is defined as aggressive and typically repeated behaviour by a student where the behaviour is intended, or the student ought to know that the behaviour would be likely to have the 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 the behaviour occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived power imbalance 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. (THIS DEFINITION IS UNDER REVIEW)
What should I do if my child is bullied?
- Listen to your child; assure them that they have a right to be safe.
- Know the facts about what happened and when.
- Explain to your child that reporting takes courage and protects others.
- Please tell your child’s teacher, trusted school staff or the principal or vice-principal.
- Remain calm so that you can support your child and co-plan a course of action.
- Stay on course. Watch your child’s behaviour. If meetings with staff don’t stop the bullying, talk to the principal. Follow up on the steps agreed to at the meeting.
- If bullying occurs during sports or activities, speak to the instructor or coach.
- Contact police if bullying involves criminal behaviour (e.g. sexual assault, use of a weapon), or threats outside of school.
How do I report bullying?
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Bullying
Every student deserves to feel and be safe in school, on the school grounds, in school buses and at school events and activities. Everyone from all walks of life in communities across Ontario share this common goal. At HWDSB, we know safety is essential to good learning. Students learn and teachers teach more successfully when schools are safe.
Every student deserves to feel and be safe in school, on the school grounds, in school buses and at school events and activities. Everyone from all walks of life in communities across Ontario share this common goal. At HWDSB, we know safety is essential to good learning. Students learn and teachers teach more successfully when schools are safe.
What is a Code of Conduct?
The Code of Conduct establishes standards of behaviour that are consistent with the Provincial Code of Conduct and applies to all members of the school community. The Code of Conduct promotes respect within the learning and teaching environment, and sets clear Board and school standards of behaviour.
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board believes that all individuals attending on Board or school property, on school buses, or at school-related events or activities, should be treated with dignity and respect.
The Code of Conduct promotes a positive school climate which is a contributing factor to a safe and orderly environment. It also supports Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s commitment to all who work and engage in our schools feeling safe, supported and accepted.
The Code of Conduct establishes standards of behaviour that are consistent with the Provincial Code of Conduct and applies to all members of the school community. The Code of Conduct promotes respect within the learning and teaching environment, and sets clear Board and school standards of behaviour.
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board believes that all individuals attending on Board or school property, on school buses, or at school-related events or activities, should be treated with dignity and respect.
The Code of Conduct promotes a positive school climate which is a contributing factor to a safe and orderly environment. It also supports Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board’s commitment to all who work and engage in our schools feeling safe, supported and accepted.
Student Behaviour and Discipline
HWDSB is committed to building and sustaining a positive school climate for all students in order to support their education so that all students can reach their full potential. The Education Act requires school boards to ensure that measures are in place that consequence inappropriate behaviours and at the same time provide support for students to change those behaviours.
What is Progressive discipline?
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board recognizes that when inappropriate behaviour occurs, developmentally appropriate action must consistently be taken to address behaviours that are contrary to the Provincial and Board Codes of Conduct. The action should be applied within a framework that shifts the focus from one that is solely punitive, to one that is both corrective and
supportive. Hamilton- Wentworth District School Board is committed to a progressive discipline approach that builds and sustains a positive school climate for all students to support their education.
Progressive discipline can range from detentions to expulsions, depending on the infraction. There is a requirement for schools and school boards to consider all and any mitigating circumstances before issuing a consequence for inappropriate behaviours. Mitigating circumstances may alter the consequence; however, it does not mean that there is no consequence. We know through research that suspensions and expulsions by themselves further alienate the very youth who are in the most need of developing strong positive relationships. To help change a student’s behaviour and to promote inclusiveness, relationship-building, and problem solving, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board is using Restorative Justice practices and a pyramid of interventions to address progressive discipline.
supportive. Hamilton- Wentworth District School Board is committed to a progressive discipline approach that builds and sustains a positive school climate for all students to support their education.
Progressive discipline can range from detentions to expulsions, depending on the infraction. There is a requirement for schools and school boards to consider all and any mitigating circumstances before issuing a consequence for inappropriate behaviours. Mitigating circumstances may alter the consequence; however, it does not mean that there is no consequence. We know through research that suspensions and expulsions by themselves further alienate the very youth who are in the most need of developing strong positive relationships. To help change a student’s behaviour and to promote inclusiveness, relationship-building, and problem solving, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board is using Restorative Justice practices and a pyramid of interventions to address progressive discipline.
Suspensions and Expulsions
Suspension: A decision that prohibits a student from attending school or participating in school-related
activities for a period not to exceed 20 days.
Expulsion: A decision made by the Expulsion Hearing Committee of the Board that prohibits a student
from attending his/her own school or all schools of the Board, and participating in school-related
activities until such time as the requirements of the Student’s Action Plan are completed. Expulsions
must be 21 days or more.
activities for a period not to exceed 20 days.
Expulsion: A decision made by the Expulsion Hearing Committee of the Board that prohibits a student
from attending his/her own school or all schools of the Board, and participating in school-related
activities until such time as the requirements of the Student’s Action Plan are completed. Expulsions
must be 21 days or more.
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