Rationale
Grace Christian College recognises that each person is a unique creation of God and loved by Him. Therefore, we aim to maintain a caring learning environment where that belief is demonstrated through positive relationships between all members of the school community. The value that we attribute to each individual will be evident in the way we speak and behave toward them. It is clear from the teaching of Jesus and the apostles that the way we treat people is a strong reflection of how seriously we hold to the Gospel of Christ. Through the study of Scripture we find the following characteristics are among those that are essential to a Christian community.
Compassionate: Giving whatever is necessary to meet another’s needs.“… having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be tender hearted, be courteous…” 1 Peter 3:8
Considerate: Being thoughtful of others and their feelings. “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
Cooperative: Working or dwelling with others in unity. “Behold, how good and how pleasant [it is] for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
Fair: Seeing a situation from the viewpoint of each person involved. “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, …” Matthew 7:12
Forgiving: Overlooking another’s faults by means of expressing to him Christ’s love and responding as if there were no faults. “… bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another: even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Colossians 3:13
Equitable: Showing justice and impartiality to a person “To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgement, and equity.” Proverbs 1:3
Kind: Showing a genuine, harmonious attitude toward others. “And be kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Temperate: Not being extreme in any way. “… teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in the present world.” Titus 2:12 With these characteristics in mind and the application of verses such as Ephesians 4:29, “…Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers…,” it is clear that living the Gospel of Christ will bring with it the appropriate treatment of each other.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to address the issue of bullying by endeavouring to change attitudes and to proactively prevent bullying. Bullying can be defined as an act of aggression or harassment causing embarrassment, pain or discomfort to another. It is an abuse of power and aims to control or demean others.
Bullying can include such behaviours as:
› Physical violence and attacks
› Verbal or written taunts, name calling and put-downs
› Threats and intimidation
› Exclusion from the peer group
› Interfering with someone’s personal property
› Repeated unreasonable behaviour toward someone Indirect bullying can also take place.
Examples of indirect bullying include:
› Unjustified criticism or complaints
› Deliberately excluding someone from activities
› Withholding information that is vital for effective work performance
› Setting tasks that are unreasonably above or below a person’s ability
The aim is to have all members of the college community experience a sense of self-worth, belonging to a community and an understanding that they are a person of value. Students will be encouraged to pursue their individual interests and develop their skills in an environment that supports individual endeavour, expression and individuality within the framework of a cooperative and equitable community that recognises the oneness of mankind under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Guidelines
Bullying is obviously a transgression of the aims and goals of Grace Christian College and is to be abhorred by all members of the school community. Through the combined efforts of staff, students and parents the college will seek to minimise the presence of bullying amongst the members of the college community. The college will achieve this by:
- Identifying the behaviours that are considered to be bullying and encouraging all community members to avoid exhibiting them.
- Maintaining procedures used to deal with bullies such as consequences and applying the colleges discipline strategy to prevent on-going cycles of repeated bullying.
- Taking reports of bullying seriously and acting to resolve the issues as soon as possible.
- Encouraging all members of the college community to uphold the rights of others.
- Encouraging students and parents to report incidents of bullying. The college will promote the notion that it is ‘OK to tell” of incidents of bullying.
- The college will seek to provide appropriate curriculum, literature and resources, which support the school aims and goals regarding bullying.
- Where it is deemed necessary the college may recommend students receive counselling to help with personal development e.g. anger management, assertiveness training etc.
- Where possible the college will offer pastoral care and mentor support to victims and perpetrators of bullying.
- In the case of students, incidents of bullying will initially be dealt with by the notified member of staff who will take immediate steps to help the victim by ensuring he/she is removed from imminent danger and by providing reassurance, advice and support. Serious or on going incidents should be reported to the Assistant Principal or Principal.
- In the case of staff and parents, incidents of bullying should be dealt with according to the Grievance policy.
Implementation
The implementation of this policy rests with the Principal and all staff of Grace Christian College.
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This college is wonderful. My children in the last year and a half have improved academically and spiritually.
— Andrea Tunnah-Jeffery ☆☆☆☆☆
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Grace Christian College is a caring and supportive school community. The staff are committed, not only to our children’s education, but also their Christian growth. We absolutely could not recommend this school highly enough!
— Matt Hogan ☆☆☆☆☆
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A wonderful College that encourages Christian values and a strong education.
— Penny Cunningham ☆☆☆☆☆
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Both my boys love school. As parents, we love the way character is valued so highly and the way the older students genuinely encourage the small people of the school. The teachers are devoted and provide a caring environment that helps all kids acheive their best. The recent IB accreditation has already seen growth and gives the school an opportunity to grow further and build on the strong foundation it has established.
— Andy Wright ☆☆☆☆☆
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Highly recommended.
— Rebecca Leanne ☆☆☆☆☆