ANTI-BULLYING
When instances of bullying are reported, they are investigated thoroughly and dealt with in conjunction with our John Therry Catholic College "Maintaining Right Relationships Policy".
Students involved in bullying type behaviour may be required to sign and adhere to an "anti-bullying agreement".
We encourage all students in the community to take responsibility in ensuring that ‘bullying’ type behaviours are not accepted. We acknowledge that that power of the ‘bystander’ is just as detrimental as the person ‘bullying’ another person. Therefore, bystanders may also be called to account for the role they play in perpetuating the situation.
There are many avenues for students to report bullying to a staff member. Students can speak to a teacher in person. They can speak to anyone with whom they feel comfortable, but the first person should be the student’s Learning Group Mentor or Pastoral Coordinator.
In this digital age, the importance of developing CyberSafe practices is extremely important. Students are explicitly taught appropriate ways to use technology and appropriate ways to interact via social networks. As part of our safe practices, all students and parents are expected to sign the "Appropriate Use of Internet Agreement".
At all times, John Therry Catholic College follows policy provided by the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong. A copy of the full CEDoW Student Anti Bullying Procedure document can be found here.
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PRACTICES
Relationships, Responsibilities and Reactions: “It’s not the falling down, it’s the getting up that counts”
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES AT JOHN THERRY CATHOLIC COLLEGE
For teachers, principals and school support staff, restorative practices provides a proactive approach for building a school community based on cooperation, mutual understanding and respect. Restorative practices provides processes for holding students accountable for their actions and behaviour while at the same time building a nurturing school environment.
KEY PRINCIPLES
EFFECTIVE QUESTIONS: Focus on the specific behaviours or incident without blaming. Use ‘relational’ questions to draw out who was affected and how they were affected. Direct questions towards problem solving: “What needs to be done to make things right?”
AFFECTIVE STATEMENTS: Reflect on the impact that the behaviour or incident has had on you and the other. Consider the effect on other students, the class, the cohort, other teachers, parents or the school community as a whole.
SUSPENSION PROCEDURE
Consistent failure to adhere to the John Therry Catholic College rules or unsafe conduct may result in a student being excluded from the school community for a period of time. This is to allow the student to reflect on their conduct and make a conscious choice to reconnect with the community with a genuine willingness and intention to conform to the school’s code of conduct.
If a student is placed on an In-School Withdrawal they are segregated from the school community and supervised by a Coordinator or a member of the college executive. If a student is placed on In-School Withdrawal, parents are informed via a phone call. In most cases, a parent interview will also be required. An In-School Withdrawal is typically a one day process. Once the withdrawal has been completed successfully, students are placed on a booklet for further monitoring and support as they return to normal classes.
If a student is placed on Out-of-School Suspension they must remain off school premises for the time of their suspension. Before they can return to the school community an interview with parents is required and students must demonstrate a genuine willingness to adhere to the John Therry Catholic College school rules. If the student does not demonstrate this willingness to comply, the suspension may be extended for a longer period of time to allow for more reflection on behalf of the student.
While on suspension from school, the expectation is that students will be completing their studies at home. Work will be provided by teachers, either via google classroom or emailed directly to the student by their classroom teacher. Where this is not possible, work will be provided to the student in other forms.
Students returning to the school community following suspension are placed on a monitoring booklet at the appropriate level, as determined by the Pastoral Care Coordinator or Assistant Principal. This is to assist the students to ensure that they are developing positive study habits and successfully staying on track.
At all times, John Therry Catholic College follow policy provided by the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong. A copy of the full CEDoW Suspension, Expulsion and Exclusion of Students document can be found here.