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PASTORAL CARE

Welfare at St. Monica's College

One of the many priorities of St. Monica's College is the welfare of its students. Consequently, the College has developed a Positive Relationships Policy. This policy was created over a number of years and it deals with the issue of developing and maintaining a positive learning environment for staff and students through healthy and respectful relationships. There are a number of structures which support the policy including home room groupings, and the Pastoral Program from Years 7 - 9. Bullying does not have a place at St. Monica's College.

POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS POLICY

This policy and its procedural documents for staff, is the College's commitment to a nurturing and safe school environment for staff and students where effective learning can take place.

What is bullying?

Bullying can be a deliberate attempt to make someone else feel bad about themselves, using either word, gesture, exclusion, sexual, physical, elctronic or other means.

The impact of bullying can be significant and can have long term effects on a child' s sense of self worth. This may result in negative thoughts and beliefs about self and others.

Some tips on: "How will I know if my child is being bullied?"

Here are some signs which MAY indicate that your child is experiencing problems with bullying .....

Unwillingness to attend school
Headaches
Upset stomachs
Unexplained crying
Withdrawal from regular activities
Excessive agitation
Unexplained bruising and/or injury
Damaged property and/or clothing
Missing equipment

"What can I do to help my child?"

Speak to your child, listen to their fears and feelings, and reassure them of their self worth.
Take an active interest in what your child and his or her friendship group are doing at school.
Encourage positive strategies for handling bullying incident in the first place.
Communicate with the College if bullying is continuing.
Support the College procedures for dealing with incidents of bullying.
Suggest that your child make contact with any of the following for further help:
- Home Room Teacher
- Year Level Leader
- Deputy Principal
- College Counsellor

Strategies for parents: "What if I believe that my child is bullying?"

Speak to your child and listen to their opinions and explanations of why they behave in this manner. Reinforce values of honesty, tolerance and the difference between right and wrong. Discuss ways of avoiding bullying types of behaviour. Seek to remain calm and look for positive solutions to the problem. Explain that St. Monica's does not tolerate bullying. Suggest that your child make contact with any of the following for further help: