Salmo Elementary School - Process for Dealing with Reports of Potential Bullying 

Definition of bullying:  Bullying is when someone is hurt, either physically or emotionally, by unwanted words or actions – usually more than once, and with difficulty putting a stop to the offending behavior (*see Appendix 1 for additional info). 

1. Report incidents to the Principal (school staff, parents, or kids can inform the principal) through whatever means is comfortable for the reporter. Your voice matters and will be heard.
   
   1. Reporting can also occur anonymously through the BC Government sponsored “Erase” tool linked on the school website (https://erasereportit.gov.bc.ca/add/report-it)
2. Allow school time to follow up with child, adults, parents, outside supports. I/we will hear you and will follow through.
3. Principal will meet with student(s) with potential bullying behaviours and victim(s) to:
   
   1. Specify which of type(s) of bullying are potential involved (physical, verbal, social/emotional/relational, and cyber) 
   2. Review our District Code of Conduct;
   3. Understand the details involved in the current challenging relationship. 
4. From conversation above, Principal will determine who else needs to be involved in a conversation to gather more information. This could include other students, staff, parents, and community members. 
5. Principal will develop an Action Plan and will meet with the child, teacher School Based Team to address school culture and climate
   
   1. Knowing that each student has a different history with a diversity of needs and challenges, specific details of each Action Plan could include: 

1. Increased direct supervision 
2. Ongoing conversations with Principal 
3. Ongoing conversations with parents 
4. In class teaching (social stories, etc.)
5. Referral to social skills groups with counsellors 
6. Conflict resolution sessions 
7. Safety concerns reviewed / action plan co-created with School Based Team (the team members include, the classroom teacher, Inclusion Support teacher, potentially the Aboriginal Success Teacher, and Principal).
8. Potential referral to outside agency counselling

Actions in our school to address building a positive school climate and culture:

• Open and clear communication system. (Reach out to the Principal).
• Ongoing relationship building among students and adults so that each student has at least one significant and trusted adult they can go to for help; 
• Building self-efficacy and social skills through classroom programming, and beyond.
• Implementation of programs that support social-emotional development; 
• Ongoing School-Based Team meetings for/with specific students; 
• Individual Education Plan meetings for/with specific students; 
• Ongoing meetings amongst staff in relation to challenging behaviours; 
• Ongoing development of learning experiences that engage learners, are strength based, foster curiosity, and challenge our student to grow - joyfully.
• ‘We are Learners’

Appendix 1: Peer Conflict – Mean Behavior – Bullying Continuum