Last week students participated in two surveys. All students from years 7 -12 took part in the survey on bullying within the College. The findings were supportive of the approach the College is taking, but also highlighted areas in which we need to improve. Some of the findings were 

• 90% indicated that they often or always feel safe at school.
• 82% responded that they had never been bullied at school.
• Students identified verbal bullying during the Breaks as their greatest concern.
• Family and friends were the first point of call for student who were being bullied. 

Students were also asked if they would be part of the solution and volunteer to be part of the College’s response. Those students will be invited to a morning tea and to be part of a student action group.

In the weeks to come parents will be asked for their input via a survey.

We will be using the findings of the survey and the student input to target bullying and refocus the College’s Wellbeing Framework.

Year 10 – 12 also took part in the Mission Australia survey. This survey has already allowed the College to assist students who were identified as having wellbeing issues. The findings of the Mission Australia  survey will be sent to the College later in the year.

One of the first steps to addressing bullying is to break the cycle and have students speak out about it. The following link from Reachout.com may help.

https://au.reachout.com/articles/5-steps-to-talking-about-bullying

As always if you have any concerns please contact your child’s Pastoral Care  teacher or any member of the Colleges Wellbeing Team.

Mark Chifley

Assistant Principal Wellbeing and Mission