Bullying Awareness Week is from November 16 to 20, 2020.
Bullying is a serious issue, with far-reaching consequences for students, their families, and for society as a whole. The Alberta Government defines bullying as repeated mean, cruel, hurtful behaviours done on purpose by someone with more power. It can be verbal, physical, social and online.
Black Gold School Division understands this, and we acknowledge our responsibility to provide our students with a welcoming, caring, respectful, safe and healthy learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging, free from bullying, discrimination, harassment, or violence.
We recognize the importance of our students’ emotional, social, intellectual and physical wellness to their success in school, and expect all students to adhere to the Division Student Code of Conduct and their schools’ code of conduct.
Students, as partners in education under the Education Act, have the responsibility to: “refrain from, report and not tolerate bullying or bullying behaviour directed toward others in the school, whether or not it occurs within the school building, during the school day or by electronic means.”
As per Board Policy 19, Administrative Procedure 170 – Harassment, Administrative Procedure 171 – Threatening Behavior, Administrative Procedure 350 – Student Conduct, and Administrative Procedure 355 – Student Probation, Suspension and Expulsion, we prohibit bullying, harassment, discriminatory, and violent threats and behaviours.
Bullying is wrong. We encourage any student who feels they have been bullied, as well as parents/guardians whose children report being bullied, to report all such incidents. Your classroom teacher is the first point of contact, followed by the school principal, the Division superintendent, and then your school board trustee.
We take bullying seriously. Allegations of such behaviours will be investigated in a timely, respectful and confidential manner as outlined in the above Board Policy and Division Administrative Procedures, and corrective action will be taken if the allegations are verified.
Bullying is preventable. All those involved with our schools, including trustees, administrators, teachers, students, parents, coaches, and volunteers must share in the responsibility for eliminating bullying, discrimination, harassment, and violence, so that our children can maximize their individual potential in becoming self-reliant, responsive, and contributing members of society.
Sincerely,
Bill Romanchuk,
Superintendent of Schools/CEO