Safe and Caring Community at Norquay

Building a Safe and Caring Community at Norquay

At Norquay School, we are committed to providing a learning environment where every student feels safe, respected, and ready to learn. A key part of that commitment is a shared understanding of how we treat one another.

We often hear the word "bullying" used to describe many types of behavior. To effectively prevent and address it, we need to understand exactly what it is - and what it is not -according to the Manitoba Safe and Caring Schools guidelines.

What is Bullying?

In Manitoba, bullying is defined by three specific characteristics. It is not just about "being mean"; it is a serious behavior pattern.

1. Intent to Harm: The behavior is done on purpose to cause fear, intimidation, humiliation, or distress.

2. Power Imbalance: There is a real or perceived difference in power. This could be due to age, size, popularity, or ability. The person being bullied feels they cannot stop it on their own.

3. Repetition: Bullying is typically repeated behavior over time, though a single severe incident can also be considered bullying.

Bullying can take many forms:

• Physical: Hitting, shoving, or damaging property.

• Verbal: Name-calling, taunting, or threats.

• Social: Excluding others, spreading rumors, or embarrassing someone in public.

• Cyberbullying: Using social media, texts, or gaming to harass or intimidate.

What Bullying is NOT: Distinguishing Conflict from Bullying

It is natural for children to have disagreements. Understanding the difference between peer conflict and bullying helps us respond appropriately.

Conflict is a part of growing up that teaches children how to solve problems. Bullying is a safety issue that requires adult intervention.

How Norquay Staff Prevent and Address Bullying

Our school follows the Winnipeg School Division and provincial guidelines to ensure a "Whole-School Approach" to safety.

1. Prevention & Education

• Supervision: Staff are present and vigilant in hallways, classrooms, and the playground to intervene early.

• Teaching Social Skills: We use programs and daily lessons to teach empathy, respect, and conflict resolution.

• Positive Climate: We celebrate diversity and encourage students to be "upstanders" who speak up when they see something wrong.

2. Intervention & Response

When bullying is reported, we take it seriously.

• Investigation: We listen to all students involved separately to get the facts.

• Restorative Practices: Our goal is to repair the harm. This often involves helping the student who bullied understand the impact of their actions and take responsibility.

• Progressive Discipline: Consequences are used to teach, not just punish. These can range from loss of privileges to suspension, depending on the severity and frequency.

• Support: We ensure the student who was bullied has a safety plan and access to support staff to feel safe again.

How Caregivers Can Support at Home

You are our most important partners. Here is how you can help:

• Listen without judgment: If your child reports bullying, listen calmly. Reassure them it is not their fault and that they were right to tell you.

• Watch for signs: Changes in sleep, appetite, or a sudden reluctance to go to school can be signs of distress.

• Report to the school immediately: Do not try to solve it by contacting the other child or their parents directly. Please contact your child’s teacher or the administration. We can only act on what we know.

• Model respectful behavior: Children learn by watching us. How we handle frustration and conflict teaches them how to treat others.

Together, we can ensure Norquay remains a safe, caring, and welcoming place for every child.