Mutual Respect

Mutual Respect Policy 

BPCS is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where all members of the community are valued and respected. All community members are to interact with each other in a respectful manner that promotes the ethos of the school.

The implementation of this policy enables BPCS to make clear statements about its expectations relating to acceptable behaviour and the consequences of unacceptable behaviour to all members of its community.

Objectives

• BPCS will provide a safe and welcoming environment.
• BPCS makes clear statements to its community that it will not tolerate, nor support in any way, acts of bullying behaviour.
• BPCS staff will have the necessary skills and confidence to educate students in mutual respect, bullying behaviour and its prevention.
• BPCS staff and students will have the support to manage conflict assertively and equitably for all parties involved.
• The wider community will support prevention initiatives in the School.
• Students will feel empowered to report instances of bullying behaviour.

School Environment

BPCS has a safe, welcoming environment that promotes:

• mutual respect for all members of the school community;
• a sense of belonging and empowerment of all members of the school community; and
• collaboration and negotiation.

Learning Opportunities

Learning opportunities within the school provide students to:

• understand the nature of mutual respect;
• understand the nature of harassment and bullying behaviour;
• understand personal safety issues;
• develop interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills, such as negotiation, mediation, conflict resolution and assertiveness;
• develop self-confidence and enhance self-esteem; and
• acquire the ability to understand, respect and care for others.

How does this apply to staff and parents?

BPCS staff and parents are to interact with all members of the community in a respectful manner where tolerance and understanding are the focus of any interaction.

How does this apply to the students?

This policy is used to assist the students to develop appropriate behaviours and autonomy in their interpersonal relationships. It is also designed to provide them with strategies to use when conflicts arise. It is envisaged that this learning is lifelong. BPCS believes that respect for self, others and property is one of the most important concepts for students to learn.

Tim Gill’s article “Sort It Out For Yourself” is based on his visit to Bold Park Community School; focusing on this feature of our philosophy.

For more information, please refer the BPCS Mutual Respect Policy.