Student Bullying, Harassment, and Intimidation

Staff takes a very strong and immediate approach to bullying. It is not tolerated, and we also challenge the bystanders to speak up and end the power imbalance and acceptance that bullies have gained from the silence of others.  There are many more detailed resources as to how we respond to this type of harassment and intimidation with the goal of implementing logical consequences to change negative behavior.

Mitigating Circumstances

InnovOak School takes a range of circumstances into account when managing our response to inappropriate behaviour.  This is includes:

• Age of the students involved

• Past history of behaviours

• Prior violations of the code of conduct

• Prior discipline discussions or corrections

• Frequency of the behaviors or interventions

• Relationship between the students.

• Severity of the incident

• Student conduct before, during, and after an issue

• If the issue was circumstantial, planned, or targeted

• How much of a response will change behavior

• The impact of the issue on those who witnessed an incident

• The impact, whether lasting or not on the parties involved

• Whether or not the situation requires a specific response such as police involvement

• Does the issue need a more public consequence due to the scope of the issue

• Does the situation need to demonstrate to the school community that the behavior was well beyond normal safety and wellbeing norms

We will involve the police at any time if our initial investigation could result in a police matter.  Consequently, we will also include Family and Children’s Services if the investigations show abuse, neglect, or any area that falls within our duty to report.  If police or FCS are involved, our investigation and discipline process is suspended until we have the outcomes of these investigations.  We do not give direction to the bodies that have jurisdiction over us.   but we will support their work fully.  InnovOak School has a robust and fair investigation process in place and as a school we do ensure that the dignity of all students is maintained.

All staff at InnovOak follow the standards of professional practice as outlined by the Ontario College of Teachers, no matter what employee group they belong to.  This means we act with integrity and professionalism in every dealing – with students, teachers, parents, and the each other.