March 2022
Dear Parents,
Please read this entire email right to the end, even though it is a bit long.
We are writing to let you know that last year we instituted a School Safety and Protection Policy (SSPP). This policy aims to provide clear directions to teachers, students, support staff and parents on expected codes of behaviour in ensuring that measures are in place to make school a safe space for every child. The SSPP includes an Anti-bullying Policy which addresses both adult’s and children’s safety needs.
We are commited to zero tolerance for any form of child abuse. To this end, we will provide all possible protection, safety, support and dignity to every child. Child protection concerns include suspected, alleged, self-disclosed, or observed harm or abuse of a child by anyone associated with the child. The school will investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
We also commit to zero tolerance for any form of bullying, threats or rudeness by adults, be it teachers or parents. For example:
– Adults must not raise their voice, threaten or express anger in an inappropriate manner
– Adults must be respectful with each other in any kind of communication, verbal or written
– Adults must be patient while waiting for an appointment
– Adults must abide by all school policies and SOPs
Our SSPP states:
1. Every child has the right to be protected from neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
2. The protection and welfare of children is of paramount importance, regardless of all other considerations.
3. There is a need to adopt safe practices to minimise the possibility of abuse, harm or accidents happening to children or any other individuals at school.
4. Child abuse and neglect hinders the effective learning process and a child’s potential cannot be achieved when going through trauma.
5. There is a need to respect confidentiality in dealing with child protection matters.
What is bullying?
Bullying is a deliberate, hostile and repeated behaviour by one or more people, which is intended to harm or control others. It is the assertion of power through aggression. It is not about anger nor is it a conflict to be resolved. It is a powerful feeling of dislike toward someone considered to be worthless, inferior or undeserving of respect.
There are different types of bullying. Some of them are: Social-Emotional, Physical, Verbal and Cyberbullying. Please watch this 5.5. minute video:
What can a parent do if a child talks about being bullied in school or in the van?
If your child confides in you about harm or abuse having taken place at school, please inform the CPC so that your child can be provided with the necessary support and remedial measures. Please do not confront the student or her parents directly. Please work through the CPC to resolve the problem.
You can report abuse or bullying by sending an email to: cpc.report@pechsgs.edu.pk
Be sure to add your name, the name of your child, her year group/section and the name of the person who is trying to harm her. Also add an objective description of what you may have observed or heard from your child. Your information will be respected, kept confidential and followed by suitable actions to protect you and the child against any form of harm.
What are we doing to prevent bullying in school?
• At the Policy level
A Child Protection Committee(CPC) has been formed to deal with cases of abuse/bullying
• Awareness Raising & Training
– Workshops on this topic have been conducted for ALL our teaching staff
– Workshops for Admin staff, Support Staff and van drivers will be held in June & July
– Workshops for students of Years 8 to 10 have already been conducted
– Teachers of Years 1-7 have addressed bullying as part of their lesson plans in March
– Referesher workshops/reminders will be given in August after the Summer Break
– We are encouraging victims of bullying to find a voice and report to the CPC
– We are encouraging bystanders to have a united front against bullies
– In the new term, we will include an anti-bullying clause in the Behaviour Contract for Years 6 – 10
– In the new term, we will apply the consequences for bullying appropriately and consistently
• Art Classes
During the Art period, children have worked on bullying and the feelings associated with experiencing bullying. Different year groups have crreated different things such as, Crumple-Colours Feeling Painting, Book Covers, Comic Strips, Collage Art work on cloth and Anti-bullying Graffiti Artwork.
What can we do in cases of serious bullying?
Students involved in serious bullying could face the following consequences:
– Detention during break
– An incident report will be placed in the student’s file
– Parents will be called in to discuss the matter
– A comment may be included in the student’s report card
– The student will be monitored to ensure repeated bullying does not take place
– In case of physical injury or persistent and repeated bullying a student may be asked to leave school
How can a bully be helped?
Regular counselling sessions will be held with bullies to help change their behaviour. This applies to both students and adults who engage in bullying
I look forward to your support in creating safe spaces for our children!
Seema Malik
Principal
PECHS Girls’ School