Building positive connections within our communities is something we can all work on together. Practicing kindness and empathy, working to solve problems in a structured and collaborative way, focussing on building each other’s strengths, being respectful and accepting of individual differences all go a very long way to build a culture of positive connection.
Studies tell us that positive social connections have a very strong protective effect in the prevention of bullying. This means that positive relationships reduce rates of bullying in communities. It also shows that connections enable positive, help-seeking behaviours, particularly in school communities.
In an effort to raise awareness on this issue, IGS students took the initiative to create anti-bullying posters to be displayed throughout the School. Activities like these present a valuable opportunity to reinforce the principles of the IGS Way. It is a reminder of the collective responsibility we all bear – students, staff members, and parents and carers alike – in cultivating a positive and thriving school atmosphere.
Creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment requires a whole-school approach to positive behaviour so that all forms of bullying can be prevented.
Resources
IGS encourages students to tell a member of staff as soon as possible If they ever had any concerns about any form of bullying at School. Parents can also report online bullying to the e-safety commissioner – more information HERE.
We have 2 school counsellors, Joe and Natalie, who can help parents/carers and students who may be impacted by bullying in some way. You can get in touch with the school counsellors by emailing counsellors@igssyd.nsw.edu.au.
You can also find some very helpful and detailed information on bullying in our IGS Parent Lounge HERE.
