ST MICHAEL SCHOOL

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

September 2025

St Michael School Anti-Bullying Policy

Rationale

At St Michael School, we believe that every individual is created with inherent dignity and worth, as reflected in our Catholic ethos and inspired by Gospel values. Bullying, in any form, is a violation of this dignity and undermines the inclusive, caring, and respectful environment we strive to cultivate. Our Anti-Bullying Policy emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach to bullying while adopting restorative practices to address harm, rebuild trust, and promote reconciliation.

Aligned with the Respect for All Framework (MEDE, 2014), this policy recognizes the importance of:

• Empowering students, staff, and parents to identify and address bullying behavior effectively.
• Fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and positive interpersonal relationships.
• Ensuring a safe and nurturing environment where every individual can grow holistically without fear of discrimination, harassment, or aggression.

Principles

St Michael School is guided by the following principles in its commitment to preventing and addressing bullying:

1. Zero-Tolerance Policy: Bullying in any form (physical, verbal, relational, prejudicial, sexual, or cyber) is not tolerated. The school recognizes that such behaviors violate the dignity of individuals and have lasting effects on their physical, psychological, social, and educational well-being.
2. Respect for Individual Dignity: Every member of the school community has the right to be treated with respect and to learn or work in an environment free from fear, discrimination, and hostility.
3. Holistic Growth: St Michael School is committed to nurturing the holistic development of every student, ensuring that personal, social, and emotional needs are addressed alongside academic progress.
4. Early Intervention: The school prioritizes the early identification of bullying behaviours and timely intervention to prevent escalation and long-term harm.
5. Restorative Practices: In line with Gospel values and the school’s ethos, restorative practices are emphasized to repair harm, rebuild trust, and foster reconciliation among affected parties.
6. Open Communication: The school fosters a culture of transparency, encouraging students, staff, and parents to report bullying incidents without fear of reprisal.
7. Inclusion and Diversity: The school celebrates diversity and ensures that all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, feel welcome and valued within the community.
8. Collaborative Responsibility: Preventing and addressing bullying is a shared responsibility among students, staff, parents, and the wider school community.
9. Alignment with National Policy: All actions taken by the school are in accordance with the Respect for All Framework (MEDE, 2014) and relevant national guidelines, ensuring consistency and accountability.
10. Continuous Improvement: The school is committed to regularly reviewing and updating its anti-bullying strategies and practices to reflect evolving challenges and best practices.

Action and Structures

To effectively prevent and address bullying, St Michael School has implemented the following structures and actions:

1. Class Mentors:
   • Serve as key figures in monitoring students’ well-being and identifying early signs of distress.
   • Create opportunities for students to voice concerns during one-on-one check-ins or group discussions.
2. Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), Mr Massimo Farrugia:
   • Logs all reported incidents and ensures appropriate action is taken.
   • Makes referrals to external professionals when necessary.
3. Deputy Heads:
   • Lead investigations of reported incidents and coordinate responses.
   • Ensure that all measures align with the school’s policies and ethos.
   • Report all incidents to the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), Mr Massimo Farrugia.
4. Head of School:
   • Maintains oversight of all reported cases and ensures accountability at every stage.
5. Board of Directors:
   • Reviews and addresses serious cases requiring disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion in extreme situations, upon recommendation by the Head of School.
6. Student Representatives:
   • Play a role in fostering a culture of respect and inclusion through peer-led initiatives.
7. Annual live-ins, PSCD and Religion lessons foster mutual respect, empathy, and understanding among students. Live-ins provide a dedicated space for reflection, team-building, and discussions on personal and social issues.

Preventative Strategies

1. Awareness Programs:
   • PSD lessons and assemblies focus on recognizing and managing bullying behaviours.
   • Role-play scenarios and group activities to build empathy and understanding.
2. Positive Behavior Framework:
   • Encourage respectful interactions through rewards systems, such as student recognition awards for kindness and inclusion.
3. Early Detection Strategies:
   • Routine monitoring by Class Mentors during Communication Time.
4. Safe Spaces:
   • Provide supervised areas during breaks for students seeking a supportive environment through the creation of clubs and activities fostering inclusivity and peer support.
5. Parent Engagement:
   • Organize workshops to help parents recognize bullying signs and support their children effectively. Parents are encouraged to participate in parental skills courses organised by various professional bodies and promoted by the school.

5-Phase Model of Intervention

Phase 1: Reporting System

• Provide multiple reporting options:
  • Through Microsoft Teams.
  • Submitting a form on My Spot.
  • Anonymous submissions via a dedicated reporting box.
• Ensure all reports are logged by the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) within one working day.

Phase 2: Exploration

• Conduct initial observations and interviews to identify patterns.
• Document findings and clarify roles of all parties involved.

Phase 3: Defining Phase

• Collect detailed data from students, staff, and parents.
• Involve parents within a reasonable timeframe of the report (within 1 working day).
• Define the nature and impact of the incident.

Phase 4: Intervention

• Implement tailored strategies, including safety plans, behavioral agreements, or mediation sessions.
• Escalate severe cases to the Head of School or Board of Directors as necessary.
• Serious cases may lead to suspension or expulsion, subject to approval by the Board of Directors.

Phase 5: Preventative Phase

• Log incidents for future analysis.
• Evaluate intervention effectiveness and provide follow-ups.
• Share preventative strategies with the school community.

Restorative Practices and Support

At St Michael School, restorative practices are central to addressing bullying incidents. The aim is to repair relationships, foster understanding, and reintegrate all parties into the school community.

When an incident is reported, the following process is undertaken:

1. Support for the Victim: Immediate action is taken to ensure the safety and emotional well-being of the victim. Counseling is offered, and regular check-ins are conducted by the pastoral team to monitor recovery. The victim’s input is sought in planning steps to restore their sense of security within the school.
2. Accountability for the Perpetrator: The individual who engaged in bullying behavior is guided to reflect on their actions through structured discussions. Behavioral agreements are established, with clear expectations and consequences outlined. Counseling is offered to address underlying causes of the behavior.
3. Restorative Dialogue: Where appropriate, a mediated session is held between the victim and perpetrator. Both parties are encouraged to express their feelings and perspectives. The focus is on acknowledging harm, offering apologies, and agreeing on steps to rebuild trust.
4. Parental Involvement: Parents of both the victim and the perpetrator are involved in the process, ensuring transparency and fostering a unified approach to resolution. Parents are provided with guidance on reinforcing positive behaviors at home.
5. Follow-Up: Regular follow-ups are conducted to ensure that agreements are being upheld and that both parties feel supported. The school community is encouraged to be vigilant in preventing further incidents and fostering a positive environment.

Policy Review and Communication

Policy Review

1. Annual Review: Conducted by the SLT, DSO, and Board of Directors.
2. Incident Analysis: Data-driven review of patterns and recurring issues.
3. Alignment with Guidelines: Updates reflecting new educational standards.

Communication

1. Accessibility: Policy available on the school website.
2. Awareness Sessions: Annual sessions for students, staff, and parents.
3. Parental Acknowledgment: Annual declaration of understanding.
4. Ongoing Updates: Communicated via My Spot.
5. Student Engagement: Assemblies and PSD lessons.

Monitoring Implementation

• Oversight by the DSO and periodic checks by the SLT.

Appendix A: 5-Phase Model Summary

Appendix B: Bullying Incident Report Form

Secretariat for Catholic Education

30, Binja Josmar, Idmejda Street, Balzan, BZN 1521, Malta | Tel: +356 22039360 | www.csm.edu.mt

Bullying Incident Report Form

All information provided will be handled confidentially and will be used to help address the situation.

Section 1: Reporter Information

1. Name of Reporter: ____________________________________________________

☐ I am reporting as a witness.

☐ I am reporting as the victim.

2. Grade/Year: _________________________________________________________

3. Report made by:

☐ student

☐ staff member

☐ parent

☐ other: ____________________

Section 2: Incident Details

4. Date of Incident: ____________________________________________________

5. Time of Incident: ____________________________________________________

6. Location of Incident:

☐ Classroom

☐ Corridor

☐ Canteen

☐ Playground

☐ School bus/van

☐ Online (social media, text, etc.)

☐ Other: ____________________

7. Type of Bullying (tick all that apply):

☐ Verbal (name-calling, teasing, threats, ridiculing)

☐ Physical (hitting, kicking, pushing)

☐ Social/Relational (exclusion, spreading rumours)

☐ Cyberbullying (online harassment, messages, sexting)

☐ Prejudicial (race, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion, etc.)

☐ Sexual (inappropriate comments, inappropriate touching, etc.)

☐ Intimidation/extortion

☐ Other: ____________________

8. Description of Incident:

Please describe what happened in as much detail as possible. Include the names of those involved, what was said or done, and any other important details.

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Section 3: People Involved

9. Person(s) allegedly engaging in bullying behaviour: Name(s) (if known):

_______________________________________________________________________________

10. Person(s) allegedly being targeted: Name(s) (if different from reporter):

_______________________________________________________________________________

11. Witnesses/bystanders: Name(s) (if any):

_______________________________________________________________________________

Section 4: Impact and Action Taken

12. How did the incident affect you or others involved?

_______________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

13. Did you take any action at the time?

☐ Yes

☐ No

If yes, please describe the action taken: _____________________________________

14. Have you reported this incident to anyone else?

☐ Yes

☐ No

If yes, to whom? ______________________________________________________

Section 5: Follow-Up

15. How would you like this incident to be resolved?

_______________________________________________________________________________

16. Is there any way you wish to be supported by the school? For example, support given by:

☐ guidance teacher

☐ school counsellor

☐ educator

☐ other: ____________________

Thank you for taking the time to report this incident. Your safety and well-being are important. Further actions will be taken as necessary.

To be filled in by the supporting adult

Politika Kontra l-Bullying għall-Istudenti tal-Iskola St Michael (Verżjoni bil-Malti)

L-Impenn Tagħna

Fl-Iskola St Michael, nemmnu li kull persuna għandha d-dritt tħossu sigur u rispettat. Il-bullying ta’ kull tip mhuwiex aċċettabbli. Aħna hawn biex ngħinuk jekk tħossok imweġġa’, eskluż, jew insigur. Flimkien, nistgħu nagħmlu l-iskola tagħna post aħjar għal kulħadd.

X’inhu Bullying?

Il-bullying jiġri meta xi ħadd jagħmel jew jgħid xi ħaġa biex iweġġa’ apposta, u dan jiġri aktar minn darba. Il-bullying huwa kull imġiba agressiva mhux mixtieqa li tinvolvi żbilanċ reali jew perċepit ta’ poter. Bullying jista’ jkun fiżiku, emozzjonali, jew soċjali. Il-bullying jista’ jieħu ħafna forom:

• Fiżiku: Daqqiet, imbuttar, jew ħsara fil-proprjetà.
• Verbali: Insulti, theddid jew kummenti li jweġġgħu.
• Soċjali: Esklużjoni jew ixerred xnigħat.
• Cyber: Użu tat-teknoloġija biex iweġġgħu jew li jġiegħlu lil dak li jkun jistħi.

Jekk taħseb li qed isseħħ il-bullying, aħna hawn biex nisimgħuk u ngħinuk.

Kif Tista’ Tirrapporta Bullying?

Jekk tħoss li qed tkun ibbuljat jew tara lil xi ħadd jiġi ibbuljat, tista’ tirrapporta dan. Hawn huma l-modi kif tista’ tagħmel dan:

1. Tkellem ma’ għalliem ta’ fiduċja jew il-Class Mentor tiegħek.
2. Tkellem ma’ Mr. Massimo Farrugia: Id-DSO (Designated Safeguarding Officer) tagħna jiżgura li r-rapporti kollha jiġu indirizzati malajr u b’mod ġust. Tista’ tagħmel dan:
   • Personalment.
   • Permezz ta’ formola fuq Microsoft Teams.
   • Billi tibgħat rapport fuq il-My Spot.
   • Billi tuża l-kaxxa anonima għar-rapporti.

Ir-rapporti kollha jiġu meħuda bis-serjetà u jiġu ttrattati malajr u b’kunfidenzjalità.

X’Jiġri Wara?

Ladarba tirrapporta bullying, nagħmlu dan li ġej:

1. Nisimgħu: Se nisimgħu l-istorja tiegħek u niżguraw li tħossok sigur.
2. Ninvestigaw: L-għalliema u d-DSO se jinvestigaw billi jitkellmu ma’ dawk kollha involuti.
3. Nieħdu azzjoni: Se naħdmu biex il-bullying jieqaf:
   • Nitkellmu mal-persuna li għamlet il-bullying biex nifhmu l-imġiba tagħha.
   • Nagħtu appoġġ lil min kien vittma biex jerġa’ jħossu sigur u kunfidenti.
   • Ninfurmaw lill-ġenituri biex ikunu jistgħu jgħinu fid-dar.
4. Insegwuk: Se niċċekkjaw miegħek biex niżguraw li l-bullying waqaf u li tħossok sigur.

Kif Nistgħu Nipprevjenu l-Bullying?

Nassiguraw li l-bullying ma jseħħx billi:

• Norganizzaw taħditiet u attivitajiet dwar il-ġentilezza u l-inklużjoni.
• Il-Class Mentors jiltaqgħu regolarment mal-istudenti biex jiċċekkjaw li kulħadd iħossu sigur fl-iskola.
• Noħolqu spazji siguri matul il-ħin tal-mistrieħ fejn l-istudenti jistgħu jħossuhom appoġġjati.
• Ninkoraġġixxu gruppi ta’ mentoring u klabbs biex jinbnew ħbiberiji ġodda.

X’Jiġri lil Min Jagħmel il-Bullying?

Aħna niffokaw fuq li ngħinu lil min għamel il-bullying jifhem l-azzjonijiet tiegħu u jbiddel l-imġiba tiegħu. Madankollu, jekk il-bullying ikun serju ħafna, jista’ jkun li:

• Jingħata kuntratt ta’ mġiba biex jikkoreġi l-imġiba tiegħu.
• Jiġi riferut lill-Kap tal-Iskola jew lill-Bord tad-Diretturi.
• Jiġi sospendut mill-iskola jekk ikun meħtieġ.

Dmirijiet Tiegħek

• Kun Ġentili: Tratta lil ħaddieħor b’rispett u ġentilezza.
• Tkellem: Jekk tara bullying, tinjorahx. Irrapporta.
• Appoġġ lil Sħabek: Kun ta’ għajnuna biex noħolqu ambjent sigur.

Flimkien Nistgħu Nagħmlu Differenza

Għandna bżonn l-għajnuna tiegħek biex nagħmlu l-Iskola St Michael post sigur u ta’ gost għal kulħadd. Kun ġentili, inkludi lil kulħadd, u tkellem jekk tħoss li xi ħaġa mhix f’postha. Aħna (l-istaff tal-iskola) hawn biex nisimgħuk u nappoġġawk.

Proċess ta’ Rapportar

Pass 1: Tirrapporta

• Tkellem ma’ għalliem, Class Mentor, jew is-Sur Massimo Farrugia (DSO).
• Ibgħat rapport fuq My Spot jew Microsoft Teams.
• Uża l-kaxxa anonima tar-rapporti.

Pass 2: Investigazzjoni

• L-għalliema u d-DSO jinvestigaw billi jitkellmu ma’ dawk kollha involuti.

Pass 3: Azzjoni

• Nieħdu azzjoni biex il-bullying jieqaf.
• Nagħtu appoġġ lil min sofra l-bullying.
• Ngħinu lil min għamel il-bullying jibdel l-imġiba tiegħu.

Pass 4: X’jiġri wara

• Niċċekkjaw li l-bullying waqaf.
• Nivverifikaw li dawk kollha involuti jħossuhom siguri.

Flimkien, nistgħu nagħmlu l-Iskola St Michael post fejn kulħadd iħossu sigur u apprezzat!

Ftakar:

• M’intix waħdek!
• Tkellem u aħna nisimgħuk.
• Nistgħu ngħinuk issib soluzzjoni!

St Michael School Student-Friendly Anti-Bullying Policy

Our Commitment

At St Michael School, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and respected. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable. We are here to support you if you feel hurt, excluded, or unsafe. Together, we can make our school a better place for everyone.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is when someone does or says something hurtful on purpose and it happens more than once. It can be:

• Physical: Hitting, pushing, or damaging belongings.
• Verbal: Name-calling, teasing, or threatening.
• Social: Leaving someone out or spreading rumors.
• Cyberbullying: Sending mean messages online or posting hurtful things.

If you think it’s bullying, we are here to listen and help.

How to Report Bullying

If you feel bullied or see someone being bullied, you can report it. Here’s how:

1. Talk to a trusted teacher or your Class Mentor.
2. Contact the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO), Mr Massimo Farrugia:
   • In person.
   • Through a form on Microsoft Teams.
   • By submitting a report on the My Spot platform.
   • Using the anonymous reporting box.

All reports are taken seriously and will be handled quickly and confidentially.

What Happens Next?

When you report bullying, here’s what we will do:

1. Listen: We’ll listen to your story and make sure you feel safe.
2. Investigate: Teachers and the DSO will look into the situation by talking to everyone involved.
3. Take Action: We’ll work to stop the bullying:
   • Talk to the bully to help them understand their actions.
   • Provide support to the victim to feel safe and confident again.
   • Inform parents so they can help at home.
4. Follow Up: We’ll check in with you to make sure the bullying has stopped and you feel safe.

How Do We Prevent Bullying?

We work hard to make sure bullying doesn’t happen by:

• Holding talks and activities about kindness and inclusion.
• Having Mentors check in with students regularly to make sure everyone is okay.
• Offering safe spaces during breaks where students can feel supported.
• Encouraging peer mentoring and clubs to build friendships.

What Happens to the Bully?

We focus on helping the bully understand their actions and change their behaviour. However, if the bullying is very serious, they may:

• Be given a behaviour agreement.
• Be referred to the Head of School or Board of Directors.
• Face suspension from school if necessary.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

We need your help to make St Michael School a safe and happy place for everyone. Always be kind, include others, and speak up if something feels wrong. We are here to listen and support you every step of the way.

Reporting Process Diagram

Step 1: Report

• Talk to a teacher, Form Teacher, or Mr. Massimo Farrugia (DSO).
• Submit a report on My Spot or Microsoft Teams.
• Use the anonymous reporting box.

Step 2: Investigation

• Teachers and the DSO investigate by talking to everyone involved.

Step 3: Action

• Stop the bullying.
• Support the victim.
• Help the bully change their behavior.

Step 4: Follow-Up

• Ensure the bullying has stopped.
• Check in with everyone involved to ensure they feel safe.

Together, we can make St Michael School a place where everyone feels valued and safe.