Parent Survey Explanation

The previous post contained data from our recent parent survey. Unfortunately, this blog site has difficulty displaying it neatly but I hope you are able to see the scores on the far right of your screen.

The data is very positive. The one area that received 'moderate support' was the question related to whether the school has a bullying problem. Bullying is a very emotive topic that is not well understood by many people. Bullying does not include all the disagreements, arguments or friendship/relationship difficulties that students may experience from time to time. These are a natural part of being a social person in a school environment. Bullying is the ongoing, sustained behaviours that threaten or intimidate and often result in students being anxious, fearful and not wanting to attend school. They involve one person or a group exherting power over another. Bullying that is not dealt with effectively can have long term effects on a person's health and wellbeing.

Every school has bullies and deals regularly with bullying. This is recognised by the Department of Education who require all schools to include a statement in their Behaviour Management Policy on how they will manage bullying. The extent to which the bullying in a school can be labelled a 'problem' can be argued. I have worked in many schools (some with significant bullying issues) and in relative terms can confidently state that the bullying behaviours reported at Tuart Hill Primary are rare. This does not mean bullying is not a problem for some students or their parents at our school. In all instances where bullying is determined to be happening we have very clear procedures and consequences for dealing with it.

Staff and students have also completed surveys. This data will be discussed by staff and specific areas of strength or concern (including bullying) identified. Strategies for improvement will then be established ready for next year.

Many thanks go to the 24 parents who took the time to complete the survey.