Parish Policies

Parish of Wicklow & Rathnew

Anti-Bullying Policy

 

Bullying will not be tolerated.

• All children/young people are entitled to participate in church and parish activities on an equal basis appropriate to their ability and stage of development. They are entitled to be safe and happy and be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect. Bullying can be very painful, cause long-term damage, destroy their self-esteem, and hinder the enjoyment and benefits of participation. Leaders will be made aware of the main types of bullying, the signs of bullying and ways of preventing it. They will follow procedures if instances occur and also know that it is usually subtle and hard to observe or detect.
• Bullying is repeated physical, verbal or psychological aggression directed by an individual or group against others. Bullying can occur at any age, in any environment, and can be long or short-term.
• Isolated incidents of aggressive behaviour, which should not be condoned, cannot be described as bullying. However, when the behaviour is systematic and ongoing it is bullying.
• Bullying differs from bossiness, which is directed at all members of a group, whereas bullying is targeted at an individual or a few.
• Boisterous play may be dangerous, but hurt caused is not deliberate, whereas bullying is always a wilful desire to hurt someone.
• Any child/young person can be a victim of, and/or a perpetrator of bullying.

 

1. I) Types: Bullying can be:

• Emotional: Being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books, threatening gestures).
• Physical: Pushing, kicking, hitting, punching, “messing” or any use of violence.
• Racist: Racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.
• Sexual: Unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.
• Homophobic: Because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality.
• Verbal: Name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing and slagging.
• Cyber: All areas of Internet, such as email and web, chat room misuse, mobile threats by text messaging and calls, misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera and video facilities

 

11)   Warning Signs of Bullying

The following are possible warning signs and could be a cause of concern for adults/leaders that a child/young person is being bullied: –

• Does not want to attend youth group/school/club anymore.
• Has physical signs such as unexplained repeated bruises or scratches.
• Has poor or deteriorating schoolwork/coursework and inability to concentrate.
• Has a possession which is damaged or “gone missing”.
• Asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully).
• Continually “losing” money/belongings or having damaged belongings.
• Changes their usual routine.
• Is reluctant to go out and has few friends.
• Have torn clothes, broken glasses, missing possessions
• Becomes withdrawn, depressed, anxious, or lacking in confidence.
• Starts stammering or regresses in some way such as bed-wetting.
• Becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable.
• Is bullying other children or siblings.
• Stops eating.
• Is frightened to say what’s wrong.
• Is afraid to use the internet or mobile phone.
• Is nervous and jumpy when a cyber message is received. • Attempts or threatens suicide or runs away.
• Cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares.
• Gives improbable excuses for any of the above.

This list is not exhaustive and there are many other possible reasons for the above.

 

III)  Prevention

• Leaders and adults will make it clear that bullying is unacceptable and will be treated seriously. They will be aware of the possibility of bullying in the course of supervision and welcome information and respect confidentiality.
• Anti-Bullying policy with its sanctions takes its place with other polices and rules. All share the responsibility for making the place/activity safe and happy for all.
• The following methods may help children to prevent bullying.

Include young people in discussions about what bullying is and why it can’t be tolerated.

Encourage young people to take responsibility and report any incidents of bullying to leader.

Review this Anti-Bullying Policy with children/young people involved in our parochial/diocesan activities.

 

1. IV) Procedures

• All incidents of bullying should be brought to the attention of the leader/person in charge of group.
• All incidents will be recorded on incident report forms and kept on file.
• Parents will be informed of any incidents of bullying and should meet with leader/person in charge to discuss the problem.
• The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying must be investigated and the bullying stopped quickly.
• This usually involves first talking to the victim, and finding out about the nature of the bullying, the name of the alleged bully, and how the victim felt.
• Talking to the alleged bully and also to bystanders and those who may have had a part in the incident, either initiation or joining in.
• Trying to bring about reconciliation and some ‘circle time’ for the group exploring feelings may help find solutions.
• Both the victim and bully should be supported and helped throughout the process and for as long as necessary. If necessary and appropriate, the Gardaí will be consulted.

 

1. V) Outcomes

• If possible, the bully (bullies) may be asked to genuinely apologise and be reconciled.
• Other sanctions may be agreed upon, e.g. time-out of group activity etc.
• In serious cases, suspension or even exclusion from the programme/club will be considered, as a last

resort.

• After the incident/incidents have been investigated and dealt with, each case will be monitored to

ensure repeated bullying does not take place.

• Some counselling may be necessary to build up self-esteem in victim and or in bully.

 

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Parish of Wicklow & Rathnew

Anti- Bullying Policy Agreement

 

I confirm that I have read and understood the expected Anti Bullying Policy for Staff and Volunteers working with children in the Archdiocese of Dublin/ Parish of Wicklow & Rathnew. I agree to abide by and adopt these standards in all aspects of my work within the Parish.

 

Name:  __________________________________                                                                             (printed)

Signed: __________________________________

 

Parish Group: ______________________________

 

Date: ______________________________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

Policy Statement

We, in the Parish of Wicklow, value and encourage the participation of children and young people in all Parish activities that enhance their spiritual, physical, emotional and social development.

We recognise the dignity and rights of all children and are committed to ensuring their protection and support. In keeping with this, we will work to do all in our power to create safe environments for children and young people in order to secure their protection and enable their full participation in the life of the Church.

This Policy will be reviewed annually in January.

Click here for our Child Safeguarding Document

Diocesan Child Protection Services

If you would like to discuss this policy or any other related issues, you may contact the Diocesan Child Protection services:

Parish Child Protection Representative: Tel. 087-6729201

Diocesan Child Protection Office: Tel. 01-8360314

Director of Diocesan Child Protection Service: Andrew Fagan, Tel. 01-8842590

Parish of Wicklow & Rathnew

Code of Behaviour Policy

 

The Aims of the Code of Behaviour of De La Salle Religion Class are:

To provide guidance for pupils, teachers and parents on behavioural expectations.

To provide for the effective and safe operation of the classes.

To foster caring attitudes to one another and to the environment

To enable teachers to teach their class without disruption.

 

Before or After Class

Students need to be on time and to be collected from class on time. Parents are reminded that they are responsible for their children before and after class and that hanging around unsupervised outside of class times may give rise to problems.

Parents of Year 1 & 2 Students for First Holy Communion should ensure that the teacher is present before leaving their children in the classroom. The children should be collected from their teacher after class at the main door of the Pastoral Centre.

As Communion classes take place directly after school children may bring a snack to eat provided that they leave their table and the classroom clean and tidy and dispose of any rubbish correctly.

 

Classroom Rules

Try your best

Stay in your seat

Keep your hands and feet to yourself

Ensure you have your necessary books/supplies.

No chewing gum or fizzy drinks in the classroom.

Listen when your teacher is speaking

Put your hand up and wait your turn to speak

Listen to each other and be respectful of each other.

Pupils are expected to treat all adults and fellow pupils with respect and courtesy at all times.  Behaviour that interferes with the rights of others to learn and to feel safe is unacceptable.

Acceptable Standards of Behaviour

Speak politely

Use good manners

Respect others and their property

 

Unacceptable Standards of Behaviour

Behaviour that is hurtful, including bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation

Behaviour that interferes with teaching and learning

Threats or physical hurt to one another

Inappropriate language of aggressive behaviour

Damage to property of others and the Pastoral Centre.

 

Parents/Guardians  Responsibilities

Encourage children to have a sense of respect for themselves and for the property

Be interested and supportive in their classwork

Be familiar with this Code of Behaviour

Co-operate with teachers in instances where their child’s behaviour is causing difficulties for others.

Communicate with the class teacher in relation to any problems which may affect their child’s progress or behaviour.

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Parish of Wicklow & Rathnew

    Code of Behaviour Agreement

 

I confirm that I have read and understood the expected Code of Behaviour Policy for the Parish of Wicklow & Rathnew. I agree to abide by and adopt these standards while attending Parish classes.

 

Childs Name(printed) :  __________________________________

Signed: __________________________________

 

Parent/Guardian (printed) : ______________________________

Signed: __________________________________

 

Date: ______________________________________

 

 

Parish of Wicklow & Rathnew

Code of Conduct for Staff & Volunteers

Staff & Volunteers in the Archdiocese of Dublin are uniquely placed to act as positive role models to children and young people participating in Church activities. Such participation provides the opportunity to promote the development of self-confidence and enhance the wellbeing of the children & young people with whom we interact. This agreement serves to articulate the expectations of adult behaviour when working with children & young people in the Archdiocese of Dublin, particularly in the Parish of Wicklow & Rathnew.  It aims to provide confidence to children & young people, staff, volunteers, and parents that safeguarding children and young people is of paramount importance.

 

To uphold positive safeguarding practices all Staff & Volunteers in contact with children should:

• ensure the safety of all children & young people by providing adequate supervision and proper pre – planning using safe methods at all times
• treat all children & young people with dignity & respect
• treat all children & young people fairly
• provide an example of good conduct
• ensure the rights and responsibilities of children & young people are adhered to
• operate within the Church principles and guidance and any specific procedures
• be visible to others when working with children
• challenge and report potentially abusive behaviour
• develop a culture where children can talk about their contacts with staff and others openly
• respect each child & young person’s boundaries and help them to develop their own sense of their rights as well as helping them to know what they can do if they feel that there is a problem
• respect & listen to the opinions of the children & young people
• be positive & approachable
• record & report incidents of alleged abuse and poor practice to the designated person
• maintain confidentiality about sensitive information
• encourage an anti-discriminatory outlook
• develop & maintain appropriate working relationships with other staff & volunteers
• identify & address the needs of disabled children & young people

 

 

Staff & volunteers must avoid actions and behaviour that could be construed as poor practice or potentially abusive. Therefore, they should never:

• hit or otherwise physically assault or physically abuse children
• develop sexual relationships with children
• develop relationships with children which could in any way be deemed exploitative or abusive
• act in ways that may be abusive or may place a child at risk of abuse
• allow any rough or dangerous play, or inappropriate behaviour
• allow bullying or permit any abusive peer activities
• use sanctions that humiliate or harm children & young people
• condone rule violations
• spend excessive time alone with children away from others
• take children to their own home, especially where they will be alone with you
• speak inappropriately, use bad language, make suggestions or offer advice which is inappropriate, offensive or abusive
• behave physically in a manner which is inappropriate or sexually provocative
• have children & young people with whom they are working to stay overnight at their home unsupervised
• sleep in the same room or bed as a child with whom they are working
• do things for children of a personal nature that they can do for themselves
• condone, or participate in, behaviour which is illegal, unsafe or abusive

 

 

Staff & Volunteers have the right to:

• access ongoing training
• support in reporting suspected abuse
• fair treatment
• be protected from abuse by children, young people, parents and other adult members
• not to be left vulnerable when working with children & young people

 

 

 

 

Code of Conduct for Staff & Volunteers Agreement

 

I confirm that I have read and understood the expected Code of Conduct for Staff and Volunteers working with children in the Archdiocese of Dublin/ Parish of Wicklow & Rathnew. I agree to abide by and adopt these standards in all aspects of my work within the Parish.

 

 

 

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Parish of Wicklow & Rathnew  

Code of Conduct for Staff & Volunteers Agreement

 

 

Name:  __________________________________

(printed)

 

Signed: __________________________________

 

 

Parish Group: ______________________________

 

 

Date:______________________________________