Partnering for a Safe School Community
By Christa Pitman, Secondary Student Wellbeing Coordinator
Bishop Druitt College and the NSW Anti-Bullying Framework
Bishop Druitt College is proud to reaffirm its commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment. We welcome the recently released NSW Government Anti-Bullying Framework, which provides a best-practice, whole-school approach to preventing and addressing student bullying. We are pleased to inform our community that BDC’s current Bullying Prevention and Intervention Policy and Procedures already align with the core components of this state-wide Framework.
Our Proactive Approach to Prevention
Following the Framework’s emphasis on a positive school culture, BDC implements continuous prevention strategies. This includes a structured curriculum that teaches age-appropriate social and emotional competencies, helping students build empathy and conflict-resolution skills. We actively promote responsible bystander behaviour and encourage every student to contribute to a "no-bullying" culture.
Comprehensive Support for Students
In line with the Framework's goal of reducing harm, BDC provides multi-faceted support through our dedicated Wellbeing Programs:
- For Victims: Students who experience bullying receive immediate protection and emotional support. Our school counsellors and Wellbeing Coordinators provide specialised assistance to help students manage distress and feel safe and valued within the College.
- For Perpetrators: We recognise that addressing bullying requires helping students who engage in such behaviour to understand its impact. Counsellors and Wellbeing Coordinators work with these students to identify and address underlying causes—such as social skills or emotional regulation—while restorative practices are used to repair harm and rebuild relationships.
Support for Families and Staff
Creating a safe environment is a shared responsibility.
- For Families: BDC provides regular information to equip parents with the skills to recognise signs of bullying. We offer clear reporting channels and support parents to work collaboratively with the school in resolving incidents.
- For Staff: All staff members benefit from ongoing professional development in bullying prevention and response strategies. The College also ensures a work environment free from intimidation and provides clear procedures for staff to report and manage incidents effectively.
By working together, we ensure that BDC remains a community where every student can flourish without fear.
As we all gather and stand upon Country, may we acknowledge and respect Gumbaynggirr Land and the thousands of years’ worth of both physical and spiritual connection to Country, culture and teachings embedded forever within these Lands.