Respecting Others

Instructions for the activity:

In your booklet there are 3 different scenarios with spaces provided for your answers. In small groups (Year 9’s with a Year 13), pick one of the scenarios and discuss the different solutions or actions that could help resolve or stop the situation from escalating (Year 13 to lead).

Deans outcomes for each scenario.

Scenario 1: “Facebook”

Both boys were stood down from school immediately for fighting, parents were called, the incident was also recorded on their discipline files. Parents / Caregivers came in for a SDC (Senior Discipline Committee) meeting involving the Deputy Principal, Assistant Principal and year level Dean. A co-existing contract was put in place, school detentions and consequences were issued. Parents grounded their sons, and took away Facebook time.

The boys that acted as go-betweens had the incident recorded on their discipline files, detentions issued and clear warnings given.

Scenario 2: “Theft”

Students in PE changing rooms were interviewed and video footage from corridor was viewed. Everyone said they knew nothing. After the video was viewed the two boys that were in on it passing the phone still did not front up, until they saw the video. One was stood down from school with parents contacted. The boy that stole the phone from the changing room was suspended to meet the Board of Trustees. The student and parents had to put his case forward to the Board to stay at school. After the Board meeting the student was excluded from Tauranga Boys’ College, as this was also not the first time he had stolen others property at school and he could not tell the truth and take responsibility.

Scenario 3: “In-class Bullying” (continual)

The student that was sent up was interviewed about incident. A parent meeting was organised for the next day before the student went back to class. Deans detentions were issued for physically hitting another student, all of this was recorded on the student’s discipline file. The student that was doing the bullying was interviewed and admitted he had been continually annoying / bullying the other boy. His parents were contacted for a meeting to occur. The student was internally withdrawn from class for two days to work with the Deans. School detentions were also issued and a letter of apology completed to other boy’s parents. A clear warning also given about no repeat behaviour.

Deans Comment

When things go wrong:

Everyone can make mistakes, what matters most is taking responsibility for your actions. Fronting up, being honest, and getting it sorted straight away is a reflection of your personal character and is what being a “Good Man” is all about. You are defined by what you do and your actions speak louder than words - so do the right thing. Remember there is always someone to talk to at TBC, this could include your subject teacher, Form Teacher, Dean, Guidance Counselor, Health Nurse about any issues you may have. The earlier we know what is going on the sooner we can help, so never be afraid to ask for help. It is always better to seek help BEFORE situations get out of hand or too difficult.