Theme: BULLYING
From Scripture
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” – Ephesians 4:29
“Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 82:4
“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself ” – Leviticus 19:18
“The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31
A Prayer for courage, wisdom, faith and love
Lord, grant us
Courage to do what is right
When doing wrong or nothing at all would be easier.
Wisdom to say the right thing at the right time
Because words have the power to help or to hurt.
Faith in the goodness of humankind
Because living in doubt and fear is not living as you Meant it to be.
And most important, Love for one another,
The kind that gives without demanding,
Supports without holding too tightly,
And understands that we are, all of us, imperfect.
In the name of your son Jesus Christ we pray, AMEN
THEME: MANAGING BULLYING
The theme for this week’s character education programme is bullying and focusses on various aspects of bullying at the different forms. This theme followed on from last week’s focus which was respect.
“Bullying is not a reflection of the victim’s character, but rather a sign of the bully’s lack of character”
BEHAVIOUR FOCUS: Be kind to one another
You are all currently on a “Good Man Journey” at College “ and we continually guide you on aspects of being a good man and also qualities that make a real man in your mentor groups – a bully is NOT a real man.
What is a definition of bullying?
- Bullying is repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse of power by an individual or group towards one or more persons.
- Bullying can involve humiliation, domination, intimidation, victimisation and all forms of harassment including that based on sex, race, disability, homosexuality or transgender.
- Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved including bystanders.
Where does it occur?
Bullying can happen anywhere: at school – in classroom, tuckshop area, quads, boarding houses, travelling to and from school, in sporting teams, on social media etc
What types of bullying behaviour are there?
- verbal e.g. name calling, teasing, abuse, putdowns, sarcasm, insults, threats
- physical e.g. hitting, punching, kicking, scratching, tripping, spitting
- social e.g. ignoring, excluding, ostracising, alienating, making inappropriate gestures
- psychological e.g. spreading rumours, dirty looks, hiding or damaging possessions, malicious SMS and email messages, inappropriate use of camera phones.
- cyberbullying refers to bullying through information and communication technologies eg comments on Facebook, social media
Bullying behaviour is not:
- conflict or fights between equals and single incidents
- boys not getting along well
- a situation of mutual conflict
- single episodes of nastiness or random acts of aggression or intimidation.
What to do if you are being bullied?
- Don’t keep silent about it – talk about it
- See your mentor, housemaster, school psychologist, coach – someone who you feel you can talk to use the confidential app
Towards the end of last term we did a confidential bullying and wellness survey, Unfortunately, the first attempt was poorly done and it had to be redone! It is essential that you do take these surveys seriously so that we can guide and support you along your journey particularly if there are problems.
WELLNESS SURVEY FEEDBACK:
981 boys completed the survey from F2- F5
- 63% day boys
- 37% boarders
- Slight increase in bullying incidents from previous survey 21% to 22%
- Main form of bullying was verbal – 88%
- Occurs mainly during class and corridors
- 39% of boys felt that they could speak out
- 9% of boys bullied did not report their victimisation
- Reasons: Not sure how to report; being seen weak for reporting , lack of confidence in what action will be taken
- 54% of boys felt this was a positive reception to well-being
ACTIONS from Survey:
- We are looking at raising the awareness around the anonymous app, as well as who to report to, confidentiality issues, assurance of action, intervention measures etc
- Boys who have been identified as ‘bullies’ will be spoken to by their housemaster if they are first offenders and for those whose names have come up previously, their parents will be called in for a meeting. Any further repeat will result in suspension from school.
- In most instances when the bullies are called in, they act very surprised as they don’t see themselves as being bullies.
- Those who have been bullied and are having a tough time will be counselled by our school psychologist.
- I must stress that this survey is a confidential one and we treat it very seriously as such and it is hoped that you also do.
- The last thing that anyone would want, is for someone to do harm unto themselves because they are being bullied and are desperately unhappy.
My plea to all of you is be tolerant, celebrate differences and treat others as you would wish them to treat you. If there are boys who are having a tough time please speak to someone. You are not being weak if you do so but in fact being very strong.
STAFF NEWS
Farewell Ms Ailsa Greyling
Ailsa Greyling joined College on 1 Jan 1998 from Alexander High School, as an Afrikaans educator and also served as Form 2 “Dean” for many years. Other roles have included TIC and coach for Athletics, MIC for First Aid for 21 years, and Housemaster of Lamond’s House from 2013 until the end of last term. As the longest serving housemaster at College, Ailsa has a deep and genuine outstanding pastoral care for every single boy in her house. She also served on the Admissions Committee for many years doing robust background research on applicants and also pushing for boys to be given a chance.
We wish Ms Greyling every success as she moves to Howick High. After 24 years of dedicated commitment and service to College, she will be greatly missed by many College boys, staff and parents.
SCHOOL EXCHANGE VS PBHS
SPORT
Overview Sporting Achievements
This past weekend saw Maritzburg College head up to Pretoria to take on the boys of Pretoria Boys High in a full round of sporting and cultural fixtures on Friday and Saturday. In addition to rugby and hockey matches, College’s Choir and Jazz Band played at KES and PBHS, there was plenty of other action with chess, debating, public speaking, golf, tennis and table tennis matches on the go.
Full results are here
CHOIR AND JAZZ BAND
The music department went on a short tour from Thursday to Johannesburg and Pretoria. They began the tour with a concert at KES on Thursday evening for their boarders and guests. This concert was met with much enthusiasm and delight from the KES boys. They received some wonderful feedback from both the KES staff and boys, and look forward to seeing them this upcoming weekend for the exchange.
On Friday the College music department performed as a part of the PBHS Assembly. They were delighted to share the stage with the PBHS Choir and Symphony orchestra. Our boys in the band and choir did not disappoint with their performances. The band, with Sethu Ntuli as vocal soloist, received a standing ovation for their rendition of ‘Feeling Good’.
On Friday night the choir participated in the final round of the ATKV Applous competition that was held at the ZK Matthews Hall at Unisa. With the band being on tour with the choir, they were also invited to be a part of the evening by providing music for the audience before the evening started. The choir performed extremely well in the competition. Their program which consisted of four songs, received a standing ovation from a very enthused audience. For their efforts they received another gold award. The final placings of the whole competition will be announced on Friday evening this week via live stream after the Cape Town leg of the final round. This information will be shared via our social media channels. This coming Tuesday evening the choir will join Epworth and St Annes in concert at St Anne’s.
I wish to compliment every single one of you on your commitment and effort in all the various activities. Overall it was a truly outstanding exchange in every respect. A sincere thank you to all the staff and boys who participated and to Mr Kyle and his staff especially for the overall coordination and logistics. Congratulations on a superb performance. Please give yourselves a round of applause.
We now prepare for our other old foes from Gauteng, Johannesburg viz KES who arrive on Friday to do battle.
SPORT & CULTURAL AWARDS
Congratulations to boys who have all met the criteria to receive higher honours in various sporting and cultural codes
Full details are here
Wishing you all a very good week.
Pro Aris et Focis
CL Luman (Headmaster)