The Ministry of Education is confident there’s enough support at Christchurch high schools to tackle bullying and violent behaviour.

It follows two disturbing physical assaults in separate incidents at Hilmorton High School reported by Chris Lynch Media and a vicious assault on a student at Shirley Boys High School.

Ministry of Education Operations and Integration Leader Sean Teddy said all students and staff deserve to feel safe at school.

“Schools have clear policies and procedures in place to manage any concerns or unacceptable behaviour in the school environment.”

The Ministry was also available to provide guidance and advice to schools whenever it was needed.

Teddy said “it is important to make sure that any child or young person who has experienced bullying is able to access adult support such as guidance counsellors or other pastoral care, and that there are regular check-ins within the school.”

He said “schools should also assist the student and their whānau to access support from external agencies if it’s needed.

It’s important that a plan is developed to support students who have engaged in bullying so that they can build understanding and skills related to the development of healthy respectful relationships.”

“The Ministry of Education supports schools to manage challenging student behaviour” Teddy said.

“Evidence shows that positive behaviour can be learned.  Schools develop comprehensive, local approaches to promoting positive behaviour and well-being within their setting. Our Learning Support team supports these efforts and the development of whole-school capability with its programmes and guidance for schools.”

Teddy said “Hillmorton High School works proactively to ensure it is a safe place to attend and learn.

It’s a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) school. PB4L supports schools to build positive, respectful relationships across the whole community. Hillmorton High School conducts a New Zealand Council for Education Research ‘ well-being at schools survey’ every 18 months. This provides the school with self-review tools to build a safe and caring climate that deters bullying.”

The school was working with Tuahiwi Education in whānau engagement work for students in Year 7 and 8 and runs a special programme called Te Mana Ahuri Mowai for boys, which is adventure-based therapy. It also has a student support transition-to-school programme for selected students who join the school from elsewhere.

But five parents told Chris Lynch Media, Hillmorton High had a culture of bullying and violence.

Two parents accused the school of only contacting parents after incidents were reported by Chris Lynch Media..