Communication agreement

Where people come together, communication issues can arise. If early intervention is made through a coordinated effort by the home, school, and other responsible parties, serious consequences can be prevented.

The school lays the foundation for good communication between home and school and offers parents a platform for collaboration. The responsibility is ours all – to be good role models, show respect and be concerned about the well-being of others. We are all in this together.

Garðabær's communication plan is intended to promote positive communication and increase the knowledge of children, guardians and staff about the symptoms of communication problems and bullying. Good communication skills are an important skill in life.

With increased knowledge and targeted training of children, the goal is for all parties to:

• Can respond appropriately.
• Know where to seek help.
• Know how to handle cases each time.

Communication

Good communication is the key to positive relationships that give life joy and meaning. Communication skills are therefore very important in collaboration and social interactions. Being able to put yourself in the shoes of others, being able to resolve conflicts and find solutions is very important.

When training good communication, the emphasis is on the five S's:

• Empathy
• Resilience
• Self-control
• Independence
• Creative thinking

Communication issues

Communication issues are a general term for unexamined incidents and conflicts that cause disagreement, discomfort, or distress in communication.

A survey of communication language can reveal different situations, such as:

• Communication problems
• Teasing or unwanted behavior.
• Occasional violent behavior.
• Bullying.

Communication problem

A communication problem is when 2 or more individuals engage in negative interactions with each other for a shorter or longer period of time. The negative interactions then apply equally to all involved. If intervention is not made and children are not guided, the problem can develop into bullying.

Teasing

Teasing is when someone is made fun of by saying something hurtful or malicious – even in a cheerful way. Teasing can also include disruptive behavior, harassment, or the hiding or damaging of property.

Although teasing may seem friendly at first, it can quickly escalate into unfriendly behavior and escalate into bullying. It is important to distinguish between good-natured peer teasing and teasing that causes distress.

Violence

Violence can be physical or mental. It is hurtful, hurtful and always negative, but it can be an isolated incident and therefore not bullying. It is important to get reassurance that it is not a larger issue. Repeated violence can develop into bullying.

Bullying

Bullying is repeated violence, physical or mental, where one or more people harass an individual who has difficulty defending themselves. Bullying involves the abuse of power with the result that the victim feels bad and vulnerable. Bullying can take many forms.

Manifestations of bullying

Bullying often happens where no one is watching. The person being bullied often doesn't want to report it for fear of it getting worse. It's important to be aware of the different forms of bullying:

• Physical: Beatings, kicking, pushing and other physical violence.
• Oral: Name-calling, derogatory comments, and repeated teasing.
• Cyberbullying: Teasing, harassment and deliberate exclusion of a group or individual through any form of information and communication technology.
• Written: Scribbles, letters and the like.
• Indirect social: Backbiting, ostracism and exclusion from the social group.
• Material: Property stolen, taken or destroyed.
• Spiritual: Compulsion to do things that go against one's sense of justice and self-respect.

If you have concerns about a communication issue, you can contact the supervising teacher, school administrators, or other staff members.

You can also Request assistance with communication issues at Garðabær Service Portal.

First stage

As soon as formal notification is received, the school's communications team is activated. The goal is to analyze the nature of the issue and find a successful solution as quickly as possible.

• Those who were directly involved in the incident are being interviewed, along with potential witnesses.
• The guardians of the children involved are contacted and meetings are called, either individually or together as appropriate. At the meetings, the circumstances of the case are reviewed and solutions are sought.
• If a settlement is reached, the case is closed with the signature of the guardians and, if applicable, the students. The well-being of the parties to the case is monitored to ensure that the solution is permanent.

If the issue cannot be resolved at this stage and it is considered serious, it will be moved to another level.

Second level

• The communications team reviews all case documents and sets up an action plan in consultation with the supervising teacher.
• Appropriate measures are being taken, such as support for the alleged perpetrator and victim, and regular conversations are being established.
• Regular meetings are held with stakeholders, including administrators, students, and staff, to monitor the progress of the case.
• If the matter is resolved, it is concluded with the signature of the guardians and, where applicable, the students.

If the issue cannot be resolved and is considered serious, it will be escalated to third stage.

Third stage

A level three case is considered a very serious incident or bullying case. At this level, a clear message is given that bullying has not passed and that the school will use all available means to end the case.

• All staff involved in working with the students concerned are informed of the status of the case. This also applies to those involved in extracurricular activities and classmates, as appropriate.
• A plan for improved supervision of the parties is drawn up, presented to the guardians and implemented. The case is also sent for discussion to the Student Protection Council.
• Meetings are held with the victim and their guardians on the one hand, and the perpetrator and their guardians on the other. The meetings are always held at the victim's request and in consultation with their guardians.
• Information is provided about the options available for counseling with a psychologist or other therapists.

If the issue is resolved, it is closed with the signature of the guardians and, if applicable, the students. If the issue is not resolved, a plan for long-term intervention is made according to the work plan.