Vancouver Performing Stars is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Every child has the right to grow in a positive environment. This policy outlines our approach to preventing and responding to bullying incidents.

VPS Code of Conduct

Vancouver Performing Stars is an inclusive, community minded performing arts school. All students and their guardians must be respectful and kind to all other students, family members, faculty, staff and visitors online, inside and outside of the studio. Students are expected to be a supportive 'second family' to their teammates, work together respectfully and demonstrate strong dedication and work ethic as they work towards achieving common goals. Negativity, physical, verbal or social bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is any intentional and repeated behaviour that causes harm, distress, or fear to an individual or group. This behaviour may include physical, verbal, or emotional abuse, exclusion, or manipulation.

Examples of Bullying

Physical

• slapping, hitting, pinching, punching, kicking

• locking in a confined space

• unwelcome touching

Verbal

• name-calling

• unwelcome teasing

• taunting

• spreading rumours, gossiping

• racist or homophobic comments

Social

• Excluding from a group

• threatening or insulting texts

• threatening notes, letters, emails, telephone calls

• threatening words, actions or weapons

Prevention

Vancouver Performing Stars will actively work to prevent bullying by:

• Educating students, parents, and staff members about bullying and its effects

• Encouraging respect, kindness, and empathy among students and staff

• Supervising and monitoring all classes and events to prevent bullying incidents

• Good sportsmanship will be practiced at all times and any discussion about other studios and/or other performers is discouraged both at Vancouver Performing Stars and performance venues

Reporting

Any student or staff member who witnesses or experiences bullying should report it to a staff member immediately. The report can be made anonymously, and all reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly. Students should address the Faculty or Director directly with any questions or concerns

Response

Vancouver Performing Stars will respond to bullying incidents by:

- Providing support and resources to the victim(s)

- Addressing the matter with the bully and taking appropriate disciplinary action

- Informing parents/guardians of all parties involved

- Requesting the bully apologize to the victim, take accountability and acknowledge all forms

of bullying or harassment

- Taking steps to prevent future incidents

Consequences

Depending on the severity of the matter and history of incidents, bullying or harassment may result in disciplinary action. This may include and progress from meetings with parents, to suspension and ultimately expulsion from programs at Vancouver Performing Stars. Failure to exercise common courtesy or creating a negative learning environment will result in non-refundable termination of program involvement at Vancouver Performing Stars.

Review

This policy will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to ensure its effectiveness. Vancouver Performing Stars is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students and staff, free from bullying and harassment.