What do I do now?

[LimeSlice]

I would begin taking it up with the boys mother, the education department and the school all at once.

The situation is clearly not being dealt with by the principal, so perhaps it is time to get a little dirty yourself. A casual reference to Neil Mitchell (or your QLD counterpart), the local paper or the Telegragh should be enough to push the coward int action.
People will walk all over you if you let them, so dont let this principal, through ignorance and idiocy affect how your DS will grow up, learn, emotionally develop and live for the rest of his live by allowing it to happen.
If the principal isnt willing to take a stand, make him.

I really hope Ethan is ok I suffered bullying all the way through school and I wish I could say it didnt affect who I am, but it did, and not in a good way...except that now I stand up for myself.

Good luck

[aussienic]

Ethan has had a pretty good week.. There was one moment where he called Ethan a F C.. Not impressed.. Spoke to the teacher about the language being used.. Now I think the S is going to hit the fan with this kid in the coming weeks, I knew he was picking on other kids but I have started talking to other parents a bit more.. One of Ethans friends is also being picked on a lot and its been happening for 3 yrs to him.

He swears at him, pushes him ect ect.. and then on Thursday afternoon another child from Ethans class came to his mother crying his eyes out.. Now this kid is big.. he is so tall he could pass for a grade 8er but he is only in yr 5. the mum asked what was wrong and he started talking about J The mother then saw J so grabbed her son and J and said right get to the office this is being sorted out now..

I don't know what happened after that but I know the Mum and her son were in the office for ages..

But we are now writing down everything this kid does and will report everything to the office when it happens..

I think it is time this child was removied from this school or something seriously done.. he is making a lot of children very unhappy..

[nic]

There was one moment where he called Ethan a F C..

Far out!!
Hopefully by having another parent visit the office, the principal might start taking it seriously and do something.

[Inertia]

Principles like that really do irritate me beyond belief.

For over 20 years they have been telling kids to "ignore it". One would have thought by now that they would have learnt that it doesn't work. It actually inflames the situation because the bully has not got the response they want, so they escalate their approach. "Ignoring it" is the single quickest way to turn verbal harassment to violence.

Even worse, doing nothing about the bully when he knows he is being reported is simply empowering the bully by condoning his actions!

I'd take it to the next level. There is huge uproar about bullying in schools right now because of the amount of former students who are suing and current victims who are responding with excessive force. The Department should help.

[LimeSlice]

how distrubing!!
I would be seriously wondering what this J boy is coping at home from siblings or parents, or why he is behaving like that. Very extreme....

Glad to hear it is being addressed though - power in numbers!

[aussienic]

And one more thing I learnt yesterday.. We went away for the day and took one of Ethans friends with us.. I got talking to his mum yesterday and would you believe this.. Friday afternoon she went and spoke with the principal again and this is what he said

(remember I had a meeting with him just last week)

This is only the second complaint I have had about this child and mentioned the incident the day before!! the mum said she couldn't come right out and say you are a liar but she said.. I find that highly unlikely..

I am still quite shocked the principal lied right to her face. I had spoken to her the afternoon before about how I had been to see him..

This guys a twit.. He needs to step up and be a principal.. I know its a hard job but one child is making a lot of other childrens school life pretty darn miserable.. (and in some cases home life) ( Ethan and his mate muck up at home when school upsets them)