Standing together everyday as a school community to say "Bullying. No way!" was the motivation behind the ninth annual National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.
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It was a message sent loud and clear at Gloucester High School on Friday March 15 as the staff and students joined the 5726 Australian schools taking part.
The theme was all about empowering students to take action and encouraging them to be part of the solution when addressing bullying at school, and the changes that can be made to create safer communities for everyone.
GHS students were asked to write a message to a bully, a person who's been bullied or a message to oneself on an orange ribbon, which were then placed on the school's front gate.
Wellbeing teacher, Myree Ribbons said the school's wellbeing team decided to ask students to write a message as a way of empowering them to take a stand against bullies.
"It also shows support to students who have been the victim of bullying," Ms Ribbons explained. "The messages were of a positive nature to support victims of bullying, to encourage resilience in students to better deal with incidents of bullying."
The ribbons are now on display to illustrate how the school community is taking a stand against bullying and violence; an initiative the entire Gloucester community can be a part of. Bullying and violence is not just a school community issue, but something that an affect the whole community.
"The 'together' approach means that the student body can take a stand against this issue as a cohort to try an minimise incidents of bullying," she said.
Also part of the day's activities, the students watched an inspirational video about the life of Nick Vujicic, who was born with no arms and no legs.
"His story about bullying and how to combat it was very moving and inspiring for the students," Ms Ribbons said.
Gloucester High School takes a whole school approach to the issue with students from years seven through to 10 taking part in fortnightly wellbeing classes.
"They learn about the differences between being rude, being mean versus bullying and are given strategies for resilience and dealing with bullying both verbal and online," Ms Ribbon explained.
"They are educated from early in their high school career that there are consequences for bullying at GHS."
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
