BALLARAT school pupils took a united stand against bullying and violence in the playground and classroom on Friday.
Canadian Lead and Urquhart Park primary schools were among 222 Victorian government schools to sign up for the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.
Canadian Lead Primary School principal Darlene Cameron said it was important pupils understood the definition of bullying.
“I think collectively, to encourage a safe environment, we need to work together. It’s about parents, students and teachers,” Ms Cameron said.
“We are fortunate to not have many incidents of bullying because we have a whole school consistent approach of how to manage behaviour in the school.”
Canadian Lead pupil Luke, 10, said his peers took the school’s bullying, cyberbullying and violence rules seriously, inside and outside the classroom.
“Children make up the school. If there was bullying, they would leave and there would not be a school anymore,” Luke said.
Urquhart Park Primary School marked the national day with about 50 parents attending an information session designed by grade 4 pupils. Activities were held about bullying prevention.
Teacher Chanelle Pelchen said it was impotant to share the day with the school community.
“We were proud to be able to be a part of the day and especially to be able to invite members of our community along,” Ms Pelchen said.
“It is important for our families to get the same message as our students and for everyone to take a stand together against bullying.”
A spokesperson for Education Minister James Merlino said the government took its responsibility to help prevent bullying seriously and invested $4.5 million to develop and implement the Bully Stoppers initiative.
“Just this week it stepped in to ensure the Safe Schools Coalition – which helps build an inclusive school environment for LGBTI students free from bullying and homophobia – would remain funded in Victoria if the Commonwealth cuts its funding.”
