Students spell out attitude on bullying

Students at Waroona District High School made their attitude towards bullying clear recently as part of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

Staff and about 200 students from kindergarten through to Year 10, gathered on the school oval and with a camera drone captured the message Bullying No Way!

Primary deputy principal Carl Currulli said the school had registered in previous years to take part in the national day with events taking place in the week leading up to it.

Primary school students attended a visiting artist show called Too Cool for Bullies while teachers accessed resources through the Federal Government’s Bullying No Way website to run information sessions with students.

Mr Currulli said these sessions helped students identify and tackle this worldwide issue.

“Students learnt that the ‘bystander’ plays a critical role in any bullying situation as they have an opportunity to support the victim and let authorities know that bullying is occurring,” he said.

“Bullying thrives in silence as victims are often too scared to speak up.”

Mr Currulli said the day formed part of a regular conversation the school had about bullying throughout the year.

“We’re constantly talking about bullying in our school because bullying is rife in our society,” he said.

“It is a common message at this school.”

Mr Currulli said it was a successful day and the novelty of it would help students remember its message.

The school has previously organised flash mobs on the oval, making the shape of Australia in recognition of Harmony Day.