Hundreds of students made a personal pledge against bullying last week in an attempt to create a positive and safe school environment among their peers.
Students from Southern River College put pen to paper to form a pledge wall as part of the college’s National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence celebrations.
Mathematics and science teacher Rob Forte said it was fantastic to see the students rallying together against what was unfortunately a common issue.
“The pledges looked fantastic when displayed around the school canteen and it was great to see a large amount of students walking along the pledge wall in the morning and at break times, reading individual pledges and showing friends their own,” he said.
“It was also fantastic to have students come up to myself during the day asking for extra pledges for their friends and themselves so that they would be a part of the pledge wall.”
This year was the first time the College had taken part in the annual event, one that they hoped to continue their involvement into the future.
Mr Forte said the student services team held a sausage sizzle during lunch with all funds raised donated to a local organisation that supported people who have experienced domestic violence.
“An ‘I say no to bullying’ photo booth was also set up during student break times where students could dress up with an array of props and take photos of their stance against bullying and violence,” he said.
The individual pledges will be used in displays, discussions and activities in the future.
