Schools
1 September, 2023
Moreton schools say no to bullying
An array of primary and secondary schools in the Moreton district took part in the recent National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.
The Moreton-based schools were among more than 6400 Australian schools involved in the Australian government initiative which aims to bring school communities together in an attempt to find solutions that address and prevent bullying and violence.
This year’s theme was ‘Growing Connections’, and students wore orange in some cases although it was not a uniform-free day at all schools involved in the annual event.
Students and staff at St Eugene College in Burpengary turned out in orange, as the students from prep all the way to year 12 joined together harmoniously in numerous activities to promote care and friendship.
Some of the students played handball outside, and some had a dance-off in a classroom. Meanwhile, the ‘kindness wall’ was full of written messages filled with words of kindness, hope, friendship and generosity.
Chalk art was also distinctive, both on brick walls and on the concrete, with words such as ‘support’, ‘inclusive’, ‘considerate’, ‘selfless’, ‘kindness’, ‘friendliness’, ‘joy’, ‘courage’ and ‘strength’ on the walls.
On the concrete, artwork was surrounded by the words ‘Say no to bullying’ and ‘Bullying no way’.
Students and staff at Morayfield State High School (SHS) focused on the ‘Growing Connections’ theme in the school’s pastoral care program – Connect – and on assemblies.
Morayfield SHS also used social media messaging to encourage all parents, students and staff to reflect on their role in developing strong school community connections and positive, help-seeking social skills – two protective factors in the prevention of bullying.
Part of this was a video uploaded to the school’s social media page, around staff and student perceptions of the key message.
Orange hats, wigs, sunglasses and other ornaments were prominent at Caboolture SHS, which held a sausage sizzle at lunchtime for the school’s Student Council.
Caboolture SHS students were also treated to some upbeat music from DJ Mike (aka Mr Philip), as well as some songs from student singers Ashley and James.
Morayfield East State School had a sausage sizzle in the morning while many students at this primary school turned up in orange.
At Morayfield State School, teachers supplied students with a splash of orange to wear while the scholars engaged in learning activities involving the event theme.
The students had the opportunity to discuss and share their personal connections to friends, family, school and community. The students also created class displays and “helping hands” to remind them of these connections.
A number of the school’s leaders invited local businesses to become community partners, and they were asked to display a poster to show their support.
Morayfield State School expressed thanks to State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan, as well as Grant from Caboolture Bus Lines, Stellarossa, Mr Toys, iplay, Subway, Coles, Kmart, Smiggle, and Cosmetics Plus.
