Overnewton Anglican College student Tenealle Hawke wants to stamp out bullying once and for all. 71493 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
BY NATALIE GALLENTI
STUDENTS from Overnewton Anglican College are committed to tackling a significant issue affecting youngsters across the globe, head on.
Hundreds of students will next week sign an anti-bullying pledge after the student executive established an initiative to raise awareness of bullying throughout the school community.
Students will also offer a gold coin donation which will go towards the Alannah and Madeleine Foundation, whose mission it is to keep children safe from violence.
Year 12 student and student executive member Tenealle Hawke said her own experience of bullying as a younger student had motivated her to launch the initiative.
“I wanted to leave the school knowing no other students would be bullied,” Ms Hawke said.
The Taylors Lakes resident said her experience with bullying hadn’t been extreme, and most students would experience some form of bullying throughout their school years, but hoped the pledge would stamp it out once and for all.
Students in Middle School and Senior School will each sign a pledge within their classes to show their commitment against bullying, while Junior School students will undertake an art activity, with their handprints being stamped on a piece of material to signify their understanding to respect others, and to care for one and other.
“My motivation for organising this day is that I have a belief that rather than dealing with bullying issues when they occur, it would be better if preventative steps are put into place to stop it happening in the first place.
“I believe it is important that the students themselves make a conscious decision about how they treat others and resist peer pressure and the need to feel powerful over others.”
