Brookside P-9 College students Ebony and Payge work hard to promote the school’s anti-bullying message. 96079 Picture: NATALIE GALLENTI
BROOKSIDE P-9 College was recently recognised for its outstanding work in promoting the anti-bullying message.
The Caroline Springs school won the Victoria secondary school category in the Safe Schools are Smart Schools Competition held earlier this month to mark the third National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.
Headed by Year 9 students Ebony Berry-Thompson and Payge Matagi, the school organised a Student Well-being and Mental Health Forum where students were given an opportunity to express mental health and anti-bullying messages through creative mediums.
Teacher and student well-being officer Seral Fehmi said the forum was used as a platform to raise awareness about bullying and its connection to youth mental health issues and the importance of early identification and seeking help. The event promoted inclusion and acceptance amongst students and celebrated students’ strengths, talents and independence.
Ebony said the forum was only one way the school discouraged bullying. The 14-year-old said mentoring and leadership programs, as well as weekly wellbeing programs, meant students were always aware of the importance of treating their peers with respect.
Payge, 15, said she often wondered why people feel they had the right to bully someone and how it made them feel.
Ms Fehmi said the students’ passion was evident when they organised the well-being forum.
She said it was imperative schools stamped out any form of bullying.
“Learning won’t come if kids don’t feel safe and comfortable,” Ms Fehmi said.
“Academic achievement will follow if they are happy at school.”
Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor congratulated the school for their positive work to create a respectful, inclusive and safe learning environment for students.
“Brookside P-9 College has demonstrated a strong commitment to making sure students at their school do feel safe and supported,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Our message is clear – we say no way to bullying in all shapes and forms including cyberbullying, physical violence and intimidation. There is no place for bullying or violence in, or outside, our schools.”
“Everyone has a role to play in ensuring our students are safe at school. Principals, teachers, parents and local communities can work together to make our schools safe, supportive and respectful.”
The competition was open to all government, Catholic and independent primary and secondary schools in Australia.
