Wodonga Primary School students, front, Ryan Hooper, 11, and Bonnie Burgess, 12, with the anti-bullying brochure. Picture: PETER MERKESTEYN
WODONGA Primary School was the first in Victoria to register for a new anti-bullying campaign in schools.
The campaign was launched yesterday on National Day Against Bullying and Violence.
An umbrella and anti-bully brochure were among tools used by Wodonga Primary School to promote the message at school.
More than 1400 schools across Australia registered for the campaign, including three Wodonga schools. No Albury schools have signed up yet.
The annual day is organised by Australian education authorities through the Safe and Supportive School Communities Project.
Wodonga Primary School assistant principal Damian Duncan said the school had embraced the campaign.
“The students have been heavily involved and have been working on the campaign since signing up last year,” he said.
“It’s about making it transparent for parents and kids.”
An anti-bullying brochure put together by the school’s year 5 and 6 leaders went home to parents yesterday.
Year 6 student Bonnie Burgess, 12, designed some of the artwork.
“Bullying means someone is deliberately embarrassed or hurt, we don’t want that at our school,” she said.
The student guide features the school’s rules — keep yourself safe, decide wisely, follow instructions and demonstrate respect.
Principal Pam Martin said bullying was an issue for the community.
“We need to stand as a leader and show the community we will work towards a solution,” she said.
“We have to work as a community.”