During the Anti Bullying Week from 3rd to 7th March the issue of bullying was addressed in all classes and across the curriculum. The TY students produced a range of very effective photos and posters to mark the week. They also produced a very useful bookmark with a clear message asking all students to say No to Bullying.
This bookmark was handed out to every student in the school. I would like to thank Mr Lacey and his Photoshop students and the primary teachers and students for their work and creative contribution to the Anti Bullying campaign in the school. On the 10th of March we were “happy”. As a conclusion to a high profile Anti Bullying week we made a movie to mark our zero tolerance for bullying. The participants in the film represent the entire school community and they send out a clear message that a happy school is happy because it says NO to bullying. Soon the video may be viewed through the link on our website.
In accordance with the new Guidelines for Post Primary and Primary Schools we revised the Anti Bullying policy in operation in the primary and secondary schools. Both policies are available to read on the school website. The new document provides a very clear framework for dealing with complaints of bullying. This issue is an ongoing challenge for all schools. We aim to provide as much input and support for students to raise their awareness and educate them on the very destructive and potentially fatal consequences of sustained bullying behaviour on a victim. This year we had Pat McKenna from childwatch.ie in school to talk to students on the dangers associated with social media sites and the potential for predators to access these sites and use information or images in other more sinister contexts.
