This week, Year 7 are focusing on Bullying in their Pastoral Care classes. The difference between bullying and banter has been discussed and the concept of a bystander was addressed. The boys have been asked not to sit back and watch bullying take place (be a bystander) and have been asked to stand up to inappropriate behaviour and report it where necessary.
Often, bullying and banter is misconstrued and with the boys in Year 7 learning their way and trying to find their place in the year group, social interactions can at times be a bit negative. Below is a link to an article that you may like to read and then discuss with your son.
http://education.abc.net.au/newsandarticles/blog/-/b/990801/spelling-out-the-b-word
Year 10 joined the Year 7 boys during pastoral time on Thursday and Friday this week and shared their strategies for dealing with inappropriate situations and bullies. They gave advice for the boys when confronted by bullies and talked about supporting one another and caring for their mates.
This focus on bullying coincides with the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence on Friday March 16. Year 7 will continue to focus on bullying in pastoral time and in year meetings for the next couple of weeks.
