Prime Minister Turnbull wrote to all school principals promoting participation in the National Day of Action Against Violence and Bullying. Our school is listed on the website as being registered for this event. The focus for Modbury High School was working together to help find workable solutions that address online bullying and violence and promote harmony. This took place across a week and involved participation by local Primary schools and the community. The range of activities included: Visits by SA NFL and AFL, Pastoral Care lesson, The Generation of Change Workshop, Creating an art mural, Casual Day (wearing orange), a photography competition and lunch time music provided by The Appo. The Pastoral Care lesson provided opportunities for the students to discuss online bullying behaviours (using a video as provocation for discussion) and then reflect on ways that they can act as a positive bystander (using the help sheets and the class discussion as scaffolds). The Pastoral Care lesson at all year levels began with the video: Speak, even when your voice shakes. This is a powerful video segment from ‘The Project’ presented in memory of Amy “Dolly” Everett (a teenager who took her life at the beginning of the year because of bullying). This moving video provides hope for those suffering from bullying. Student reflections show that some students have a good range of strategies at hand to effectively act as a positive bystander if they come across evidence of bullying. Many students revealed their struggle with finding the courage to stand up for those they see are being bullied online. Online bullying is never acceptable, and students were surprised to learn that it is also against the law. Use the internet, social media or a phone to menace, harass or cause offence can result in fines or even imprisonment. At times teenagers might act on impulse and post inappropriate comments online that they later regret. There is a new app available that might be helpful in giving teenagers a chance to rethink before posting anything inappropriate. The ReThink app is free. It is available for Apple and android phones. The school casual day held during Harmony Week raised money directed towards the KidsHelpline. Students can access support through the Kids Helpline and also report online abuse through the esafety website. Harmony Day Mural
Students at Modbury High School joined with the Year 6 and 7 students from Ardtornish Primary School to plan and create a mural for our school. The words RESPECT and INCLUDE feature amongst the beautiful designs. Around 480 students contributed to painting the mural across the week and the results are spectacular. Our special thanks got to the teachers and students from Ardtornish Primary School who added their special notes to our week of harmony.
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