I WAS A BULLY, ALWAYS GETTING INTO TROUBLE AND THAT’S NOT FUN. Over time I changed, from kindergarten where I was the worst kid in the grade, to School Captain.

Our student welfare program is based on the fact that all behaviours have a reason and need to be understood. Our school asks :  “Is what you are doing getting you what you want?” If your behaviour is unacceptable, the school offers you counselling to help you choose alternatives.

We have a planning room filled with positive posters saying things like :”What sort of person do I really want to be?” “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” In the planning room, teachers help students work out a plan for how they want to change. Everyone, teachers, students and parents support them while they change. They can come back to the planning room if things are not working.

We have peer support activities and a STUDENT COUNCIL, run by kids and supported by teachers.

At assemblies, classes present “VALUES” reports and we learn that everyone is special and how to value each other.

Teachers are encouraged to plan reading and units of work on themes such as friendship and bullying. Recently teachers organised for us to see a play called ”Scar Tissue” about bullying.

Everyone is encouraged to offer suggestions to improve our school. We are always evolving.

My school does a lot to help bullies and victims of bullying. I’m a perfect example: SCHOOL BULLY to SCHOOL CAPTAIN – NON-READER to READER!

Ben Pittman