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Anti-bullying day at Echuca Twin Rivers Primary School

By Riverine Herald

Mar 17, 2022

Buddies: Pictured are Hayley Sutton (buddy) and Emma Welsh. Photo by Steve Huntley

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence was promoted at Echuca Twin Rivers Primary School on Wednesday morning.

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The school began the day by officially launching a school-wide buddy program, where every student in the school was allocated a buddy.

The school mascot, Wally the Western Plains Wanderer, also made an appearance and officially launched the program, which will continue to be a weekly occurrence across the school.

The purpose of a buddy program is to provide another safe person for the student to seek help from if needed, and provides the older buddies with leadership skills and fosters positive connections between students across all grade levels.

Buddy programs also help reduce the incidence of bullying, support the development of social and emotional skills and also reduce school absenteeism.

After meeting and working with their buddies, the students were then entertained and educated by a very talented duo from Melbourne, Luca and Sarah, who presented Backflips Against Bullying.

This incursion addressed what bullying is, how to manage it and when and how to get help for themselves or for others who may be experiencing bullying behaviours.

The strong message that bullying is never okay was reiterated throughout the show and the importance of being an upstander, not a bystander, when they see bullying behaviours occurring.

The school also raised $150 for the ‘Do It For Dolly’ foundation.