Bel Eau primary school says ‘No’ to bullying |10 October 2016

Bel Eau primary school has launched an anti-bullying zone at the school under the theme ‘Be Cool in Our School, it is Bully Free’.

The anti-bullying zone was launched on Friday by the school’s head teacher Susan Charles in the presence of the director for primary schools Cyril Pillay, the member of the National Assembly (MNA) for Bel Air Norbert Loizeau, School Council members, teachers and students.

This activity, which also fell within Teachers’ Week, will educate the children on bullying, initiate anti-bullying campaigns, promote a culture which celebrates and tolerates differences and help keep the children safe.

Bullying is being mean to another kid over and over again. It often includes teasing, talking about hurting someone, spreading rumours, attacking someone by hitting them or yelling at them among others.

Launching the programme, Mrs Charles stated that the Bel Eau primary school has accomplished a lot since its opening.

“The school opens up yet another chapter in its history by launching the anti-bullying zone among many other programmes such as the Association for Children and our new playground. Such initiatives will promote good values for them to fit in society. Our children must grow to become role models. At the school we are serious about bullying and we want the school to become an anti-bullying zone,” she said.

Maurice Denys from Care (Committee for Awareness, Resilience and Education against substance abuse) added that the children must all respect one another to become a better citizen.

“I urge all the children to donate the gift of obedience to all your teachers; you must put values in your studies and stop bullying today. When you bully a person, that person does not want to go to school. Let’s all make a change and say no to bullying,” he said.

During the ceremony the primary students were rewarded for taking part in a poster competition on bullying organised by the school. The winners also received their prizes.

In Level P1-P2, Gaelle Mathiot took first place, second place went to Danellie Loizeau, and Samir Gappy snatched third place.

In Level P3-P4, Geira Alcindor took first place; second place went to Adrielle De Letourdie, and Cameron Esther grabbed third place.

In Level P5-P6, first place went to Jah-Kellah Poris, second place to Jheela Choisy while Ireney Bonne took third place.

Mrs Charles also presented to a teacher the anti-bullying guidelines, along with anti-bullying bookmarks to all the children at the school.

The ceremony was also marked by song, poem and dance performances by the children, as well as an exhibition on bullying.

The highlight of the ceremony came when the children took part in burying a time capsule; each student wrote a message on how they would like to see the school in five years, if the school has become an anti-bullying zone. The time capsule will be unearthed on October 7, 2021.