Cascade school declared anti-bullying free zone |01 July 2005

The school declared its premises to be free from bullying during Tuesday’s morning assembly when headteacher Cyril Pillay was presented with five posters, made with the participation of teachers, parents and students, bearing messages against five instances where pupils are bullied by others.

The posters which illustrate through pictures what the school has categorised as unacceptable bullying practices, condemn situation where pupils insult others, tell tales, are nasty towards their peers, commit actions that hurt others and deliberately "leave someone out."

Mr Pillay said he was pleased that through the school's Listening project launched in 2003, they have been able to mobilise the majority of parents in the district in various activities organised. In fact, he said, it was the parents themselves who had entirely sponsored the making of the over 20 posters, which will be put on display in key areas around the school's compound and in the district.

The Listening school, as it is now referred to, was initiated with the guidance of the National Council for Children (NCC), to get parents' involvement in activities to promote the well-being of their children at school.

This saw the launching of the Anti-Bullying and Protective Behaviour committees which are made up of students, parents and teachers. Besides hosting activities to sensitise pupils against bullying, the committees also host sessions that are facilitated by NCC, where pupils and teachers are taught to control their feelings. The school also hosts workshops in which Mr Pillay said parents are always looking forward to participate.

The anti-bullying campaign, he said, is a positive step towards ensuring a learning environment free from negative emotions.

Pointing out that research has proven that bullying normally affect the school's general performance, Mr Pillay said since the launching of the campaign a few years ago, he has noted a remarkable improvement in the school's general performance.

Tuesday's handing over of the posters also coincided with the school's open day and parents had the opportunity to visit the school's anti-bullying room where both victims and perpetrators get counselling.