This year, our Student Leaders took charge of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence and Harmony Week! We asked them for a reflection on the week, and here is what they had to say…
Friday 19 March marked our National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. This is a nationwide movement where we take a stand and show that bullying and violence are never okay. This year's theme focused upon us students, what we would do or say when left in a situation, either being bullied or as a bystander. It's important to know that everyone is cared for and everyone can help.
Throughout the week leading up to the day, the senior leaders organised a variety of events and activities to show solidarity as a student body standing up against bullying, by-stander culture and violence.
These included chalk messages around the school, an opportunity to pledge against bullying, busking, "take a kind message" and a compliment battle. On the day we gathered on the netball courts and broke the world record for the longest handclap chain with 223 people! This was an amazing moment to see so many people standing together for a common cause.
Bullying and violence will not go away in one day but we hope that greater consideration and empathy towards others will be shown.
Harmony Day was also held on Wednesday 17 March, building on the importance of inclusivity within our school as stated by NDA week. The day set out to bring awareness to the wonderful assortment of cultural backgrounds that make up the Craigslea SHS community.
The assembly hosted a variety of performances from different cultural groups, with the Senior Dance students bringing us the lively dances of Bollywood, the Pacific Islander boys evoking fear and passion with their Haka, and girls following suit with a beautiful dance. The Filipino dance crew brought it home with their thrilling hip hop dance routine. A special thanks also goes out to all the teachers and students running the food stalls, bringing us delicious flavours from around the globe.
The day was amazing at promoting inclusivity, and a sense of belonging for all, further supporting the school's aim to end bullying and violence by embracing diversity.
This week would not have been possible without the help of the teachers and students of Craigslea SHS. Together, we proved just how wonderful it can be when we all accept each other for who we are and come together as one community.
Senior Captains