Wellbeing

This week schools and communities across Australia have recognised ‘Bullying No Way Week’, our national week of action to prevent bullying and promote safe, respectful and inclusive environments. This years’ theme, “Small Acts, Big Impact,” is a wonderful reminder that we don’t always need to make big changes to make a difference. 

At Balambalam Primary School, we want our students to understand that everyone has a role to play in creating a safe and welcoming school. Throughout the week, we are using age-appropriate conversations and activities to help students understand what bullying is, recognise when someone may need help and develop the confidence to be an upstander rather than a bystander. 

We are encouraging our students to think about the small things they can do each day to show our TRUE school values of Tenacity, Relationships, Unity and Excellence. Sometimes a smile, a kind word, sitting beside someone who is alone, including someone in a game, speaking up when something is not right or simply showing kindness can be the small act that makes a very big difference.

Families play an equally important role in helping children develop positive relationships and respond when things go wrong. At home, you can create regular opportunities to talk with your child about friendships, how they are feeling and what is happening at school and online. Ask questions such as, “Who did you play with today?”, “Did you notice anyone who might have needed a friend?” or “What could you do if you saw someone being left out?” These everyday conversations help children build empathy, problem-solving skills and confidence to seek help. If your child tells you that something has happened, start by listening calmly, acknowledging their feelings and reassuring them that they have done the right thing by speaking to you.

Most importantly, preventing bullying is not something we focus on for one week each year. It is part of the culture we are building together as a school community. We want every child to know that they belong, that their voice matters and that there are trusted adults who will listen and support them. Small acts of kindness, inclusion, courage and connection—when we all make them—can create a very big impact. 

I encourage all of our families to join us in making kindness, respect and looking out for one another part of everyday life, both at school and beyond.

Warm regards,

Tiffany Bamford 

Assistant Principal - Inclusion