Wellbeing

Growing Kindness, Standing Up Together

As Term 3 begins, we’ve had a wonderful start settling back into routines with our Morning Connections, a special time each day where students gather together in a safe, calm space to check in, share feelings and explore important personal, social and emotional learning. This time helps our students feel grounded, connected and ready to learn.

Last week, across all year levels, we focused on a vital topic: Bullying - what it is, what it isn’t and how we can all play a part in stopping it. Our sessions explored what bullying is (repeated, intentional behaviour that causes harm or distress, involving a power imbalance), the different types of bullying (verbal, physical, social exclusion and cyberbullying) and what students can do if they feel they are being bullied. 

When we asked some of our younger students to define bullying, here’s what they said:

"That's when you are getting picked on every day." Oscar, Year One 

"It's not like someone being mean once, it's like when they are mean every day when you walk into the classroom." Eliza, Year One 

We talked about how to speak up, stay calm, seek help and use strong but respectful words. We also discussed the importance of knowing who they can go to, trusted adults like teachers, LSOs or family members. 

We asked some students what they could do it they are being bullied they said:

"Well, you need to remind yourself that you are YOU and no one can change that, so I wouldn't think about what they say too much." Aliya, Year 6 

"You can always tell a teacher, your friends or someone at home about it." Charlie, Year 6 

A big focus was on how to be a kind friend and a powerful upstander, not a bystander and how small acts of kindness can help stop bullying before it starts.

When we asked some of our students what it means to be an upstander and why it is important, here’s what they said:

"An upstander is someone who stands up to a person saying mean things like 'You’re ugly' or 'You’re bad at something' by confidently saying, 'That’s not true and you made them feel really upset.'" Mabel, Year 3

"Being an upstander is important because it shows the person being mean that it’s not okay, and it helps stop the bullying." Josh, Year 3

To bring these lessons to life, our younger students in Prep to Year 2 created Kindness Crowns, celebrating kind actions and words by wearing their kindness with pride. Students in Years 3 to 6, created Kindness Trees, where every act of kindness helped the tree bloom, visually showing how caring behaviours help grow a safe and happy classroom environment.

Keep an eye out for Week 4 when we participate in the Bullying No Way! National Week of Action. We’ll build on the solid foundation created in Week 1 and take these ideas deeper, exploring how every student can help eradicate bullying at Galilee and contribute to a school culture of safety and respect.

Talking to Your Child About Bullying

We understand how upsetting it can be when your child tells you that someone was unkind to them. As caring parents, it’s natural to want to protect your child straight away. However, it’s important to remember that not all unkind behaviour is bullying. Bullying is deliberate, repeated and involves a power imbalance. A one-off unkind comment or a disagreement, while still needing attention and support, may not meet the definition of bullying.

Sometimes children and adults use the term "bullying" for any conflict, which can make it harder to respond appropriately and fairly to all students involved. As adults, we need to be careful using the word "bullying" loosely. It is a serious accusation and when used inaccurately, it can cause confusion and distress for all parties involved. 

We ask families to stay calm, listen carefully and ask gentle, open questions such as:

• “What happened next?”
• “How did that make you feel?”
• “Did you ask anyone for help?”
• “Was there someone nearby who supported you or stood up for you?”
• “Did you feel like you were able to tell them to stop?”
• “What do you wish had happened instead?”
• “Is there anything you’d like me to do to support you?”

These kinds of questions help children feel safe and heard without feeling judged or overwhelmed. Let your child know that you will speak with their teacher to better understand the situation and work together to find a positive way forward.

By supporting our students to recognise the difference between conflict, meanness and bullying and by working as a united community of students, teachers and families, we can continue to nurture a respectful and safe environment for all children at Galilee.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher if you have questions, concerns or would like help navigating these conversations at home. 

Julie and Paddy 

Wellbeing Leaders