Acting Deputy Head of College News

Standing Together Against Bullying

At Marist College Ashgrove, we are committed to nurturing a community where every young man feels safe, supported, valued, and respected. As a Marist school, our culture is built on empathy, dignity, and gentleness, values that shape the way we relate to one another both in and out of the classroom. Bullying in any form is contrary to these values, and we take a strong stance in ensuring that it has no place in our community.

The recent National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, through the Bullying. No Way! initiative, reminds us that schools play a central role in creating safe and supportive environments for young people. At Ashgrove, we use this opportunity to reaffirm our own commitment to equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and courage to stand against bullying and to act with compassion and justice.

Our College policy defines bullying as the repeated and intentional behaviour of causing fear, distress, or harm where there is an imbalance of power. It can take many forms: physical, psychological, social, or online. Importantly, we emphasise to students that in any bullying situation there are three roles: the person engaging in bullying, the person being bullied, and the bystanders. By challenging bystanders to become upstanders, we empower students to take positive action: to speak out, seek help, and support their peers.

We are also clear with our young men about what bullying is not. One-off conflicts, disagreements, or poor choices, while still needing resolution, are not the same as bullying. This distinction helps students to better understand their relationships, take responsibility for their actions, and seek healthy ways of resolving conflict.

The College has strong processes in place to respond to concerns around bullying. Staff are trained to identify and address issues quickly and fairly, while also providing support for those affected. Our pastoral and wellbeing programs reinforce this through ongoing education about respectful relationships, digital responsibility, and the importance of empathy in everyday interactions.

We encourage families to talk with their sons about this important topic, including how to respond to bullying, and the importance of being an upstander!