Principal's News

Friday 19th March is a busy day.  It is the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Ride to School Day. 

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

‘Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.  Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert).  Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records).  Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.’ (Bullying No Way website)

At Malvern Primary School we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone. Parents are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone.

Parents know their children best and know the best way to tailor communication to their needs. We encourage parents to contact their child’s teacher immediately if they have concerns about their child.

The Bullying No Way campaign has a fantastic website (https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/), which provides parents and teachers with a variety of resources including: understanding bullying, responding to bullying, preventing bullying, teaching about bullying and support and advice.  They provide information on all aspects of bullying, including cyberbullying.

Teachers will ’shine a light’ on this topic leading up to a following NDA, however it is a topic and focus that is present throughout the year.

Ride to School Day

Not only is active travel good for your health, it’s good for the environment too! Riding, walking or scooting to school means there are fewer cars on the road, which results in a reduction in noise pollution, reduction in energy use and reduction in carbon emissions. ‘Part Way is Okay’ - Even if families walked, rode or scooted part of the way, there would be a positive impact on the environment and traffic safety around the school.

Students will be invited to create a poster promoting safe and active travel to school, which will be displayed around the school on the 19th March.  The posters will be judged for their message and presentation and there will be a prize for a student from each Year Level (prizes for Years 4 to 6 are provided by Stonnington Council).

We are encouraging students and families to ride, walk or scoot to school on Friday the 19th March.  Students are invited to start arriving at school from 8.15am, where the following will be available:

·      Stonnington Council will have an   

       information stall

·      we will be handing out apples and bottles of         water

·      a bicycle obstacle course for students

·      a walking obstacle course for students

We hope you can join us for the morning activities and take the opportunity to ride, walk or scoot to school more often, even if only part of the way. 

Robyn James