AN anti-bullying ambassador team at Hayesdown First School is helping to create a positive community by developing anti-bullying initiatives across the classrooms including break-time clubs and bully boxes.
Five year 4 students – Mia Read, Chloe Yates, Kelsey Robinson, Sydney Dunstan and Finley Cahill – are providing the school with extra support and guidance to their fellow peers who feel they are being bullied.
They have several roles across the school and can be identified to other students by wearing a bright yellow jumper, making it easy for those struggling to find them when in need. They run a bully box in each classroom where students can report anything that concerns them. The ambassadors check these boxes and give support in resolving any conflicts.
They also run lunchtime clubs to bring students together including dancing and singing activities, art classes, drama and collages. At the start of the year they all came up with several special events that the whole school would take part in. The most recent being a ‘tie dye T-shirt’ day.
The event brought the school together in colourful t-shirts, celebrating unity and diversity. The message throughout the day was that difference and diversity is not only something to celebrate, but also part of a thriving community.
As a group they are also asked to go into classes and support with any issues surrounding general conflicts. Recently, they were asked to give a short talk in reception class as some of the students were playing too rough. The ambassadors independently gave a talk about ‘unkind’ and ‘kind’ hands, took questions and taught the younger pupils some ideas around positive play.
Matt James, Year 4 teacher and anti-bullying ambassador coordinator said, “The ambassadors have become an incredibly important part of our school community. They have been instrumental in educating teachers and pupils on bullying and have designed and lead on amazing campaigns to promote togetherness and positivity.
“Their hard work and focus has contributed to a school culture that tolerates difference and helps keep pupils safe both online and offline.”
