Pupils celebrate Anti-bullying week

Throughout the week, pupils marked the national initiative in line with this year’s theme ‘Change Starts With Us’.  All Form 1-6 pupils completed an anonymous anti-bullying survey during PSHE lessons which provided invaluable feedback as a base line for how the School moves its initiatives forward in the most effective way.

The events concluded with a special Feel Good Friday, in which Senior Years pupils took part in a non-uniform day in order to raise money for the Respect Me charity. As well as having the chance to don some hip headwear for some fun photographs in a special HSD pop-up photobooth, pupils and staff had the opportunity to meet with Respect Me Partnership Manager Lorraine Glass, who visited to hear about pupil-led anti-bullying initiatives in school.

Lorraine said, “Change Starts With Us is designed to allow young people to be part of the anti-bullying work in their schools. I was delighted to have been invited along to the school today and it’s super to see young people fully embracing the campaign.”

Louise Baxter, Guidance and PE teacher, who is co-ordinating the School’s ‘Change Starts With Us’ programme, said, “Feel Good Friday was about celebrating difference, tolerance and respect. Pupils shared compliments with one another to boost self-esteem and they were encouraged to express themselves by wearing clothes that made them feel good.

“Through our anti-bullying survey, our young people have shared their views and we are listening. We now need to work together to address the issues raised to bring about positive change.”