Kids get lesson in anti-bullying

Students in Bunyip, Garfield and Longwarry will learn about anti-bullying thanks to the Rotary Club of Bunyip-Garfield.

By Danielle Kutchel

School kids will soon be getting a crash course in anti-bullying thanks to the Rotary Club of Bunyip-Garfield.

Grade five students from seven local primary schools will converge on Longwarry Hall on May 27 to attend workshops conducted by Project Rockit – one on bullying and cyberbullying, and another on bullying and being a bystander.

John Lejione of the Rotary Club, which hosts the event, said the day would be valuable for students.

“There are a million things kids will pick up – resilience, being able to cope with situations better and find alternatives. Sometimes bullying is a cry from the perpetrator that he or she needs help. Sometimes the bully could be the victim at times.

“Bullying is a precursor to a mental health issue for both victims and perpetrators and we look at both in the workshops.”

This is the second time the Club has run the anti-bullying workshops. Mr Lejione said they received positive feedback on it last time so have decided to run the day again.

“We’ve targeted grade fives so the schools can get some benefit from the student learning this while they’re still at the school.”

After the workshops, kids will attend a Zumba lesson and yoga session. They also receive a goody bag with a drink bottle, wrist bands and stress balls.

Mr Lejione said the Club is grateful for the support from sponsors, including Bunyip and District Community Bank, Pakenham Racing Club, Bunyip and Garfield Op Shops and Victoria Police.

The schools involved are Nar Nar Goon Primary School, St James Nar Nar Goon, Garfield Primary School, Bunyip Primary School, Longwarry Primary School, Columba Catholic Primary School and Labertouche Primary School.