The 2024 Bullying No Way: National Week of Action is centred around the theme of ‘Everyone Belongs’. This theme underscores the significance of fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion within our educational communities. It is a call to action for embracing individuality, respecting diversity, and collectively standing against unkindness. At St Michael’s, we are steadfast in our commitment to cultivating an environment where every student feels a sense of belonging, a crucial element in preventing bullying. This article delves into how our Positive Learning and Health approach dovetails with these objectives and aims to create a secure, inclusive environment for all students.
At St Michael’s, we hold the conviction that positive learning and health are integral to the holistic development of our students. Our curriculum is purposely designed to enable students to realise their potential, with a focus on emotional regulation, social cohesion, mental wellbeing, and cultural awareness. These components are pivotal in creating an environment where bullying cannot thrive.
PERMAH Model
Our approach incorporates the principles of the PERMAH model – Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and Health. This model fosters a life perspective that is not only optimistic but also resilient and self-assured. It serves as a catalyst for students to understand and embody the concept of ‘flourishing’. It empowers them to harness their interpersonal skills to navigate their interactions with peers and families effectively and constructively.
Respectful Relationships
Our commitment transcends the theoretical framework of PERMAH. We actively engage students in programs such as RRRR (Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships). These initiatives play a vital role in instilling values of respect and empathy, fostering responsible behaviour, and building resilience. Therefore, we aim to create an environment that nurtures holistic growth and wellbeing, equipping students with the skills and mindset to thrive in their personal and social spheres.
In the Junior School, students are guided on how to establish friendship boundaries and resolve friendship issues. These activities aid students in understanding and respecting differences, aligning with the objectives of Bullying No Way. Additionally, students participate in the eSmart Digital License Plus program, where they complete modules on self-regulation in technology, online kindness, understanding cyber threats, and demonstrating empathy in digital interactions. These programs are instrumental in fostering positive relationships and providing support, which are key focus areas of Bullying No Way Week.
Friendology 101
This year, we integrated the Friendology 101 program into our Junior School. This program provides practical tools for students to manage friendships and resolve conflicts. Friendology empowers children with the skills, language, and self-confidence to build and maintain healthy friendships. Key components include the Friend-o-Cycle, which helps students understand how to strengthen friendships and resolve conflicts, and the Friend-o-Metre, a tool for assessing the health of their friendships. The program also teaches students to identify and address Friendship Fires—conflicts that arise in friendships—and to distinguish between these and more serious issues like bullying.
Reach Foundation
In the Senior School, we have an ongoing connection with the Reach Foundation. Our Year 9 students participated in a day-long workshop last week called ‘Elevate’, designed to increase empathy and insight among peers and develop self-awareness and understanding.
During the Bullying No Way: National Week of Action, we engaged students in meaningful discussions and activities aimed at promoting empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity. We encouraged parents and carers to take this opportunity to have open and honest conversations with their children about the impact of bullying and what they can do if they need support.
For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.
Ms Emma McDonald
Deputy Head
Head of Senior School
Mr Tim Roberts
Head of Positive Learning
