The Chronicle

School takes oath to put end to violence

- Tara Miko tara.miko@thechronic­le.com.au

NEWTOWN State School is breaking the cycle of violence and taking a stand against domestic and family violence.

The school has in the past year completed the Breaking the Silence program with its student cohort adopting an oath which promises to be respectful, responsibl­e and safe towards each other.

It was launched as a White Ribbon School at a special assembly this week after completing the program.

“It’s something we’re very proud of because we know we are part of … building a future that is free of violence,” principal Tania Angus said.

“We’re focusing on respectful relationsh­ips in line with our school values of respect, and our work around positive education and character strengths of love, hope, kindness and bravery.

“So we’re really proud to be part of this experience.”

Students have learned the value and importance of being respectful.

“We’re focusing on being respectful to our classmates and teachers, and keeping our hands and feet to ourselves and being nice,” student Tiveesha Silva said.

Student representa­tive council member Mary Jane Francisco said students developed their own oath which had been adopted in the school.

“We’ve designed an oath for the whole school for becoming a White Ribbon school,” she said.

“(It’s) saying how we become respectful, responsibl­e and safe around the whole school and all our communitie­s and where we go.”

 ?? PHOTO: BEV LACEY ?? TAKING A STAND: Principal Tania Angus with school leaders, Mary Jane Francisco (left) and Tiveesha Silva are proud to be part of a White Ribbon school.
PHOTO: BEV LACEY TAKING A STAND: Principal Tania Angus with school leaders, Mary Jane Francisco (left) and Tiveesha Silva are proud to be part of a White Ribbon school.
 ?? PHOTO: CONTRIBUTE­D ?? COMMITTED: Newtown State School staff and students form a ribbon on the oval.
PHOTO: CONTRIBUTE­D COMMITTED: Newtown State School staff and students form a ribbon on the oval.

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