Standingup againstbullies isthemefor ArdeeCS
ARDEE Community School took a real stand in the face of bullying in their recent campaign for anti-bullying.
The colourful week of activity involved plenty to see and hear, such as pop-up singing teachers, student flash-mobs into classrooms and a unique display of odd and crazy socks on Odd Sock Day.
The theme of ‘Stand Together against Bullying’ saw students learn in class about the Bystander affect, and how we must all play a role to be upstanding, be tolerant and respect diversity in our school community.
Pat Forde from www. stopthebully.ie spoke to every year group about the realities of bullying but also giving practical tips in dealing with situations of bullying. To work in tandem with families, he also met and delivered a talk with parents for a thought-provoking evening, on the topic at hand.
In addition, a school pledge against bullying was designed and implemented by the First Years with their teachers, and an art display around the whole school reinforced the message to stand against bullying and brought the theme alive.
The most surprising element to unsuspecting pupils may have been the student flashmob in their faceless masks, that burst into classrooms to a beat of their own, and a message of importance. Gratifying the message to stand up and be tolerant, while handing out stickers.
It was sure to have caused an imprint.
However, it was the dulcet tones of a group of singing teachers, encouraging all to ‘Stand by Me’ by Ben E King that may have brought the reddest of cheeks, but thankfully, the bright coloured socks for Odd Sock Day helped brighten things more.
Students won Apache Pizza vouchers for the best efforts of od fun sock combinations.
Alongside all of this, the giant patchwork sock designed and carved by the school’s very own woodwork teacher, where students could write little messages of anti-bullying, topped off the theme and exhibited how well the school could really come together, stand together and represent the choice to end all bullying.
Ardee Community School certainly stood up and embraced the fun of anti-bullying week, and anticipate the idea that the students and school stick to the plan, and Keep on Standing.