Students to be taught the dangers of coward punches “By giving young people everywhere an understanding of Pat’s story, raising awareness of the impact of violence and offering practical tips and strategies to deal with anger and aggression, we hope to re
Students in Benalla will learn about the dangers of coward punches as part of the Be Wise program this month.
Benalla P-12 College and the Flexible Learning Centre will be taking part on February 16 and 17.
The innovative anti-violence initiative is being rolled out in more than 200 Victorian schools this year by the Pat Cronin Foundation.
It was established following the death of 19-year-old Pat Cronin from a coward punch while on a night out in 2016 and aims to help young people avoid violence by making wise decisions.
The Melbourne-based charity has received funding for the second consecutive year from the Victorian Government to help reach about 60,000 young people with its powerful Be Wise educational presentations.
This is the first time the program will be taught in Benalla.
It was established by Pat’s father Matt Cronin who said he was looking forward to bringing the program to the Rose City.
“We’re looking forward to bringing Be Wise to Benalla as schools here join others throughout the state embracing this important preventative initiative,” Mr Cronin said.
“We know that thousands of people are hospitalised each year in Australia due to assault.
“There are often many tragic lifelong consequences for the victims, as well as the perpetrators and families.
“By giving young people everywhere an understanding of Pat’s story, raising awareness of the impact of violence and offering practical tips and strategies to deal with anger and aggression, we hope to reduce those alarming statistics.”
Benalla Flexible Learning Centre principal Brad Hearn said understanding anger and aggression and learning to deal with emotions in a healthy way were important skills that all people needed to live a successful life.
“This program provides students with the opportunity to understand emotions and themselves, whilst learning to deal with situations as an adult and violence-free,” Mr Hearn said.
“Pat’s story is heartbreakingly tragic and powerful and knowing this story can broaden students’ understanding of their place in society.”
Benalla P-12’s Faithfull Street Campus has booked in three presentations for about 170 students in Years 10 to 12.
Student welfare officer Lou McCloskey said the school regarded the sessions as an extension of its programs to promote kindness.
“I can recall Pat’s story on the news when it happened, and as a parent I was touched by the tragedy,” Ms McCloskey said.
“Now, as a school community, we are committed to encouraging safety, kindness and respect.
“That includes raising awareness of the risks of violence and giving young people the tools to avoid it.
“We look forward to the Be Wise presentation supporting our students to make safer decisions not just for themselves but those around them as well.
“We hope the message the students take away from Pat’s story will help them understand what they can each do as individuals to contribute to a safe community.”
Schools are still able to secure bookings for the hourlong sessions through the foundation website, which also includes online resources for teachers and parents.
● For more information visit patcroninfoundation.org.au