Hastings Public School is embracing an anti-bullying stance.
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School principal Jodie Paterson said a full school assembly on Friday March 16 saw students present a play and unveil a series of hand-prints to the wider school community.
"The school is starting the conversation about how we all have differences while we are also unique," she said.
"And that it is okay to be different.
"Our school focus is based on acknowledging that we are all different and how we should build people up and not put people down.
"We are going to commit to this campaign every year."
Ms Paterson says the school is built on positive relationships and using positive language in the classroom and in the playground.
"It is really important that kids understand the impact of their behaviour and how it can damage relationships," she said.
"We encourage all our students to be kind, caring and respectful and supportive students. Students that help each other rather making things difficult for each other."
We encourage all our students to be kind, caring and respectful and supportive students. Students that help each other rather making things difficult for each other.
- Jodie Paterson
The school principal said each student had made a commitment to promote anti-bullying through the creation of a hand imprint which formed part of Friday's assembly.
"It is a single commitment by each student. We believe this will help teach students to be responsible for their behaviour.
"We are all good people but sometimes we can fall into the trap of poor behaviour."
Teacher Simone Hua was responsible for putting the anti-bullying play on stage and she said children had taken the message seriously.
"There's already been an impact in the classroom and in the playground," she said.
"We have witnessed some small changes in the last week or so; I've heard students in the playground saying things like 'stop' and 'don't say or do that'.
"It is very encouraging."
- See photos p15