Coodanup College held a whole school event recently to recognise the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.
In the morning, the students made a pledge in their home room on a wall, sharing how they would tackle bullying in school.
Rapper Marksman Lloyd performed a high-energy show for the students, encouraging them not to take themselves seriously and to allow others to be themselves.
Student services manager Jess Halliday said the rapper had performed at the school in the past and was inspirational and entertaining.
He called students on stage for a dance battle which received laughter and applauding from the crowds.
A performer from IZRA, a company that runs resilience workshops for students also performed.
Ms Halliday said coloured powder was thrown on to the white shirts of the presenters, highlighting the different experiences people have in life and how they mark us. “It’s incredibly memorable and fun for the students,” she said.
Read More:
Ms Halliday said it was important to give students a voice and to inform them of the help available to them.
“We really want to get the message out that bullying is never okay,” she said. “We know this impacts young people, and we know it gets better when they talk to someone they trust. That’s what we are really trying to embed today.”
Ms Halliday said the pledges made by students that morning were “incredible”.
“The things that they are willing to commit to doing to make this school a bully-free zone is amazing,” she said. She said messages included to be kind on social media and to stick up for others when they need help.