Here at Durston House we believe that every individual counts. Being our true authentic selves and appreciating the differences within each and every one of us lies at the heart of everything we do. We’re a diverse community of families and staff, where all are welcomed, a placed where people share, respect, challenge and dare to dream!
Co-ordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, Anti-Bullying Week is a National Awareness Week from 14 – 18 November, and is celebrated every year here at Durston House. This year’s theme is Reach Out, which aims to empower young people to do something positive to counter harm and hurt that bullying causes.
Durston kicked off Anti-Bullying Week with Odd Socks Day! Pupils across the whole school from Reception to Year 8 and even staff wore their odd socks, highlighting that everyone is unique and that this should be celebrated! This message continued throughout the week, as pupils took part in various activities within lessons. Each part of the School got involved in the following activities:
Pre-Prep boys had superpowers! The power to ‘Reach Out’ and stop bullying. The power to ‘Reach Out’ for help. The power to ‘Reach Out’ with kindness. The power to make everyone feel welcome. Children in Reception – Year 2 role played, designed hero masks, read stories and danced their way through the week.
In Junior, Middle and Upper School pupils created hero masks, designed hands illustrating the ways of reaching out to one another and created leaves with suggestions of how pupils could help someone who is being bullied.
Head of PSHME, Mrs Williams led lessons where pupils took a deeper dive into what bullying is, how we can reach out to others, the different roles involved in bullying and looked at different scenarios pupils may find themselves in, and discussed how and what action could be taken to solve the situation.
From teachers to parents, we all have a responsibility to help each other reach out. Together, let’s be the change we want to see. We need to reflect on our own behaviour, set positive examples and create kinder communities. Let’s come together and reach out to stop bullying!
Miss Togher – Marketing Manager
