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Wednesday, January 20, 2010 Orono Weekly Times - 3 Orono Public School Gets In The Anti-Bullying Spirit The kids at Orono Public School are serious about stamping out bullying behaviour at their school. The school's Bully Patrol is sending out a message to students that "bullying should not be part of growing up," according to the school's Child and Youth Worker, Michelle Jibb. She has been working with the students since the beginning of the school year, educating them on bully awareness, both inside the school and out. Primary students, grade three and under, are being taught to solve small bullying problems on their own, and bring larger problems to an adult they trust. If young students are victims of name calling (a verbal form of bullying) in the school yard, they are taught to ask the name caller to stop, and then walk away rather than retaliate with further name calling of their own. The older kids have weekly discussion forums where they talk to each other about bullying and how it makes them feel. Through these discussion forums, kids have learned they can do something about bullying, rather than just feeling like a victim. "The kids feel empowered," Jibb said. "They feel they can make a difference." The Bully Patrol grew out of the discussion forums, and these students are now helping to educate their fellow students on how to deal with bullying. Earlier in the year, the Bully Patrol created display boards on what bullying looks like. During recess they used these boards to talk to other students about bullying and get them to sign an "anti-bullying pledge." The pledge reads: "I think being mean stinks. I won't watch someone being picked on because I am a do something person, NOT a do nothing person! I care. I It was Sunglasses Day at Orono Public School on Friday, and members of the Bully Patrol proved they were "Too bright to bully." Patrol members include, from left: Josh Vandepol, Rachael Barry, Robert Filion and Gus Qualtrough, can help change things! Bullying is bad. Bullying bites. Bullying bothers me. I know sticking up for someone is the right thing to do!!! My name is ________ and I will NOT stand by, I will STAND UP." Most recently the Bully Patrol initiated school Spirit Days tied into the anti-bullying message. Friday, January 8 was Pink Day. Both boys and girls were asked to wear pink to school. This theme was selected in support of a boy from the East Coast who was severely bullied for wearing pink to school. Friday, January 15 was Sunglasses Day, signifying "Too bright to bully." This week Friday will be PJ Day, signifying "Tired of being bullied." According to Jibb, the students love spirit days, which is evident in the participation rate of 95 percent among the student body. The Bully Patrol has also held an anti-bullying poster contest, attended a Banish Bullying workshop in Bowmanville, and created a slogan, "Stand up and say something." If a schoolyard bully, picking on a kid is told by several other students, "You can't do that," it creates a positive subculture at the school, Jibb said. "The kids are developing a lot of skills they can carry with them throughout their life," according to Jibb. "Skills that make them more comfortable and confident." Are you in an abusive relationship? 905-623-6050 or 1-800-338-3397 Bethesda House Call ~ Happenings ~ Saturday, January 23, 2010 - Robbie Burns Dinner & Dance, Orono Town Hall, 6:30pm. Highland Dancers, Bagpipes, Full course Roast Beef Dinner, Live Music. Tickets available at the Orono Times, Terrens Wellness Centre & Clarington Museum or call 905-623-2734. Saturday, January 23, 2010 - The Durham Central Agricultural Society AGM, Orono Arena, 1pm. Please note the date change: the meeting is being held one week earlier this year. Saturday, January 23, 2010 - Robbie Burns Dinner & Dance, Baseline Community Centre, Bowmanville. $35.per person. Sponsored by Purple Hill Orange Lodge. Call Gary Cole at 905623-2405 for tickets. Saturday, February 6, 2010 - Mardi Gras - New Orleans Style, Newcastle Community Hall. Cajun Food, Cajun Music, Cajun Hijinks, Dance, Door Prize - Trip to Quebce City. $65 per person. Tickets available at A Gift of Art, Newcastle. 905-987-2264 Monday, February 8, 2010 - Annual General Meeting - Newcastle Village & District Historical Society, Newcastle Community Hall. 7:30 p.m.