Bully Stoppers case study Westbreen Primary School



Westbreen Primary School

The Westbreen ‘Respectors’ project used play-based therapy to support students to become more culturally inclusive and accepting.

Tell us about Westbreen Primary School

Westbreen Primary School believes in providing an inspirational, challenging and safe educational environment that engages students to become confident, effective and responsible life-long learners. Westbreen Primary School also strive to provide a caring and challenging learning environment that equips children with the necessary skills and knowledge to become valued members of the community.

The school is located at the intersection of West  Street and Boundary Road in Pascoe Vale, Melbourne. Westbreen Primary is a dynamic learning community where tradition and innovation are woven into the  culture and practices of the school.

What is the ‘Respectors’ project?

The school identified some issues with bullying and cultural vilification between Muslim and non-Muslim students. A selected group of grade 3 and 4 students worked in collaboration with a play therapy specialist and Health Nurse to become more culturally inclusive and accepting towards each other.

What are the aims of ‘Respectors’?

The ‘Respectors’ project aimed to:

• Increase cultural acceptance and inclusion.

• Increase knowledge and understanding of cultural food, festive celebration events.

How was ‘Respectors’ implemented?

Students, staff and parents worked together to devise and present a performance/celebration around the theme of cultural inclusion and acceptance through the use of food preparation/exploration and role play. The group of students consisted of those who needed to change their attitudes, as well as those who demonstrate excellent empathy and tolerance towards others.

The group came together on a weekly basis investigating foods, cultural activities, role plays and reflective writing of cultural issues faced by the school.

The group performed to the school community with their findings.

Has the project been a success?

The Project definitely met its objectives. It highlighted to our school community the many wonderful aspects of cultural diversity within. The vehicle of food, dance and song were key ingredients in achieving our intended objectives.

New friendship groups have been formed from the selected Grade 3/4 students with an increased time spent together outside school hours, this has enhanced parent / adult interaction amongst the student friendship group.

The school now has an anti-bullying tune/song which has become part of the school culture.

As a result of the parent/adult participation in the project interaction between the school and parent body has increased with a formal Family Engagement Program implemented within the school.

Changes in behaviour and the incidence of cultural vilification has decreased. However, until it is totally removed the school will continue working on the issue.

A measure of success of the project was evident when numbers to our annual Multicultural Dinner were at their highest. The evening brought together the entire community through food, dance, and role plays of cultural acceptance examples performed by our students.

What is the future of project?

The project will continue as it will form part of the school’s social skills program –“Support.Trust.Respect.Involve.Value.Encourage.”

It is also hoped that the student exchange overnight camp will become an annual event.

Contact

Michelle Brooksby - brooksby.michelle,a@edumail..au

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