The school participated in the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence on Friday.

Students came dressed with a touch of orange, which is the colour of the event, and were also given orange armbands to wear. 

The event is an annual day that provides a focus for all schools to say “bullying, no way” and to strengthen existing everyday messages that bullying and violence at school are not okay at any time.

The event at St Joseph’s was organised by in-school co-ordinator Brendon Greatz, who said bullying shouldn’t be tolerated any day. 

“While this is a day to highlight bullying and violence, it is something the school focuses on all the time,” Mr Greatz said. 

“Students realise it isn’t acceptable behaviour. 

“A day like today reiterates the message that bullying is not okay, whether it’s physical or emotional.”

As well as wearing orange, students spent time in the classroom completing activities on bullying and were given fact sheets to take home to parents on what they should do if their child is experiencing an issue. 

Mr Greatz said bullying wasn’t just limited to schools, but workplaces and other areas. 

“It’s definitely a global issue,” he said. 

“That’s what we want the kids to learn about. 

“We want them to know bullying can be harmful and it can affect people for the rest of their lives.

“It’s a very serious issue.”

The day also coincided with Harmony Day, with St Joseph’s combing the two events together. 

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence is an initiative of the Safe and Supportive School Communities Working Group made up of all Australian education authorities. 

It was first held in 2011 and since then has gone from strength-to-strength. 

Mr Greatz said bullying wasn’t just focused on for one day a year at St Joseph’s.

“It’s something we do speak to the students about all of the time in different classes whether it’s PDHPE,” he said. 

“We think by taking part in this event each year that it’s just another great way to highlight the issue with students, parents and staff. 

“The day promotes a great message and that’s why we’ve jumped on board with it. We know bullying isn’t just in the playground anymore … it’s cyber bullying as well that can be a problem.

“We know bullying can affect so many people, so if this helps to stamp it out in one way or another then that’s really good.”

A special school assembly rounded out the day on Friday.