BULLYING AWARENESS DAY

The focus of this year’s BULLYING AWARENESS DAY was Cyber Bullying and Internet safety. 3rd and 4th Year were addressed by Garda Niamh Colfer and Microsoft’s Darren Dunwoody, on their programme ‘Connect with Respect’. 2nd and 5th Year were spoken to by John Wills from Barnardos and the 6th Years heard from Solicitor Catherine O’Flynn and Senior Counsel Shane Murphy.

At lunchtime, a debate –‘That this House believes that Social Media is Detrimental to Society – was held in the Creative Arts And Digital Learning Centre.

Stephen Rooney (Transition Year), Conn McCarrick (6th Year) and Joshua Kieran-Glennon (5th Year) proposed the Motion, (which was defeated) and James Quinn (5th Year), Kevin Heavey and Adam Donnelly (both 6th Year) opposed.

The Debate was enjoyed by a large gathering and I thank the Chairman

Mr Niall Byrne and Adjudicators Mr Sheil, Ms Kelleher and Ms Dobbyn for their generous support.

Wristbands were distributed to the 2nd Years with the logo ‘ROCK TACKLING BULLYING’. A Questionnaire was completed by 2nd, 3rd and 4th Year to heighten awareness of Bullying and the harm it does.

TELL … TELL … TELL

* SILENCE PROTECTS THE BULLY *

The Bystander is key:

‘Stand up and Speak’ because most bullies will stop within

10 seconds of being confronted by someone.

I thank Ms McGee, Matthew O’Driscoll (6th Year) Joshua Kieran-Glennon (5th Year), Stephen Rooney (Transition Year) and the student Council for their organisation of the day.

• EACH PUPIL IS ENTITLED TO AN EDUCATION FREE FROM FEAR AND INTIMIDATION.

• BULLYING IS NOT TOLERATED IN BLACKROCK COLLEGE.

• CONFIDENTIAL EMAIL: TACKLINGBULLYING@BLACKROCKCOLLEGE.COM