According to the Ontario government, teaching students about bullying, is the best way to prevent it from happening. At Rowntree Montessori Schools, bullying of any kind is not accepted. This year we decided to put together an anti-bullying committee to showcase the traits of cooperation, tolerance and positive role-modeling. Last week this committee lead our students in celebrating Anti-Bullying week. It was a fun-filled week of learning about how to prevent bullying, that educated out students about what bullying is, and how to stop it. The week kicked off with an assembly at the Academy Campus where students were encouraged to come together and sing a song called “The WITS Song”. WITS is an acronym that helps children to remember some very important steps to resolving a conflict. W = walk away, I = ignore, T = talk it out, S = seek help. Everyone loved the song, and the experience of learning it together was truly memorable. Watch the video below of students together singing “The WITS Song.”

Day 2 consisted of students making posters with a positive message, that were formed into a collage. Students were also asked to create positivity cards, with messages and images that described themselves, that could be traded with other students to promote their positive self-image. On day 3, students shared their lunch-time and made a new friend from a different class. The Grade 8 class really took some initiative and paired themselves with students from the Pre-Kindergarten classes. At lunch time, teachers encouraged students to eat with someone that they had not previously socialized with, in order to show students how easy it can be to make new friends. Students were given a list of questions to help them start a conversation, and used it to ask their peers questions like “What is your favourite thing to do” and “What is the funniest thing you saw today.”

On day 4 of Anti-Bullying week, students were asked to make a card that they could give to a friend, to help them learn about the importance of inclusion. Then on day 5, students and staff dressed in pink, and were asked to show random acts of kindness throughout the day. Teachers encouraged students to find opportunities to give compliments to each other, their teachers and the staff throughout the day. Students were also asked to write down what they appreciated about each member of their family, team or class. All positive comment cards were then collected, organized and shared with each student. This way every student received some positive comments from their peers.

Finally, teachers reviewed the the RMS policy on appropriate internet usage with students, to make sure that students fully understand what cyber-bullying is, and how to make sure it is never something they participate in. We are very proud of our students for making an effort all week to learn about bullying prevention, and for providing their commitment to never become a bully. For more information on how to prevent bullying with your children, take a look at the resources available from the Ontario government, by clicking here.

To learn more about Rowntree Montessori Schools (RMS), continue browsing our website and ideally drop by any of our welcoming, friendly and family oriented campuses for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm. If you prefer, call to book an appointment for a personal tour anytime Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm.

More details about Rowntree Montessori Schools‘ approach to education can be seen by clicking here.

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