ANTI-bullying posters created by students at a Riverland school “inspired” a federal minister returning to the region recently.
Minister for Families and Social Services and Minister for Women’s Safety, Senator Anne Ruston, last month visited St Joseph’s School Renmark to view anti-bullying posters made by year 6 and 7 students.
Ms Ruston – whose son had previously attended the school – said the students displayed an “inspiring” understanding of the issues surrounding bullying.
“I was blown away by the leadership of the St Joseph’s students,” Ms Ruston said.
“It was really inspiring to see them demonstrate a strong understanding of the issues that underpin disrespectful behaviour and a willingness to have an important discussion with their classmates.
“It was encouraging to see how students understood the impact that their actions might be having on others.
“It’s never too early to start a conversation about respectful relationships and the anti-bullying posters shared creative messages about how we can stamp out and prevent disrespect, including on social media.”
St Joseph’s School Renmark principal Don DePalma said speaking with Ms Ruston would inspire students to become future leaders.
“It was a special opportunity for a group of our students to talk to Anne, who was visiting our school as a past parent,” Mr DePalma said.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for the students to meet someone in a very high leadership position, and also someone to look up to.
“The students have learned a lot about leadership, responsibility and how to be good role models.”
Ms Ruston said anti-bullying messages contained within the students’ posters should be shared with the wider community.
“Domestic violence is an absolute scourge on our society and it’s something that a modern country like Australia should not tolerate,” she said.
“We need to move from just reducing violence to actually ending violence and the poster designs will remain at the front of my mind as we develop new campaigns across the country to promote respectful behaviour.
“We need to hear from everybody in this process, including young people and people in regional and rural areas.”