This week marks Anti-Bullying Week and we want to highlight the importance of creating a school culture where kindness, respect, and inclusion are at the forefront. Bullying, in any form, can have a lasting impact. Lasting effects have the potential to harm a student's education and commitment to learning, so it's essential that we work together to foster a safe and supportive environment.

This year, we are proudly celebrating Anti-Bullying Month, which is an extension of Anti-Bullying Week, coordinated by the Anti-Bullying Alliance. The theme for 2024 is "Choose Respect," a message that encourages all students and staff to approach disagreements and differences with empathy and respect, rather than resorting to bullying behaviour.

We are excited to introduce many new opportunities we have decided will improve our schools' community. We have launched an Anti-Bullying Ambassador program, where students are there to support their peers and function as role models in fostering a positive school culture. Throughout the month, we are hosting a series of assemblies, discussions across all year groups and  tutor times to raise awareness, share resources, and encourage open dialogue about bullying through collating student voice. We are also incorporating anti-bullying education across several subjects, ensuring that lessons reinforce the values of respect and empathy.

The tutor activities and assemblies will focus on building awareness, understanding and ways to prevent bullying. We also remain committed to regularly reviewing and updating our anti-bullying policies to ensure they reflect the needs of our school community.

We want to emphasise the importance of informing the school if any form of bullying is put to your attention. Together, we can create a safe, enjoyable and impartial space for learning.

I also want to draw your attention to the “report an incident” concern button which is available at the bottom of the school website. This is a button where students can report any issues confidentially, with or without their names. We are part of a fantastic community here at DGS but let's work hard to always "choose respect" and appreciate and celebrate every one of us.