STUDENTS at Tooleybuc Central School wore blue on Friday to raise awareness about the impact of bullying.
May 10 is also known as Do It For Dolly Day, an anti-bullying campaign part of Dolly’s Dream, which was created by parents of Dolly Everett, who took her life aged 14 after ongoing bullying.
Students at Tooleybuc remember Dolly every year by coming to school dressed in her favourite colour and promoting kindness.
Principal Melanie Wait said the day was all about celebrating kindness.
“We like to do various activities each year because it makes the students think about empathy, looking out for each other and being kind,” Ms Wait said.
“In Foundation we talked about how to be kind and got the kids to think of one way they have been kind in the past week to their peers.
“But we also got some more motivational messages from older students, who also wrote messages that are displayed in the front foyer.”
Ms Wait said it was important to highlight kindness on the day because of the school’s small population of about 115 students.
“Everyone knows everyone, and we all have to look out for each other,” she said.
“It’s all about looking out for each other and being a good friend and being a part of the Tooleybuc Central School family.
“I think having conversations and sharing each other’s experiences really helps to build that sense of community.”
If this story raises any issues about suicide and mental health, contact Dolly’s Dream free support line on 0488 881 033. Further mental health support can be found by calling Swan Hill Community Mental Health Service on (03) 5036 1900, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
