by the BEdS Guidance Counselors
The SLU Basic Education School (BEdS) once again reaffirmed that it takes a strong stand against bullying last 24 January 2023 as its administrators and guidance counselors launched Project HERO: Helping Everyone Respect Others, in line with the celebration of Anti-Bullying Month held every January.
Project HERO is a pet project of the guidance counselors that aims to promote a culture of kindness and respect within the school community. In his inspirational message, the school principal, Mr. Alejandro P. Pablico, emphasized the value and importance of maintaining respect among the learners and teachers, as well as sustaining the culture of peace and order in the school. He also emphasized that the school administration will not condone any act of bullying in any form.
Part of Project HERO is the creation of infographics by the learners to spread awareness about bullying. Elementary pupils from Kindergarten to Grade 1 participated in a slogan and poster making activity. The pupils and students also took part in a homeroom activity wherein the teachers discussed the negative effects of bullying on individuals and society as a whole. They likewise showed their commitment to this cause by wearing an accent representing someone they consider as their hero or a pink shirt as an act of solidarity.
Wearing pink shirts during an anti-bullying campaign started in 2007 in Nova Scotia. A Grade 9 student was being bullied for sporting a pink shirt on the first day of school, as observed by students in Grade 12 David Shepherd, Travis Price, and a few friends. They were aware that they needed to take action to demonstrate that such behavior was unacceptable. They made the decision to go out and purchase a large number of pink shirts to distribute to the other students. By the end of that week, the majority of students at the school were wearing pink shirts in support of the bullied Grade 9 student.
The said activities organized by the Guidance Office became a powerful statement to show that bullying is not tolerated and that everyone should be respected. It was an inspiring sight to see the entire school united in this cause, with pupils, students, staff, teachers, and administrators all wearing pink and some in their chosen hero costume or accent to show their support to this cause. The project helped in reminding the community how creating a safe environment for all pupils and students on campus is a concerted effort and when we work together as one family, we will achieve our goal.
As a reflection that the goal is achieved, one of the parents took time to express her gratitude by saying how thankful she is that her son was made aware of what bullying is through the activities facilitated by the school – a manifestation of accomplishment achieved by the entire Louisian Community.
