Mater Maria Catholic College takes anti-bullying at the school very seriously. Every year, its Year 11 Drama students visit several primary schools on the Northern Beaches to perform their annual anti-bullying drama officially titled ‘The Power of Some’ to students in years 4, 5 and 6. The play coincides with the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence, an important day in Mater Maria’s calendar to join with other schools across Australia to say ‘Bullying. No Way!’
The play examines the four types of bullying (verbal, physical, social and cyber) and follows the experiences of primary aged characters as they learn the power that bystanders possess. The bystanders end up supporting the characters who are being bullied and it is with that support that the bullying can be squashed.
“Not everyone has to be best friends, they just need to treat each other fairly” the high schoolers emphasise in their play.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to write and perform a play that speaks loudly to younger students on a topic that impacts many” said our Principal Marc Reicher.
“The play, now 15 years in the making, is both written and performed by our Drama students. We are thankful that health restrictions lifted just in time for our show to hit the road and we look forward to another great play next year!” he said.
Our College encourages everyone to think about the significant issue of bullying and to take a stand against it, just as they are committed to the prevention of bullying in their College.
Mater Maria’s annual campaign ‘Take Action Together’ aims to elevate student voice. This is very appropriate for the College which is celebrating its College value of ‘Community’ and the importance of working together. The College Prefects have created a collage of photos conveying a powerful message about bullying which is currently on display around the College.
