Empowering students to beupstanders, not bystanders

St Joseph's Primary School, Trafalgar embraced the message of this year's Bullying. No Way: National Week of Action, with students and staff coming together to promote kindness, inclusion and respect.
The 2026 theme, "Small acts. Big impact," encouraged everyone to recognise that even the smallest positive actions could make a significant difference in creating safe and supportive school communities.
Students participated in the Kids Helpline's largest anti-bullying lesson, joining thousands of students across Australia to learn about the importance of standing up against bullying and supporting each another.
St Joseph's dedicated Stand Up Project (SUP) leaders also delivered a lesson in the school's anti-bullying program. The Stand Up Project empowers students to become upstanders rather than bystanders, helping to build safer and more inclusive school communities through peer-led leadership and anti-bullying training.
Students were encouraged to wear purple, a warm and inclusive colour, to raise awareness and show support for the important message.
St Joseph's has enthusiastically embraced this initiative and recently purchased bright hot pink caps and sun hats for its 10 SUP leaders. Easily identifiable in the school yard, the leaders wear the distinctive hats so that fellow students know who they can approach for support, guidance or assistance during playtimes.
Principal Patricia Mulqueen said the school was excited about the positive impact the Stand Up Project was having on students.
"We are very proud of our SUP Leaders and the example they set for others. By empowering students to support one another, we are creating a stronger culture of kindness, inclusion and respect throughout our school community."