Whanganui school encourages anti-bullying message

Okoia School's Room 1 students with their Helping Hands mural, along with principal Nic Welch, Constable Paul Miller and teacher aide Jesse Iro. Photo/Bevan Conley

Random acts of kindness are breaking out all across Okoia School this week for bullying-free week.

Principal Nic Welch says Okoia has a particular emphasis on anti-bullying.

"We're all aware of the long-term effects of bullying on children - especially their mental health - and we'll do anything we can to help ensure children make pro-social choices."

The school is marking this week's Bullying-Free NZ Week and yesterday Ms Welch said some of the school values already held an anti-bullying message, including those of respect, responsibility and positive relationships.

"We want our children to be caring members of society."

The school would normally celebrate the anti-bullying Pink Shirt Day at the end of the week - it's on May 26 - but this year it coincided with the school cross-country race.

As part of bullying-free week, students were encouraged to carry out random acts of kindness, for which they could be nominated for a prize.

Constable Paul Miller, school community officer with Whanganui Police, said bullying-free week was an annual event.

"It's an opportunity schools and their communities to raise awareness and promote a safe and inclusive learning environment."

Mr Miller is supporting Okoia and other schools with their week's activities and Pink Shirt days.