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| latest news Media Release Victorian Schools Launch the Buddy Playground Games
The campaign developed by the Foundation’s Better Buddies Program, is designed to facilitate cooperative and non-competitive behaviour amoungst students, promoting a fun and caring environment. The Education Director of the Better Buddies Program, Maree Stanley, believes that together we can do better to build social skills, resilience and a prosocial culture in all schools. “Effective social skills enhance relationships, and strong relationships ensure academic, sporting and occupational success for life,” said Mrs Stanley. The Better Buddies Program which is now implemented in over 700 schools around Australia, aims to increase awareness of how teaching children to ‘buddy’ each other can limit the prevalence of bullying in schools. The Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s Chairman John Bertrand AM said bullying was a major issue Australia-wide, with the chances of children being bullied at school as high as one in six. Pearson’s Education Australia are supporting the Buddy Games by providing four pilot schools, Milgate, Glen Iris, Aspendale Gardens, and Rolling Hills primary schools with free packs of games books by Cathy Hope. The games being utilised include, the traditional, ‘hopscotch’, clapping games, skipping, jacks, marbles, string games and elastics. These games encourage the children to be cooperative, include others, show good sportsmanship, and promote team work. Glen Iris Primary school will also host a Buddy Games launch on Friday 10th of March, involving all children. A special opening and raising of their host country’s flag – Tongala, will occur at the launch. The Better Buddies mascot Buddy Bear will be present at both launches. Media Notes • Media are invited to Milgate Primary School Wednesday 1st March at 10.00am – Landscape Drive, East Doncaster, 3109. • Glen Iris Primary School Friday 10th March 11.30am–12.45 - 170 Glen Iris Rd, Glen Iris, 3146. • Buddy Bear Mascot & children will be available for photo opportunities. • Maree Stanley, Director of Better Buddies Program, will be available for interviews. • For more information on The Better Buddies Program read here
Julia Fraser |
 
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