Bunbury schools to choose respect

A highly successful initiative that has seen a significant improvement in student behaviour at Carey Park Primary School will be implemented in other schools across Bunbury.

The 'Choose Respect' initiative, which was introduced to Carey Park two years ago, uses a code of behaviour to develop and maintain a culture of respect.

Premier Colin Barnett and Education Minister Liz Constable visited the school today to acknowledge the program's success.

Dr Constable said she was pleased the City of Bunbury would expand the program across other local schools.

"Carey Park Primary has successfully included the seven codes of behaviour into every part of the school day - from flying flags at the school entrance, to including messages on respect in the daily morning announcements," she said.

"The program has been enormously successful with incidents of bullying falling by 30 per cent and episodes of bad behaviour declining by 40 per cent.

"When incidents of bullying do occur, the severity is much lower and the effect it has on the victim is greatly reduced."

The seven codes are:

• treat each other with respect no matter how others treat you
• treat yourself with respect
• forgive others that don't treat you with respect
• resist your natural desire to pay back or take revenge
• apologise when you do not treat others with respect
• support others who are not being treated with respect
• ask for support when others do not treat you with respect.

Dr Constable said the State Government had placed a strong emphasis on behaviour and values in education.

Minister's office  - 9222 9699

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