New-Bridge pupils’ success in creative contest

Four pupils at the school - Faustas Gec, Madison Cairns, Charlie Anderson, and Jessica Boal were runners-up in the Primary Y8 – P10 Art Category and received their certificates at a special awards ceremony at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre.

The event was a celebration of local young people’s inspirational creativity and vision for a world where ‘Change Starts With Us’, the recent Anti-Bullying Week theme.

The annual competition is coordinated by Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) and supported by Translink and Safeguarding Board NI (SBNI). NIABF is an interagency group hosted by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) and funded by the Department of Education.

Children and young people from schools and youth organisations across Northern Ireland were encouraged to enter work in one of two categories: art or creative writing. Four age categories: up to Year 4, Year 5-7, Year 8-10, Year 11 and over, helped to ensure a broad range of participation.

Gill Hassard, Senior Participation Officer at NCB, host of Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), said: “The recent Anti-Bullying Week had the theme of ‘Change Starts With Us‘. Whether it is verbal, physical, online or in-person, bullying has a significant impact on a child’s life well into adulthood. By making small, simple changes, we can break this cycle and create a safe environment for everyone, where everyone is heard. Together, we can end bullying.

“Our creative competition is designed to support schools and youth organisations and encourage young people to consider how they can be a part of positive change. We are thrilled that so many took the opportunity to submit entries and share their creativity.

“I would like to congratulate all of the winners. The standard and quality of entries was phenomenal and there were so many examples of how change starts here, change starts now, change starts with us.”

“It’s clear that bullying has a massive impact on the individual being bullied, so it is important that we constantly challenge ourselves and wider society on this issue.”

Education Minister Peter Weir said: “Change Starts With Us’ is a powerful message to send to all our children and young people. I commend all the entrants for their imaginative and creative approach to this competition and send my congratulations to all the winners.

“Bullying of any kind is not acceptable. No-one should try and face the problem alone. I encourage everyone to share problems with friends and trusted adults. Our schools will also have people ready to help.

“We must also remain acutely aware of the dangers of Cyber-bullying. Our children and young people can be particularly vulnerable and we must do all we can to protect them when online.”

Translink has actively supported Anti-Bullying Week for the last 11 years delivering key messages around the theme of respect in stations, on buses and on trains.