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12 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday November 26, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Conference stressed positive measures Continued from page 1 Walker said. "Everybody is a person and you shouldn't treat people badly. Bullying makes them feel really bad about themselves. Some people can come up to you and call you names and you will think that you are a geek, which is bad." The conference featured hands-on workshops, with students working on projects like virtue necklaces and posters with anti-bullying slogans, as well as guest speakers addressing topics like online safety and cyber bullying. A unique aspect of the event was the representation from both elementary and secondary schools, with students from Grades 6-12 attending the event. Taylor DeClerico, a Grade 11 student at Notre Dame Secondary School in Burlington, said the older students were learning from the younger students. She added that bullying is a problem that affects students of all ages. "Bullying is an issue, it has been since the beginning of time and it comes in all forms, physically and emotionally, and we have to stop it because school is a place for learning and should be a positive experience, not a negative one," she said. "Students should be able to learn in a safe environment." Notre Dame has several anti-bullying initiatives, according to DeClerico. The school has an anti-bullying committee of staff and student members, with the student council and athletic association also developing anti-bullying events and strategies. A recent event showed that the students at Notre Dame are walking the talk. When a male student at the school was ridiculed for wearing a pink shirt to school, a group of senior students took a stand. "The next day a bunch of Grade 12 students wore pink to school to show they supported him and standing up for what they believe in," DeClerico said. "I want people who are bullying, and you know who you are, to understand that NOVEMBER SPECIAL: Chance to win a $100 Gift Certificate BRA FITTING EXPERTS from t-shirt bras to push-up bras Sizes A - JJ we know they do it because they want to feel better about themselves, but it isn't right. For students who are being bullied, I want them not to worry. It will get better. People do care." St. Marguerite d'Youville Elementary School in Oakville has a program called Growing Together in Character, where teachers nominate students for taking anti-bullying actions. Each month, one student is recognized for their leadership. Krysta Peralto, a Grade 7 student at the school, said she is also personally working to spread the message that standing up and making your voice heard is important. "I've seen many people be bullied and it is really hard to watch -- a few times I've had to step in and say, `That's my friend, what are you doing?"' she said. "Bullying is becoming a greater problem and more people are getting hurt. We want people to feel good and safe at school. We don't want them to miss school because someone is bothering them. Everyone wants to feel good inside." The effects of bullying, whether verbal, emotional or cyber, can be devastating. Theresa Wilson, chief social worker with the Catholic board, said bullying is happening in schools and that students are being affected, making the conference and its messages relevant. "It has a significant impact in a couple different areas, such as self-esteem, self-confidence, we often see it in school attendance and school avoidance, as well as school achievement," she said. "These kids are often affected on many levels, so we also see physical health problems. The concern I have is that the effects can continue months and years after the bullying has happened." The conference will be held again next year, with a new group of students coming in to learn anti-bullying skills. Gift Certificates Available Sexy Sleepwear Sizes XS - XXL Best Buy CORRECTION NOTICE To our valued customers: We apologize for any inconvenience caused by an error in our flyer dated: November 21 - November 27. Product: Microsoft Explorer Mouse/Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse for Laptops. The advertised prices for the Microsoft Explorer Mouse and Microsoft Explorer Mini Mouse for Laptops were swapped on page 34 of the November 21 flyer. The correct price for the Explorer Mouse is $89.99 and the Explorer Mini Mouse for Laptops is $69.99. SKU: 10113301/10113302 Bras, Swimsuits & Sleepwear 100 Bronte Road, Unit #3, Oakville Voted Best Lingerie Store for the last 11 years. 905-847-1512 South of Lakeshore Road www.goodnightgoodmorning.ca